Therapists in Ellicott City, MD

Relationships are the cornerstone of our lives. When our connection to others—and ourselves—is suffering, we in turn suffer. Perhaps you’ve been feeling out of step with your feelings and suspect that events from your past may be contributing to your difficulties relating to others currently. Maybe you've been feeling disconnected, stuck, or misunderstood in your marriage, and the loneliness is draining you. Maybe you have started to recognize that family dynamics from childhood have been impacting communication in your current relationships. No matter the context, you long for real and meaningful connection with the ones you love.

We work hard WITH you!

Please see my website, laurarbrooks.com for more information. My office setting and theoretical approach offer a calm environment to support your clearest thinking about the problem and possibilities for addressing it. I believe that thinking about the problem in the context of the relationship system contributes to more objectivity for moving forward in a sustainable way.

Feeling alone in your journey to grow your family? Feeling overwhelmed and emotional following the birth of your baby? I work with individuals and couples learning to navigate this often confusing and emotional journey of infertility as well as postpartum depression and anxiety. I can walk with you through these hard times, helping you to manage stress, nurture your relationships and make challenging decisions.

Are you tired of your past traumas getting in the way of experiencing joy, long lasting intimacy, stability and happiness? If so, I want you to know that healing is possible. and you deserve to have the life that you want. I am a trauma specialist, and I am trained in helping clients heal from past abuse, hurt, and acts of violence. Restoration, liberation from trauma, and peace are the goals for my ideal client.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Ellicott City Behavioral Health (ECBH). I specialize in pediatric and health psychology and work with children, adolescents, young adults, and their parents. I see clients with mood concerns such as anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues. I also work with clients experiencing stress related to medical conditions such as cancer, blood disorders, pain, sleep, injury or rehabilitation, heart conditions, GI, diabetes, fertility challenges, and other various health problems.

H.F. & Associates, LLC provides mental health therapy services for clients ages 21 and older. This includes individual and family sessions. Dr. Halcyon Francis has expertise in working with clients who have a history of depression and a range of traumas, including sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Dr. Francis also treat clients who have been traumatized as a result of neglect, witnessing or experiencing community and/or domestic violence and trauma related to school or workplace bullying.

When working with me, you can anticipate feeling empowered to leverage your strengths, build resilience and find meaning through challenges. I work with children, adolescents, and adults, many of whom need help with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, panic attacks, PTSD, grief, ADHD, family issues, and coping with disease and disability. You may expect me to offer an inclusive, family-centered approach to care that also considers the role of the human-and-animal bond. Clients that notice the most growth working with me are those seeking increases in self worth, communication skills and emotional regulation.

Seeking out therapeutic services is healthy for our mind/body/soul connection. Just as we go to the gym to keep our bodies healthy, or puzzles to keep our mind sharp, we go to therapy to keep our connection between our mind/body/soul. Further, relationships are the center of connection: how we relate to others (family, friends, coworkers,) and the relationship we have with ourselves. It is my privilege to sit with you (or your family members) while we navigate the roadblocks and successes that make your life experience uniquely yours. It is my hope that in through this exploration and work, we can improve your relationships.

I am a multiracial, multi-ethnic (Chinese, Irish, Taiwanese) queer therapist. I practice from a justice-centered, liberation focused, and nature-informed therapy orientation. I particularly enjoy exploring issues related to climate awareness, disability, chronic illness, gender identity, grief, neurodivergence, racialized trauma, and sexuality. I am currently enrolled in EMDR Basic Training with Deany Laliotis of the Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by grief and loss, or perhaps you or a family member is facing a difficult late-life transition, I'd like to help. It's not uncommon to search for meaning and understanding during times of loss and transition, whether it be sudden, unexpected, or seen in the distance. The emotions can be all-consuming and may seem confusing, even stifling at times. If you are searching for a safe space to share your feelings and to make meaning of your loss or late-life transition, I'd like to provide that for you. My counseling is tailored to meet you wherever you are on your very unique journey.

Occasionally, everyone experiences periods of emotional turmoil and stress. Do you have times when you feel in the dumps, depressed or just want to talk over issues that trouble you? Seeking outside help and support is important to helping you improve your mood, increase self-confidence and stabilize your life. During periods of emotional distress, it is important to have a trusted professional to talk to.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life events or relational challenges? Do you feel stuck, anxious or invisible? I am here to walk with you on your journey to hope and reconnection to self and others. I am an experienced psychotherapist offering compassionate integrative care, valuing each client as whole person: body, mind, heart and spirit. I find great joy in empowering my clients to move forward in strength and wholeness. I work with adults, adolescents, couples and families. I'm here to provide support, understanding and validation as we work together to achieve your goals.

Every stage in life, every situation we face, brings with it challenges, hardships and opportunities. The psychotherapeutic process brings focus and awareness to where we are now in our lives, where we've been, and the person we want to be. I see the therapeutic process as a journey that we take together. Whether you are an adult, adolescent, or family, my goal is to create a safe, caring, non-judgmental environment where you can explore relationship dynamics, patterns of behavior, identity, and opportunities for growth and change.

I specialize in treating clients enduring the following symptoms: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, body image issues, financial stress, career transitions, social injustice, relationship trauma, family transitions, family conflict, and parenting issues.

I work with individuals, children and families dealing with emotional pain, school or work related problems, developmental challenges, relationship issues, traumatic experiences, grief and loss. In my work I strive to create a safe, understanding, and non-judging space to help people faced with difficult life challenges empower themselves.

Many changes occur across the life span. Some changes are more difficult to manage than others. I encourage your exploration of the change process and openness to accepting the challenges in your life. I will partner with you and assist you with developing mindfulness strategies and techniques to help you move through your experience. Whether you are dealing with grief and loss issues, depression and anxiety, under achievement in work and school, or adjusting to changes in marriage or significant relationships, I can help you recognize and utilize your strengths to empower you to meet the changes in your life.

During my 30 years in the social work profession I have had an array of experiences that have focused on crisis work with families and individuals experiencing: trauma, loss, depression, grief, anxiety, low self-esteem, housing & employment issues, and family challenges. In my more recent practice years, I have enjoyed working with the LGBTQ community as a straight ally, and advocating for equal rights and fair treatment for all. I am also certified as a divorce mediator, and I provide clinical supervision to graduate level social work professionals seeking their LCSW-C licensure. Licensed in: MD/VA/FL.

"It is my goal as a therapist to provide a safe and supportive environment for others so they may achieve personal well-being and productive relationships on the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual levels. I believe that through the healing of psychological and emotional wounds, each person has the potential and freedom to maintain positive self-acceptance and self-definition. I rejoice in helping individuals, couples and families bring greater meaning and satisfaction to their lives."