Photo of Lester Lee Burney, MS, HS-BCP, CSAM, LCPC
Lester Lee Burney
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, HS-BCP, CSAM, LCPC
Verified Verified
Catonsville, MD 21228
Counseling and therapy services should be approached as a collaborative effort between the counselor and client with the purpose of establishing and achieving goals mutually agreed upon. The goal is seeking to help the client address, resolve, and cope with issues that are affecting their wellness and ability to thrive in life. I work with clients who are experiencing life stressors that are causing distress in their lives that require therapeutic interventions and specified therapy approaches.
Counseling and therapy services should be approached as a collaborative effort between the counselor and client with the purpose of establishing and achieving goals mutually agreed upon. The goal is seeking to help the client address, resolve, and cope with issues that are affecting their wellness and ability to thrive in life. I work with clients who are experiencing life stressors that are causing distress in their lives that require therapeutic interventions and specified therapy approaches.
(443) 960-7438 View (443) 960-7438
Photo of Gardner McCullough, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gardner McCullough
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Catonsville, MD 21228
Accepting new patients! Take a step towards healing with a compassionate LCSW-C specializing in anxiety, trauma, and depression. Drawing from over a decade of experience, I understand the unique challenges you may face. I tailor an approach to support you the way that puts your needs first and foremost with a focus on helping you reach your goal. I integrate cognitive-behavioral models, including EMDR and CBT, with a patient-centered focus. My commitment is to guide you through challenges, fostering growth and resilience. Discover personalized therapy that empowers—where your unique healing journey takes center stage.
Accepting new patients! Take a step towards healing with a compassionate LCSW-C specializing in anxiety, trauma, and depression. Drawing from over a decade of experience, I understand the unique challenges you may face. I tailor an approach to support you the way that puts your needs first and foremost with a focus on helping you reach your goal. I integrate cognitive-behavioral models, including EMDR and CBT, with a patient-centered focus. My commitment is to guide you through challenges, fostering growth and resilience. Discover personalized therapy that empowers—where your unique healing journey takes center stage.
(410) 834-4858 View (410) 834-4858
Photo of Alan Kutner, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alan Kutner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Catonsville, MD 21228
"The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem." Are you tired of pretending "everything's fine", when it's not? Real men embrace vulnerability, honesty & courage. It takes guts to ask for help & face struggles head-on. It takes strength to open up & true bravery to take action for lasting change. We often hit a wall in life & reach a turning point – a bridge we need to cross. Are you looking for a therapist who is real and genuine & can guide you across? As we embark on this transformative journey, I will be here to support you every step of the way, empowering you to unlock your true potential.
"The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem." Are you tired of pretending "everything's fine", when it's not? Real men embrace vulnerability, honesty & courage. It takes guts to ask for help & face struggles head-on. It takes strength to open up & true bravery to take action for lasting change. We often hit a wall in life & reach a turning point – a bridge we need to cross. Are you looking for a therapist who is real and genuine & can guide you across? As we embark on this transformative journey, I will be here to support you every step of the way, empowering you to unlock your true potential.
(443) 373-0968 View (443) 373-0968
Compassion Focused Therapists

How does compassion-focused therapy work?

Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.

Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?

Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.

Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?

Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.

What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?

Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.