Batool Al-Shaar, M.A., Resident in Couns

Batool Al-Shaar, M.A., Resident in Counseling

As human beings, we all encounter moments that challenge the coping strategies, behavioral patterns, and mindsets we have relied on. These experiences can feel overwhelming, but they can also create opportunities for growth, insight, and meaningful change, especially when we have the right support.

Perhaps you are feeling stuck in painful relationship dynamics, navigating a major life transition, questioning your role within your family, or adjusting to different cultural expectations. You may be struggling with anxiety or depression, working through trauma or PTSD, healing from domestic violence or sexual abuse, or trying to understand how past experiences continue to shape your relationships and sense of self.

I believe therapy should be a collaborative and nonjudgmental space where you feel empowered to take an active role in your own healing. My goal is to meet you where you are, walk alongside you through the challenges you are facing, and help you identify the changes you want to make.

I work with teens (13+), individual adults, and couples. I especially enjoy supporting clients navigating trauma, relationship challenges, cultural and identity concerns, and significant life transitions.

Who I Work With

Teens (13+)
Individual adults
Couples

What I Help With

Anxiety and stress
Depression and mood concerns
Trauma and PTSD
Childhood trauma
Domestic violence
Sexual abuse
Relationship issues
Bicultural relationships
Cultural adjustment issues
Family conflict
Grief and loss
Life transitions
Self-esteem
Boundaries and codependency
Anger management
Bipolar disorder and mood concerns
Men's issues
Women's issues
Coping skills

How I Work

Trauma-informed therapy
Person-centered therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Relational-Cultural Therapy (RCT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Gottman Method
Mindfulness
Arts-based techniques
Bibliotherapy

I believe therapy should be tailored to you. I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches depending on your needs, preferences, and goals. Some clients may benefit from developing coping skills or exploring relationship patterns, while others may need space to process difficult experiences or trauma. Together, we can determine what feels most helpful based on where you are and what you hope to accomplish through therapy.I also recognize that our mental health can be affected by what is happening beyond our immediate lives. For some clients, particularly adolescents and young adults, current social, political, economic, and humanitarian events can influence their sense of safety, identity, belonging, and emotional well-being. I welcome space in therapy to explore how these experiences may be affecting you and to consider ways of responding that align with your values and sense of agency.

3 Reasons to Choose Therapy with Me

A Collaborative Approach That Puts You in the Driver's Seat

You know yourself and your life better than anyone else. I strive to create a therapeutic relationship where you feel heard and respected while having an active role in deciding what you want to work toward and what healing looks like for you.

A Relational and Culturally Responsive Perspective

The relationships, cultures, communities, and environments we are part of can influence how we understand ourselves and others. I welcome these aspects of your experience into therapy and work with you to explore how they connect to the challenges and goals that brought you here.

Support for Navigating Difficult Experiences and Change

Whether you are processing trauma, working through relationship difficulties, or adjusting to a significant transition, therapy can provide space to understand what you have experienced and consider what you want moving forward. Together, we can identify practical strategies that support greater connection, confidence, and a sense of agency.

Practice Information

+ My Background

I have five years of clinical experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples from diverse racial, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. My clinical experience includes nonprofit mental health services and work with individuals in transitional housing and at risk of homelessness.My background is primarily in trauma, with a particular focus on supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. I volunteered for more than a year with the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) hotline and participated in research examining the housing assistance screening process for survivors of intimate partner violence in Washington, D.C.I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from George Mason University and my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The George Washington University. I am currently working toward EMDR certification.

+ Languages

English
Conversational Arabic

+ Training and Publications

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Training
Contributor, Attitude Change and Action in a Course Aiming for the Social Justice Turn
Author, Pre-licensed therapist advises teens on coping with anxiety and stress, Fairfax Times

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are looking for support with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, cultural adjustment, or a major life transition, I invite you to take the first step.
Complete a brief online intake screener or request a complimentary 15-minute consultation with one of our Client Care Coordinators. They can answer questions, learn more about what you are looking for, and help guide you toward the next steps.

Get Started