Offering In-Person And Online Therapy
Specializations:
- Adjustment Challenges
- Gender Identity Issues and Gender Affirmation Care
- Disordered Eating and Body Image Issues
- Childhood Experiences of Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Anxiety Treatment
- Therapy for Depression
- Sexual Trauma
Hi, I’m Pamela Altemos,
Are you experiencing challenges in exploring your gender identity? Maybe you are isolated and feeling lonely in your exploration or transition. Or you may be experiencing anxiety about coming out to family and friends.
Wherever you are in this process, I will meet you there and help you to achieve gender empowerment.
In addition to working with transgender and gender non-conforming issues, I am passionate about working with survivors of relationship violence and sexual trauma as well as eating disorders and body image issues.
Why I’m a Therapist
After I obtained my undergraduate degree, I moved from rural Ohio to Washington D.C. to work as a lobbyist for a non-profit environmental organization.
During this time, I began volunteering at a women’s domestic violence shelter. Through this volunteer experience, I observed disempowered women regain strength, hope, and self-love with access to therapy, resources, and community. The narratives of these survivors inspired me to pursue a career in mental health that affords me the privilege of witnessing others’ journey of healing, self-discovery, and empowerment.
What I love about being a therapist
I love the many gifts of being a therapist.
I love the gift of working with clients who demonstrate an openness to change, patience with the process, and motivation for different outcomes. The gift of laughter that is shared with clients to maintain perspective, self-compassion, and humor. The gift of observing clients’ transformation from hopelessness and despair to a narrative defined by confidence and courage. And the the gift of sharing an hour with clients who practice vulnerability by trusting me with intimate information concerning difficult experiences, cherished memories, and hopes for the future.
Most notably, I love the gift of celebrating successes, embracing challenges, and honoring changes that support more moments of joy and happiness.
My therapeutic style
My practice incorporates an integrative approach that cultivates gentleness, acceptance, and compassion toward ourselves and others. Through a strong supportive working alliance, my clients are able to challenge undesirable symptoms and beliefs to begin their journey of healing.
My education and experience
I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work.
I have provided clinical services for various organizations and institutions, including higher education, nonprofit organizations, community psychiatry, federally qualified health programs, and private practice.
Over the past 16 years, I have completed extensive training on trauma, eating disorders, self-injurious behaviors, LGBTQ+ issues, and domestic violence. Specific treatment modalities that I incorporate into my practice include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Solution-Focused Therapy techniques.
Additionally, as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), I often integrate relaxation skills, meditation exercises, and breathing techniques to facilitate calmness and overall wellness.
You don’t have to go through this alone. You don’t have to hurt alone. Through a strong and supportive therapeutic alliance, my clients are able to challenge undesirable symptoms and beliefs to begin their journey of healing.
