Family Therapy in Bethesda, MD
See all therapists in Bethesda
Katy Gustafson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I tend to focus on EFT, CBT,
family
of origin issues, interpersonal relationships, healthy communication, psycho-education, mindfulness training, and trauma informed approaches in therapy.
Perhaps you feel sad, incapable, overwhelmed or responsible for the hardships you've suffered either personally or between other people? Is your self-understanding based on how other people think or treat you? Whatever your struggle, the first step is finding support. I know asking for help can be hard and may seem to make things worse, like your fears are real. But let me pause and remind you that your life does not have to be dictated by others or negative feelings. Finding true freedom in relationships and with yourself is really possible! You just have to take that first step, in fact you're already doing it.

Deborah Kleiner Ward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I also practice Internal
Family
Systems Therapy & EMDR.
I believe in the innate goodness of people. Problems arise when we lack the ability to communicate what's really going on within or can't get past defenses to understand another person's feelings or experiences. Most people haven't been taught the skills to be safe listeners and so we grow up believing that others don't have capacity to understand us. I love bringing people closer by teaching them to cross the bridge into the world of others without losing themselves. I teach emotional safety by demonstrating emotional safety and believe breakdowns create opportunities for new breakthroughs.

Te'andra Shockley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my
family
and friends, cruising around the world, dancing and singing.
My name is Te'Andra, and the owner of "Authentically Free". I enjoy helping individuals from all walks of life build up their self worth so that they can love themselves, overcome any major life transition, and learn how to manage their emotions and stress. I support my clients in gaining effective tools to help them manage presenting symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and/or PTSD; to help empower their sense of confidence and emotional regulation throughout the course of therapy.

Dr. Jon Thomas
Counselor, EdD, LCPC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Research shows that teachers, doctors, nurses, counselors, social workers, pastors, and CEOs face unique challenges that can leave them drained of the energy they need to be effective on the job and in personal and
family
relationships.
I have been working with individuals, couples, and families in the Maryland area for 20 years, During my time here I have had the privileged to serve as a college chaplain, youth pastor, university professor, and mental health clinic director. At present I divide my time between serving mental health and substance abuse clinics as a clinical supervisor and consultant and running a thriving private practice. I specialize in helping other professionals fight off burnout and establish an effective work/life balance. This become increasingly important with the additional stress Covid-19 has placed on all of us.

Raphael J Sayada
Counselor, LGPC
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Clients seeking treatment from me find that their symptoms relate to behavior addiction, cultural identity, developmental issues,
family
dynamic issues, and cognitive/affective limitations. Typically, at the epicenter of these issues is regarding information processes within interpersonal dynamics online and offline. Dependent on the frequency, intensity and duration of individual symptoms, my clients find strength within cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and psychodynamic based treatment plans.

Jocylynn Stephenson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LCMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I specialize in depression and anxiety, self-esteem and identity concerns, and
family
and couple conflict.
The philosopher Socrates once said that "the unexamined life is not worth living." As a therapist, I am committed to helping my clients examine their lives to find meaning, happiness, and strength. I work with individuals, couples, and families, striving to build skills to resolve conflicts, increase confidence, and move beyond past hurt and trauma. My clients often say that they appreciate my warmth, empathy, and combination of optimism and realism.

Hannah Blaes-Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
Building a
family
, whether it be two individuals joined by love and respect, or the amazing addition of a child, is hard. It is normal for these life transitions to bring up feelings of anxiety, grief, sadness or confusion. I specialize in working with women, children, and families to address these big relationship and life moments. We partner together to work towards building stronger foundations for parent/caregiver and child relationships, creating safety, and finding and using skills that help us feel calm. We find hope and enjoyment in places that have been previously forgotten.

Nick Szubiak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Nick Szubiak has worked in the behavioral health and wellness field for over 20 years and specializes in individual, couples and
family therapy
. His areas of expertise include life balance, stress management, mood and behavior challenges, chronic health conditions, chronic pain, addiction as well as optimizing performance and leadership.
Not accepting new clients

Lisa McPherson Robinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, BCD, ATR, PhD
Verified
Verified
I have been in private practice for 43 years. I am a Board Certified Diplomate Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have two years of post graduate training in
Family
and Couples Therapy and six years of study in Sex Therapy. I completed a five month Intensive Trauma Certification Program. I try to create a safe non judgmental environment so that you can talk about your concerns. Psychotherapy allows you time to think about your life, where you are, and where you would like to be. I am a interactive and relational psychotherapist. I see young adults and adults for individual and couples psychotherapy.

Sabine Cornelius
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I believe in clients' innate ability to heal and grow, and in helping them to tap into their inner wisdom and resources. I have worked creatively, effectively and empathically with couples and individuals struggling with relationship difficulties, painful childhood and life experiences, personal and work stress, anxiety and depression, and social isolation. I have helped clients with complex needs in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatry, LGBT-friendly mental health services, university student counseling, and
family
services. I feel passionate about my work and view therapy as a collaborative, interactive process.

Pam Herrick
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCM816
Verified
Verified
My previous professional experience in management and education as well as my personal experience raising a large
family
and volunteering in my community have shown me the power and strength of families and of belonging in communities of choice as well as the importance of supporting one another through struggle.
Our connections to one another and the communities we work and play in are foundational to our health and well-being. It is through relationship that we learn about ourselves and how best to be in relationship with others. At times, stress can threaten to overwhelm, priorities can become unclear and uncertainties can mount. We all benefit from a consistent and trusting relationship in which to identify our feelings, thoughts and behaviors, to be supported in our efforts to determine and utilize our own strengths and resources, to build our coping strategies, and begin to create the change we choose to work on in any stage of life
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Emilie Gomart (-Berg)
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCMFT, MSc, CSHP
Verified
Verified
Emilie is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and
Family therapist
(LCMFT) and an AASECT (American Association for Sex Therapy) certified Sex Therapist. Emilie’s expertise is in working with couples and families to improve their relationships and build more meaningful and more resilient bonds with each other. She has experience working with families with a wide range of challenges. Emilie specializes in working with couples on relationship and sexual issues, including general communication issues, conflicts around parenting, sexual desire differences or the impact of an affair.

Brooke Shafer
Counselor, MA, LPC, LCPC
Verified
Verified
I offer individual,
family
, and group counseling.
In the modern world, we are facing more difficulties than ever before. I have worked with clients facing depression, anxiety, low-self-esteem, and difficulties with their partners, children, and parents. Though I specialize in children and adolescents, I am able to help young adults and parents in improving their communication and coping skills to work towards their individual goals.

Christopher Ray
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Although you may not believe it, you are stronger than you think. Through our work in therapy, I will help you to find your strengths and learn to leverage them in times of need. I work collaboratively with children, adolescents, and adults in individual and
family therapy
. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, relationship concerns, in addition to behavioral concerns in children.

Brittany LaFleur
Counselor, MS, LCPC-S, RPT
Verified
9 Endorsed
Verified
9 Endorsed
In addition to helping children thrive, Brittany has also helped numerous parents discover not only their best selves but their best parenting selves through Parent Coaching– leading to a
family
unit that functions more peacefully and cohesively than ever before.
Brittany LaFleur is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Supervisor (LCPC-S) with a deep passion for aiding individuals in their journey towards becoming their best selves, hence why she started Your Best Self therapeutic services in 2018. Brittany creates a safe & confidential space to guide clients’ exploration of their inner worlds. She has a dynamic, compassionate & direct style of connecting with clients.

Amy B Livingood
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I work with adults and older adolescents who are dealing with anxiety and depression that interferes with their ability to maximize their progress at work and school and limits satisfying
family
and personal relationships. In addition, I find that life transitions can trigger emotional crises, but they also offer the opportunity for people to develop better strategies that can improve old patterns that have been unsuccessful in resolving problems in the past. Other areas of focus have included working on parenting strategies, marital relationships, grief and loss, and the impact of chronic illness on one's emotional life.
Not accepting new clients

Sarah Thompson
Counselor, MA, LGPC
Verified
9 Endorsed
Verified
9 Endorsed
Sarah takes a holistic approach to therapy, incorporating client-centered, strength-based,
family
systems, and attachment-based treatment to empower clients to achieve their goals and embrace their authentic selves.
Therapy provides an opportunity to make growth in all areas from the inside out. Sarah views therapy as a journey toward self-discovery and fulfillment. It is a collaborative process built on trust, compassion, validation, and support. She wants others to feel heard and safe to share their story, free of judgment. Sarah is passionate about working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families.

Devin Maroney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
I have trained in Internal
Family
Systems, Somatic Experiencing, DBT, CBT and Focusing oriented therapy.
I help individuals, couples and families reconnect with and draw strength from the goodness in themselves as they cultivate positive behaviors and new perspectives on life. I specialize in untangling the patterns that cause us harm, including avoidance, addiction, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic suffering, self harm, suicidal ideation, and low self esteem. I help couples and families find more wholesome and supportive ways to connect and care for each other.

PlayfulLeigh Psyched, LLC
Counselor, PhD, LCPC, MS/MA, LGPC
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
We work with individuals, families, and children. We specialize in trauma including generational trauma, perinatal, immigrants, parent-child relationship issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and
family
conflict. Our greatest intention is to help you understand yourself better and improve your quality of life and relationships. We tailor our approach to the needs of each person or
family
, responding to your unique problems, identities, and realities. This is not a one-size-fits-all practice because we are trauma-informed and social-emotional focused practices from a social justice framework.

Porter G Shreve
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LMFT
My specialized training in
family
systems theory and practice enables me to help people not only problem-solve specific issues but to do so with an understanding of the context in which they manifest themselves; be they associated with one's
family
of origin, relationships, work or some other source.
Utilizing a competency-based approach, I assist my clients to reframe how they perceive the issues in their lives; to work through emotional conflict and learn new behaviors to manage and enrich their experience. My style is direct, compassionate and interactive.
Having begun my career as a teacher and having raised four children, I have an intimate knowledge of child development and educational needs. Through thirty years of practice and specialized training, I have expanded my background to include personal coaching, couples/
family
counseling, addictions recovery, men's health and management of chronic conditions such as mental illness and cancer.
See more therapy options for
Family Therapy
What do family therapists do?
A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.
How long does therapy for families take to work?
Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.
How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?
You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.
Is therapy for families effective?
Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.