Business Details
Your Trusted Mental Health Therapist in Pikesville, MD
With over 25 years of experience in clinical social work, I provide personalized therapy services designed to help individuals overcome trauma, anxiety, and emotional challenges. My practice integrates evidence-based methodologies like EMDR, CBT, and Internal Family Systems Theory to address complex mental health issues. Fluent in American Sign Language, I specialize in serving Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing clients while maintaining a strong commitment to cultural competence. As an educator at CCBC, I combine academic expertise with practical experience to deliver holistic care. My approach emphasizes creating safe, non-judgmental spaces where clients can explore vulnerabilities and develop resilience.Through individualized treatment plans, I help clients transform negative thought patterns and build healthier coping mechanisms. My practice reflects a deep understanding of trauma's impact, informed by both professional practice and personal experience overcoming learning disabilities. I prioritize client empowerment through collaborative goal-setting and transparent communication. My dedication to continuous professional development ensures clients receive current, effective care. By blending therapeutic modalities with life coaching techniques, I support clients in achieving sustainable personal growth and improved quality of life.
Services
Individual Therapy
EMDR Therapy
Group Therapy
Deaf Services
Life Coaching
Anxiety Treatment
Social Anxiety Therapy
Women's Support Group
20 Something Group
Trauma Counseling
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of clinical experience in trauma therapy
- Our practice is certified in EMDR for effective trauma processing
- We provide services in American Sign Language for Deaf clients
- Our therapist combines academic teaching with practical experience
- We use evidence-based modalities tailored to individual needs
What people say
Compassionate and supportive
Life-changing guidance
Effective life coaching
Celebrate every victory
Positive force
Services
Individual Therapy
One-on-one therapeutic sessions tailored to address specific mental health concerns including trauma, anxiety, and depression. This approach focuses on developing personalized coping strategies through evidence-based techniques like CBT and EMDR. Clients receive dedicated attention to explore emotional challenges in a safe, confidential environment while building resilience and self-awareness.
EMDR Therapy
Specialized treatment for trauma and PTSD using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing techniques. This evidence-based approach helps clients reprocess traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation, reducing their emotional impact. Sessions focus on identifying negative beliefs stemming from trauma and replacing them with positive self-perceptions while maintaining client safety and control throughout the process.
Group Therapy
Structured therapeutic sessions conducted in group settings for shared experiences and mutual support. Currently offering Women's Support Group and 20 Something Group focusing on social anxiety and life transitions. Participants benefit from peer perspectives while receiving professional guidance, creating a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation through collective healing experiences.
Deaf Services
Comprehensive mental health services specifically designed for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Provided in American Sign Language with culturally competent care that addresses unique communication needs. Services include therapy sessions using video relay options and accessible life coaching that respects Deaf culture while addressing mental health challenges in a linguistically appropriate environment.
Life Coaching
Goal-oriented coaching to help clients achieve personal and professional development objectives. Focuses on identifying and overcoming limiting beliefs through structured goal-setting and accountability practices. Combines therapeutic insights with practical strategies to improve work-life balance, career satisfaction, and personal relationships while maintaining a strengths-based, forward-looking approach.
People
Ava Barron-Shasho, LCSW-C, ACC
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
With over 25 years of clinical experience, Ava Barron-Shasho specializes in trauma therapy and life coaching. Certified in EMDR and fluent in ASL, she teaches at CCBC while maintaining her private practice. Her approach combines academic expertise with personal experience overcoming learning disabilities to help clients achieve lasting change.
Questions
What types of therapy do you offer?
We provide individual therapy, EMDR for trauma processing, group therapy options, and life coaching services tailored to each client's needs.
Are you certified in EMDR therapy?
Yes, we are certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with extensive experience using this evidence-based approach for trauma treatment.
Do you work with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing clients?
Yes, we are fluent in American Sign Language and specialize in providing accessible mental health services for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals.
What are your office hours?
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM with online sessions available through secure video platforms.
How can life coaching help me?
Our life coaching helps identify limiting beliefs, develop practical strategies, and achieve personal/professional goals through structured accountability and supportive guidance.
