Emotionally Focused Therapists in Annapolis, MD

Finding happiness within ourselves and our relationships may seem unattainable at times. We are often faced with painful thoughts, emotions and behaviors that intercede, leaving us feeling disconnected and alone. My therapeutic approach allows clients to feel safe in order to explore these painful emotions and gain an understanding in how they affect client's self-worth and interpersonal relationships.

Welcome! Specializing in Individual and Couples Psychotherapy for over 30 years. Trained at Columbia, Harvard, and University of Michigan, with Post-Doc. Trainings in Psychoanalysis, Sensorimotor PT, Imago, EFT , and PACT Couples Therapy. These Models are powerful, brain based approaches which achieve the following goals: increased safety between couples or family members, interruption of destructive cycles of relating, improved emotional regulation and less reactivity. Used also for Individuals! Secure attachment bonds are created with interpersonal psycho education, Imago Dialogue, and shared agreements for caring and safety.

As a therapist, I believe it is particularly important to create a space where clients are able to openly consider the changes that they would like to see in their own lives and relationships and learn, grow and expand to make those changes to see what life becomes. My area of particular expertise is exploring the entire system during the therapy process, with the understanding that we are all deeply impacted by the people that surround us.

I am a psychotherapist and a marriage and family therapist in private practice in Annapolis, Maryland. I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical and am designated as a Clinical Member and an Approved Supervisor by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. My practice includes Couple, Family and Individual Psychotherapy including relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, anger, couple issues, sexual issues, separation and divorce issues, life transitions, grief and loss issues, mid-life issues, child and teen issues, and dysfunctional family issues. In addition I teach and train couple therapists in EFT ( Emotionally Focused Therapy) for Couples.

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." - Maya Angelou. I specialize in working with those who struggle with compulsive sexual behaviors, pornography use, relationship and intimacy issues, codependency, enmeshment, infidelity, sexual abuse, betrayal trauma, and/or other forms of complex trauma and PTSD.

Thank you for viewing my page and considering working together. Taking steps towards change can be overwhelming. The good news is that because you're exploring counselors to work with you've already taken a step in making changes. I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a certified International Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Counselor and a board certified Sexologist, with a PhD in Sexology. I have over eight years of experience working with clients from age 18-Seniors. My goal is to help clients attain peace of mind and achieve their goals regarding their mental health and emotional well-being.

If you are here, you are hurting and want help. You may be feeling depressed, anxious, or angry. You may be struggling in relationship to yourself and others. You may be obsessing about the past or have serious worries about the future. And you may be stuck after trying many things on your own. I know it is easy to get discouraged, but also know that with the right help, things can definitely get better. And that is what I am genuinely here to provide.

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.

I offer individual, couples counseling, and family psychotherapy for adults over 18 years old. I aim to help clients learn a deeper understanding of their dignity and worth. I believe in the concept of treating the mind, body, and spirit in unity in order to become the best version of ourselves. I believe that life experiences have helped me to have a deeper understanding of how the human person grows and flourishes and would like to bring that hope into every counseling session.

Starting therapy can be an intimidating, but life changing decision. My goal is to foster an authentic, individualized, & judgment-free relationship, no matter who you are or where you're at in life. Whether you are brand new to therapy, or have been in therapy for years & need something new, I'm here to support you from session one. When working together, I'll combine traditional talk therapy with an integrated health approach. What this means is, as we explore what brings you in each week, we'll also talk about ALL aspects of your health like quality of sleep, chronic pain, work life, finances, & all things that affect wellbeing.

Discover how to rekindle your loving relationship and eliminate criticism, defensiveness and dismissiveness. You can stop feeling alone, abandoned or ignored. Learn how to stop having the same arguments over and over again. In the beginning of your relationship, you may have felt connected and happy, and now, you might wonder, "What happened?" and "How can we reignite that spark and love again?". Learn how to feel loved, cared about, validated and heard. Start having fun and feeling connected with your partner again. Whether you are single, married or divorced learn how to have the love and happiness you want Today!

I am a counselor and psychotherapist working with adults ages 21 and above as well as couples. My training and experience includes a broad range of mental health conditions. I use an integrative and strengths-based approach to therapy that emphasizes cognitive change and emotion-regulation. My style in working with clients is interactive and educational. Client goals are central to the therapy process.

What prevents you from living your life with ease and purpose? Maybe you're feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, and disconnected from yourself and those you feel closest to. Always moving from one thing to the next with little time for yourself now just feels exhausting. You'd like to know yourself better, to show up in your life in more authentic ways but you're not sure how. Together using therapeutic and mindfulness strategies we find ways to help you feel more connected with yourself and the people you care about.

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.

I strive to help individuals & couples to overcome obstacles stemming from past trauma, confront challenges in the present, & achieve milestones which inspires them to face the future, self-assured. I provide a supportive platform for clients to become aware of subconscious patterns (thoughts, behaviors, reactions), identify as well as take responsibility of that which is in their control, make a personal commitment to course correct, & learn ways to cope with the discomfort of change. This can require you to use both your internal & external resources, purposefully & productively, for the wellbeing and improvement of your life.

You've made a brave decision! It takes a great deal of courage and strength to ask for help. I know it's not easy struggling with problems alone not knowing where to turn or who you can trust. Give me a call today and let's sort things out together! We can get from where you are to where you desire to be. You shouldn't suffer alone no matter what mistakes or messes life has brought you. Today is the day to take a leap of faith! Start your healing journey in a safe space and let's sort through your struggles and figure things out. Let's journey together.

Do you feel stuck? Are you seeking change to experience more enjoyment from life? Do you perhaps have a child or teen who is struggling? Throughout all phases of life, various stressors can make it difficult to navigate. Often, we feel ill-equipped to confront such obstacles alone. My hope is that, through the therapeutic alliance, we can lessen the weight of such challenges and develop coping strategies to overcome barriers preventing you from getting the most out of life.