Natasha Deen, Brainspotting Therapist
Online therapy in Silver Spring and Throughout Maryland & Virginia
You’re ready for something different, something life changing.
You’re here to break through the haze of negative thought patterns, unhealthy generational cycles, and the self-doubt that holds you back. Maybe you’ve tried therapy before, but you felt like there were parts of you that your therapist didn’t understand. Or you’ve never done this before and you’re ready to commit to making real changes in your life.
You are more than your problems, and context matters.
All parts of you, your circumstances, and the bigger systems at play are taken into consideration for a holistic, catered approach. We’ll spend a significant amount of time exploring your culture, upbringing, and other identities, to understand how they contribute to who you are, how you view the world, your struggles, as well as your strengths and ways of coping.
Together, we’ll work to understand and unlearn thought patterns that are getting in your way. This helps us get to the root of the issue and create effective and long-lasting change. You will also gain skills and knowledge that you can use throughout your life to continuously accomplish your goals even after our sessions end.
I will be compassionate with you and challenge you because sometimes we are our own worst enemy. I will be right here with you through the difficult moments encouraging you, laughing with you, and allowing you space for sadness, anger, all of it.
This is the place to release it all because there is growth in discomfort.
The Heart Behind Golden Hour Counseling.
As a Muslim, Indo-Caribbean, woman who is the oldest daughter of immigrants, I’ve lived the struggle of navigating multiple minority identities. I have seen, first-hand, many people struggle with their mental health and how it impacts not only them but also others around them, including those they care for the most.
The stigma that surrounds mental health care in BIPOC, Muslim, and other marginalized communities often makes it harder for us to seek help. We’re expected to have it all together and not show any signs of struggle.
Our shared lived experience, which can’t be taught, runs deep. I have the cultural and psychological knowledge that helps bridge the gap between mental health care and your specific needs.
I am committed to learning and growing as a person and a therapist to support you as best as I can. Part of learning also means unlearning. Just as pain and suffering has been around since the dawn of time, healing has too. Reclaiming and reconnecting to our wisdom and knowledge, and healing practices is how we thrive.
Here’s how we resolve it:
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Brainspotting
Brainspotting helps our bodies and minds heal themselves through eye positioning. It is a powerful way to target issues at the root and has the ability to reregulate your nervous system. Brainspotting also allows you to process experiences that you may feel intensely, but not necessarily have words for.
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Islamic-Based Therapy
Islam can be used to help determine healthy and effective coping strategies, and identify ways to reframe your thinking to provide hope and alternate perspectives on a problem. Islam provides a greater sense of purpose and an ultimate goal for life which is vital in the healing process.
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Psychodynamic Informed CBT
This method allows us to explore and understand how your past (psychodynamic work) has influenced your present thoughts, feelings, and behaviors presently. Then, we’ll work towards challenging and reframing negative thoughts for a healthier mindset (cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT).
Credentials
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Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Towson University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Towson University
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Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland
License Number: LC11701
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia
License Number: 0701012565
NPI Number: 1942869763
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Certified Brainspotting Practitioner
Phase I, II, III & IV
Guiding Principles
Anti-Colonial
I take an anti-oppressive approach to therapy and am striving to decolonize my practice and my mind.
Cultural Consideration
The context of who you are matters. All parts of your identities show up in session with you. Our cultures offer us strength and resilience.
Liberatory
No one is free until we are all free and we all deserve freedom to show up as we are, take up space, and heal and grow from a place of love and empathy.
Honesty
I take your best interests to heart and will be honest with you even when it’s difficult. I will be open with you and invite you to be open with me and yourself.
Authenticity
I will show up as myself to give you permission to show up as yourself. By honoring myself in this process, I honor you.
Playfulness
Play and creativity is vital to healing. Healing is messy and hard as well as beautiful and exciting. Humor has a place in therapy as laughter is medicine.
Shortly after sunrise or before sunset, when the sunlight is softer and warmer, there is a beautiful golden hue and something about it feels magical.
This is the Golden Hour.
Each golden hour and every sunset reveals that there is more to life than the day-to-day grind. It ground us and shows us that there is still beauty and opportunities for gratitude even when everything feels like it’s going awry.
At Golden Hour Counseling, I will help you find calm and consistency in the chaos of life.
Experience your own Golden hour.
This is Your Golden Hour.
