Positive change often begins with an open heart
Uzma Baig, Counseling Resident, NCC, LSC
My Story
Growing up in the 1990s between cultures in New York City sparked a lifelong curiosity about people and the stories they carry. Through childhood boredom and freestyle play, I learned early on that observation was a powerful tool for understanding people and their actions. From a young age, I was often someone other children turned to for support, which sparked my early interest in understanding people and problem-solving. As I grew older, that desire to understand people stayed with me. Today, I use my natural interest in early childhood experiences and memories to help individuals recognize the 'why' behind the patterns influencing their choices today.
Educational Background
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Economics with a minor in Political Science from Queens College, which is a part of the City University of New York system. After spending a few years working in the fast-paced, corporate sector on Wall Street, I moved to Virginia to start a family. The spark to understand people better grew even more once I became a parent, and that’s when I decided to return to school to turn that spark into something tangible. I earned a Master’s degree in Counseling from Virginia Tech University. I have completed continuing education trainings focused on ADHD, executive functioning, and brain development, supporting a developmentally-informed approach for therapy.
Clinical Experience
In the last 16 years, I have worked closely with children, adolescents, and families in academic settings, supporting youth through developmental, academic, and social-emotional challenges. I have worked closely with youth across a variety of educational and counseling settings, including serving as a school counselor at Al Fatih Academy for nine years. My experience also includes roles within Fairfax County Public Schools in special education support and counseling internships, as well as work as a pathways counselor for Northern Virginia Community College and in Virginia 529 coordination and advising. In addition to my work as a counselor, I bring experience from a coaching background for youth and adults that emphasizes goal-setting, self-awareness, and personal growth, which continues to reflect in my therapeutic approach.
Areas of Expertise
I work with youth and adults, including parents, navigating family and parenting challenges. Much of my perspective is shaped by nine years in body safety education, where I developed and implemented programming for elementary-aged students. This experience allows me to bring sensitive topics into the clinical space in a thoughtful, developmentally appropriate way, helping families build language around autonomy and supporting individuals as they move toward healing.
My areas of focus include identity development, anxiety and stress, and body safety work that supports self-advocacy and healthy boundaries. I also work with clients navigating executive functioning challenges, school and life transitions, and relational patterns rooted in childhood experiences.
My Approach
Individuals often carry a sense of where they want to go, and with the right tools, intentions, and support, they can take meaningful steps toward that vision and beyond. I believe that we begin to heal the moment we make the decision to do so. And if you have made it this far into your journey, you are now closer.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in collaborative and adaptive scaffolding: meeting individuals where they are in a non-judgemental setting, offering strategic tools, and slowly stepping back as they gain confidence. This approach offers clients the safety and courage that’s needed to heal and grow.
In my therapeutic space, I use a mix of therapeutic techniques; I combine cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and choice theory for practical goal-setting and behavioral change, along with attachment-informed and psychodynamic methods to explore how early life experiences influence our patterns today.
My belief in the power of early foundations led me to author a children's-style book for adults, which is a part of a growing parenting series. This work reflects my core philosophy that the best way to prevent generational trauma is to heal ourselves first, a process that can begin as early as the womb. By inviting mothers to slow down and care for their own physical and emotional well-being during this time, I hope to support the creation of a healthier foundation for the next generation.
Person-centered principles guide my approach, helping clients strengthen self-awareness, enhance self-compassion, and move forward with intention.
Fees
55 Minute Session: $120
90 Minute Session: $180
Please, click on the link below to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation for us to learn more about you or your child and to see if we are a good fit for your needs.
During our call, we can address any questions you may have and help you get started.
We look forward to connecting with you soon!