Psychodynamic Therapists in Ellicott City, MD
Katie McDearmon
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
1 Endorsed
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Waitlist for new clients
Relationships are hard work! I am here to help you and your partner(s) through common struggles such as infidelity recovery, desire discrepancies and other bedroom issues, communication barriers, co-parenting challenges, emotional intimacy, re-connection, discernment/separation and much more. I also help individuals with sexual dysfunction, distressing compulsions and/or attraction, and pornography addiction. My goal as your counselor is to help you and your partner(s) get to your desired level of connection, intimacy, and communication.
Relationships are hard work! I am here to help you and your partner(s) through common struggles such as infidelity recovery, desire discrepancies and other bedroom issues, communication barriers, co-parenting challenges, emotional intimacy, re-connection, discernment/separation and much more. I also help individuals with sexual dysfunction, distressing compulsions and/or attraction, and pornography addiction. My goal as your counselor is to help you and your partner(s) get to your desired level of connection, intimacy, and communication.
I currently incorporate a variety of approaches in my practice with clients, to include cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, trauma-informed, and polyvagal theory-informed.
I work with adolescents, emerging adults, and adults through the age of 45 who are navigating life transitions on issues related to: anxiety, depression, guilt and shame, low self-esteem, anger management, adjustment to life transitions and/or events, and issues related to stress management, burnout, and vicarious trauma. I bring knowledge of the role that chronic, accumulated and/or traumatic stress plays in a person’s ability to function optimally. Healing is possible and is most effective in a safe and trusting relationship with another and I work to instill this hope in my clients
I currently incorporate a variety of approaches in my practice with clients, to include cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, trauma-informed, and polyvagal theory-informed.
I work with adolescents, emerging adults, and adults through the age of 45 who are navigating life transitions on issues related to: anxiety, depression, guilt and shame, low self-esteem, anger management, adjustment to life transitions and/or events, and issues related to stress management, burnout, and vicarious trauma. I bring knowledge of the role that chronic, accumulated and/or traumatic stress plays in a person’s ability to function optimally. Healing is possible and is most effective in a safe and trusting relationship with another and I work to instill this hope in my clients
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.
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.
I approach therapy from a psychodynamic lens to help you better understand how your past and present are connected, explore relationship and coping patterns, and to help you develop a more loving relationship with yourself.
Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist in Maryland and provide telehealth services to clients located in all PSYPACT participating states. I am passionate about my work and genuinely enjoy helping others through the process of personal healing and growth. I work with a range of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, loss, self-esteem, identity, adjustments, and life transitions.
I approach therapy from a psychodynamic lens to help you better understand how your past and present are connected, explore relationship and coping patterns, and to help you develop a more loving relationship with yourself.
Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist in Maryland and provide telehealth services to clients located in all PSYPACT participating states. I am passionate about my work and genuinely enjoy helping others through the process of personal healing and growth. I work with a range of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, loss, self-esteem, identity, adjustments, and life transitions.
WAITING list: Adults (18+) only; daytime only (9am-5pm). Please Email me to inquire. Sometimes, one's natural tendency toward growth and self-healing can become overwhelmed. In these cases, one's resilience can falter, and it can be difficult to resolve emotional or psychological pain by yourself, or to figure out how to move in the direction you want to go. Collaborating with a trusted counselor eases the process of developing new perspectives and improving interpersonal relationships. My goal is to work with you to alleviate distress, identify strengths, improve well-being, and facilitate personal growth, agency, and empowerment.
WAITING list: Adults (18+) only; daytime only (9am-5pm). Please Email me to inquire. Sometimes, one's natural tendency toward growth and self-healing can become overwhelmed. In these cases, one's resilience can falter, and it can be difficult to resolve emotional or psychological pain by yourself, or to figure out how to move in the direction you want to go. Collaborating with a trusted counselor eases the process of developing new perspectives and improving interpersonal relationships. My goal is to work with you to alleviate distress, identify strengths, improve well-being, and facilitate personal growth, agency, and empowerment.
I’m a counselor and professor of counseling at Stevenson University. I’m also the author of "Family Dynamics: Transforming the Hidden Patterns That Shape Us", a book that explores how family experiences influence who we become.
I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional stress. I’m joined in my practice by Gage, a therapy dog, whose calming presence is a valued part of our sessions.
Together, Gage and I offer a compassionate, strengths-based approach focused on building resilience, developing healthier coping strategies, and cultivating gratitude.
I’m a counselor and professor of counseling at Stevenson University. I’m also the author of "Family Dynamics: Transforming the Hidden Patterns That Shape Us", a book that explores how family experiences influence who we become.
I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional stress. I’m joined in my practice by Gage, a therapy dog, whose calming presence is a valued part of our sessions.
Together, Gage and I offer a compassionate, strengths-based approach focused on building resilience, developing healthier coping strategies, and cultivating gratitude.
I believe that anyone who wants to make a change in their life can do it. My style is laid back, with an emphasis on listening and getting to know the client on their own terms, and assisting them with self expression when needed. My orientation is self psychological and relational. For some issues, I find that a more structured, directed approach is helpful.
I believe that anyone who wants to make a change in their life can do it. My style is laid back, with an emphasis on listening and getting to know the client on their own terms, and assisting them with self expression when needed. My orientation is self psychological and relational. For some issues, I find that a more structured, directed approach is helpful.
I believe therapy should be a collaborative and supportive process where individuals feel safe exploring their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I work alongside clients on their mental health journey, while developing practical tools to support lasting change and emotional resilience. My approach integrates evidence-based practices, while remaining flexible to the unique needs of each individual, recognizing everyone's path toward growth looks different.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland. I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.
I believe therapy should be a collaborative and supportive process where individuals feel safe exploring their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I work alongside clients on their mental health journey, while developing practical tools to support lasting change and emotional resilience. My approach integrates evidence-based practices, while remaining flexible to the unique needs of each individual, recognizing everyone's path toward growth looks different.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland. I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.
Whether you are facing relationship issues (e.g., with yourself and/or with others), exploring your identity, seeking understanding, in need of some new coping strategies, or experiencing something else altogether that leads you to consider if therapy may be right for you at this time: I believe that examining your life, exploring the meaning that you make of your experiences, and gaining new insights can allow you to create new paths that lead to a greater sense of wellness.
Whether you are facing relationship issues (e.g., with yourself and/or with others), exploring your identity, seeking understanding, in need of some new coping strategies, or experiencing something else altogether that leads you to consider if therapy may be right for you at this time: I believe that examining your life, exploring the meaning that you make of your experiences, and gaining new insights can allow you to create new paths that lead to a greater sense of wellness.
I treat adults, adolescents, children, and couples using psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
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.
I treat adults, adolescents, children, and couples using psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
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.
Drawing on family systems and psychodynamic approaches, I provide inclusive, culturally responsive care for diverse clients, including LGBTQIA+.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 10 years of experience and advanced training in couple/family therapy. I offer a safe, supportive space for healing and growth, working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. My integrative approach guides flexible, evidence-based interventions tailored to your unique needs.
Drawing on family systems and psychodynamic approaches, I provide inclusive, culturally responsive care for diverse clients, including LGBTQIA+.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 10 years of experience and advanced training in couple/family therapy. I offer a safe, supportive space for healing and growth, working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. My integrative approach guides flexible, evidence-based interventions tailored to your unique needs.
7/24/2026 Virtual office only: I currently have openings (please email) Although we live in a challenging world with much suffering - there is joy, love, and connection too. If you struggle to find a better life, I would love to share my knowledge, skills, and compassionate presence to help you overcome barriers that are getting in your way of living the life you deserve and want. No one needs to be on this journey alone. Together we can explore your distress and pain to figure out how best to get you the life you long for.
7/24/2026 Virtual office only: I currently have openings (please email) Although we live in a challenging world with much suffering - there is joy, love, and connection too. If you struggle to find a better life, I would love to share my knowledge, skills, and compassionate presence to help you overcome barriers that are getting in your way of living the life you deserve and want. No one needs to be on this journey alone. Together we can explore your distress and pain to figure out how best to get you the life you long for.
My approach integrates several effective modalities including Internal Family Systems (IFS), brainspotting and psychodynamic therapy.
Welcome! I am a 'seasoned therapist' who understands the value of genuine connection and holding space for others. I work with adults (18+) experiencing anxiety, depression, complex trauma due to childhood abuse/neglect, grief and loss, and those in established recovery from addiction. My expertise is especially attuned to the needs of highly sensitive people (HSP), those who 'dive deep' and I also enjoy working with other therapists. I'm told that my warm, relational style creates a safe environment where clients can explore their deepest concerns to discover pathways to healing and growth. I am licensed in both Maryland and D.C.
My approach integrates several effective modalities including Internal Family Systems (IFS), brainspotting and psychodynamic therapy.
Welcome! I am a 'seasoned therapist' who understands the value of genuine connection and holding space for others. I work with adults (18+) experiencing anxiety, depression, complex trauma due to childhood abuse/neglect, grief and loss, and those in established recovery from addiction. My expertise is especially attuned to the needs of highly sensitive people (HSP), those who 'dive deep' and I also enjoy working with other therapists. I'm told that my warm, relational style creates a safe environment where clients can explore their deepest concerns to discover pathways to healing and growth. I am licensed in both Maryland and D.C.
My therapeutic approaches include Person-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
I strive to get to know and understand the unique qualities you possess to best help you on your journey of growth and healing. I employ a person centered and strengths-based approach where I get to know and understand you as an individual and your life experiences. In therapy sessions, I incorporate a variety of techniques and modalities and tailor them to meet your specific needs.
My therapeutic approaches include Person-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
I strive to get to know and understand the unique qualities you possess to best help you on your journey of growth and healing. I employ a person centered and strengths-based approach where I get to know and understand you as an individual and your life experiences. In therapy sessions, I incorporate a variety of techniques and modalities and tailor them to meet your specific needs.
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.
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.
Current Openings! I specialize in supporting clients who are struggling with feeling unheard, invisible, not enough or even "too much", whether in their relationships with others or with themselves. Often what has happened to us can shape our emotional and social blue prints. I can help clients learn to name and acknowledge overwhelming or confusing emotions, while also understanding and honoring the messages and roles these emotions may be communicating to us. I often work with folks who are skeptical, sensitive and question whether it's possible to feel safe enough to be yourself in the world.
Current Openings! I specialize in supporting clients who are struggling with feeling unheard, invisible, not enough or even "too much", whether in their relationships with others or with themselves. Often what has happened to us can shape our emotional and social blue prints. I can help clients learn to name and acknowledge overwhelming or confusing emotions, while also understanding and honoring the messages and roles these emotions may be communicating to us. I often work with folks who are skeptical, sensitive and question whether it's possible to feel safe enough to be yourself in the world.
Mia enjoys working with adolescents, young adults and adults experiencing life transitions to help them navigate a variety of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, family and childhood trauma, identity and adjustment-related difficulties. She develops a safe and nonjudgmental environment for clients of all backgrounds using a multicultural lens. Mia utilizes a combination of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, internal family systems, and psychodynamic approaches to help clients look inward, identify their needs, and create lasting change to improve overall life satisfaction.
Mia enjoys working with adolescents, young adults and adults experiencing life transitions to help them navigate a variety of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, family and childhood trauma, identity and adjustment-related difficulties. She develops a safe and nonjudgmental environment for clients of all backgrounds using a multicultural lens. Mia utilizes a combination of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, internal family systems, and psychodynamic approaches to help clients look inward, identify their needs, and create lasting change to improve overall life satisfaction.
I use mindfulness and somatic techniques to encourage emotional expression, and employ some psychodynamic techniques to examine and help you move past old patterns that no longer serve you.
Therapy can be a revelatory process and can bring you back to your authentic self. I'm a therapist specializing in working with sensations and signals in the body, to help you out of your head and toward growth and your next right step. I have expertise in healing from a range of family experiences and relationships from not the best to toxic. I'm adept at working toward the realest version of you, leaving behind what no longer works and helping you build strategies for growth. Change is never easy, but it's doable with grace, humor, and a strong therapeutic relationship you can count on.
I use mindfulness and somatic techniques to encourage emotional expression, and employ some psychodynamic techniques to examine and help you move past old patterns that no longer serve you.
Therapy can be a revelatory process and can bring you back to your authentic self. I'm a therapist specializing in working with sensations and signals in the body, to help you out of your head and toward growth and your next right step. I have expertise in healing from a range of family experiences and relationships from not the best to toxic. I'm adept at working toward the realest version of you, leaving behind what no longer works and helping you build strategies for growth. Change is never easy, but it's doable with grace, humor, and a strong therapeutic relationship you can count on.
Hi! If you’ve found your way here, you’re likely exploring your identity (gender, sexuality, neurotype). You’re curious about who you are underneath all the roles, expectations, & survival strategies. You might be stuck in patterns that don’t feel like you. Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. You’re probably tired of pretending, tired of feeling like too much, tired of being the “strong one”. Maybe you’ve been masking for so long you’re not even sure who your authentic self is anymore. Or maybe you're starting to figure it out and now you're trying to live that truth in a world that doesn't always feel safe or supportive.
Hi! If you’ve found your way here, you’re likely exploring your identity (gender, sexuality, neurotype). You’re curious about who you are underneath all the roles, expectations, & survival strategies. You might be stuck in patterns that don’t feel like you. Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. You’re probably tired of pretending, tired of feeling like too much, tired of being the “strong one”. Maybe you’ve been masking for so long you’re not even sure who your authentic self is anymore. Or maybe you're starting to figure it out and now you're trying to live that truth in a world that doesn't always feel safe or supportive.
Healing often begins with feeling seen and supported in the parts of your life that have been difficult to carry alone. When trauma, grief, or stress remains unresolved, it can leave us feeling stuck, disconnected, and overwhelmed. I’m here to help you better understand patterns shaped by these experiences and develop healthier ways of coping.
Healing often begins with feeling seen and supported in the parts of your life that have been difficult to carry alone. When trauma, grief, or stress remains unresolved, it can leave us feeling stuck, disconnected, and overwhelmed. I’m here to help you better understand patterns shaped by these experiences and develop healthier ways of coping.
See more therapy options for Ellicott City
Nearby Psychodynamic Therapists Searches for Ellicott City
- Arbutus
- Catonsville
- Clarksville
- Columbia
- Elkridge
- Fulton
- Gwynn Oak
- Hanover
- Highland
- North Laurel
- Windsor Mill
- Woodlawn
Psychodynamic Therapists
Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.
How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.
Does psychodynamic therapy work?
Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.
What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.