Simone Garrison
Hello! My name is Simone Garrison, and I am an LCSW licensed in both Maryland and Virginia. I am also the owner of By The River Counseling and Wellness. With over a decade of experience, I specialize in working with children, adults, couples, and military veterans. I have an extensive background in helping individuals navigate difficult and traumatic experiences.
My focus includes maternal health, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, parenting challenges, and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds.
I earned my Bachelor's in Social Work from Norfolk State University and my Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland, specializing in clinical practice with families and children. My 15 years of experience in social work spans various settings, including schools, universities, hospitals, clinics, psychiatric rehabilitation programs (PRP), in-home case management programs, nonprofit program management, and the federal government. Please note: I am not accepting couples therapy referrals at this time.
First session
Our first session will involve both gathering necessary information and introducing coping skills relevant to your immediate needs. This approach will offer you an opportunity to express your current experiences and to begin developing a roadmap for how we will navigate these challenges together in your therapy sessions. My goal is for you to conclude the session with a sense of hope and a clear path forward for addressing your current concerns.
Strengths
I have special interest in several areas of counseling and wellness. My focus includes maternal health, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, parenting challenges, and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. Specifically, I am passionate about working with people of color, high-performing young adults, first-generation college students, and individuals navigating intersecting identities, such as faith and sexuality.
Ideal clients
I believe that every client is unique. My goal is to support individuals in doing the work necessary to free themselves from long-standing patterns, behaviors, or traumas that have hindered their goals and ultimate success.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have used CBT as my primary method of therapy for several years. I prefer to combine both CBT and other methods to provide the best match for my clients.
Location
Virtual sessions