Hello! I’m Dr. Ariel Lewis, a licensed and board-certified therapist, based in Maryland. Since 2013, I have provided evidence-based, individual therapy to both adult and adolescent clients in community-based and private practice settings. Dedicated to leveraging a person-centered and integrative approach to therapy, I help clients navigate through various issues including grief and loss, race-based trauma, anxiety and depression, and interpersonal difficulties.
My dissertation topic, “Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Phenomenological Investigation of African American Millennials’ Views on Historical Trauma,” addresses gaps in existing research regarding how persons who identify as African American and/or Black are impacted by the traumas of the past, as well as ongoing racism in the present. Additionally, it highlights the potential influence of grief, coping, and ethnic identity constructs on how today’s African Americans process historical trauma. My hopes for leveraging this research for future projects are rooted in a desire to further explicate the manner in which trauma has influenced the progression of Black people in the U.S., while also building their resilience.
Since beginning my clinical work in 2013, I have had the pleasure to work with clients of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds. My clients are typically adults, but I am also open to older adolescents.
*Currently accepting Aetna, Cigna, & Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage.
Proud to be listed on:
Grief and Loss
Loss is a reality of life. We will all experience it at some point or another. Often grief is associated with the death of a loved one. However, there are many forms of loss that can be experienced in a lifetime such as the loss of relationships (including estrangement), employment, material goods, physical wellbeing, and the anticipated loss of a loved one in the event of serious illness. Regardless of the specific nature of your loss, you may experience a grieving process.
Interpersonal Difficulties
People are social beings. Our relationships, or lack thereof, can have a profound effect on our quality of life. Whether they be romantic, platonic, or professional, relationships can either add or subtract our lives. Are you wanting to improve the quality of your relationships? Are you experiencing difficulties with communication or setting appropriate boundaries? Is it hard for you to start or maintain relationships? Do you feel like you’ve been picking the wrong people? Therapy can be a great avenue for working through these and other interpersonal concerns.
Race-Based Trauma
The United States has an extensive history of discrimination and oppression, particularly against those who are considered racial or ethnic minorities. Racism has been proven to be detrimental to the wellbeing of members of the target group, and not just in the present but also future generations. Historically, little attention has been given to racism’s harmful effects on wellness as well as many other aspects of daily life. You deserve a place to process your thoughts and feelings regarding racism. You deserve to feel supported. You deserve to heal.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are quite common. Both are experienced by people from all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, income level, education, location, etc. While I want you to understand that you’re not alone, I also want you to know that you don’t have to suffer in silence anymore. We can work together to understand the source of your symptoms, techniques for managing those symptoms, and a long-term plan for symptom reduction. OR we can work together to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your concerns and goals.
Consulting and speaking engagements provide me with an opportunity to apply my passion and knowledge outside of therapy sessions and academia.
The layout/format may vary. Some options include presentation + Q&A, panel discussion, corporate/organization consultation on issues related to DEI, and one-on-one coaching/preparation for presenters who plan to speak on a topic related to my areas of expertise.
For past speaking events, audience size has ranged from about 20-800 attendees (domestic and international).
The list below represents topics that I have presented on in the past.
- Social justice
- Self-care
- Race-based trauma
- Historical trauma
- African American or Black mental health
- Workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion
This form is not intended for scheduling counseling sessions. To book a session, please use this link.
*If this is an emergency, please call 911 or visit your local emergency room.*