Dr. Ernestine Suggs

I have over 20 years of clinical experience as a therapist, and counselor. I started my counseling career while I was on active duty with the United States Army, working with soldiers returning from the first Gulf War, suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, also providing support for their family members. After leaving the military, I worked as a School Guidance Counselor, working with high school, and middle school students. These two positions allowed me to easily transition into the clinical field following additional education, and experience. I worked in residential treatment programs, to include substance abuse centers, and state prisons. I also worked in out-patient treatment centers, and Maryland State mental health hospital (Spring Grove).

My education includes a Bachelor’s of Arts in Secondary Education and Counseling; Masters of Education, Mental Health Counseling; PhD (all but dissertation) in Clinical Psychology; Doctor in Pastoral Counseling. I am a Certified Grief counselor; Certified Clinical Trauma Professional; and Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

I primarily work with clients who struggle with trauma issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance abuse, PTSD, spiritual/religious issues, and anger management.

I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which is a therapeutic method that merges cognitive-behavioral procedures and mindfulness to teach skills to keep emotions under control, improve relationships and manage overwhelming and distressful situations. I also use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to examine connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

In session treatment follows a collaborative and supportive process, client centered approach. The goals are for clients to gain insight, build coping skills, and achieve greater emotional well-being and fulfillment in their lives.

I am a compassionate, committed, and dedicated professional, who provides therapy/counseling from a perspective of wellness, mind, body, spirit, client centered, and solution focused. I can also help you explore spiritual and religious issues. I provide help and support for parents struggling with their children. Therapy and counseling can be provided in various locations, to include home, office, virtually, or, at school. I work with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and children (5+).