Attachment-based Therapists in Bethesda, MD

"Something we were withholding made us weak until we found out it was ourselves" (Robert Frost) Working closely together we'll help you become authentically, fully ALIVE by healing your past and current emotional wounds and breaking self- destructive habits/behaviors. We'll work relentlessly to liberate you from crippling anxiety, shame, detachment, loneliness and other destructive inhibitions creating your symptoms. Clients report a feeling of HOPE and MOMENTUM even after our first session! So, if you want to enjoy passionate relationships, become emotionally alive while experiencing internal peace and fulfill your unique potential, roll up your sleeves and let's get started!

Touched by Adoption? The Barker Foundation recognizes that adoption is a lifelong journey, with normal developmental challenges and tasks. We will walk with you through and support you through your journey. Whether you are an adoptive parent with a child that is struggling emotionally or academically; a birth parent who is seeking understanding, reflection, or search and reunion; or an adoptee looking for support- we are here for you.

As a clinician, I am aware that the decision to seek guidance in resolving an issue, is a difficult undertaking. With this in mind, I provide a non-judgemental, safe and supportive setting in which to move forward. I am interactive and direct. I have 30 years experience working with adolescents and adults who have confronted and resolved issues with anxiety, depression, life transitions and trauma (physical, emotional, sexual), which have impacted their lives.

Are you longing for vitality, a sense of choice or self-love/confidence in your life? Are you looking for authenticity, courageous conversations, resonance or deep trust repair in your relationship/s? Are you hoping to find how to live a meaningful and impactful life? I support authentic, compassionate and empowered relating to yourself and others with courageous journeying opening your full expression, connection and power for change. My clients are individuals, partners, co-parents, educators, caregivers or leaders, teams or groups who want to achieve greater trust, connection, resonance, collaboration and systemic resilience.

I believe healthy, trusting, connected relationships are the cornerstones of strong mental strength. Whether you’re coming in for couples counseling or individual therapy, I approach everything from a relational lens. When you feel fulfilled and empowered in your interpersonal relationships, you’re better equipped to handle the many stressors life presents.

Now available during after school hours! Its hard to be a teenager. Often my clients have a desire to better understand themselves and how experiences in their past inform who they are now. They may experience anxiety and depression or feel overwhelmed by stressors in their lives. Oftentimes, they struggle to cope with emotions or day to day stress and can be hard on themselves. I will work with you to process the emotions and beliefs that accompany relationship issues, identity exploration, emotional challenges, or past trauma, so you can move towards a life of fullness and connection with self and others.

I provide therapy to adults, couples, adolescents, and children, working with issues including relationship difficulties, life changes, trauma, grief, and emotion regulation. During therapy, I aim to meet you where you’re at and create an emotionally safe space where you can fully express yourself and heal, no matter what challenges you’re facing. I integrate techniques from client-centered, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, EMDR, EFT, the Gottman Method, and mindfulness- and attachment-based therapies to help clients deal with stress, anxiety, depression, and life events impacting well-being.

Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. You've made the courageous choice to seek professional help. I understand finding the right therapist can be tough, and this may be your first big step towards change. If you are wanting more calm and centeredness within yourself and more stability and connectedness in your relationships, we might be a good fit. I value collaboration, trust and safety above all else. I like to see us as a team where your sense of choice and voice are essential to the process. Together, we will work to forge a new path towards healing.

I believe by exploring our past experiences and relationships we can find answers to better understand our own behaviors and thought processes. Our best healing happens throughout the context of a safe relationship and that is what I offer in therapy; a safe place where my client can explore their pain, trauma, hurt, and confusion in order to heal and live the most meaningful life possible. My clients know what their goals are and are excited to get to work but may need more accountability or support. Sometimes they aren't so clear and I can help with that, too!

Pain is an unavoidable and a necessary part of life. But suffering -- especially prolonged, "punishing" suffering -- is not. So many people seeking therapy suffer from anxiety, depression, difficulties in relationships, and self-sabotaging behaviors. We use defenses to avoid our emotions. Ironically emotions aren't the SOURCE of pain but in fact are there to HELP us HEAL from the painful losses, hurts and challenges of life. You don't come to therapy to talk about your week. You come for relief from your suffering, for a chance to work through and find meaning in your pain and, just as with a broken bone, heal stronger and better!

We overcome difficulties, adjust to changes, and manage difficult emotions best when we do not have to go at it alone. I offer a supportive partnership to help you identify your goals and build capacity to experience joy, compassionate self regard, and healthy rewarding relationships. I have over 35 years of experience helping children, couples, adults, and parents who may be feeling stuck, alone, sad, anxious, or unable to find the forward motion to reach goals for well being. Together we can create a safe space to address difficult emotions, and identify resources and habits that support resiliency and wellness.

Are you feeling worried all the time, unmotivated, or struggling with an intimate relationship? You are definitely not alone. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgemental space for working collaboratively with you to learn new ways of overcoming life’s challenges. Focusing on building connections and improving communication with the people we love the most can improve your quality of life.

With 50 years experience, a Duke U. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, I am an empathic results-oriented therapeutic partner, . 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 regular zooms on Mindfulness, Centering & Relationship workshops w/ guided imagery & music. Serving MD, D.C. & VA, anywhere online. My associates accept most insurance plans. My podcasts are also available at patwebbink.bandcamp.com

Kristina Dutcher believes that the clients are their own best experts, and works to build a collaborative space in session to help them identify and achieve their goals using individualized treatment plans. She uses a combination of approaches such as, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Attachment Theory, and Emotion Focused Therapy to help meet client needs. Kristina welcomes clients of all ethnicities, sexual orientations, genders, religions, ages, political beliefs, or national origins. ** Note: Kristina is not currently accepting new clients or onto a waiting list. **

I have been helping individuals and couples transform their lives for over 25 years. My work is holistic. We target the root causes of your distress rather than skimming the surface level of symptoms. Only when root causes are addressed can symptoms dissolve. We dive deeply into the core issues that are keeping you stuck, disconnected and dissatisfied in your life and relationships. The process is efficient, effective, respectful, safe and profound. My ideal clients are people who are passionate about healing and releasing patterns that no longer serve them.

Individuals seek treatment because they are in pain. Facing one's own weaknesses is difficult and opening up even more so-particularly for people whose cultural background and/or family upbringing discourges transparency /self-disclosure. My priority is to create a safe environment where my clients may confront, accept and change aspects of their lives they consider shameful and/or self-destructive. I have been invited as a guest speaker by a number of organizations and regularly offer seminars and work shops on such themes as self-esteem,communication skills, stress management and the challenges of being married/single and dating

Picking a therapist to work with can be overwhelming. Feeling comfortable and understood by your therapist is critical. During our first session we will explore what brought you to me. Together we identify your struggles, develop a treatment plan, discuss whether you feel comfortable with me, and that our plan makes sense to you. I am a Licensed Psychologist with over 20 years of experience. A certified IMAGO, Gottman, Equine Assisted and Diplomat in Sex Therapy, we will talk openly and candidly about your life. Together, we will explore your concerns, past and present and mindfully identify changes for you to consider.

Couples work is challenging and emotionally provocative. Feelings of frustration, pain, anger and discouragement alternating with relief, hopefulness, and excitement are common among couples who are trying to resolve their marital discord. Although each couple is unique the following principles hold true in treatment of the majority of partners. 1) A good marriage requires both spouses to psychologically separate from their family of origin and shift their primary love, loyalty to each other. An individual cannot fully participate in an interdepended relationship without being first an independent and autonomous person.