“I believe therapy should be collaborative, with the client in the driver’s seat. I operate like a GPS, providing a customized treatment plan that offers different routes to reach the client’s goals. My philosophy is ‘Yes, and’: the ‘yes’ represents validation and acceptance, while the ‘and’ focuses on action and change
-Ayanna outten
Treatment Focus
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood Disorders
- Life Transitions
- Grief
- Women’s issues
- Interpersonal issues
- Domestic violence
About The Clinician
Ayanna earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Goucher College and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from North Carolina Central University. Additionally, Ayanna is expanding her expertise by taking public health courses and plans to earn her Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification by 2026, enabling her to advance health equity through both direct practice and community health programming.
Ayanna’s professional journey has equipped her to serve children, families, and adults in diverse settings. She has held roles as a school social worker, clinician, case manager, and educator, gaining invaluable experience in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, grief counseling, and emotion regulation. Ayanna has worked with prestigious institutions such as Duke University Hospital and Sheppard Pratt Health System, as well as in educational environments, including middle schools, high schools, and higher education leadership roles.
Ayanna’s therapeutic focus is guided by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, emphasizing the importance of addressing clients’ basic needs before tackling cognitive or behavioral challenges. Her approach prioritizes holistic care by recognizing the interplay between social determinants of health and mental well-being. Ayanna collaborates with clients to gently explore trauma, identify triggers, and establish coping strategies while respecting their readiness to address sensitive topics. Her therapeutic philosophy can be described as a “Yes, and” approach. The “yes” represents validation, psychoeducation, and acceptance, while the “and” introduces actionable steps toward change. She views therapy as a collaborative process, with clients in the driver’s seat and herself as the GPS—offering a variety of routes (skills) to help them achieve their goals.
Credentials
B.S. Psychology
Licensed Master Social Worker
Certified Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper
Approach
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Interpersonal Counseling
- Problem-Solving Therapy
Ready to get Started?
Call us at 301-701-6965 for a short chat with our Client Care Coordinator, who is available weekdays during our normal office hours. You can also fill out the New Patient Registration Form to be on your way to schedule and complete an initial assessment.