About
Founded on the belief that you deserve to be understood.
Get to know the founder, the approach, and where the practice is headed.
Founded by
Dr. Ariel Lewis, LCPC
Founder & Clinical Director, licensed in Maryland since 2013.
Dr. Lewis founded Shades of Insight Therapy to build a space where women of color could access counseling — in person in Laurel, Maryland, or virtually anywhere in the state — from a clinician who understands the full context of their lives: anxiety, grief, interpersonal challenges, pregnancy and motherhood, workplace stress, race-based trauma, and the everyday weight of life.
Dr. Lewis continues to see clients directly today, alongside guiding the practice's growth. Her approach is person-centered: therapy shaped around you, not a one-size-fits-all script. You're the expert on your own life. Her role is to be a collaborative partner as you work toward the change you're looking for.
- Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision — The George Washington University
- M.A., Psychology — Catholic University of America
- B.S., Business Administration — Bowie State University
Read her full professional bio, research & speaking topics →
A practice built to grow
Growing beyond one therapist — intentionally.
Right now, Dr. Lewis personally holds our full client caseload — every intake, every session, herself. That's by design, not a gap: we're building a strong foundation before growing.
We're actively looking for mission-driven clinicians who share the same commitment to culturally responsive care for women of color. Anyone who joins us will meet Maryland licensure standards, take part in regular case consultation, and be chosen specifically for their experience serving women of color, BIPOC, AAPI, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ clients.