(he/him)
My Personal Journey: I am a Muslim African American man, married since 1993, and the father of two adult daughters. Raised as the seventh of ten children in a working-class Catholic family, we successfully transitioned from subsidized public housing to become the first African American family in our middle-class neighborhood. This early cross-cultural experience taught me that struggle is a universal human condition, sparking my lifelong desire to become a therapist. Following the passing of my father when I was 14, my path briefly pivoted. I spent my late teens and early college years studying Theology and Philosophy to become a Catholic Priest. Ultimately, my deep desire for marriage and family led me back to my original calling of clinical social work, allowing me to blend my spiritual depth with professional therapy. Professional Background & Expertise: I have been a behavioral health professional since 1984 and a Maryland Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) since 1993. Over decades of independent practice, I have provided clinical therapy, consultation, and Deen/Life coaching to a global clientele across the US, Canada, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. My Therapeutic Approach: I offer a judgment-free, deeply respectful partnership to help you uncover your inherent strengths. I work with clients from all backgrounds to navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, and all forms of addiction (including behavioral compulsions). I customize our work, starting with an eclectic approach and educating each client about the range of treatment options we can collaboratively select to understand and address their conflicts, struggles, concerns, challenges, and the impact of life experiences that led them to seek professional assistance.
I firmly believe that a meaningful therapeutic journey begins with a strong foundation of trust and comfort between therapist and client. To build that connection, our first session together will focus on three main priorities: Building Connection: Initiating the collaborative process of getting to know one another and ensuring you feel comfortable in this space. Understanding Your Goals: Exploring your unique reasons for entering therapy, alongside what you hope and expect to achieve throughout this process. Setting Expectations: Discussing your immediate needs and what you want to get out of our very first session together.
Throughout my career, the vast majority of those I've served have been highly satisfied with our therapeutic relationship and the progress made toward their goals. In fact, prior to joining Grow Therapy, ninety-five percent (95%) of my new clients came to me via direct referrals from past clients—a testament to the trust established in my practice. My clients and colleagues frequently describe me as a deeply attentive listener, empathetic, and an insightful, seasoned clinician with a refined intuition. Because I genuinely believe that strength and goodness exist within everyone, I patiently persevere to help discover, honor, and cultivate those positive qualities in each person I serve. I am known for maintaining a non-judgmental, culturally competent, and authentic space where clients feel genuinely respected, understood, and fully equipped to achieve meaningful growth.
Is My Practice a Fit for You? I am here, available, and willing to walk alongside you in your therapeutic journey i& process, if you are looking for therapy rooted in faith, purpose, and real-world healing. I primarily serve: Individuals of All Faiths who believe in a Supreme Creator greater than ourselves and believe we were all created for a meaningful purpose. Adults Navigating Hard Times, whether you are dealing with internal anxiety, relationship and marriage struggles, workplace stress, or past experiences that are interfering with your life today. Children & Teens (Ages 6–17) whose parents share these values. I partner with youth who are ready and willing to work on their behavior, helping them thrive at home, in school, and across their community.
Other specialties
I identify as
Faith based therapy
If a patient/client's faith is an integral part of their life, it is important to include it in their therapeutic journey & process. It is the patient/client's faith that is of the utmost importance during our work together in the patient/client's therapeutic journey & process as we work together towards achieving the patient/client's stated goals. Over my 40+ years as a behavioral health professional, I have encouraged patients/clients to incorporate the principles and expectations of their chosen faith into our collaboration, irrespective of their beliefs or mine. From 1984 to 1993, as a practicing Christian and Catholic, my faith-based therapy approach was effective and beneficial in assisting patients/clients (of a variety of faiths & denominations) to successfully achieve the goals they had set for their therapeutic journey and process. From 1993 to the present day, as a practicing Muslim, my faith-based therapy approach has been effective and beneficial in assisting patients/clients (of a variety of faiths) to successfully achieve the goals they have set for their therapeutic journey and process. The success of my Faith-Based Therapy approach is built upon three core pillars: Faith as a "Way of Life": I have understood since my early adolescence that faith and religion are not confined to services on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Instead, they serve as a "Way of Life"—a constant guidance that operates 24/7/365 throughout a person's life. Radical Respect: I treat every patient/client with radical openness and respect, prioritizing the process of truly getting to know them through the lens of their chosen spiritual path. Patient/Client-Centered Integration: My work is grounded in the conviction that a patient/client's faith and their stated goals are of the utmost importance. Every step of our work together in the patient/client's therapeutic journey and process is carried out with a deep acceptance of the values that guide their lives.
Eclectic
I utilize an eclectic approach to ensure therapy is a truly collaborative partnership. Together, we will explore the challenges you are facing and discuss the best treatment methods for your needs. This ensures you are fully informed and actively invested in every decision along your therapeutic path.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an accessible, collaborative approach that clients naturally resonate with. By helping patients map out how their thoughts and feelings directly drive their actions, they gain insight into the behavioral patterns that led them to seek help. Utilizing CBT frameworks, I empower clients to break these cycles, modifying unhelpful thought processes to achieve meaningful, lasting behavior change.
Grief Therapy
Grief is often associated strictly with death, but many life experiences—like the end of a relationship, divorce, job loss, or a major life transition—trigger the exact same disruptive emotional distress. My practice focuses on validating and treating all forms of grief and loss. Using an array of evidence-based treatment methods, I collaborate with clients to help them process their pain, navigate their emotional distress, and effectively restore their normal day-to-day functioning.
Strength-Based
In my practice, I intentionally integrate a Strength-Based approach alongside other therapeutic modalities. It is natural for individuals to enter therapy focusing heavily on what feels broken, unfulfilling, or in need of correction. However, overemphasizing our perceived flaws often leads us to overlook our inherent strengths and positive qualities. By actively highlighting your existing assets and past accomplishments, I help shift your perspective away from self-criticism. This balanced approach helps alleviate depressive symptoms, elevates self-esteem, and restores a healthier, more resilient state of daily functioning.