Maria D’Agostino, MA

My calling to the mental health field began with a fascination for the complexity of the human psyche—how our experiences, emotions, and perceptions shape our unique worldviews. No two individuals are the same, so I avoid a standardized approach, intentionally integrating therapeutic modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Humanistic, Existential, and Psychodynamic theory. I aim to foster a collaborative, empathetic, and attuned professional relationship with each client, empowering them on their journey of healing and self-discovery through a person-centered, strengths-based approach.

As both a counseling and art therapy resident, I combine talk therapy with art therapy, offering clients a unique medium for self-expression, emotional regulation, and creative problem-solving. Art therapy is particularly helpful when traditional talk therapy feels challenging—and no prior art experience is required.

I draw from developmental theories, especially when working with children and adolescents, incorporating additional modalities like play therapy and sandtray therapy. I believe psychological and emotional growth significantly influences development across different life stages. Due to this, early intervention can help reduce the long-term negative effects of adverse childhood experiences into adulthood.

I am also deeply committed to making therapy accessible for neurodiverse clients, individuals with disabilities, and those facing chronic illness, who often encounter barriers to mental health care. I honor the cultural and personal identities of all clients, adapting sessions to meet their unique needs and promote autonomy.

In a time of critical need for mental health services, I am here to help.

MORE ABOUT ME:

In my spare time, I love creating art, listening to music, watching documentaries, reading, being outdoors, and traveling! As a Northern Virginia native, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, friends, and cats. Being a daughter of Southern Italian immigrants, I cherish visiting relatives in Naples, Italy, whenever I can.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Master’s degree in Art Therapy from The George Washington University
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from George Mason University
• Member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), including the Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling (ACAC) and the International
• Association for Resilience and Trauma Counseling (IARTC) divisions.
• Member of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and the Virginia Art Therapy Association (VATA) Chapter.

SUPERVISED BY:

Katie Clark, LPC, RPT-S, NCC
Jennifer Baldwin, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT (MD), ATCS, GC-C

CREDENTIALS:

Resident in Counseling and Art Therapy

PRELICENSE:
Residency license Number: 0704017347
Art Therapy Pre-license Number: 24-802