Dina Josif Sullivan
Over 20 years of experience guiding individuals and couples from struggle to strength. I trained at both Johns Hopkins psychiatry department and McGill university center for cognition and medicine. In recent years, I have specialized in working with clients struggling with mood disorders, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, cognitive disorders, eating disorders, weight management, and career-related challenges As a Cognitive Therapist, I believe that people have a choice: they can change their behavior, reframe their thought patterns, move forward, and regain hope.
While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is my foundation, I also integrate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Gestalt techniques, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Biofeedback as needed to best support each client.
“If anxiety has been taking up more space in your life than you'd like, we can work together to understand what is driving it and build practical tools for responding differently. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is my foundation, and we'll look at the thoughts and habits that keep you stuck.” “Living with bipolar disorder or an eating disorder can feel isolating. I bring more than 20 years of experience to this work, and my goal is for you to feel safe being honest with me. I'm direct, and I'll always be upfront about what I see, with respect for where you are.” “In our first session, we'll talk through what brought you in and what you hope will change, and we'll begin shaping a plan together.”
First session
n our first session, my focus is on getting to know you, understanding what brings you to therapy, and learning about your experiences, concerns, and goals. Most importantly, I want to begin building a trusting and comfortable therapeutic relationship where you feel safe to be open and express yourself. Together, we will identify the areas you would like to work on, establish realistic and meaningful goals, and develop an individualized treatment plan. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and your input is an important part of determining the direction and pace of treatment. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the possibility of positive change.
Strengths
“If anxiety has been taking up more space in your life than you'd like, we can work together to understand what is driving it and build practical tools for responding differently. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is my foundation, and we'll look at the thoughts and habits that keep you stuck.” “Living with bipolar disorder or an eating disorder can feel isolating. I bring more than 20 years of experience to this work, and my goal is for you to feel safe being honest with me. I'm direct, and I'll always be upfront about what I see, with respect for where you are.” “In our first session, we'll talk through what brought you in and what you hope will change, and we'll begin shaping a plan together.” My approach is collaborative and individualized. I draw from cognitive and behavioral approaches, including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, ACT, and other therapeutic techniques, while adapting treatment to the needs of each client. I believe therapy should be both compassionate and practical, with clear goals and strategies that clients can use in their everyday lives.
Ideal clients
My approach is well-suited to clients ranging from young adults to older adults. Building trust is the cornerstone of my work. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves openly and honestly. I am open-minded, compassionate, and genuinely committed to understanding each client as an individual. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative process in which clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Together, we work to understand the challenges they are facing, develop practical strategies, and identify meaningful steps toward positive change. My goal is not only to help clients resolve their current struggles, but also to help them recognize their strengths, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to move forward and achieve their personal goals.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
As a Cognitive Therapist, I believe that people have the ability to create meaningful change in their lives. While we cannot always control what happens to us, we can learn to change how we think, respond, and behave. Through therapy, I help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns, develop healthier perspectives, change behaviors that may be keeping them stuck, and build practical skills for managing life's challenges. My goal is to help clients move forward with greater confidence, resilience, and hope. I believe that change is possible at every stage of life, and that with the right support, understanding, and tools, people can discover their strengths and create a more meaningful and fulfilling future.
Couples Counseling
In couples therapy I aims to address various issues that may be affecting the relationship, such as: Communication difficulties, Conflict resolution, Infidelity, Intimacy problems, and Relationship dissolution. Process: During therapy sessions, the couple will discuss their relationship, identify patterns of behavior, and work together to develop strategies for improvement. Benefits: Couples therapy can help partners improve communication and develop a deeper understanding of one another. It provides a safe and supportive environment to address disagreements, learn healthier conflict-resolution skills, and express needs and concerns more effectively. Through couples therapy, partners can work toward rebuilding trust, increasing intimacy, strengthening their emotional connection, and developing a stronger sense of partnership. Therapy can also help reduce stress and anxiety within the relationship by teaching couples how to respond to challenges together rather than against each other. My goal is to help couples understand the patterns that may be creating distance or conflict and develop practical tools to create a healthier, more connected, and more fulfilling relationship.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients identify, understand, and manage difficult emotions in healthier and more effective ways. I teach practical skills that help clients regulate emotions, tolerate distress, improve relationships, and respond to challenging situations with greater awareness and control. My goal is to help clients develop skills they can use in their everyday lives, while building greater confidence in their ability to cope with difficult emotions.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
“Mindfulness is noticing what you are thinking, feeling, and experiencing in the present moment without immediately judging it or reacting to it.” Using Mindfulness promotes non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, which helps individuals cope with stressful situations.
Positive Psychology
During treatment, I focus on my clients’ strengths, well-being, and positive emotions. I help clients recognize their existing abilities and resources while exploring the factors that contribute to a fulfilling and meaningful life. Rather than focusing only on problems or symptoms, I help clients identify what is working, build on their strengths, develop resilience, and create positive changes that support greater confidence, purpose, and overall well-being.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
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Licensed in
- MarylandLicense LC9572