Graciela Bilis MS, MEd

My philosophy and theory of counseling is holistic, considering the psychological, emotional, social, spiritual, and biological dimensions of the whole person.

I incorporate both the best of conventional counseling as well as those of alternative approaches.

My approach draws from many treatment modalities including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, solution focused and interpersonal.

I frequently use mind-body techniques-- relaxation, visual imagery, breathing, meditation, and yoga-- which focus on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, and behavior, and the powerful ways in which they directly affect our being.

There is no single counseling approach that works for all situations. I believe in each person’s capacity for self-knowledge and self-care.

Counseling offers you a chance to express ideas and concerns to better understand your situation, and to learn new ways to see and solve issues.

At times, you might experience feelings that are uncomfortable and hard to face, but these feelings are necessary to the counseling process.

I will provide you with an accurate and fair assessment that will help guide our
treatment planning and goal setting.

We will discuss these throughout the counseling process to ensure that your needs are being met. Together we will determine the focus of our work, its duration, and the modalities we use.

My professional experience has been in schools, universities, community mental
health, and in private practice. I am a National Board-Certified Counselors, a
Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland. I am National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC). The Code of Ethics, published by the American Counseling Association guides my actions.

I am a member of the American Counselors Association, the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, and the Association for Specialists in Group Work.
I am a Certified Meditation Instructor. I teach Mind at Heart Meditation.
I am a graduate of George Washington University.