CareFirst Therapists in Chestertown, MD

As a clinician, I focus on a client's understanding of their current strengths and challenges. I collaboratively work with my clients to discover new approaches to dealing with the stress that accompanies life. I have been trained from an integrative perspective and apply strategies from CBT, ACT, humanistic client-centered, and experiential therapies. As a psychologist, I tend to provide education about the psycho-physiological responses to stress, anxiety and depression. My goal of therapy is to improve the overall functioning of clients and guide them towards greater satisfaction of life!

When beginning therapy one should understand that the first session is utilized by both clinician and client to determine if the match is a good one. Also, new clients should not worry about sharing enough details. All that is required will come out naturally. Whether you are on welfare, drive a truck, or are a lawyer; in therapy everyone is the same. We all find ourselves, at times, facing problems we just can't resolve. Often the key lies in the subconscious mind. The structured nature of authentic psychotherapy leads to awareness and the opportunity to change one's life.

I work with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, addictions, extreme emotionality and fears of abandonment. After 24 years as a counselor it’s clear to me that many symptoms originally seen as “ personality disorders “ or “mental health issues “ come from varying degrees of childhood trauma.I use Internal Family Systems to assist individuals and couples in being able to understand and be mindful of the past intruding on the present. I have a fairly direct approach. I also believe in healing body and mind, and as a RYT I’m able to address both.

I believe that life is a balancing act. People seek balance in relationships, in happy versus sad days, in work time and home life, and in the influence of the past versus looking toward the future. Balance looks different to everyone, but we know it when we have it and miss it when it's gone. Life transitions such as graduation, career changes, the end of a relationship, a loss, or new parenthood can throw off our balance. Whether these changes are a part of our plan or outside of our control, we will learn from them. I love to walk alongside people in transition to help them find their own balance and build a life they love.

I am a Licensed Clinician, providing individual and couples therapy. I specialize in helping individuals to recognize their ability to be the best version of themselves by developing self awareness, effective communication, and learning healthy strategies to manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Here at Discovering Serenity we view therapy as a partnership where therapist and client are working together to accomplish client driven goals. I like to describe it to the client as they are driving the ship and we are here to help them guide it in the direction they want it to go. We are here to help.

Life can be overwhelming and difficult. At times, it is hard to navigate through this world without feeling stuck. If you feel stuck in whatever stage of life you are in, I want to help you work through the issues that are getting in the way of the life you want to have.

Are you feeling stuck or out of balance in your life? I believe I can help shift you to a place of increased clarity, focus and positive movement. I assist clients to find solutions to present day challenges as well as address any underlying or unresolved matters that are keeping them in undesirable and unhealthy patterns. My fundamental belief is that we have the wisdom within to make positive and healthy changes in our lives. My role as a therapist is to help clients connect with, strengthen and trust this inner wisdom. I have over 20 years of experience helping clients more toward more life satisfaction and ease.

People seek therapy for a broad range of reasons, from dealing with anxiety or depression, coping with childhood trauma, managing stress, dealing with major life challenges, or simply wanting to achieve greater self-knowledge and personal growth. Regardless of the reasons, people want therapeutic intervention that is compassionate and non-judgmental. People want a provider who actively listens, appreciates a person's right to self-determination, and understands the importance of collaboration throughout the treatment process. Therapy is not about fixing what is broken, but about healing that which has been bruised and scarred.

Life can be very challenging at times: You may question is this the right job for me or why am I so unhappy in my current relationship, why doesn't my spouse or partner understand my needs? you may feel overwhelmed, anxious unsure of what to do maybe your ADHD/ADD or other mental health challenges have become too much for you to handle. The next step (although hard) is to seek professional help. Call me and let's see how I may be of help to you.

Hello and welcome! I'm Michele Bowne, LCSW-C, a dedicated trauma specialist with over 10 years of experience helping individuals navigate their journey towards healing and recovery. Trauma can leave deep and lasting scars, affecting every aspect of your life, but I firmly believe that with the right support and therapeutic approach, recovery is not only possible but within your reach.