Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Bates.
Hi Angela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Angela Bates, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and the author of Abundant Living: Daily Meditations and Affirmations to Live an Amazing and Awesome Life! I’ve proudly called Maryland home for over 20 years, though my journey began in Philadelphia and shortly thereafter my family relocated to Connecticut. As a young adult, I then moved to Maryland as a single mother with my son, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start.
My path to becoming a therapist wasn’t a straight line—it evolved through my own personal growth, challenges, and a deep desire to help others heal and live passionately. Later in my career, I worked in various settings, where I saw firsthand the resilience of people who were struggling but still striving to find peace and hope. Those experiences fueled my passion for helping others uncover their inner strength and rewrite their stories.
Over the years, I founded my private practice, Genesis Counseling Services, a space built on faith, compassion, and empowerment. My practice focuses on helping adults navigate life transitions, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, grief and self-esteem. I integrate cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based, and faith-centered approaches to help clients experience transformation from the inside out.
As I grew in my work, I also felt called to expand my reach beyond the therapy room—through writing, workshops, vision board parties, and now, women’s retreats. My book, Abundant Living was born out of my desire to share daily encouragement and practical journaling tools for emotional and spiritual growth. My mission is simple: to help people live abundantly, heal deeply, and walk boldly in their walk.
Looking back, every challenge and change has shaped the work I do today. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help others see that healing and joy are possible—no matter where they start.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first moved to Maryland, it was a huge adjustment—I didn’t have any family nearby for support. I stayed with a family friend for a few months until I was able to move into my own place, and that season taught me a lot about independence, faith, and perseverance. It was a period of uncertainty, but also one that helped me build resilience and trust that every challenge had a purpose.
Over the years, like many people, I’ve faced my share of ups and downs—financial struggles, housing transitions, and employment changes. Each obstacle, though difficult at the time, helped me grow stronger and more grounded. Those experiences deepened my empathy for others who are navigating their own storms and reminded me that setbacks are often setups for something greater.
Eventually, I made the decision to return to school and follow my passion for psychology and helping others. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, became a National Certified Counselor, and achieved licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland. Most recently, I also became licensed in South Carolina, expanding my ability to serve clients across states.
Looking back, I can honestly say that every challenge along the way was part of my preparation. Those experiences shaped the foundation of my work and strengthened my belief that resilience, faith, and purpose can turn even the hardest seasons into stepping stones.
We’ve been impressed with Genesis Counseling Service, Inc., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am Angela Bates, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) based in Maryland, dedicated to guiding individuals toward emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Through my practice, Genesis Counseling Services, I help adults and couples navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, balance, and purpose.
I specialize in working with individuals experiencing grief, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, and relationship issues. My counseling style is empathetic, mindful, and client-centered. I believe that healing begins with being seen, heard, and understood. From the very first session, I focus on building a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship rooted in respect, compassion, and authenticity.
While my primary therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I also integrate techniques from psychodynamic therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. I understand that each person’s story is unique, so I tailor my approach to meet each client where they are. I firmly believe that one size does not fit all—healing and growth happen when therapy is customized to fit the individual, not the other way around.
What sets me apart is the combination of professional expertise and lived experience that I bring to my work. My journey has given me a deep sense of empathy and insight into life’s transitions, which allows me to connect with clients in a way that feels both professional and deeply personal. I also integrate faith-based principles for clients who desire it, helping them align their emotional healing with spiritual growth.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the space I’ve created—both physically and emotionally—for people to heal, reflect, and rediscover themselves. Genesis Counseling Services isn’t just about managing symptoms; it’s about helping people transform their lives, rebuild confidence, and embrace abundance.
For anyone seeking a compassionate and experienced counselor to walk beside them on their journey to self-discovery and wholeness, I invite you to explore the possibilities within our sessions. If you are ready to take the next step toward living a more fulfilling, purposeful life, I would be honored to support you on that journey.
In addition to counseling, I also share my passion for personal growth through writing, workshops, and retreats. My book, Abundant Living: Daily Meditations and Affirmations to Live an Amazing and Awesome Life, was created to inspire others to embrace healing and live intentionally. These extensions of my work allow me to reach people beyond the therapy room—helping them cultivate abundance in every area of their lives.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that might surprise people is that my personal challenges—the struggles of being in a new state without family support, working to build stability, and pushing through seasons of uncertainty—are the very experiences that shaped who I am as both a person and a therapist. When people meet me professionally, they often see the calm, confident counselor, but what they may not realize is that my strength was forged through my own journey of resilience.
Moving to Maryland as a single mother, starting over from scratch, and finding my footing taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, faith, and self-compassion. Those experiences gave me not only empathy but also a deep, genuine understanding of what it feels like to rebuild, to question your path, and to still choose hope.
My story isn’t just about becoming a therapist—it’s about transformation. Every challenge I faced became a tool I now use to help others heal and thrive. I believe that’s what makes my approach so personal and relatable. I don’t just teach resilience; I’ve lived it.
Pricing:
- $150 Individual Session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.genesiscounselingsi.org
