Marriage Counseling Therapists in Bel Air, MD

I have been practicing since 2001, working with issues involving anxiety, depression, addictions, marital difficulty, stress management, anger management, and trauma. I love working with my clients to help them accomplish their life and relationship goals. We do our best work when we feel comfortable, therefore my practice is based on compassion and acceptance. Sometimes emotions and situations are overwhelming. However, it doesn't have to be that way. Allow me to help empower you to gain control over your life. Learn new ways to cope with your world and your relationships.

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 experience and training has been in development psychology and I use a family systems approach plus Marriage and Family therapy using conflict resolution techniques. I have over 20 years of experience treating substance abuse disorders/co-occurring, ACOA issues and codependency.I work closely with all psychiatrists to develop the best and most effective treatment plan. I have extensive experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Choice Theory, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and Motivational Interviewing,

As a professional counselor it is my sincere hope that everyone who suffers with mental, emotional, or spiritual pain, learn to live by their own self direction with wellbeing and purpose. If you feel that your life has become unmanageable or if you feel stuck in your personal life, marriage , career or spirituality, today I tell you there is help for you. I am a dually licensed counselor and my mission is to rehabilitate the mind, body, and spirit using scientific clinical interventions and techniques.

I provide psychotherapy services to individuals. Treatment is individualized to clients' specific needs and I help to empower clients seeking to move forward, to achieve their wellness goals through a process of reflection and reasoning. I take a multicultural approach to treatment that considers racial and ethnic diversity as well as diversity in spirituality.

I believe in your power to transform your life through goal setting and a personal commitment to change. For many people, facing the pain of our childhood and adulthood trauma or experiences is challenging. We often choose to continue avoiding these feelings with hopes they will go away, all in attempt to protect ourselves and to continue pushing through life. In other circumstances, you may have been trying to make a difference, feel like you are not getting anywhere, or do not know where to begin. I’m here to help you navigate through these past and current struggles in a safe, nonjudgmental, and affirming space.

I focus on meeting people where they are, and moving at their pace. Everyone encounters "speed bumps" and some times are harder than others. My hope is that I can help you through difficult times and learn healthy ways to get through tough and see the silver linings. I have worked with individuals with wide range of needs that range from anxiety, depression, family conflict, behavioral issues, suicidal ideation, self-harm, polyamorous relationships, addictions, and more.

My ideal clients usually have many issues that they would like to discuss. Some of these are anxiety, depression, bipolar illness 1 and 2, grief and loss, issues regarding the criminal justice system, trauma, and separation and divorce and addiction. My clients usually want to discuss their issues and work through them by learning new skills and tools to use to help them feel better.

As a therapist, I try to help clients navigate through difficult times. Whether it is a current challenge, or a past hurt, I provide encouragement and guidance to assist clients in their healing. My practice style is client centered. While I may use many different techniques in therapy, my focus is on treating each person in an individualized manner. Entering therapy is hard for any person, so I try to make it as painless as possible. Our first session will involve goal setting and figuring out what the client wants to achieve.

Are you a mom suffering from postpartum depression or anxiety? Was your birth experience not at all what you expected and now you're struggling to handle how you're feeling? I can help you process, feel seen, and feel better. I believe that everyone has the ability to heal with the right help and you deserve to feel happy. I believe that the relationship that one has with their therapist is the most important part in guiding others to a place where they want to be, where they can function more effectively, and most importantly, thrive.

Sometimes in life we experience a disconnect between where we want to be and where we are in our thoughts, behaviors, or relationships. I am here to help you understand yourself better so that you can begin to mindfully live life to the fullest. I specialize in working with clients through life transitions, relationship issues, family conflict, and workplace challenges. I have a passion for helping clients navigate everyday difficulties including finding balance and reducing anxiety. Additionally, I have a growing number of clients seeking to improve communication and form more meaningful connections.

I am a licensed therapist with 11 years experience, committed to helping individuals, couples, families and groups begin the journey to the goal of improving your mental health and overall wellness. Post masters degree I have undergone extensive clinical training, workshops and supervisions which provided me the knowledge, wisdom and expertise in this field of wellness.

(Accepting new in person and telehealth clients as of 03/20/2023) There are many reasons why someone would seek therapy each of which is valid. The path to staying well emotionally can be different for everyone as meeting the demand of life’s challenges is an arduous process. Whether you are managing a lifelong struggle or are expressing stress related to current issues, the path forward can be navigated. I provide a collaborative approach working with both individuals and families utilizing a variety of therapeutic techniques to help guide them on the path towards their goals.

As a client-centered therapist, my approach to psychotherapy emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding and acceptance. Every person deserves time to better understand themselves, with the help of a judgment free environment. I help to identify thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are experienced and work collaboratively to better understand and manage them. Together, we will make a commitment to strive for personal growth and development.

“It wasn’t that bad. I should get over it.” Does that sound familiar? Many people shame themselves for being hurt by the past. Shame doesn’t stop the suffering, regardless of what caused that pain. I am a therapist committed to helping people overcome stressful or traumatic experiences so that they can live better lives. Working with me involves finding the root of the problem, like when your inner critic first took hold, and weeding it out. I primarily use EMDR for this, which allows people to process the trauma without having to give details about it.

Humans are hard wired to connect. Connected to ourselves and connected to others. We want to feel empowered, loved and confident. Building resilience in people is not about making them tough. Resilience is having the tools to recover from difficulties and manage how you feel. Welcome, my name is Christie. I have a deep passion to help people within our community overcome adversity, empower them to their core, boost their self-esteem, celebrate their strengths and give them a safe place to express their emotions and feelings. Let me help empower and embody your strengths, giving you hope so you can grow and thrive as an individual.