Victoria Mwongela

Affiliated Therapist:

Victoria is a psychotherapist at the Counseling Center of MarylandTM providing individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy to clients of all ages. Victoria is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Maryland and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia.

Victoria has experience working with many common counseling concerns. She has particular interest in treating shame, trauma recovery, relational struggles, spirituality, and identity struggles. Victoria has also worked extensively with victims of sexual abuse and sexual assault. As a Kenyan, who grew up in Dubai, U.A.E., and currently resides in the United States, she developed a unique perspective and cultural competence which has allowed her to grasp the nuances of her client’s experiences and circumstances. Prior to her work at the Counseling Center of MarylandTM, Victoria worked within the DC Public School System where she received training as a Mental Health Specialist. In addition, she provided individual counseling services at her local church.

Victoria’s perspective on counseling is one of understanding and relational empathy. Her therapeutic approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Client-Centered Therapy and Existential Therapy. She believes in establishing a trusting relationship with her clients, in order to make them feel safe and supported as they confront the issues they are struggling with. She views each session as an opportunity to recover insights from the past, to find comfort despite the present circumstances, and chart a hopeful path forward into the future.

Victoria earned her MSc. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johns Hopkins University and holds a Master of Divinity from Southern Seminary. Both of these have given her a wide range of tools to offer a comprehensive approach to client care. She completed her undergraduate work in Psychology at Middlesex University in Dubai, U.A.E. Victoria has completed training in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) by the Linehan Institute Training Company and currently sits on a comprehensive DBT team. Victoria has also completed intensive training in the Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Prolonged Exposure Protocol for PTSD. She is also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). She currently co-leads two of our current DBT groups.

Victoria is married to her husband, and together they enjoy good plant-based food, the outdoors, and spending time with their family and friends.