Location
Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia
Ages Treated
Children, Adolescents & Adults
Practice Philosophy:
Dr. Maria Ashford (previously known as Dr. Maria Cimporescu) is a licensed clinical psychologist who treats children, adolescents, and adults. An empathetic listener, Dr. Ashford works with patients to develop individualized plans of action that promote change, growth, and wellbeing. She helps individuals of all ages to navigate challenges and life transitions in new and more effective ways that are consistent with their values. Her clients gain coping strategies and problem-solving skills to use throughout life. With children and teens, she provides age-appropriate therapies that address the family’s concerns, meeting regularly with parents to offer guidance that leads to improvements in parent-child relationships, communication, and expectations. She is skilled at making children feel comfortable, easily connecting with young people in a way that encourages open sharing. She takes a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and values working collaboratively with patient’s support network (including teachers, medical professionals, and other providers), with the goal of helping each person to become their best self.
Areas of Expertise:
Dr. Ashford specializes in working with individuals and families experiencing depression, anxiety, behavioral difficulties, ADHD, phobias, and adjustment issues. She also helps adults to address interpersonal, relationship and family of origin concerns. She has expertise in treating children and adults who are on the autism spectrum, offering specialized treatment that addresses issues of identity and interpersonal challenges. She also has experience in helping college students and young adults transition to new life phases. Her therapeutic toolkit draws from elements of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and play therapy techniques. Dr. Ashford also conducts psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults for a range of concerns including learning disabilities, ADHD, mood disorders, personality disorders, and autism.
Experience and Training:
Dr. Ashford earned her undergraduate degree from the George Washington University and completed her doctorate at George Washington University in Clinical and Community Psychology. Her research has explored the interplay between transitional stress and personality, as well as the transition for young adults from college to the working world. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Spring Grove Hospital Center and her post-doctoral residency at the Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group. She has received clinical training in various settings including a community center, college counseling office, and short-term inpatient facilities.
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