About Me
Hi! My name is Gina Hoag and I received a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work from University of Maryland and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Loyola College in Maryland. Licensed In both Colorado and Maryland enables me to meet with clients in both states.
l have offered the option of tele-therapy sessions since 2017 and have observed the ease of access, flexibility and reduced risk of disease transmission during the pandemic.
With over 30 years of experience I've guided adolescents, adults, couples and families in discovering a better way. Whether you are an individual looking to improve your relationship with yourself and others, or you want to improve how you relate to
co-workers about sensitive issues in your work environment, you can benefit from support. While I have a particular interest in mid-teens and young adult athletes struggling with anxiety, depression, body image and food-related issues, I am equally passionate about helping clients grow interpersonally. Although I primarily use a Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) approach, I lean toward a Solutions-Based and Insight-Oriented approach when working with clients. Ultimately we will work together to develop an individualized, evidence-based treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. I guide clients to a deeper awareness of the interplay between thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
Humans are complex systems made up of physical bodies, thoughts and emotions, all effected by experiences and genetics. Often when clients come to therapy these parts are out of balance. One or more parts of the system are dominant, while others are silent.
I believe that permanent change starts with challenging deeply entrenched behavior patterns, and beliefs. It’s hard to form new habits. I am here to speak to the spark within you that is ready to become whole, to allow the past to be in the past and enjoy the present while looking forward to the future. I will support your growth and challenge the behaviors that are no longer working for you and help you piece together your vision.
We will explore behaviors that no longer serve you, whether these behaviors include avoidance tactics such as social isolation or intimacy issues; body image or food related issues; communication issues or ruminating thought patterns, together we’ll deepen your understanding of your true self and reconnect you to your body, mind and emotions in a more balanced way. Soon, you will experience true wellness, which can include genuine self love, less anxiety, improved sleep, better concentration, improved ability to manage life stressors, and more fulfilling relationships!
Why have I chosen this line of work?
I believe that the desire to help others is in your soul. Yes, the skills can be learned, but the passion to guide and inspire others cannot be taught. I have always leaned toward helping others find a balance between physical health through activity and nutrition, and psychological health through emotional and cognitive well being. I believe that we cannot feel whole in life without nurturing both mind and body.
Throughout college and graduate school I worked in the sports and fitness industry and became acutely aware of the prevalence of self-criticism of body shape and size. Interestingly this mentality pervaded even in the elite athlete population. It seemed that too many people wanted to look like someone other than themselves.
Early in my career as a therapist I co-founded a personal training studio that focused on individualized programming for all body sizes, shapes and abilities with a philosophy that every body is uniquely athletic. This experience inspired me to integrate my knowledge of the body with my formal education in mental health and wellness.
Gina Lin Counseling was born when I recognized the separation of mind and body therapies in our community. Since then I have dedicated my practice to helping clients to accept without judgment, not only their bodies and emotions but those of others, and to be the best possible version of themselves.
During therapy, clients can expect to address topics such as social and family relationships, time spent outdoors, physical activity, nutritional awareness, and sleep patterns, in addition to presenting problems.
My background working in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, educational settings and corporate settings has given me an appreciation for the importance of collaboration between the client and other team players. Whether it be coordinating with family members, co-workers, or other parts of the team (coach, psychiatrist, teacher, employer, PCP, etc), I believe that open communication yields the best results.