About Al
Al Balaa brings 12 years of clinical work to his practice. He is an MD and an LCPC, and he focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, grief, and the effects of trauma. He emphasizes building self-compassion and reconnecting with a sense of purpose.
He prefers a straightforward, conversational style in sessions. Conversations aim to identify patterns that cause pain, find small changes that make a difference, and practice new ways to cope.
Background and approach
He uses methods that blend problem-solving with emotional exploration so people can feel steadier day to day. Al pays attention to how guilt, shame, and forgiveness shape choices. He also supports people facing career strain, relationship upset, addiction concerns, and compassion fatigue from caregiving or demanding work.
Treatment topics frequently include depression, bipolar mood challenges, ADHD, anger, and rebuilding self-esteem after loss. Clients can expect a calm and accepting space to talk through hard experiences. The work moves at a practical pace, with skills to try between meetings and time for deeper reflection when needed.
He frames progress as gradual and collaborative rather than overnight change. Sessions are offered from Maryland and he meets with people in English. He also accepts international clients.
The focus is on helping each person find clearer direction, more self-kindness, and better ways to handle life changes.
Approach and online care that fit your life
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person's priorities. It helps people find their own answers and grow confidence by working at their pace.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It offers practical tools to reduce anxiety, shift unhelpful thinking, and change behaviors that keep problems going.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication skills. It can be useful when strong feelings or relationship conflicts interfere with daily life.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will review goals and preferences, try methods that fit, and adjust the plan as progress and needs become clearer. That makes therapy a collaborative process rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to meet. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions work well when internet bandwidth is limited or for a shorter check-in. Live chat and text-based messaging make it easier to connect between appointments and fit therapy into a busy day. These options help people keep continuity of care, adapt to changing schedules, and use the format that best supports their everyday life.
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What this therapist works with
Most often
Also listed
- Addictions
- ADHD
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Career difficulties
- Compassion fatigue
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Life purpose
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem
- Self-love
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 12 years
- Licensed
- Maryland
- Languages
- English
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