Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in Annapolis, MD

I view my role as that of a guide because I truly believe that you know your needs, desires, and truth better than anyone else does. I have experience working with adults facing various needs including divorce, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, postpartum, relationship issues, and more.I utilize a variety of clinical skills including mindfulness, acceptance , and commitment ( ACT ), attachment, and humanistic. I've completed Postpartum and Perinatal trainings and love working with this population! Lastly, I'm fluent in French and Russian.

I serve clients who struggle with anxiety, ADHD/ADD, depression, self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts. Artistic talent is not needed for Art Therapy. Sometimes, feelings are just hard to put into words, so creating art helps people identify and share how they feel. My theoretical views are based off of Cognitive Behavioral Theory in which our thoughts, emotions and behaviors have a cyclical effect on each other. In order to change our behavior, we must first learn how our thoughts affect our emotions and vice versa.

As we navigate daily life sometimes we come across rough waters that overwhelm us, leaving us feeling adrift, without direction or purpose, even stranded and alone. Finding the "right" direction can be petrifying! In both my professional and private life, I've learned that getting support is integral to finding our way again. I am passionate about helping adults and couples learn new skills, uncover new perspectives, connect with a source of strength, and choose a more authentic path. Idea clients include caregiver burnout, young adult transition, parenting and Adult ADHD.

Therapy is an invitation to learn about ourselves and our world. This search, both joyful and difficult, can be hard to tackle alone. In therapy we explore together the questions that confront us, such as: Who am I? Why do I often act in ways I can’t explain? How can I learn to feel comfortable in my own skin? How can I find greater meaning in my work? Why is it sometimes difficult to love the people close to me? How can I imagine a new way of living? Delving into these questions with a therapist can help clear away impediments and give us courage to live, love, and learn well.

What if life could be lived without persistent doubt, worry and regret? As your therapist I will guide you along the path to overcoming life’s challenges. I have a passion for individual human development, processing trauma(s) and the complexity of the human mind and how it affects each and everyone of our lives uniquely. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida in 2014 and obtained my Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2017.

Seeking out therapy can be a scary process, and despite this, you are taking your first step toward growth. You may be struggling with anxious thoughts, depressive mood, or unhealthy behaviors. You might lack support from others or you are tired of living in fear. Whatever the case may be, you are also wishing to grow and heal as a person.

Hi momma. Are you anxious? Stressed? Overwhelmed? I’m here to help and I am honored that you’re considering me as part of your support system. My name is Heather and I work with women who are struggling with anxiety, stress, and obsessive thoughts to help them build coping strategies and resilience in order to live more balanced, fulfilled lives. I use integrated, evidenced-based methods to help you explore your lifestyle, relationships, career, values, and goals. You will have the opportunity to learn, heal, and grow in a safe, judgement free, and supportive space so that you can be the best version of YOU.

I work with individuals to develop tools to manage times of transition. Usually, it is from these uncomfortable times in life that tremendous growth occurs. Together we will discover strategies to manage and move beyond your discomfort with increased self-awareness. The bottom line is that this is your journey, and I am humbled to walk with you during this time of self-discovery. Ideal clients for me include young adults in life transitions, relationships, addiction, anxiety, and depression.

During my 26 years in the social work profession, I have had an array of experiences that have focused on crisis work with families, and individuals experiencing: trauma, loss, depression, grief, anxiety, low self-esteem, housing & employment issues, and family challenges. In my more recent practice years, I have enjoyed working with the LGBTQ community as a straight ally, and advocating for equal rights and fair treatment for all. I am also certified as a divorce mediator, and I provide clinical supervision to graduate level social work professionals seeking their LCSW-C licensure.

I establish a therapeutic relationship where clients learn to communicate and advocate for themselves in relationships with others. I teach clients skills to increase self-awareness and expand ways of responding to chronic stressors. These skills fall under the following themes: emotional regulation, distress management, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. In my work with clients, I reinforce choices that are connected to clients' value systems in order to stay motivated and working toward their personal goals.

If you are feeling stuck in a cycle of unhealthy thought patterns, plagued by the stress of strained relationships, or feeling overwhelmed by a change in your life, I would love to help you begin to increase your ability to cope and adapt to all that life has thrown at you. I genuinely enjoy building a trusting and friendly relationship with my clients. Our work together may look like taking time to process feelings, confronting difficult issues, and learning new, productive ways of handling life's many curveballs. The power of taking time for yourself and feeling heard by another person is often underestimated.

Have you ever thought…“There has to be more to life than this? What am I here for? No one understands me!” Do you sometimes feel as though you are not noticed or appreciated for what you bring to the table? Does anxiety, fear, worry, thoughts of traumatic events or depression seem to hang around longer these days? Ever think…“I can’t handle this! I don’t know what I’m going to do! Does anyone even care about what I’m going through?” I care and I am here to help you!

There comes a time when all of us need help finding the path forward. Sometimes we need a "reality check." Sometimes we just need someone to listen without judgment. Regardless of what therapist you decide on, you deserve nothing less than the latest treatment models backed by rigorous research. For years, I have helped clients from all walks of life bringing a wide range of challenges, including difficulties with productivity, impulsivity, extreme mood changes, anxiety, marriage/relationship problems, and more. I treat adults, couples, and families, and maintain a safe space to openly discuss gender identity and sexual orientation.