Find a Therapist in White Oak, Maryland.

I use an evidence-based approach to therapy. This means that the techniques I use are proven to help you overcome your challenges, whether it be depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or life transitions. Together we will create a space where you can feel safe talking openly about your challenges, learning and practicing new skills, and getting genuine feedback. In our work together, I will help you untangle the confusing, complex emotions you may be feeling. We will explore and confront the fears, doubts, self-criticisms, and other thoughts that keep you up at night. No matter what you’re struggling with, we'll work together to help you feel better.

My first task in psychotherapy is to provide a safe and secure environment. I provide my clients with care, calmness, respect and stability to help address life challenges in new ways. Being non-judgmental, open-minded, empathetic and listening with respect helps set the stage for the deeper work that needs to be done. I help my clients evaluate whether their present life choices are providing what he or she wants. I also help my clients become aware of and transform the mental, emotional, interpersonal and/or behavioral strategies that cause his/her suffering. My approach to psychotherapy is to help clients become what he/she wants to become, to be better equipped to deal with life’s challenges, and to be in a greater state of health and harmony.

All of our counselors are trained in cognitive behavioral therapy. This means that you will talk with your therapist about concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, adjusting to change and loss, and other issues that negatively effect you. You and your therapist discuss a plan that helps you think and behave in ways that are helpful, in line with your values, and brings relief from those issues. BELOW IS A LIST OF SOME OF THE CONCERNS WE ADDRESS: Depression Postpartum Issues Anxiety Grief Adjustment Difficulties Aftermath of Divorce Life Changes Loss of Pet Loss of Health Death of loved one Stress

I work collaboratively with individuals to set goals and articulate areas of growth. I use cognitive and psychodynamic approaches to help you to: Understand and process the sources of distress, and Develop coping styles and behaviors to better manage that distress. Some issues benefit not only from talk therapy but also medication. I may recommend this combined approach of both psychotherapy and medication to help lessen distress. I have working relationships with area psychiatrists making this combined approach easier for the patient.

Psychotherapy means different things to each therapist and to each person seeking therapy. What are YOU looking for? I’d love to talk with you about how we can make our relationship work for you. Do you prefer virtual or telephone sessions? Would you rather have a cup of coffee in the office? Or maybe you feel safest in your own home and would like to meet there. We are committed to providing what you need to grow and heal. Don’t be afraid to ask. That’s the first step toward growing into the person you were meant to be!

Psychotherapy encompasses more than support, problem solving, or coaching. It is the process of engaging with another person, a skilled therapist, to help you learn more about yourself and see yourself more accurately. With a skilled therapist such as a licensed clinical psychologist, you can assess what you like and what you'd like to change about yourself and your life. You can explore what keeps you "stuck" in unhappy or self-defeating circumstances and work toward gaining the insight you need to have a happier and more satisfying life.

Do you wonder what "normal" is? Do you feel like there's a rulebook for life that you never got? Do you spend a lot of time trying to make other people happy and wishing they would do the same for you? I can help. I help my clients to change the ways they've always thought and felt about themselves so they can choose a new, more balanced life. You'll be amazed at how much better you can feel!

“The Golden Rule” can be a helpful guide to psychotherapy: treating others as you would like to be treated, with gentleness, pacing, and respect. If a counseling session is likened to conversing with a knowledgeable advisor on the doorstep of your home, psychotherapy can be like inviting that advisor into the “parlor” or “living room” of your inner world based on trust, at-ease-ness, and confidence in your advisor’s insight. My approach to psychotherapy is interactive and strengths-based, starting with cognitive (thought-based) or behavioral coping skills, and moving into awareness of family of origin themes and the impact of past trauma when needed to activate more enduring personal growth in the client.

What is psychotherapy? Some people say “psychotherapy is the treatment to work on your personal situation”, and others say “psychotherapy is the place for you to talk about your problem and your therapist will work with you to figure out the better way to manage it” Well…both of them are correct. When you seek therapy, that does not mean you are weak. In fact, attending therapy is a brave behavior as you allow yourself to be vulnerable in front of another person (your therapist), and you are willing to touch on some undesirable characteristics about yourself and work on that. By doing so, you are getting closer to your true self and make your life more beautiful than ever.

You have inherent worth and value. My "Treasure Therapy" is a journey to rediscover that treasure. We are all interconnected as part of the same human “family” systems or fields. By increasing awareness of ourselves and others around us, and increasing our acceptance of ourselves and others, we are changed. Therefore, rather than trying to outright change you, my approach starts with mindfulness and paradoxical acceptance. Change is a byproduct of radical acceptance.

I am truly honored to work with individuals and couples from all backgrounds and orientations. I am also proud to partner with underserved populations such as those in law enforcement, the military, faith based and LGBTQIA+ communities. I respect and honor you as the expert in your own life and will create a space that is safe, affirming, and authentic.

My approach to counseling revolves around the idea that our dissatisfaction with life is rooted in the reality that the world we exist in is greatly removed from the world we want to live in. In therapy we will learn to adjust our expectations of our ideal world, but more importantly we will discover our ability to change the world we live in. Through this journey we will become better acquainted with your resilience and potential!

We usually go to see a therapist when we're wanting something to be different in our lives. Learning and growing throughout our lives is a good and courageous thing. I work with people to help them get the change they are looking for. I seek to create a safe place and work collaboratively so people can reach their goals and begin feel happy with who they are, their lives, and relationships. I participate in many learning opportunities and I bring new ideas and inspiration to my work with clients.