I am a psychotherapist in solo private practice since 2008. I work with individuals (adults & adolescents), couples, and group. My credentials include a B.A. in Psychology and a Master of Science from Johns Hopkins University graduating with Honors, and I am a member of Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor Association. In addition, I have over two years experience in facilitating court-ordered groups for domestic violence and anger management.
I take a holistic view of my clients by considering the "whole person" including mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, social, and environmental factors which often have their root stemming from early family dynamics and attachment style. I believe strongly in the mind/body/spirit connection and an interactive principle, assessing that many psychological problems have an over-arching umbrella of existential issues such as mortality; finding meaning & purpose in one's life; dealing with isolation & loneliness; and finding general life satisfaction & direction. In addition, I believe one's self-worth or lack thereof plays a major role in a contributing to or taking away from one's life satisfaction. Having high self-worth gives one the courage to face life's challenges and problem, no matter what one may be facing.
Based on these premises, I strive to help my clients achieve lasting change through a balanced approach including means such as self-compassion, forgiveness, mindfulness, achieving high self-worth and positive cognition empowering them to know they have the ability right now to make different choices in their lives, that their past actions or mistakes (no matter how recent) do not have to pre-determine their future, which in turn can dramatically build hope and belief in one's self and in one's relationships.
Listen to Episode 7: Integrative and Holistic Approach to Mental Health with Paula L. Marcolin, MS, LPC from Soul Works with Adey Chekol on Apple Podcasts.
