Dr. Margaret Arotimi, PMHNP - Maryland Psychiatric NP at Grow Therapy

Dr. Margaret Arotimi

Dr. Margaret Arotimi

(she/her)

PMHNP
2 years of experience
Virtual

I am a licensed Nurse Practitioner with credentials in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. I earned my doctoral degree from Walden University in 2019 and my Bachelor's degree from George Mason University. I have over two years of experience as an independent nurse practitioner. Throughout my career, I have trained under several experienced psychiatrists and have amassed more than 20 years of behavioral health experience in various settings, including inpatient psychiatry, outpatient care, management, and direct patient care.

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

During our initial appointment, we will begin with a brief introduction to establish rapport and help you feel comfortable. Following this, we will delve into a comprehensive intake history, which will include discussing any previous medications you have taken, past therapy experiences, relevant family history, and any other pertinent information about your health. This detailed information gathering process will enable me to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.

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

With years of experience working with patients aged 14 and above, I have developed a best practice and evidence-based treatment approach that has consistently yielded exceptional patient outcomes. My expertise in this age group has allowed me to refine my treatment strategies, ensuring that I provide the most effective and efficient care possible. By incorporating the latest research findings and clinical guidelines into my practice, I am able to offer my clients a comprehensive, tailored treatment plan that maximizes their chances of success.

About Dr. Margaret Arotimi

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Motivational Interviewing

Incorporating MI also promotes patient empowerment and self-efficacy. Rather than imposing a specific treatment plan, MI involves collaborating with patients to identify their own goals and strategies for change. By actively involving patients in the decision-making process and respecting their choices, I can foster a sense of ownership and control over their mental health. This empowerment is crucial in promoting long-term adherence to treatment plans and sustainable behavior change. Furthermore, MI is an evidence-based approach that has been shown to enhance treatment outcomes in various psychiatric conditions, including substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety. Studies have demonstrated that MI can improve medication adherence, reduce relapse rates, and promote engagement in therapy. By combining MI with medication management, I can provide a holistic approach that addresses both the biological and psychological aspects of mental health conditions, leading to improved symptom management and overall well-being.

Compassion Focused

Incorporating compassion-focused therapy (CFT) alongside medication management in my practice as a nurse practitioner in psychiatry has proven to be a valuable approach in providing comprehensive and holistic care to my patients. CFT emphasizes the importance of developing self-compassion, understanding, and kindness towards oneself, particularly in the face of difficult emotions and experiences. By integrating CFT, I can help patients cultivate a more supportive and nurturing relationship with themselves, reducing the impact of negative self-talk and promoting a more supportive internal dialogue. CFT recognizes that self-criticism and shame often arise from early life experiences and learned coping mechanisms, and provides tools to respond to struggles with kindness and compassion. Incorporating CFT complements the biological aspects of psychiatric treatment, addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of well-being. By combining medication management with CFT, I can provide a comprehensive treatment plan that supports patients in managing symptoms, developing adaptive coping strategies, and fostering resilience. CFT has been shown to be effective in treating various mental health conditions. Furthermore, by embodying compassion in my interactions with patients, I can create a safe and nurturing environment that promotes healing and growth. As a healthcare provider, I am committed to utilizing evidence-based approaches like CFT to support my patients in their journey towards mental well-being, resilience, and recovery.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

Incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) alongside medication management in my practice as a nurse practitioner in psychiatry has proven to be a valuable approach in providing comprehensive and effective care to my patients. ACT emphasizes the importance of accepting one's thoughts and feelings while committing to values-driven actions. By integrating ACT, I can help patients develop psychological flexibility, reduce the impact of distressing thoughts and emotions, and lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life. ACT teaches patients to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, reducing their identification with them and decreasing their impact on behavior. This shift in perspective can lead to greater emotional regulation and psychological flexibility. ACT also places a strong emphasis on values-driven action, helping patients clarify their personal values and encouraging them to take committed action towards living in alignment with these values, even in the presence of difficult thoughts and emotions. Incorporating ACT complements the biological aspects of psychiatric treatment, addressing the psychological and behavioral aspects of well-being. By combining medication management with ACT, I can provide a comprehensive treatment plan that supports patients in managing symptoms, developing adaptive coping strategies, and leading a values-driven life. As a healthcare provider, I am committed to utilizing evidence-based approaches like ACT to support my patients in their journey towards mental well-being, resilience, and valued living.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Integrating mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) into my psychiatric practice as a nurse practitioner has proven to be an invaluable complement to medication management, enabling me to provide comprehensive and holistic care to my patients. By seamlessly blending mindfulness practices, such as meditation and breathing exercises, with traditional therapeutic techniques, MBT empowers patients to cultivate a non-judgmental and present-focused awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. This heightened awareness allows them to approach their internal experiences with curiosity and acceptance, effectively reducing the impact of rumination, worry, and negative self-talk on their daily lives. Numerous studies have demonstrated MBT's efficacy in alleviating symptoms across a spectrum of mental health conditions, while also promoting beneficial neuroplastic changes in brain regions associated with emotional regulation, attention, and self-awareness. The incorporation of MBT serves as a powerful adjunct to the biological aspects of psychiatric treatment, addressing the crucial psychological and behavioral dimensions of well-being. By synergistically combining medication management with MBT, I am able to craft a comprehensive treatment plan that empowers patients to effectively manage their symptoms, develop adaptive coping strategies, and foster emotional resilience. Central to the success of MBT is the therapeutic relationship, wherein the healthcare provider establishes a safe and supportive environment conducive to mindfulness practice by embodying qualities such as non-judgment, compassion, and present-moment awareness. As a dedicated healthcare provider, I am steadfastly committed to employing evidence-based approaches like MBT to guide my patients on their transformative journey towards mental well-being, resilience, and personal growth.