"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing is changed that is not faced." --James Baldwin. I have been in the field since 2003, licensed since 2009 and have worked with people aged 2-65. Whether in school systems, private homes or professional offices, my work is tailored to the needs of the individual with attention paid to the systems which impact them (family/relationships, school, community, religious affiliation). Dr. Lillian M. Sylvester, Ph.D., LCPC, is a native Washingtonian and graduate of the Duke Ellington School of the Performing Arts. She completed her undergraduate degree with a double major in African American Studies and Theater at the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. From there, she worked professionally in the Philadelphia area as an actor and assistant production manager at Freedom Theater. Pursuing a desire to work with children, she received her Master of Theater for Young Audiences with a minor in secondary education from Arizona State University, which led to several years of service in Prince George’s County public schools. Combining artistic skill with a desire to promote healing, she completed an additional degree, Masters of Counseling Psychology, at Bowie State University. A licensed clinical professional counselor, she pursued doctoral studies in Expressive Therapies and received her Ph.D. from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts and uses arts-based, as well as traditional therapeutic interventions, in service to adolescents and adults.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Adlerian trained, my theater and expressive therapy arts background come to bear in my clinical practice. I believe in the power of speaking your truth, identifying your struggles, and owning your triumphs--the celebration of effort and finding joy in the journey.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
Eclectic and expressive interventions to address anxious and depressive symptoms, trauma-related and grief/loss issues, executive functioning challenges and stage of life experiences.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
It has been a profound experience to walk with my clients through difficulty, supporting them as they push through pain, wrestle with depression or anxiety, battle confusion, survive rejection, or persevere through loss. I would be honored to accompany you on your way through.