Self Esteem Therapists in Annapolis, MD

Hello, and thank you for visiting this page. In my practice, I work primarily with adolescents and young adults struggling with eating disorders, body image issues and self esteem concerns. I have a strong understanding of the relationship between trauma and body image, and I work delicately with my clients to help recognize these connections to facilitate healing. My experience comes from years working on an eating disorders inpatient unit, day hospital and IOP. Art Therapy can be beneficial for those who struggle to express themselves verbally and is a popular modality in the treatment of PTSD and eating disorders.

As a Licensed Social Worker, I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a variety of challenges - depression, anxiety, ADHD, learning disabilities, substance abuse, grief & loss, & dual diagnosis. I employ a strengths-based approach, one that provides assistance & guidance, while focusing on resources & problem solving potentials of the individual. Other modalities may include play therapy for children, art therapy, & cognitive behavioral therapy which examines the ways of thinking patterns that may prevent us from achieving a healthy outcome.

My office is located at Maryland Therapeutic Riding and is surrounded by 25 acres of gorgeous fields and healing horses. Being outside in nature or working with the horses provides opportunities for respite and healing. My main service is equine facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) and sessions that take place outside in nature. Horses are non-judgmental and able to provide in the moment feedback to help clients overcome obstacles, learn new skills, self reflect, problem solve, and work toward meeting goals. Working outside provides the opportunity to reset, ground, and find peace.

As a licensed therapist, I have experience working with individuals and families of various ages and backgrounds in school, hospital and private practice settings. I currently focus my clinical work with tweens/teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, stress, depression and self-esteem. And, as a biracial (Asian/White) therapist, I am knowledgeable about unique identity issues for biracial/multiracial individuals and am passionate about supporting others in this area. I believe therapy should be a collaborative process, and view clients as the experts of their own experiences.

One of my favorite psychologists said “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” I believe in your potential for growth and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support you along the way!

We believe that every client has their own strengths and tools to get through difficult times and to grow. However, sometimes we just need a little navigation to discover those strengths. Our goal is to work together in identifying your strengths and empowering you to use them. We strive to create a warm and open atmosphere so you have a comfortable space to share your thoughts, feelings and challenges.

Are you feeling hopeless and powerless? Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy? Do you feel dejected and trapped when you are alone and with others? Do you get test anxiety or find it difficult to start new relationships? Are you easily irritated and angered? Are you in need of support after experiencing the loss of a relationship or a loved one? Do you and your partner feel stuck in your relationship? Do you want to learn how to face challenges without fear? Do you want help with discovering how to live your best life?

I provide treatment for a variety of mental health problems with a specialty in anxiety, depression, and grief counseling. Other problems such as chronic stress, incessant worrying, low self-esteem, social anxiety, and adjustment disorders are also a major focus of my practice. Whether the problems that you are encountering are the result of a temporary stressor, or related to more long-term problems, therapy can help and I look forward to working with you.

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.

While a person can feel better after a good talk with a friend or relative, for moderate or severe distress, this relief is only temporary. At those times, it is beneficial to talk with a trained counselor who listens and interacts in a way to get to the very root for your emotional concerns. I offer my clients an opportunity to face their difficulties confidently and constructively; freeing them to enjoy all the good things life has to offer.

If you are stuck in unproductive patterns of behavior which negatively impact your life and your connections with others, I can help you lead a more satisfying, productive life and help you become more communicative, closer with your partner and/or others, and better able to cope with the challenges you will face, both today and in the future. For over 31 years, I have been providing therapy to couples, adults, and adolescents, in a variety of outpatient settings as a therapist and clinical supervisor. My treatment approaches include Imago Relationship Therapy, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and psychodynamic principles.

Has your teenager been struggling with anxiety, depression, a negative past experience or stress related to school? Have you felt overwhelmed, discouraged or frustrated while trying to cope with the demands of raising a teenager? Has it seemed as though you've tried all you can and you still don't have the answers? Do you feel out of options or as though you don't know what to do anymore?

“Knowledge is only rumor until it lives in the muscle.” This proverb from the Asaro tribe of Papua New Guinea is the foundation of how we bring what we learn into a lived experience and create lasting change. We can read books, watch videos, and make resolutions but until we truly move forward in a different way, we run the risk of getting stuck in old patterns. My goal is to help uncover the root causes that lead to the use of substances or behaviors that become detrimental to the spirit and values in the individual. Reclaiming these values and rebuilding self-esteem is possible and begins with a decision to seek help.

I am a licensed professional counselor who is a Christian. I understand how important it is to have a Christian counselor. If this is something you want to integrate into your counseling process I am able to do this and can use the Bible and your relationship with God to help you with whatever struggles you have. Integrating God and your beliefs is not a requirement to have counseling, but it is something I can offer. You can be yourself without fear of judgment when working with me. I respect your faith and denominational differences. I don’t have an agenda nor am I preachy.

Are you ready to change your life for the better? The first step necessary to make a change in your life is asking for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it takes courage to not only seek change in life but to also ask for help. I understand through my own experiences the various challenges life has to offer. Therapy can help you gain control of your life in an effort to help you achieve your goals, develop a greater sense of self-awareness & self-esteem. Therapy can help to improve your overall well-being and quality of life. I offer Christian counseling for clients who would like to incorporate their faith.

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.

Throughout my career, I have worked with clients from as young as the preschool years to early adulthood who have struggled with depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, self-harm, stress, grief, behavioral issues, and relationship issues. I have a particular interest in helping clients navigate life transitions, such as identity searching, career changes, and loss, and helping clients find meaning and purpose in their lives.