Safiyya Abdul Bari, LMSW

I am licensed as a clinical social worker who provides individual counseling to adults living with life transitions; relationship difficulties; stress from caretaker responsibilities; neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD and Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD); cultural identity including immigrant experiences and multicultural relationships; body image and self esteem issues; work and school related stressors; frequent worry and sadness. Regarding diagnosis, I am skilled in assessments and the diagnosis of  anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD tendencies, Bipolar Disorder (I and II), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sleep Wake Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders and  Somatic Symptom Disorder

 

I work with each client to take a look at the origins of these challenges, patterns and symptoms and the ways in which they currently affect thought, mood, behavior, relationships (with people, food, and other things) and thought patterns. My practice is dedicated to helping individuals who  are in need of support and/or seeking growth and change.  My past clinical experience also includes working with individuals who have experienced homelessness; are diagnosed and living with HIV; previously incarcerated individuals and their families; families looking to learn and utilize resources and interventions aimed at improving caregiver discipline practices, enhancing family affective relations, decreasing youth association with deviant peers, and improving youth school or vocational performance.

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In work and life, I am committed to working from a perspective of intersectionality and advocacy for those who have been marginalized by society and the impact of social identities on psychological disorder  and distress.  For me, this means holding space for people of color (POC), LGBTQ+, as well as those impacted by racism, patriarchy, heteronormativity and more.   

 

Because not everyone fits into a specific box, I consider myself an eclectic therapist, whose clinical practice incorporates aspects of cognitive behavioral Therapy, person centered therapy, solution focused therapy and the foundational element of  attachment theory and family systems theories.  Part of our work together will include a full history (relational, social, psychological, familial, social, biological), which goes at your pace.

 

We will create a treatment plan based on what your specific needs are.  I ask thoughtful, open-ended questions that lead to developing insight and problem solving. As a Board certified clinician, I apply evidence based counseling principles and methods in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and amelioration of psychological, emotional and/or mental conditions of couples. Allow me to affirm, validate, bear witness to the full expanse of your thoughts, behaviors and emotions without blame, guilt or shame.

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I received training and a Masters of Social Work: Concentration-Children and Families Clinical from The University of Maryland, Baltimore (2016)  I provide clinical mental health counseling under the supervision of a licensed social worker.