Find a therapist in Pennsylvania — covered by insurance

If you're in your 20s or 30s and life feels harder to manage than it should—whether that’s ADHD affecting work or relationships, grief that won’t lift, the weight of new parenthood, or a season that’s pushed you past your usual coping—I’d love to talk.

With over 30 years of experience, I still genuinely enjoy this work and the people I meet. I believe everyone has real strengths, and therapy can help clear the path so you can actually use them.

I’m warm and affirming, and I won’t avoid the hard stuff. I’m direct without being critical, so you’ll always know where I stand—and that I’m on your side.

Hi, I'm Maria and I've been in the mental health field for many years with experience in a variety of settings.

I specialize in working with those who are navigating chronic illness, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues and work-related stress. I work from a holistic approach in that I believe our mind, body and spirit can positively and/or negatively affect the other. I believe everyone is different and as such I work to ensure that the therapeutic strategies used in our sessions are tailored to each client.

As a licensed therapist in Maryland with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life transitions and emotional challenges.

My professional focus encompasses trauma recovery, mood disorders, military and veteran mental health, and life stage transitions including divorce, grief, and end-of-life counseling. As a former firefighter in the Baltimore area, I bring a deep expertise in addressing posttraumatic stress, first responder mental health, and traumatic brain injury. My approach centers on understanding each individual's unique journey, offering compassionate support for those experiencing stress, anxiety, and emotional complexity.

With a commitment to holistic healing, I work closely with clients to develop resilience, process challenging experiences, and rediscover personal strength. Whether supporting veterans, first responders, or individuals facing significant life changes, I provide a supportive, understanding environment where healing and growth can flourish.

My therapeutic practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches that honor each client's individual experience and potential for transformation.

Our work together is based on collaborating to create goals that are aligned with your values. As a health psychologist, I emphasize working with my client to create the healthiest version of the self, both mind and body. My interest in both medicine and psychology took me to Philadelphia Osteopathic Medicine where I earned a Psy.D. in clinical health psychology. I have experience working with individuals with chronic health conditions (chronic pain and headache) and broad mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and grief. I also am passionate about providing LQBTIQ + affirming care.

I strongly believe that everyone deserves to feel validated and to have their story truly heard. I understand—both personally and professionally—how essential it is to have a safe space where you are taken seriously in order to create meaningful movement and change in your life. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, working with individuals and families in both therapeutic and life coaching settings. Throughout my career, I’ve supported clients of diverse ages, backgrounds, and diagnoses, and I bring that depth of experience into every session.

My greatest passion in life is helping others to live life to the fullest. For the last 11 years, it has been my privilege to do this in the counseling field. Whether it's helping people find freedom from eating disorders and addictions, the ravaging effects of trauma, or depression and anxiety, my goal is to help others step into the healthiest versions of themselves.

I am August Irving, a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Board Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH), and the owner of Life Lessons Counseling, LLC. I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy to teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions. While I work with a diverse range of clients, I have a special interest in supporting women through midlife and perinatal challenges. My approach is collaborative and practical, focused on building resilience, clarity, and sustainable change. I offer therapy in person in Clinton, Mississippi, and virtually throughout Mississippi and Pennsylvania.

My approach with clients is warm, supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental. I strive to create a safe and comfortable space where clients feel heard, respected, and understood. I believe in building genuine therapeutic relationships rooted in trust, empathy, and collaboration.

I work to meet each client where they are while helping them develop practical coping skills, emotional insight, confidence, and resilience. Clients often describe my style as approachable, encouraging, patient, and easy to talk to. I balance empathy with honesty and guidance, helping clients feel supported while also empowering them to make meaningful progress toward their goals.

With a background in mental health, education, and behavioral support, I take an individualized and strengths-based approach to therapy, recognizing that every client’s experiences and needs are unique.

I graduated from University of Pennsylvania and have been practicing since 2013. I am specialized in treatment of trauma and mood regulation. Trauma affects everyone differently and for some, they end up developing feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, and low self-esteem issues due to the unprocessed tensions. I hope to help my clients find balance in cultural negotiation in multicultural families, workplaces, and society through treatment.