Dina Zalami
I believe therapy is about more than reducing symptoms—it’s about creating a space where you feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported as you navigate life’s challenges and opportunities for growth. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs, integrating evidence-based therapies with curiosity, compassion, and respect for your individual story. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, or life transitions, my goal is to help you gain insight, build practical skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.
First session
Our first session is an opportunity for us to begin building a therapeutic relationship and gain a better understanding of what brings you to therapy. We’ll talk about the concerns that are most important to you, explore relevant aspects of your personal history, and discuss what you hope to achieve through our work together. This session is also a chance for you to ask questions, learn more about my approach, and determine whether you feel comfortable moving forward with me as your therapist. By the end of our first meeting, we’ll have a clearer understanding of your goals and begin developing a personalized plan that supports your growth and well-being.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to create a therapeutic relationship where clients feel both deeply supported and thoughtfully challenged. I believe growth happens when people feel safe enough to explore difficult experiences while also being gently encouraged to examine patterns that may no longer serve them. I genuinely enjoy being fully present with another person as they navigate life’s many experiences. Whether we’re sitting with grief, anxiety, uncertainty, hope, or joy, I value holding space for the full range of human experience with compassion and openness. Curiosity is one of the values I bring into therapy. Together, we work to replace self-judgment with curiosity, creating space for greater understanding, self-compassion, and new possibilities for change. I believe that when we become curious about our thoughts, emotions, relationships, and patterns—instead of criticizing or avoiding them—we become more open to growth and lasting transformation. While insight is important, I don’t believe therapy should remain only an intellectual experience. Whenever appropriate, I strive to make sessions experiential by helping clients practice new ways of relating to their emotions, thoughts, and relationships in the moment, so that insight can translate into meaningful, lasting change.
Ideal clients
I love working with people who are curious about themselves. They don’t have to be “high functioning” or have everything figured out—in fact, many feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected when they begin therapy. What they do share is a willingness to explore their inner world with openness and honesty. I enjoy partnering with clients who value both reflection and action, and who are interested in building not only symptom relief, but a deeper, more compassionate relationship with themselves.
Treatment methods
Attachment-based
I believe our early relationships shape how we see ourselves, connect with others, and respond to life’s challenges. Together, we’ll explore patterns in your relationships with curiosity and compassion, helping you build healthier connections, greater emotional security, and a stronger sense of self.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts and emotions, I help clients develop a different relationship with them. Together, we’ll build skills to respond with greater flexibility, connect with what matters most to you, and take meaningful steps toward a life that aligns with your values.
Eclectic
Every person is unique, so I don’t believe one approach fits everyone. I tailor therapy to your individual needs by thoughtfully integrating different evidence-based techniques, creating a personalized experience that supports your goals, strengths, and preferences.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP)
CBT helps us understand how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. Together, we’ll identify unhelpful patterns, develop practical coping strategies, and practice new ways of thinking and responding that support lasting change.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Middle Eastern or North African
Woman
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Family Conflict
Other specialties
Coping Skills
Eating Disorders
Grief
Life Transitions
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Postpartum
School Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Serves
Individual Therapy
Licensed in
MarylandLicense LC17936
Accepted insurance
Cash - $120 per session
Kaiser Permanente