Exhale. You’re in the right place.

 
African American woman sitting on a couch with a laptop

Emerald Essence Counseling

Have you been looking for that piece that brings it all into focus? Are you struggling to find your center? Just keeping your head above water? 

Take a deep breath. You’re on your path to healing already, just by being here. My counseling and therapy is about connecting with your authentic self, channeling your individuality, and finding your inner peace — all with a guide at your side. Let’s take the first step together.

Services

Depression and anxiety icon

Depression and anxiety management

LGBTQ+ icon

LGBTQ+ issues and life transitions

EMDR therapy icon

EMDR therapy and trauma healing

Life coaching icon

Life coaching and personal wellness

 
 

Schedule your free 15‑minute virtual consultation

Let’s talk about your goals and see if we’re a fit.

 
Photo of Ayana Tompkins sitting in a grassy field

Meet your counselor,
Ayana White, LCSW‑C

Hello! I’m Ayana
Clinical Social Worker/Therapist
She/her/hers

I’ve spent the last 2+ decades in social work with individuals, groups, and families (inpatient and outpatient). Most recently, I felt called to expand my reach into personal counseling and life coaching. As an African American woman, I know firsthand how stigmatized counseling and therapy can be. But there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being your own mental health advocate — in fact, it’s the right thing to do.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I start? I’m new to counseling and therapy.

I’m proud of you for prioritizing your mental health and looking into therapy. That’s a huge first step. I focus on talk therapy, which is simply you and I, talking, sharing, and working on things together in a safe, non-judgmental space. If that sounds like what you need, schedule a free 15-minute virtual consultation with me and we’ll go from there.

How many sessions do I need?

There’s no universal answer for this. Your process of healing will follow your own natural timeline. We’ll decide together how often to have sessions together, and take it step by step.

Are sessions in person or virtual?

Sessions are 100% virtual (also known as telehealth). Telehealth/virtual sessions allow me to see clients throughout the state of Maryland, and I can see more clients in any given day. Rest assured, we’ll be able to see and hear each other, and our personal connection will be just as strong as in person.