I’m Sumintra Parker, a Resident in Counseling who enjoys working with adults, couples, and families. I know how much courage it can take to let someone into your world, especially when you’re used to figuring things out on your own. My hope is that our time together feels like a place where you can take a breath, let your guard down, and feel heard. You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. We can start wherever you are.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hampton University and my master’s degree in Counselor Education, with a concentration in Couples and Family Counseling, from Virginia Commonwealth University. I have experience providing individual, couples, family, and group therapy, with a special interest in helping people understand their emotions, navigate life’s changes, and feel more connected in their relationships.
The Journey That Made Me
My interest in relationships began long before I became a therapist. Growing up in a blended family that included foster siblings showed me that family can take many forms, and that love, belonging, and connection can look different for each of us. It also sparked my curiosity about the stories we carry and the ways our experiences shape how we relate to one another.
As a second generation Caribbean American, I carry a deep appreciation for the strength, culture, and traditions that have shaped me. I also understand how mental health stigma and expectations to stay strong or keep family matters private can make reaching out feel complicated. Sometimes, even finding the words for what we’re feeling can be unfamiliar.
Experiences with mental health challenges, addiction, and trauma within my family have helped me understand how much can exist beneath the surface. These parts of my life have shaped the compassion I bring to this work and my desire to offer a space where you don’t have to carry everything quietly. Whatever you’re bringing with you, there is room for your story, your questions, and the feelings you may still be making sense of.
Questions about therapy? Reach out to us today.
Philosophy
I believe therapy can support healing when we feel safe enough to be honest and supported enough to try something different. You know your life best, and I bring curiosity, care, and a willingness to work alongside you as we make sense of what feels difficult. We’ll take time to understand what matters to you and what you hope will feel different.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and integrative, rooted in the understanding that our relationships and experiences shape us. I draw from family systems perspectives, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with attention to attachment, emotional needs, and the patterns that influence how we connect with ourselves and others.
Together, we can slow down the moments that leave you feeling hurt, disconnected, or misunderstood and explore what’s happening beneath the surface. Sometimes, frustration or pulling away can hold deeper feelings of loneliness, fear, or a longing for closeness. We’ll work to understand these feelings, recognize the cycles you find yourself caught in, and create room for different responses. My hope is to help you express what you need, feel more secure in your relationships, and build connections where you can reach for support and feel met with care.
I welcome your full self into the room, including your culture, your humor, your uncertainty, and the parts of you that are still finding their voice. There’s room for meaningful conversations, laughter, and moments when the words don’t come easily. We’ll make space for understanding your past while helping you build the relationships and life you want moving forward, at a pace we find together.
Outside of Work
Outside of the therapy room, I’m a foodie who loves trying new restaurants and finding a meal worth talking about afterward! I also enjoy shopping, traveling, trying new experiences, and spending time with my loved ones. Whether it’s a trip somewhere new or a relaxed day with my favorite people, I appreciate the moments that bring connection, laughter, and a little joy to everyday life.
