We are a small team of talented, dedicated therapists with a wide range of skills and experience. We specialize in supporting clients with complex trauma, transracial identity development, attachment concerns, and survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Adoption competent therapy in Virginia, DC, and Maryland.
Therapists

Christa Carlton, LCSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, RYT (she/her) – not accepting new clients
Senior Virtual Therapist (Maryland, Virginia, and DC) EMDR Trained, Training in Adoption Competency (TAC) graduate, and ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider
Christa currently has limited daytime availability. Please reach out and we can let you know about the wait list or connect you to another one of our therapists!




Frani Gutierrez, LCSW (she/her) – accepting new clients in Virginia
Senior Virtual Therapist (Virginia) EMDR trained, Training in Adoption Competency (TAC) graduate
Frani completed her Master of Social Work degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is certified in Training Adoption Competency (TAC) and has been trained in Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR. Frani provides adoption competent therapy in Virginia working with all members of the adoption triad. Frani’s other specialties include intimate partner violence and domestic violence, developmental trauma, mood disorders, and child abuse.



Emma Rady, LGPC, NCC(she/her) – Currently on wait list (MD only)
Associate Virtual Therapist (Maryland) EMDR Trained, NTI Trained in Adoption Competency
I believe by exploring our past experiences and relationships we can find answers to better understand our own behaviors and thought processes. Our best healing happens throughout the context of a safe relationship and that is what I offer in therapy; a safe place where my client can explore their pain, hurt, and confusion in order to heal and live the most meaningful life possible! I am a transracial, Chinese adoptee myself and have a personal connection to the unique challenges adoptees face. As an adoption competent therapist and adoptee, I am passionate about helping other adoptees navigate their adoptee identity and better understand how their adoption has impacted them throughout their lives and today. I use an attachment/psychodynamic based framework to guide my work and am also trained in Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR.
Emma graduated from the George Washington University with her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She works with teens, families, and adults in Maryland. Her master’s training also included clinical work at the Center for Adoption Support and Education. Emma is currently under the supervision of Carroll Martin, LCSW-C (MD 25494) and Michelle Collins, LCMFT (MD LCM 668, AAMFT Approved Supervisor Candidate).

Carroll Martin, LCSW, LCSW-C (she/her)
Clinical Supervisor, Practice Owner (Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and South Carolina) EMDR Trained
Carroll is not currently accepting new clients at this time. Anticipate openings for new clients in January 2024.
Carroll graduated from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. Carroll has completed training in Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR, Adoption Competency Training, Internal Family Systems, and is a Clinical Supervisor in Maryland and Virginia.

Koro, CGC
Therapy Dog in Training, Canine Good Citizen
Koro is a 2 year old Bernese Mountain Dog who is training to become a therapy dog. She joins Carroll during virtual sessions and meets with clients at our Leesburg office.
Training includes successful completion of Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Obedience. Koro successfully passed her Canine Good Citizen June 1, 2022!


Want to work with us?