• Afa Alizada

    M.Ed., LGPC, NCC

  • Who Am I?

    I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) in Maryland, and credentialed as a National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Trauma Professional, 200-hr Registered Yoga Teacher, and iRest Mindfulness Meditation Practitioner. Prior to becoming a counselor, I worked for over a decade in international humanitarian aid and development, and lived and traveled throughout Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. As a first generation American and a woman of color, I bring a nuanced understanding of multiculturalism and intersectional identities and the impact on mental health. I’m an anti-racist, LGBTQIA+ affirming and sex-positive therapist who enjoys working with people of diverse identities and lifestyles.

    I currently practice under the clinical supervision of Farha Mowlana, a trauma-focused Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland.

  • What's My Expertise?

    I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, loss and grief, cultural/racial identity development, fertility counseling, codependency and other relationship challenges, low-self esteem, career and life transitions, and work-related stress and burnout.

    I’m a firm believer that life is the master teacher. Many issues that I help my clients work through are ones I have grappled with and overcome myself with support and guidance. In addition to my education and training, I tap into the wisdom gained through my lived experiences to connect with you at a deeper level and help you unlock the vast reservoir of wisdom and healing that reside within you.

  • How Do I Work?

    I prioritize our therapeutic relationship above all else because that’s what’s going to make or break your therapy experience — and scientific evidence backs this. I enter into this relationship with you as equals and work alongside you to clarify goals and chart a plan of action that will lead you to living your most vibrant, healthy, hopeful, and purposeful life.

    With this strong foundation established, I integrate evidence-based approaches with non-Western wisdom traditions, where appropriate, to offer a personalized wellness intervention that works for you. My therapist toolkit includes Internal Family Systems, Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based interventions, such as yoga and meditation among others.

Are we a good fit?

I’m a holistic, person-centered, and trauma-informed therapist. That means:

  • I firmly believe mental health is intimately interlinked with physical, social, and spiritual health, and effective therapy addresses all these dimensions.

  • I view you as the expert on your life who brings a unique personality, history, culture, and strengths to therapy, and work with you to co-design comprehensive interventions that leverage your strengths to achieve your wellness goals.

  • I am cognizant that you may have experienced some form of trauma in your life; I always foster a safe environment and provide a healthy challenge to support your growth & healing, but never force you in the direction you’re not ready to venture yet.

You’re ready to do the work and reclaim your radiant health. That means:

  • You’re open to introspection to better understand how your thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and environment may be contributing to or exacerbating your current challenges.

  • You understand that, while therapy can and does feel good, it can also bring up difficult emotions and memories. With my support, you are willing to sit with, examine, and process these emotions so that they no longer keep you hostage.

  • You’re eager to go beyond the “talk” and take manageable steps toward your wellness. That includes showing up consistently and putting to practice the strategies we learn in therapy outside the sessions.

  • You keep me honest and accountable — as I do with you — and voice any concerns or questions you may have to help me improve your experience and facilitate your healing and growth journey.