About me:

 

With over 25 years of experience as a counselor, I am committed to supporting adolescents and families through the challenges of growing up, navigating transitions, and building resilience. For 17 years, I served as a middle and high school counselor in private international schools in India, Malaysia, China, and Panama—an experience that shaped my deep cultural humility, global perspective, and commitment to affirming all identities and backgrounds. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where teens feel seen, heard, and empowered to better understand themselves and their world.

 

I work collaboratively with adolescents and families on a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, ADHD, and academic performance. I also support young people navigating identity development (including LGBTQIA+ concerns), peer and family relationships, and major life transitions such as relocation, separation or divorce, and the move from high school to college. My approach is strengths-based and collaborative, drawing on cognitive-behavioral strategies, solution-focused techniques, and mindfulness practices. I value working in partnership with parents, schools, and other professionals to ensure wraparound support.

 

In addition to counseling, I bring extensive experience in educational planning, career exploration, and the college search and application process. I have coached students and families through academic goal-setting, identifying “right-fit” post-secondary options, and navigating the complex landscape of university applications across the U.S. and internationally.

 

All counseling services are provided online, offering flexible and accessible support for busy adolescents and families. I am licensed in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in International Business and my Master of Arts in Counseling from The George Washington University. I am also proficient in Spanish and able to meet with Spanish-speaking parents when helpful for collaboration and communication.

​

Email: david@stronghealthymind.com

Tel: 1.703.493.1019