Aliyyah Joyner, MSW, LMSW

Practicing Since:2021

Aliyyah Joyner strives to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where young people feel heard, seen, and supported. Her goal in therapy is to meet each child where they are emotionally and developmentally, while also collaborating closely with families and school teams when appropriate. She draws from several modalities based on each child’s unique needs, including play therapy to help younger clients express themselves in a natural and comfortable way, and Trauma-Focused CBT for those working through trauma, anxiety, or difficult life experiences. Aliyyah also has experience supporting children and teens coping with grief and loss. She brings a flexible and trauma-informed approach that balances structure with compassion.

Aliyyah views mental health as a vital part of overall well-being, just like physical health. Strong mental health supports people’s ability to learn, build relationships, and manage their everyday lives. She believes therapy is a supportive space where people can explore their feelings, build coping skills, and begin to understand themselves better. The therapeutic process isn’t about “fixing” something, it’s about creating a trusting relationship where a person feels safe enough to be vulnerable, explore challenges, and develop tools that help them move forward. Progress can take time and may look different for every individual, but healing begins when someone feels truly heard and supported. Aliyyah aims to make therapy feel approachable and empowering. Parents and caregivers are also important partners in the process when working with children

Holding a Master’s degree in Social Work from George Mason University and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from LaRoche University, Aliyyah is currently licensed as a Master Social Worker and is working towards her hours for LCSW-C licensure.

Aliyyah has previously worked as a school social worker providing therapeutic services to children and adolescents within the school environment, as an independent contractor offering therapy to young adults, and in a children’s hospital emergency department supporting youth and families in crisis. These diverse roles have strengthened her ability to support a wide range of mental health needs, including depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), bipolar disorder, and various learning and developmental challenges. She has also received specialized trainings in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), play-based interventions, motivational interviewing, and grief and loss support.

Outside of work, Aliyyah loves to travel and explore new places, as it helps her recharge and stay curious about the world. She also enjoys spending quality time with friends and family and is always on the lookout for creative hobbies that allow Aliyyah to express herself and unwind. She values balance and connection in her personal life, which helps Aliyyah stay present for her clients.

Aliyyah Joyner is licensed in the state of Maryland (#30894) under the clinical supervision of Krystle Tinsley, LCSW-C (#23134).