Business Details
Trauma-Informed Therapy Services in Pikesville
With over 25 years of experience in clinical social work, I specialize in helping individuals overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, and addiction through personalized therapy. My practice integrates evidence-based methods like EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Internal Family Systems to address emotional challenges and foster resilience. Fluent in American Sign Language, I provide accessible care for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community, combining compassion with expertise to create a safe space for growth. As an educator at CCBC, I bring a teaching mindset to therapy, empowering clients to reframe their narratives and build healthier, more fulfilling lives through tailored interventions. 
Services
Individual Therapy
EMDR Therapy
Anxiety Treatment
Group Therapy
Deaf Services
Life Coaching
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of clinical experience in trauma and addiction recovery.
- Our therapy integrates EMDR, CBT, and expressive modalities for personalized care.
- Fluent in American Sign Language for accessible Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing support.
- We combine clinical practice with teaching expertise for holistic client education.
- Clients report renewed hope and actionable strategies after initial sessions.
Associations and certifications
- EMDR Certified Therapist
What people say
Renewed hope
Accessible Deaf services
Transformative personal growth
Effective anxiety strategies
Compassionate expertise
Services
Individual Therapy
Tailored one-on-one therapy addresses trauma, anxiety, and depression through customized EMDR, CBT, and expressive techniques. Clients gain self-awareness and coping strategies for lasting mental health improvements. Sessions focus on transforming negative thought patterns and building resilience.
EMDR Therapy
Specialized EMDR treatment resolves trauma symptoms by reprocessing distressing memories using bilateral stimulation. This evidence-based method helps clients reduce panic attacks, phobias, and PTSD symptoms while fostering emotional regulation and cognitive clarity for long-term healing.
Anxiety Treatment
Targeted anxiety therapy addresses social anxiety, panic disorders, and generalized anxiety through cognitive restructuring and mindfulness techniques. Clients learn to identify triggers, challenge irrational fears, and implement grounding strategies for improved daily functioning and emotional stability.
Group Therapy
Structured group sessions create supportive environments for shared experiences and collective healing. Specialized groups for women and young adults focus on social connection, anxiety reduction, and goal-setting while maintaining professional therapeutic guidance for personal development.
Deaf Services
Accessible mental health care delivered in American Sign Language for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Services address trauma, anxiety, and life transitions with culturally competent communication and specialized understanding of Deaf community challenges and strengths.
People
Ava Barron-Shasho, LCSW-C, ACC
Clinical Social Worker & Therapist
With 25+ years of clinical experience, Ava specializes in trauma recovery using EMDR and CBT. She teaches Human Development at CCBC and holds an Associate Certified Coach credential. Fluent in ASL, she provides accessible mental health services for Deaf clients while maintaining a private practice in Pikesville, MD.
Questions
What types of therapy do you specialize in?
I specialize in trauma recovery, anxiety treatment, and addiction counseling using EMDR, CBT, and group therapy tailored to individual needs.
Do you offer services for the Deaf community?
Yes, I provide therapy in American Sign Language with 20+ years of experience supporting Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing clients.
How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR reprocesses traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation, helping clients reduce distress from past experiences and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Can therapy help with social anxiety?
Yes, I use evidence-based techniques to address social anxiety by challenging negative thought patterns and building confidence in social situations.
What are your group therapy options?
I offer women's support groups and 20-something groups focusing on connection, anxiety management, and goal achievement in a collaborative environment.
