Psychodynamic Therapists in Columbia, MD

People who are seeking to change dysfunctional patterns in their emotional lives and interpersonal relationships or are undergoing major life transitions and loss, may benefit from my approaches to psychotherapy. Working from interpersonal, psychodynamic and emotion focused frameworks, I emphasize the importance of relationships - developmentally and throughout the life span. I have many years of experience assisting people with emotional, interpersonal, achievement-related and existential dilemmas. Adults of diverse racial, ethnic, and spiritual backgrounds, gender orientations, physical abilities, and health statuses are seen in my practice.

My expertise and mission is to treat individuals seeking change. I strive to understand, counsel and empower clients who need relief from persistent anxiety, persistent depression, have experienced loss, have experienced trauma, and those who simply feel overwhelmed. I have successfully counseled couples and helped them repair and improve their relationships, deal with issues of trust, loss of affection and escalating conflict. Through a collaborative process we establish healthier relationship patterns, enhancing both partners' sense of connection and communication.

Are you depressed, anxious, impulsive? Do you feel stuck and long to be free of self-defeat? From the very first session we will work In a direct, caring, and collaborative way to identify sources of difficulties in your life. We will develop a clear course of action and goals to help free up your innate potential to live a fuller, healthier life. Our work will pay close attention to your experience and help you work through difficult feelings. You can be relieved of painful symptoms, gain deep understanding of yourself, and be freed to access your own inner resources.

I enjoy working with adults seeking treatment for anxiety, depression, substance abuse concerns, interpersonal and relationship issues, anger management, parenting, and problems stemming from stress management and life transitions. I have primarily worked with adults involved in the criminal justice system, which has afforded me the opportunity to work with individuals from all walks of life and with a wide range of treatment needs. I have struggled with an anxiety disorder in the past, which has provided me with insight into the challenges some of my clients face.

I specialize in adult individuals and couples struggling with all types of issues: life transitions, depression and anxiety, addictions, weight issues, bi-polar, marital difficulties, pre-marital counseling and more. I enjoy working with people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. I employ a psychodynamic framework with most of my clients, however, I utilizes many cognitive-behavioral techniques and principles, as well. I especially enjoy the integration of Christian spirituality and psychology, though I welcome any one from any background. I believe that who we are is formed in relationship, so healing comes through (the therapeutic) relationship.

People seek therapy for a variety of reasons and at various times throughout their life. The decision to see a therapist may be centered around a recent crisis that is causing emotional stress, a desire to address long-standing problems in living or simply a wish to make a change in one’s life. Whatever the reason, I see psychotherapy as an opportunity for you to get to know yourself (and those around you) better and work towards leading a more meaningful life.

Do you experience anxiety, including social fear and avoidance? Do you feel anxious in romantic relationships or just want to feel less worried and depressed? I get it! Does your angst leave you feeling empty, angry and irritable? Life can be absolutely overwhelming and actually scary, at times, especially when stress piles up and we’re trying to juggle a career, a marriage and parenting. Unhealed wounds and traumatic experiences from our past wreak havoc on our present and we don’t know how to repair the damage. But there are answers!

Is there something holding you back from the experience of feeling fully alive, safe, and satisfied in your own life; in your own skin? Experiencing internal and external difficulties long enough and under enough stress, we become disconnected to what makes life worth living. I believe my job is to provide a safe space and be a supportive, caring, non-judgmental presence as a guide and collaborator. Together we can face what is hurting or not helping you. I have worked over the years in a variety of settings with adults, children, teens, families and couples from diverse backgrounds and identities.

As your therapist, my goal is to work in collaboration with you, to uncover your true potential and provide the guidance to overcome the challenges you are facing. We will work together to better understand and resolve challenges in an environment of support and guidance. I will use a variety of treatment approaches in our work to help you address your issues and concerns.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with many years of experience in providing counseling, clinical supervision, and staying on top of research and policy to make sure that I am using the best techniques to help you live a happy life. If you are feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed, angry or stressed in your personal or professional relationships, or otherwise, give me a call and let’s talk it through. We can work together to see and hear the patterns that are keeping you stuck and make adjustments so that you can move forward.

UPDATE: Currently, I do have a few openings for new clients, and I am providing all services via telehealth. My practice consists of a small group of psychologists focused on helping clients make changes toward more fulfilling, connected, and healthier lives. Knowing it can be difficult to reach out for help, I create a caring, safe space in which we work collaboratively to foster healing and eliminate barriers to finding meaning and living life more fully. Therapy is a collaborative endeavor, and it is key to develop an effective and nurturing relationship in which we have a common understanding of the challenges you face.

Entering psychotherapy may be one of the hardest and best things you will ever do. It is an act of courage and hope, and contains the implicit belief that you have the power to change your life. It requires a trusting, connected relationship with someone who will understand and not judge. We will figure out together what is blocking you from reaching your potential, and help you get closer to living the vital, rich, fulfilling life you were meant to lead.

By listening to people and paying attention to what develops, I collaboratively assist them to understand feelings, thoughts, body experiences, and behaviors. This may remove barriers to living life to the full. We often create these barriers early in life and then continue them through habitual thought, feeling-management, and relationship patterns. Healing occurs in a safe, new kind of relationship. Within this relationship, people may recognize things they have known and not known. Those who openly share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences (including a hesitation to share certain things) are often able to make progress.