Why We Serve the Helpers: The Hidden Cost of Leading and Serving Others

At KonTerra Counseling & Psychological Services, our clients are often the people others rely on — the steady presence in crisis, the ones advocating, caregiving, leading. They’re high-achieving, mission-driven professionals committed to making a difference in the world.

But behind the outward success and sense of purpose, there’s often another story.

The Toll of Purpose-Driven Work
When your identity is tied to service, it's easy to ignore your own limits. You may delay rest because others need you. You may suppress your feelings to lead with strength. You may feel guilt for struggling when your work is “about” helping others.

This selflessness is admirable — and also unsustainable.

Over time, the internal cost adds up:

• Emotional exhaustion and burnout

• Disconnection from loved ones and from yourself

• Difficulty being present or experiencing joy

• A sense of isolation, even when surrounded by people

• Shame for feeling like you're not coping "well enough"

Why This Is Our Focus
We choose to specialize in working with people like you because we understand the unique pressures you face — and the courage it takes to seek support. Every clinician on our team has experience with international aid, advocacy, and high-responsibility roles. Many have lived it themselves.

We don’t just understand trauma and burnout; we understand the values that make you keep going — and how to help you find balance without letting go of what drives you.

Therapy That Meets You Where You Are
Whether you’re navigating burnout, relationship strain, or simply trying to rediscover who you are outside of your work, our team is here to walk with you. Our services are online, flexible, and tailored to people used to carrying a lot — emotionally, intellectually, and logistically.

You don't have to choose between caring for others and caring for yourself.

You belong here. And you don't have to do it alone.

📍Serving clients in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and many locations outside of the US
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We Are Launched!

We are thrilled to launch KonTerra Counseling & Psychological Services!

We are a private practice dedicated to providing compassionate counseling services to individuals, couples, and groups in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and many locations outside of the US.

We are passionate about supporting those who are dedicated to the service of others - whether that service occurs in the professional or personal arena. We know that leading and serving others can come at a cost. We're here to help you reclaim ease, purpose, and joy through our evidence-based and client-centered approach.

Our dedicated team - Donnica Wingett, Raven Ellis, Megan Laughlin Williams, LCPC, Camilla Tibbetts, LICSW, and Marylin Marquez Beckley, LPC, NCC, CCTP, CATP - brings deep experience working alongside those in high-stakes professions, complex environments, and life transitions.

A magical thing happened as our team came together. We learned that we each have an unshakeable commitment to immigration justice, built on a foundation of over 50 years of collective experience directly supporting refugees and immigrants. We are, therefore, proud to offer specialized immigration mental health evaluations as part of our services.

For our partners and friends familiar with The KonTerra Group's workplace-based programming, please know that we are still here and deeply committed to continuing our work with organizations working in high-stress, high-stakes environments. KonTerra Counseling & Psychological Services is a sister company, allowing us to extend our support directly to individuals, couples, and groups in addition to organizations.