Dr. Aadila Lynch
In the pursuit of a kinder world, it is crucial to have a space that honors vulnerability, gently explores perceived shortcomings, celebrates strengths, and encourages curiosity for growth. It can feel impossible to evolve when we are mentally stuck in a hard place. Therapy is where we create new pathways that we did not know existed, ultimately shaping our internal and external worlds to be more hospitable and uplifting.
Aadila specializes in companioning individuals, couples, and families through trauma reactions, focusing on how they interact internally and in relationships that are deeply valued. Trauma reactions can stem from a variety of sources, some of which have resided below the surface, yet disrupt the present despite efforts to keep them at bay. Shame, guilt, fear, and depths of hurt can often shadow the simultaneous desire to grow, recover, become self-compassionate, and reclaim joy and laughter. Aadila uses a gentle approach to meet individuals where they are in their trauma recovery and concerns, while wholeheartedly embracing strength and hope.
History of exposure to trauma (eg, combat, medical, etc), sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence are a few examples of trauma-related specialties that Aadila helps individuals and couples navigate. Relatedly, adjusting to changes in unfamiliar phases of life can be a particularly challenging endeavor. Aadila helps individuals sort through complex feelings and confusion to gain clarity and direction.
Learning how to communicate and acknowledge emotions, deep desires, dreams, and needs are key skills clients gain as well. Therapy is centered around making space for grief, anxiety, anger, resentment, and other related emotions without judgment. Communication skills are the foundation of closeness and understanding; it is often the aspects we do not say that can cause unintentional distance from the people we love. Learning how to bridge the gap between good intentions, empathetic listening, understanding, and communicating is a crucial agent of positive change in relationships.
Clients, individuals, and couples who work with Aadila often feel safe, heard, curious, and open to exploring their areas of growth. The vulnerability that comes with engaging in therapy is deeply appreciated and valued while working with Aadila. Clients are able to explore facets of societal, racial, generational, and personal wounds at their own pace, increasing their comfort and ability to connect with themselves and others. Doing so allows them to alter patterns that have led to isolation and loneliness, while encompassing acceptance of self and others.
Aadila encapsulates a warm and person-centered approach. Without judgment, she celebrates the components that make each individual and couple unique and relies on open collaboration throughout therapy. While she brings her expertise, she believes her clients possess the deepest and most authentic understanding of themselves. Aadila strives to enable couples and individuals to harness this well of knowledge so they may feel whole and self-efficient in the pursuit of their goals and long-standing growth beyond therapy.
- I live by the philosophy that
- we are all capable and deserving of embodying our wisest and kindest selves, regardless of past, current, or future hardships.
- I could spend every day
- by the ocean chasing waves with my dog and family.
- As a therapist, I
- want you to feel empowered to come as you are. I believe in welcoming every individual with warmth, empathy, humility, compassion, and care.
Credentials
- Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, Midwestern University
- M.A., Clinical Psychology, Midwestern University
- B.S., Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology, Virginia Tech
Affiliations
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- APA Division 45: Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race
- APA Division 56: Trauma Psychology
Relevant Training
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Levels 1 and 2)
- Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT; for PTSD)
Specialties
- Alcohol/other substance use concerns
- Anxiety
- Codependency
- Communication
- Dating couples
- Depression
- Discerning Whether to Leave a Relationship
- First Responders-related Concerns
- Grief and Heartbreak support
- Identity Exploration
- LGBTQIA+
- Men & Masculinities
- Military/Veteran-related Concerns
- Seeking love and intimacy
- Sexual Abuse
- Trauma/PTSD
Modalities
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Culturally-Informed & Queer-Affirming Psychotherapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Multicultural or Culturally-Informed Therapy
- Person-Centered (Rogerian) Therapy
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
- Written Exposure Therapy (WET)
