Welcome y Bienvenidos!
My name is Laïla (she/they) and I am a licensed therapist in both Maryland and Pennsylvania.
As a queer first-generation American (Puerto Rican and Moroccan) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C/LCSW), I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to our work together. I approach therapy with curiosity and a non-pathologizing to honor your worldview, cultural roots, and experiences that shape the ways in which you move through the world.
I believe your identity and experiences are deserving of thoughtful exploration, witnessing and celebration. Guided by systemic and non-pathologizing psychological perspectives, our work together centers on meeting you where you are and moving at the pace of safety and consent. Therapy is a place to reflect, untangle the threads of your story, honor the interconnectedness of all your parts and navigate the in-between spaces of your journey with intention and care.
Whether you are looking to establish practical skills, are working through trauma, or somewhere in-between: I strive to offer a compassionate, grounded presence. Together, we’ll encounter and create new portals to self discoveries, self healing and embodiment of your most authentic self.
These are my colleagues Marty and Madonna!
They are very respectful of client confidentiality and sometimes pop in to say hello!
Madonna
Marty
My Background
I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore with dual concentrations in Clinical Social Work and Leadership, Policy, & Social Change. My practice is shaped by several years of on-the-ground experience in community mental health, clinical case management, and across the continuum of crisis care within the United States and United Kingdom.
In these roles I’ve developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with trauma, loss, life transitions, acculturative stress, misunderstood intersecting identities and overpathologization by mental healthcare systems. These experiences drive my commitment to culturally grounded and relationally attuned, trauma-informed care.
At Portal Psychotherapy, I draw on these insights to create a sanctuary for those navigating the in-between—whatever that may mean for them. Here, our work hinges upon fostering resilience, embodiment, and meaningful change, while honoring your unique stories and strengths.