Hello! I am Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) working with clients in MD. I would like to partner with you and support you in going beyond the numbing, and getting to the root cause of your pain, challenges, and maladaptive habits. It is my goal to create a safe environment and to support my clients in healing themselves, developing a better sense of self, and unpacking the effects of their past experiences. Using an integrative approach, I employ elements of various techniques (e.g cognitive behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, trauma-informed care, family systems therapy, attachment theory, etc.) within my work to guide my clients in gaining a better understanding of their behaviors, thought patterns, triggers, and mood changes while always promoting a culture of safety, empowerment, and healing. The goal is to increase one’s self-awareness, i.e., process symptoms of depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, and disordered thinking; to invite you to connect back to your parts and body, and equip you with the tools and techniques to heal—bit by bit.

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

In the very first session clients can except to enter into a setting of non-judgment. A place where they can (maybe for the first time) just be, sharing as much or as little as they desire. They can expect me to be curious and intrigued to learn more about them, not just what is ailing them, but who they are. Within our work, I find it essential to look at the whole person, which means taking into account the influences of culture, environment, family dynamics, and the roles of race and gender on the individual person. Gaining insight into the impact of those identities can be integral in understanding one’s role in the world & the challenges they are experiencing. It is extremely important for all people to feel safe and that they have a place of belonging. Through my practice, I work hard to create a space where my clients feel safe, heard, felt, supported, and confident that they can be themselves without judgment.

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

Some of my greatest strengths is being able to break down walls with those that I work with by creating a safe and open environment very early. I am also very intuitive and perceptive, picking up on the things that are said but also the things that aren't seen or said. I am able to guide clients to better understanding of themselves, picking up on the complexity of a situation that a client might think is simple or minimal so that we can get to the root cause.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I am moved to work with clients who have experienced varying levels of trauma (whether big or small; conscious or unconscious). I enjoy being able to work with clients who have come to the end themselves/their efforts or who cannot quite understand why they do the things they do or feel the way they do. These might be high-achieving people who find themselves feeling stuck either mentally or in life or find themselves in recurrent patterns in their behaviors or relationships that they cannot break out of. I identify as a Christian, and welcome the incorporation Christian beliefs, values, God, and faith within sessions, though it is not required.

About Elssa Kenfack