Duarte Aguiar is licensed in the state of Maryland as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). He is a graduate of Loyola University with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has 5 years’ experience providing therapy in Maryland to a diverse client-base in a variety of clinical settings including school-based (adolescent and adult), substance abuse/recovery clinic, marriage and family, individual, groups, and psychoeducation. Duarte specializes in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Approach, and Pastoral Counseling to treat various diagnoses. Duarte’s philosophy of care as a spiritually oriented therapist consists of a holistic perspective of the person(s) present in therapy. Inspired and informed by the person-centered approach, Duarte believes in the value of being present in a non-judgmental, therapeutic relationship while helping to challenge the client(s) to live up to THEIR own expectations. Duarte comes from the Catholic tradition and is ready, willing, and able to incorporate spirituality in sessions insofar as the client is desiring to do so. With that said, Duarte believes in bringing the client’s own beliefs, aspirations, and values to the forefront and using those unique aspects of the client’s virtues to guide the development of a trusting and open therapeutic atmosphere. Duarte is committed to providing a safe space where the client can feel heard, accepted, encouraged and even challenged.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In the first session, typically I discuss confidentiality, and some of the limitations of therapy but I emphasize feeling comfortable with me as a therapist. It is important that you feel comfortable talking to your therapist and if there is something about me that is off-putting, it is ok to let me know that you would prefer to speak to someone else. I will do all that I can to help you find someone with whom you may feel more comfortable. In the first session, I am also looking for an appropriate diagnosis so I will be asking questions about what you feel are some of the issues. I will never ask you to reveal something you are not comfortable talking about, but I do need to know some of the issues to help with finding an appropriate diagnosis and creating an effective treatment plan. Lastly, we will be creating a treatment plan together which essentially is a road map to help guide the purpose of each session.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I go above and beyond for my clients and work well with people of various backgrounds and age groups. Some of my strengths include knowledge of various cultures and traditions. While I'm able to work with people suffering with various diagnoses, I'm most specialized in working with those suffering from depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and substance issues. My background is Catholic and I have extensive education in theology and philosophy. I enjoy incorporating spirituality into sessions as it can create a common ground for healing and effective interaction to take place.

About Duarte Aguiar