Meet us

Licensed in Maryland, Washington D.C., New York, and North Carolina

Jennifer Udler,  a licensed clinical social worker in Maryland and Washington, DC is the founder of Positive Strides Therapy, a practice that incorporates walking with talk therapy.  She has over 23 years of experience treating children, adolescents, and adults. Jennifer specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, mindfulness, and supportive counseling.  

After sitting in an office for 13 years, she decided to move her practice outdoors and has since found her interactions with clients to be deeper, more uplifting, and therapeutic in both mind and body.  

Jennifer’s experience includes working with children and adults with anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Jennifer has always had a passion for working with adolescents, and helping them learn coping skills for the many transitions they are facing. Jennifer has led a new Mom’s support group, groups for expectant parents, and support groups for teens, and adults.

Jennifer is the author of Walk and Talk Therapy: A Clinician’s Guide to Incorporating Movement and Nature into Your Practice, PESI Publishing, 2023. 

She has given presentations at the following:

• Pacifica Graduate Institute for Ecopsychology
• National Association of Social Worker's North Carolina annual conference
• Psychotherapy Networker Symposium
• Leading Edge Seminars of Canada
  Innovations in Psychotherapy Conference
• National Walking Summit

Jennifer has been featured in The Washington Post, The Psychotherapy Networker Magazine, Sirius XM radio, Outside Magazine, and was a guest writer for the National Recreation and Park Association.   

Jennifer spent 16 years at Jewish Social Service Agency providing individual and group therapy. She received her MSW from the University of Pennsylvania and her BA from Binghamton University.

"I've worked with Jennifer on two separate opportunities and her concept to walk and talk has been such a great experience. The chance to discuss the stresses of my hectic life in a calm peaceful environment helps me in so many ways--before, during, and after my sessions."

– Client 

Licensed in Maryland and Virginia

Jennifer Firestone is a licensed clinical social worker in Maryland and Virginia who specializes in couples who are seeking premarital counseling as well as those who are struggling in their relationship and seek to explore their current issues as well as improve their interactions with healthy alternative communication and relational skills. Jennifer has received extensive training by Terry Real and has been certified in Relational Life Therapy (RLT). She is a certified sex therapy informed professional.

Jennifer has 27 years of experience working with children, high risk adolescents, and adults coping with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, and grief using cognitive behavioral therapy and supportive counseling.

Jennifer attended the University of Pittsburgh for undergraduate and graduate school. She has worked in multiple settings including residential, foster care, hospitals, and outpatient clinics.

"Jennifer Firestone is a compassionate listener who helped empower me to make important choices that I lacked confidence to make on my own.  She helped me make positive, lasting changes."

– Client 

Licensed in Maryland and Virginia

Aliza Graber is a licensed social worker and clinical supervisor with 16 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Aliza received her Masters in Social Work from Yeshiva University and has worked in a variety of settings, including as a college advisor, middle school counselor, and psychotherapist. 

Aliza’s speciality is working with teenagers struggling with anxiety, depression, and challenging life transitions. Aliza uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to guide clients on their path of self-discovery. Aliza works with clients to understand and accept their feelings, build better self esteem, and learn coping skills for dealing with life’s ups and downs.

"Aliza Graber makes my son feel at ease and comfortable sharing his thoughts, feeling and concerns.  She gives him small, concrete goals to work on each week.  The fact that they walk during the therapy sessions is a huge bonus. Their walks help him to feel calm and centered and better able to process their conversations.  Aliza’s vast experience working with adolescents is evident from the quality of the therapy that she provides.  She welcomes parental input and collaboration with parents and other professionals in a child’s life, providing a holistic approach to the therapy process.  My son’s experience working with Aliza has been transformative for him."

– Parent of Client

Licensed in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. 

Devora provides therapeutic support to children, adolescents, and adults. 

She has a diverse background that spans various settings, including schools, adoption agencies, geriatric services, and hospitals. These experiences have given Devora a deep understanding of the unique challenges individuals face across the lifespan.

Devora tailors her approach to meet the diverse needs of her clients. Her primary therapeutic interventions include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), supportive counseling, and the development of essential coping skills. She is dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing therapeutic space where individuals can explore their challenges and develop resilience. Devora's warm and empathetic approach, combined with evidence-based interventions, fosters a collaborative therapeutic relationship that empowers her clients to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Devora earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees from the University of Maryland.

"For a while now, I have been searching for a therapist who can effectively assist my teenager. It was essential for my child to feel at ease with a therapist who possesses the necessary qualifications and experience to truly make a meaningful impact. Positive Strides with Devora has enabled my son to develop improved strategies for managing his feelings of grief and anxiety. He has acquired skills in identifying negative thoughts and transforming them into more positive ones. While walking and talking he has established a strong rapport with Devora and has found it easier to express emotions. Our family has experienced a significant improvement in overall happiness since beginning our work with Devora." 

– Parent of Client