Therapists in Silver Spring, MD

Samuel Cooper (he/him/they) is a Licensed Master Social Worker, meditation teacher, and yogi. He practices from a trauma-sensitive foundation of pancultural spirituality and eclectic theory, and believes that therapy must be creative, fluid, and collaborative in order to meet the unique and changing needs of each client. No matter how big or small the issues we face, no matter how deep or wide the questions we ask, he believes that each of us contains the power to move towards insight, growth, authenticity, and healing. Sam’s work is ultimately dedicated to the flourishing of all beings.

Relationship challenges, cultural and identity stressors, transitions, career stress, overwhelm, low self worth or often seek validation, concentration and procrastination, and trauma are my areas of expertise. We'll identify triggers; manage or resolve reactions related to PTSD, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, depression and more. We'll identify the psychological impact of past and current experiences and relationships on mood, behavior and thought patterns.I affirm BIPOC, AAPI, Latinx, LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent clients.

I have over 25 years of experience as a clinician working with hundreds of adult clients to help them achieve their goals. My main focus areas are self-actualization, addiction, sexuality, relationships, life situations, anxiety, depression, and spirituality. I am honest and fully present and committed to my work with clients. I use a compassion-centered perspective to help clients frame their problems into a series of value-based choices. I support, help organize, give perspective, document, and listen without judgment in order for you to make the best life decisions for your own best future.

It may be that life deals us the unexpected, or perhaps things just slowly begin to feel “off”—whatever the case may be, we can find growth and healing by exploring the ways our past affects our present. Scary? Definitely! But accessing these versions of ourselves that have been dormant is what helps us shift from surviving to thriving. Whether you’ve been experiencing anxiety, depression, life transition, trauma, or feeling burned out, I can help become a truer version of yourself. For your convenience, I offer online appointments for clients located in DC and MD, or in person appointments at my office in Farragut Square, DC.

Welcome to the next step of your journey! One of the most challenging decisions is to seek help and take action to heal ourselves. Taking action, looking deeply and deliberately at ourselves isn't an easy task. Without doing so, nothing changes. Dayna truly believes that every individual deserves to find lasting happiness that comes from within. No one can do this for another. Instead, it is a commitment to oneself. Whether the goal is personal growth, repairing relationships, or overcoming addiction, each person is capable of making the changes necessary to actualize their fullest potential.

People come for psychotherapy when they are hurting or feeling stuck in unproductive thinking and behavior. This can manifest in depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, issues with career and work performance and self deprecating behaviors. Loss, grief and illnesses can be hard to bear and cause feelings of aloneness. What is often needed is a safe environment for the cultivation of acceptance and compassion and the willingness to wisely explore in a trusting relationship. Developing space to have a new understanding of difficulties can open to greater awareness, sense of possibility and the capacity to live more fully.

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, empty, or stuck? You are not alone. These feelings can go beyond sadness, worry, or loneliness. Intense emotions and stressors may prevent us from enjoying activities, connecting with others, and finding deeper meaning. Overwhelming emotions combined with difficult environments may lead to a sense of hopelessness. Tools like therapy can empower you to overcome obstacles, increase well-being, and meaningfully thrive.

I work with create space for BIPOC, AAPI, Latinx, LGBTQ+ (diverse) clients toprocess their experiences and identify ways to advocate for themselves and manage the impact of their experiences. We'll identify cognitive, emotional and behavioral patterns and your strengths as we work to alleviate or eliminate sex or intimacy related challenges, identity related distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, pressure or overwhelm, discrimination or privilege, shame, transitions, self-esteem and more. We'll work to manage or reduce the adverse impact relationships and experiences on current cognitive, emotional and behavioural functioning.

With 50 years of clinical experience, a Duke U. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, I am an empathic, results-oriented psychologist. My specialties: relationships, anxiety, depression, stress reduction, intimacy, trauma & abuse. I work with adults, adolescents, & children in individual, couple, family & group therapy. I counsel in Spanish, French & Japanese. I've authored 4 books on intimacy & relationships & hold FREE monthly Zoom workshops on Mindfulness, Creative Movement & Relationships using guided imagery & music. My licensed associates and I serve MD, D.C. & VA. My interactive audio flyer is available at AacCounseling.com. Call me.

Thank You. We will design a healing journey that is uniquely yours! Specializing in trauma resolution and spiritually integrated psychotherapy. Working together considering all factors of mind, body, and spirit. Honoring chronic illness; reviewing your spiritual life or lack of; what you eat or don't; your thoughts and what you are afraid to think; how you move or are unable to move; what you vision for your-Self and what gets in the way. Acknowledging the great mystery of suffering and how to find meaning. Exploring your resiliency and your innate capacity to heal - seeking your strengths and what brings joy and happiness!

Your privacy is valued. Support is here for you that is discreet, convenient, and prioritizing you whether that’s with therapy or coaching, I am here. I will help you brave through life’s most challenging storms. We will weather them together and I’ll guide you to that beautiful rainbow on the other side. It’s there. It does exist. Every storm passes. You deserve your rainbow and I will help you create it. Change is hard. What’s hardest? Staying where you’re not meant to be. Allow me the honor to support you on your journey.

You want better than "fine". Even though you are (sometimes just barely) keeping your head above water, you hope there is a bigger, brighter life for you, maybe just out of sight. It's exhausting and dispiriting to feel stuck, going around in circles. You know you are ready for something to shift, to gain some real traction for lasting change and you need some help to get there. I'd love to help. Find more clarity & ease in your mind, more trust in your body, and learn to befriend all parts of yourself, especially the parts that have been challenging and that you'd usually prefer to just ditch. Get to way better than "fine".

I believe in an eclectic and individualized approach to helping folks achieve their unique goals and objectives, and to cultivate an optimal quality of life. I've worked with people who have experienced breast cancer, those recovering from complex post-traumatic stress disorder, individuals who’ve experienced intimate partner violence, people struggling with or recovering from alcohol use disorder, as well as those managing day-to-day anxieties and periods of depression. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I've helped my peers and allies explore identities, navigate relationships, etc.

Couples' sessions for parenting couples ready to improve their relationship, communication, and overall dynamics as they navigate and deal with the stressors of everyday life. I work best with motivated couples who are ready to learn and practice some new skills so that they can create a smoother, healthier and balanced relationship -the foundation of home and life - allowing them to be a good example to their kids, as well as perform better at work. It can be hard to make time to talk about the relationship, and investing in time just for that can make a major difference!