Dr. Sara Maidaa

I believe that every person has a unique story, and that feeling understood, accepted, and supported can be the beginning of meaningful change. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I work with children, adolescents, and adults who are navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional and behavioral challenges, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.

Originally from Syria, I bring a multicultural perspective to my work and recognize how culture, family, life experiences, and personal values shape the way we understand ourselves and the world around us. My educational background includes a medical background, a Master’s degree in Public and Global Health, and a doctorate in Integrated Behavioral Health, in addition to my Master's in clinical mental health counseling. This multidisciplinary background has deepened my understanding of the connection between mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being and reinforces my commitment to caring for the whole person.

I strive to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring their experiences at their own pace.

My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, trauma-informed, and tailored to each client's individual needs. I believe that effective therapy begins with building a trusting therapeutic relationship in which clients feel safe enough to explore difficult emotions, experiences, and patterns without fear of judgment. I draw from evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), to help clients better understand their thoughts and emotions, process difficult experiences, strengthen coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and develop healthier ways of responding to life's challenges.

I do not believe therapy should be a one-size-fits-all process. I work collaboratively with clients to identify their goals, build on their existing strengths, and develop practical tools that support meaningful growth. Whether we are addressing anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation, or relationship challenges, my goal is to help clients develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and confidence in their ability to move forward.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another and for you to share what has brought you to therapy. I understand that starting therapy can feel unfamiliar or even intimidating, so I strive to make the experience as comfortable, welcoming, and supportive as possible. You do not need to have all the answers or know exactly where to begin.

We will discuss your concerns, experiences, strengths, and what you hope to gain from therapy. I will listen carefully, ask questions to better understand your perspective, and give you space to express yourself at your own pace. We may also explore how your experiences, relationships, and current circumstances are affecting your emotional well-being.

Together, we will begin identifying your goals and discussing how therapy might support you. My priority is to establish a foundation of trust, respect, and collaboration. I want you to leave our first session feeling heard and understood, with a clearer sense of how we can work together. Therapy is a process, and we will move at a pace that feels appropriate for your needs, working together to build the skills and insights that support your growth and well-being.