Couples Counseling Therapists in Bel Air, MD
I have worked with a diverse clientele, including but not limited to individuals, couples, families, and groups impacted by substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma, grief, and other mental health challenges.
Whether you have endured a life-altering experience that you are looking to process, are hoping to develop skills to successfully resolve conflicts, or find yourself weighed down by the stress each day brings - therapy can provide effective tools to assist in navigating life’s challenges when you feel “stuck”. I desire to walk alongside clients in this process—validating their experiences and prompting them to identify unhealthy thoughts and behaviors - while encouraging them to utilize the strengths and resources they already possess—so that they may be equipped to live a life that honors their personal values.
I have worked with a diverse clientele, including but not limited to individuals, couples, families, and groups impacted by substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma, grief, and other mental health challenges.
Whether you have endured a life-altering experience that you are looking to process, are hoping to develop skills to successfully resolve conflicts, or find yourself weighed down by the stress each day brings - therapy can provide effective tools to assist in navigating life’s challenges when you feel “stuck”. I desire to walk alongside clients in this process—validating their experiences and prompting them to identify unhealthy thoughts and behaviors - while encouraging them to utilize the strengths and resources they already possess—so that they may be equipped to live a life that honors their personal values.
No matter how your pain shows up, I’m here to support you to find your balance and move forward with a sense of hope and direction. I work with individuals navigating the resurfacing of past traumas, grief and loss, significant life transitions, and relationship challenges. These experiences can lead to feelings of chronic anxiety, depression, and burnout, especially when faced without the right support. My commitment is to truly listen, validate your journey and help you reconnect with your inner resources so you can take meaningful steps toward healing.
No matter how your pain shows up, I’m here to support you to find your balance and move forward with a sense of hope and direction. I work with individuals navigating the resurfacing of past traumas, grief and loss, significant life transitions, and relationship challenges. These experiences can lead to feelings of chronic anxiety, depression, and burnout, especially when faced without the right support. My commitment is to truly listen, validate your journey and help you reconnect with your inner resources so you can take meaningful steps toward healing.
Barbara Ruark
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CAC-AD, CPT-P
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21014 (Online Only)
We often find ourselves stuck when dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, addictions, and all the challenges life can throw at us.
The first step is the hardest, but you have done it. Life is full of challenges, from depression and anxiety to PTSD, grief, or other life adjustments. Whatever you are facing, counseling can help you learn to manage or overcome it.
We often find ourselves stuck when dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, addictions, and all the challenges life can throw at us.
The first step is the hardest, but you have done it. Life is full of challenges, from depression and anxiety to PTSD, grief, or other life adjustments. Whatever you are facing, counseling can help you learn to manage or overcome it.
Mollie Selmanoff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, CCM
Verified Verified
Bel Air, MD 21014 (Online Only)
In addition to the initial consultation, our first session will be longer so I can get a good history and begin to build a relationship.
We all go through transitions and difficulties in our lives. Therapy can be a great place to talk about anything that's going on with an impartial party and without judgement. Whether you want someone to vent to, work on a personal struggle, or create better open communication with a partner or as a family, I am here to guide you along the way.
In addition to the initial consultation, our first session will be longer so I can get a good history and begin to build a relationship.
We all go through transitions and difficulties in our lives. Therapy can be a great place to talk about anything that's going on with an impartial party and without judgement. Whether you want someone to vent to, work on a personal struggle, or create better open communication with a partner or as a family, I am here to guide you along the way.
Are you a couple seeking to strengthen your bond, rebuild trust, and renew commitment? Is your family seeking support in navigating life’s complexities together? I am here to walk alongside you. You deserve a space where you feel valued and safe to be vulnerable with yourself and in your relationships. We’ll work collaboratively to enhance communication, unravel unhelpful patterns, and rediscover the connection that you and your partner or family long for. Alongside couples and family therapy, I offer support to motivated individuals and young minds 10+ looking to grow, heal, and feel better prepared to cope with life’s challenges.
Are you a couple seeking to strengthen your bond, rebuild trust, and renew commitment? Is your family seeking support in navigating life’s complexities together? I am here to walk alongside you. You deserve a space where you feel valued and safe to be vulnerable with yourself and in your relationships. We’ll work collaboratively to enhance communication, unravel unhelpful patterns, and rediscover the connection that you and your partner or family long for. Alongside couples and family therapy, I offer support to motivated individuals and young minds 10+ looking to grow, heal, and feel better prepared to cope with life’s challenges.
Monika E Preston
Counselor, LCPC, CCTP, CCTHP, NCC
Verified Verified
Bel Air, MD 21014 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive experience working with adult individuals and couples from various cultural backgrounds and paths of life.
Hello! You are here, looking for a therapist, you are taking the first important step towards healing! "The wound is where the light enters you" - Rumi. I believe that there is always hope, even in the most difficult circumstances. I compassionately will support your journey as you work towards self-understanding, healing and growth; focusing on living your life with purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.
I have extensive experience working with adult individuals and couples from various cultural backgrounds and paths of life.
Hello! You are here, looking for a therapist, you are taking the first important step towards healing! "The wound is where the light enters you" - Rumi. I believe that there is always hope, even in the most difficult circumstances. I compassionately will support your journey as you work towards self-understanding, healing and growth; focusing on living your life with purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.
Courtney Harris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bel Air, MD 21014 (Online Only)
If you are ready, we will create a therapeutic relationship and create a road map to help you accomplish your goals.
My ideal client is eager to forge a new path for themselves. Committed to showing up for themselves but in need of help. As a therapist, I provide my clients with a welcoming, safe and non-judgmental environment. It is extremely important to me that my clients trust me and therefore feel comfortable to be open and honest. I believe and help my clients to see that the way we perceive, and approach challenges plays a crucial role in how we experience and navigate them. A mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles can lead to growth, more resilience and personal development.
If you are ready, we will create a therapeutic relationship and create a road map to help you accomplish your goals.
My ideal client is eager to forge a new path for themselves. Committed to showing up for themselves but in need of help. As a therapist, I provide my clients with a welcoming, safe and non-judgmental environment. It is extremely important to me that my clients trust me and therefore feel comfortable to be open and honest. I believe and help my clients to see that the way we perceive, and approach challenges plays a crucial role in how we experience and navigate them. A mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles can lead to growth, more resilience and personal development.
Susan J. Ruckel LCSW-C, Licensed Psychotherapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BS, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21014
My aim is to help individuals create a rich and meaningful life, while effectively handling the pain and stress that life inevitably brings. My goal is to respectfully treat and engage with clients in an emotionally safe environment. My passions are treating individuals, couples and families who wish to improve their relationships, are going through life transitions or have mental health concerns. I provide in-person sessions at my offices in Bel Air, MD or come to my new office in Street, MD and you will be welcomed to a serene space nestled in the woods of this lovely community. Secure Telehealth is also available.
My aim is to help individuals create a rich and meaningful life, while effectively handling the pain and stress that life inevitably brings. My goal is to respectfully treat and engage with clients in an emotionally safe environment. My passions are treating individuals, couples and families who wish to improve their relationships, are going through life transitions or have mental health concerns. I provide in-person sessions at my offices in Bel Air, MD or come to my new office in Street, MD and you will be welcomed to a serene space nestled in the woods of this lovely community. Secure Telehealth is also available.
As a military spouse myself, I understand the challenges military life can have.
With more than 10 years of counseling experience, I have acquired extensive knowledge in assisting children, adolescents, and adults with issues related to anxiety/depression, PTSD, mood, and trauma-related disorders. I also have extensive experience working with Veterans and older and disabled adults, including those with Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. I can help with an array of concerns, including but not limited to: improving coping skills, decreasing stressors, improving self-esteem, assistance with relationship issues, peer relationships, parenting skills, and family conflict.
As a military spouse myself, I understand the challenges military life can have.
With more than 10 years of counseling experience, I have acquired extensive knowledge in assisting children, adolescents, and adults with issues related to anxiety/depression, PTSD, mood, and trauma-related disorders. I also have extensive experience working with Veterans and older and disabled adults, including those with Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. I can help with an array of concerns, including but not limited to: improving coping skills, decreasing stressors, improving self-esteem, assistance with relationship issues, peer relationships, parenting skills, and family conflict.
Whether you are motivated by life stressors or a desire to find a more complete you, I am here to help. I work mostly with clients struggling to manage their day to day life with an eating disorder, anxiety, depression or substance abuse. I also specialize in couples and family counseling and believe that helping a person to work within their environment and make changes where they can is an important part of being your best self.
Whether you are motivated by life stressors or a desire to find a more complete you, I am here to help. I work mostly with clients struggling to manage their day to day life with an eating disorder, anxiety, depression or substance abuse. I also specialize in couples and family counseling and believe that helping a person to work within their environment and make changes where they can is an important part of being your best self.
It is not uncommon to find ourselves overwhelmed or struggling at some point in our lives. During those times, having an objective and unbiased person to talk to can provide clarity and support to ultimately foster growth and resilience in your personal narrative. I absolutely love working with clients through difficult life transitions, relationship issues, intimacy, LGBTQ+ and sexuality, kink, and ENM relationships. Being able to find your own boundaries and personal integrity through this can be so rewarding. Additionally, I have a soft spot for clients with infertility struggles and determining their own definition of family.
It is not uncommon to find ourselves overwhelmed or struggling at some point in our lives. During those times, having an objective and unbiased person to talk to can provide clarity and support to ultimately foster growth and resilience in your personal narrative. I absolutely love working with clients through difficult life transitions, relationship issues, intimacy, LGBTQ+ and sexuality, kink, and ENM relationships. Being able to find your own boundaries and personal integrity through this can be so rewarding. Additionally, I have a soft spot for clients with infertility struggles and determining their own definition of family.
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Rachel L Kendzejeski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21015 (Online Only)
Clients working with me can expect an emotionally safe space to process raw emotions and painful life experiences as they begin healing individually or with their partner.
Has life been feeling more difficult lately? Are all of your go-to self help efforts falling short, leaving you feeling stuck, helpless or defeated? Let’s figure this out together. It is my passion to help couples and individuals make intentional steps towards healing and getting “unstuck”. I recognize the importance of taking time to learn about your unique life experiences and relationship stories. As well as to collaborate with you to reach your relationship or personal goals for therapy. Together we create an individualized therapy plan with practical skills and realistic strategies that you can adapt to your daily life.
Clients working with me can expect an emotionally safe space to process raw emotions and painful life experiences as they begin healing individually or with their partner.
Has life been feeling more difficult lately? Are all of your go-to self help efforts falling short, leaving you feeling stuck, helpless or defeated? Let’s figure this out together. It is my passion to help couples and individuals make intentional steps towards healing and getting “unstuck”. I recognize the importance of taking time to learn about your unique life experiences and relationship stories. As well as to collaborate with you to reach your relationship or personal goals for therapy. Together we create an individualized therapy plan with practical skills and realistic strategies that you can adapt to your daily life.
Steven Acerno
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21014 (Online Only)
I also specialize in working with couples.
Is your teenager dealing with intense emotions like anxiety, anger or sadness? Are you tired of frequent family arguments? Is your family going through stressfull changes like divorce or loss of a loved one? When children don't have a way to process their internal struggles they often act out or withdraw. Teenagers see the world in a different way and face different struggles than adults. I am a licensed clinical social worker and specialize in working with teenagers and their families. I tailor sessions to address my clients' specific needs and to achieve their goals.
I also specialize in working with couples.
Is your teenager dealing with intense emotions like anxiety, anger or sadness? Are you tired of frequent family arguments? Is your family going through stressfull changes like divorce or loss of a loved one? When children don't have a way to process their internal struggles they often act out or withdraw. Teenagers see the world in a different way and face different struggles than adults. I am a licensed clinical social worker and specialize in working with teenagers and their families. I tailor sessions to address my clients' specific needs and to achieve their goals.
Kyleigh Daiker
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21014
My education and training has prepared me to help clients who are coping with relationship issues, grief, mood disorders, anxiety, identity issues, trauma, and transitional challenges (marriage, emerging adulthood, career changes, end of life/caregiving, identity development, etc).
Therapy can be a lifeline for some or a way of life for others. Either way, I will be there to support you during stressful and challenging times in your life. I enjoy building trusting and therapeutic relationships with my clients as a way to facilitate growth, acceptance, change, and development. I use an eclectic approach to my counseling practice, meaning I personalize the counseling experience by pulling from different approaches to help meet your specific needs. My goal as a therapist is to provide an affirming, validating space.
My education and training has prepared me to help clients who are coping with relationship issues, grief, mood disorders, anxiety, identity issues, trauma, and transitional challenges (marriage, emerging adulthood, career changes, end of life/caregiving, identity development, etc).
Therapy can be a lifeline for some or a way of life for others. Either way, I will be there to support you during stressful and challenging times in your life. I enjoy building trusting and therapeutic relationships with my clients as a way to facilitate growth, acceptance, change, and development. I use an eclectic approach to my counseling practice, meaning I personalize the counseling experience by pulling from different approaches to help meet your specific needs. My goal as a therapist is to provide an affirming, validating space.
Hanna Palmer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21014 (Online Only)
In family and couples therapy, I strive to create an open, honest, and safe dialogue for relationships to rebuild.
Making the choice to start therapy is not an easy one. I'm here to help you take that first step. I have worked with adults in a variety of mental health settings at all levels of care, and facilitated individual, family, and couples therapy sessions. I have over 12 years of experience, and my primary specialties are eating disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, life transitions, interpersonal relationships, and infertility. I am client centered, and aim to empower my clients to take back and find their voice to best communicate their needs. Your needs matter and you are worth it.
In family and couples therapy, I strive to create an open, honest, and safe dialogue for relationships to rebuild.
Making the choice to start therapy is not an easy one. I'm here to help you take that first step. I have worked with adults in a variety of mental health settings at all levels of care, and facilitated individual, family, and couples therapy sessions. I have over 12 years of experience, and my primary specialties are eating disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, life transitions, interpersonal relationships, and infertility. I am client centered, and aim to empower my clients to take back and find their voice to best communicate their needs. Your needs matter and you are worth it.
My goal is to provide a strong enough supportive relationship that root issues can be confronted and brought into the light.
Throughout life everyone experiences varying degrees of struggle which often feel completely unmanageable when we try to brave it alone. The shame and embarrassment that can be associated with asking for help can be paralyzing and can leave us writhing in pain and feeling alone. When in reality, the ability to recognize the need for support is something that should be celebrated and admired. If you are brave enough to reach out, you deserve a safe space of non judgment, empathy, compassion and understanding where you can sort through your concerns and learn the skills to eventually better manage them on your own.
My goal is to provide a strong enough supportive relationship that root issues can be confronted and brought into the light.
Throughout life everyone experiences varying degrees of struggle which often feel completely unmanageable when we try to brave it alone. The shame and embarrassment that can be associated with asking for help can be paralyzing and can leave us writhing in pain and feeling alone. When in reality, the ability to recognize the need for support is something that should be celebrated and admired. If you are brave enough to reach out, you deserve a safe space of non judgment, empathy, compassion and understanding where you can sort through your concerns and learn the skills to eventually better manage them on your own.
I have extensive experience working with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Relationship Issues, and Family Conflict.
Sometimes, the first step to seeking help is the hardest. Fortunately, you won’t have to experience this journey alone! I am happy to be accepting new clients for Family, Individual, and Couples Therapy. Our work will be collaborative, as I want to ensure each client experiences understanding, compassion, empathy, and respect. My passion is in helping clients rebuild and re-establish trust and connectedness in their relationships with others, as well as within themselves. I also tend to use humor in sessions. Therapy can be difficult, but there's room for a little laughter along the way.
I have extensive experience working with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Relationship Issues, and Family Conflict.
Sometimes, the first step to seeking help is the hardest. Fortunately, you won’t have to experience this journey alone! I am happy to be accepting new clients for Family, Individual, and Couples Therapy. Our work will be collaborative, as I want to ensure each client experiences understanding, compassion, empathy, and respect. My passion is in helping clients rebuild and re-establish trust and connectedness in their relationships with others, as well as within themselves. I also tend to use humor in sessions. Therapy can be difficult, but there's room for a little laughter along the way.
Michele Goldman-Ranger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21014 (Online Only)
I believe that a trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation of a success.
Starting therapy is a brave first step, It takes a lot of courage to ask for help! My approach as a therapist has been to provide a safe, warm and accepting space in which to fully explore the thoughts, feelings or behaviors that are interfering with your ability to achieve balance and fulfillment in either your personal life or relationship!
I believe that a trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation of a success.
Starting therapy is a brave first step, It takes a lot of courage to ask for help! My approach as a therapist has been to provide a safe, warm and accepting space in which to fully explore the thoughts, feelings or behaviors that are interfering with your ability to achieve balance and fulfillment in either your personal life or relationship!
Steven B Andrus
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21014
I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families rediscover hope through the counseling process. Whether you struggle with mental, emotional, relational, or spiritual issues I believe professional counseling can be a great benefit to you. I have training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families rediscover hope through the counseling process. Whether you struggle with mental, emotional, relational, or spiritual issues I believe professional counseling can be a great benefit to you. I have training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Paul B. Sheesley, MA, LPC, LCPC, LCADC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC, LCADC
Verified Verified
Bel Air, MD 21014
My work with individuals, couples and families is drawn from psychodynamic, emotionally focused, cognitive behavioral theories using a variety of thoughtful and targeted interventions.
Therapy is not education or advice-giving. People are unique, so elements of therapy are tailored because healing is different for everybody. My treatment approach is an atmosphere were you can speak your mind safely, to someone who listens, listens intelligently, and cares is important. I believe a successful counseling experience depends on the therapists ability to understand and respect the unique concerns, background, and context of each patient. I am committed to achieving such an understanding in every counseling relationship.
My work with individuals, couples and families is drawn from psychodynamic, emotionally focused, cognitive behavioral theories using a variety of thoughtful and targeted interventions.
Therapy is not education or advice-giving. People are unique, so elements of therapy are tailored because healing is different for everybody. My treatment approach is an atmosphere were you can speak your mind safely, to someone who listens, listens intelligently, and cares is important. I believe a successful counseling experience depends on the therapists ability to understand and respect the unique concerns, background, and context of each patient. I am committed to achieving such an understanding in every counseling relationship.
See more therapy options for Bel Air
Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.