FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
They are subject to the type of counseling one wishes to achieve, as well as the length of the session.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I always get their perspective on the services they are looking for: what is the end goal? what is the problem? what are solutions we can put into place to achieve the ultimate reason you came to counseling in the first place? I try to find out a bit about them, see if we are a good match, and then set up an initial meeting. I will always let my clients do the talking, and mediate when necessary. I do my best to stick to the reasons they came to me in the first place, and not deviate into other areas or probe into other parts of their life that is not productive to the purpose of our meeting. I am unconventional in that I try to be as open, with limitations of course, as my clients are with me.They are open to asking me questions, as my practice is not just a one way street, and I will always answer honestly. I feel like this builds trust, common ground, and a more personal and less clinical or preachy feel to our sessions. I always guide the client in whatever areas that they have asked for assistance in, and at any point, will expand their sessions to include any of the areas that I can be of speciality in. During any session, they can precheck my profile for topics I offer, and can incorporate them into discussion if they feel it will be of assistance to their wellbeing, mindset, or overall benefit. If we connect, you are always welcome to book at anytime with me in the DC area, or via skype, or a cellular call. We can do as many or few sessions as you need in order to achieve your ultimate goals. I also specialize in trauma, depression, anxiety, roadblocks in life (whether career, motivation, uncertainty, etc), and clinical advising. For any of these clients above that apply to behavioral health council in any way, they will have my direct cell number at all times, and I am available 24/7 for them, so that at any point in time, they can call if they are feeling alone, anxious, or in a altered frame of mind. I make myself open to these calls because sometimes it is imperative in these situations to just have a safety net in place, and have someone to talk to, no matter how significant or insignificant the topic. I hope in this way, the client will be able to become calmer, and resolve their frame of mind, as that is a huge part of getting through the bumps of some of these debilitating side effects that mental illness causes. Our sessions may go under, or may go over the hour. However, you are only charged for the minutes used during our actually counseling. I will never charge more or less than the services actually performed. I do not accept insurance, and payment will be due at the time of service.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Education: Bachelor's of Science in Biology from Washington University in St. Louis Master's of Epidemiology from Washington University in St. Louis Master's of Art in Counseling from Washington Univeristy in St. Louis; Certified Licensed Counselor Master's of Islamic and Near East Cultural Studies, and Theoolgoy from American University Beirut Graduate Certificate HIV/AIDS Biology, Epidemiology, Treatment, and Prevention from Johns Hopkins University Work Experience: CLC at USAID Medical Writer and Researcher at United Nations Crisis and Disaster Representative at United Nations Global Outbreak Specialist at World Health Organization, Office of the Middle East; Dubai Surgical Education Coordinator at George Washington University Program Director for Medical Treatment, and Emergency Aid to Otherwise Terminally Ill Children Initiative at Pujols Family Foundation