About Us
Mala K. Tandon, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Tandon is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Mindful One. She has been in practice for over 20 years. She works from a strengths-based perspective, based on empowerment and recognizing inner wisdom. Her area of expertise is in treatment of trauma, specifically sexual abuse trauma. Integrating mindfulness in her clinical work is her passion. Dr. Tandon comes with an eclectic approach to therapy-integrating traditional therapeutic approaches with newest evidence based practices to bring insight and empowerment to clients. Her person-centered approach has a deep impact on various age groups and populations as well as treatment outcomes.
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Dr. Tandon earned her doctorate degree from APA-accredited institution, The American School of Professional Psychology. She is passionate about cultivating mindful self-awareness and empathy in her supervisees and budding clinicians. Dr. Tandon offers Mindfulness groups for professionals and separately for clients. Her Mindful Parenting group has been sought out by far and wide. Her compassion and empowering approach is much appreciated by her clients, colleagues and supervisees equally. Dr. Tandon’s passion for travel and curiosity to learn has inculcated a deep understanding of different cultures, reflecting in her work with clients.
Craig Gordon, LPC, NCC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Craig Gordon is a Licensed Professional Counselor and specializes in evidence-based treatment for trauma and stress-related disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, self-injury, and personality disorders. His training includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Existential Therapy. He has intensive training in CBT by Dr. John Ludgate and in Couples Therapy through the Gottman Method. He conducts neuropsychological assessments and diagnostic services for behavioral, cognitive and functional deficits. He has extensive experience helping military service members and their families.
He has Master’s degrees in Educational Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado and a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from East Carolina University. He completed his CACREP accredited internship as a school-based mental health therapist through Jewish Family Services International KidSuccess Program where he worked with Refugee and Immigrant Youth in a public school setting dealing with trauma and anxiety issues. He is pursuing his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Justine Sime, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Justine Sime is licensed as a Resident in Counseling. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2020 with a master’s degree in counseling. Justine has experience working with children and adolescents from her time spent as an intern in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools. She also has experience working with clients from various backgrounds (race, age, ethnicity). Justine’s clinical interests include depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and relationship issues. Justine is foundationally trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and incorporates its principles while working with clients.
Justine takes a person-centered approach and believes that therapy should be a collaborative effort between client and therapist. She highlights client strengths and empowers them to enact positive changes in their lives. Justine is committed to helping her clients grow and reach their goals.
Lydia Smith
Doctoral Student
Lydia Smith (she/her) is currently pursuing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Catholic University of America (CUA). She has worked as a clinical research coordinator at Harvard Medical School's Center for Mindfulness and Compassion for two years before pursuing her doctorate. She has prior experience providing therapeutic services to young adults, parents, and families, and has provided neuropsychological assessments to adults and older adults.
Lydia's approach to therapy is client-centered, trauma-sensitive, culturally humble, collaborative, and empowering. Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, identity development, and building client insight. Lydia employs an integrative approach, combining mindfulness-based interventions (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindful Self Compassion), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Internal Family Systems to implement personalized care for each client under direct supervision and support of Dr. Mala K Tandon.
Soleil M. Darbouze
Doctoral Student
Soleil M. Darbouze is a Clinical Psychology PsyD Doctoral student at Stevenson University.Soleil has developed a strong foundation in clinical work through her experience providing school-based therapy, individual therapy in a private practice, and administering comprehensive psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. She also has experience providing parent behavioral training, supporting caregivers with evidence-based strategies to foster positive emotional and behavioral development in their children.
Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), trauma-informed care, life transitions, and parenting issues. Soleil has received specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and incorporates mindfulness-based strategies into her work. While grounded in evidence-based practices, she takes an integrative and client-centered approach, tailoring
treatment to meet each individual’s unique needs and goals. Soleil is dedicated to creating a compassionate, inclusive therapeutic space where growth and healing can thrive under direct supervision and support of Dr. Mala K Tandon.
Srushti Adsul
Doctoral Student
Srushti Adsul (she/her) is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School in Washington, D.C. Her clinical training includes neuropsychological assessment and intervention with children and adolescents at the Children’s National Hospital, where she gained experience with a range of developmental, neurological, and psychiatric conditions including traumatic brain injury, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and Epilepsy. She has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications on
resilience, adolescent development, and self-efficacy.
Srushti approaches therapy through a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based lens. Her clinical interests include trauma- focused interventions, immigrant and refugee mental health,chronic illness and health psychology. She incorporates elements from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and systems-based interventions to create individualized and empowering care for clients under direct supervision and support of Dr. Mala K Tandon.
Faria Chowdhury
Doctoral Student
Faria Chowdhury is a clinical psychology doctoral student at The Chicago School. Faria has developed a strong foundation in both psychotherapy and psychological assessment through diverse clinical experiences across outpatient clinics, private practices, and residential treatment settings.She has provided individual and group therapy to children, adolescents, and adults, and conducted comprehensive neuropsychological assessments for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, neurodevelopmental disorders, and cognitive impairments. Her previous training also includes working with clients on issues such as anxiety, depression, mood regulation, and trauma related concerns.
Faria is particularly interested in working with a focus on children, adolescents, and adults. While Faria’s primary orientation is cognitive behavioral therapy, she values an integrative approach and is committed to tailoring interventions to meet each client’s unique needs. Her clinical work is grounded in cultural humility, trauma-informed care, and the promotion of psychological resilience. Faria is passionate about bridging the gap between mental health access and quality care, and she continues to grow as a clinician through ongoing research and professional development under direct supervision and support of Dr. Mala K Tandon.
Nathan Martin
Doctoral Student
Nathan Martin is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences at Divine Mercy University. Nathan has worked with a wide range of clinical concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and marital issues. He has also gained valuable experience working in a community mental health center, where he supported individuals with disabilities and severe mental illness.
Nathan enjoys drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic approaches in his clinical work. He values an integrative and collaborative approach that tailors treatment to each person’s unique needs and goals under direct supervision and support of Dr. Mala K Tandon.
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Administrative Staff
Benji Royer
Operations Coordinator
Ben Royer joined Mindful One after two years of working as an Administrative Assistant and Public Relations/Quality Assurance Coordinator for another small behavior health practice that specialized in comprehensive DBT services. He is thrilled to be utilizing his skills in client relations, mindfulness practices, and clinical knowledge from his DBT training, in order to execute and oversee operations here at M1. He is also the proud dad to his furry little girl, Willow.
Carolyn Guirguis
Administrative Assistant
Carolyn Guirguis is a full-time student who is currently in pursuit of a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from George Mason University. She plans to continue her education further after completing her B.S. degree. She has always had a passion for bringing a light into the world and she is over joyous to do so in being a part of the Mindful One team. She is zealous to love those around her and she also enjoys spending her time reading around her kitty and rescue dog or staying active.
