Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Hello! My name is Imá Paz Strother, and I provide therapy services at our Olney, MD clinic.

I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health and Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland. I also hold undergraduate degrees in Religious Comparative Studies and Latin American Studies, with a minor in African Studies from Guilford College. I work with adolescents (11+) and young adults. My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and collaborative. I integrate a variety of modalities based on each client’s needs, including art therapy, bibliotherapy (the use of books in treatment), play-based interventions, structured therapeutic activities, psycho education, and open discussion.

I provide trauma-informed support to help clients build emotional resilience. My Master’s thesis focused on LGBTQIA+ cultural understanding in clinical settings, and I integrate the client’s spirituality and faith when meaningful. Therapy with me is cultural responsive, honoring the diverse identities, backgrounds, traditions that shape each person’s story.

I am biracial, African American and Puerto Rican, born in the States, and I also understand Spanish. I am married and a mother to a toddler, and my experiences with diverse cultures and families inform my work with young clients. I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and culturally responsive space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.