Therapists in Frederick, MD

As a therapist for over 10 years, I have worked with individuals, families and couples in creating a safe place to talk about life challenges. During our time together we work to identify what is causing your symptoms and stress, and we create healthy solutions to improve your quality of life.

Aaron is a licensed psychologist. He and his daughters have moved from sunny Southern California to the community of Frederick with the intent to again practice in close community. He graduated with degrees in both Psychology and Biblical Literature from Azusa Pacific University, earned advanced degrees in psychology and clinical psychology from Marymount University and the American School of Professional Psychology, and has pursued advanced training in applied behavioral analysis, a modality well-suited to the treatment of children and adolescents.

I believe a client innately possesses the strengths necessary to live a fulfilling life. My goal is to foster those strengths and help clients develop individualized coping strategies to take on life’s challenges. I encourage my clients to explore emotions, social skills, and behaviors in a safe and validating environment. Through a therapeutic relationship with the client, we can collaboratively discover the best strategies and tools to navigate life’s challenges. Let’s learn about you together!

Most of my clients have had addiction issues. I have learned that many people become addicted because they have had very painful experiences in their lives. Often those painful experiences are related to their substance use. Using drugs or alcohol helps ease the pain of their most painful memories. Unfortunately, using creates a whole host of other problems as well. Therapy can help identify, address, and potentially resolve those issues without drugs. EMDR therapy in particular has been shown to help greatly in reducing the pain of our most painful memories. I offer a friendly, nonjudgmental attitude to users, friends, and family.

My therapeutic process is rooted in principles derived from a long-standing meditation practice combined with traditional time-tested attachment and analytical approaches. Although my process is tailored to each client’s uniqueness, the fundamental aspects involve enhancing personal insight through developing a heightened awareness of both mind and body. I also place a strong emphasis on the the impact of your family system on your present self, so we're likely to explore these aspects of your life as we work to process, integrate, heal, and thrive.

With nearly 20 years' experience in the mental health field, I have a wealth of experience treating adults and children through a wide host of challenges. Whether your distress has been long lasting or caused by a recent event, we will work together to identify, understand, and overcome what is holding you back from your desired life experience. The most important factor in a successful therapy outcome is the client/therapist relationship. I believe you will find me to be a welcoming, knowledgeable, light hearted, and down to earth.

Is your life taking a path you have not expected and it's hard for you to cope? Are you trying to be strong on the outside, but inside you feel like you are falling apart? YES, life changes can become challenges... life crisis that can leave you feeling confused, depressed, anxious, angry and just "not yourself". You don't have to go through this alone... I am here to support you on your journey to feel strong and hopeful again, to understand and manage your emotions, to communicate your needs to others and regain control over your life.

Sometimes even the smartest and most capable women I know feel stuck. It could be moving beyond an issue in a relationship, anxiety, perfectionism or it could be an eating disorder or traumatic memory. You may feel like you are underperforming in life and relationships or just completely overwhelmed with everything going on. When we do not have the social support we need or just not sure how to use our social support, it can be helpful to talk to a professional and get objective feedback. To be asked thought provoking questions. To get ideas with how to move forward and start thriving in life!

As a licensed clinical therapist, Dr. Matthews has counseled clients with difficult challenges that have involved a wide range of different mental health and addiction disorders. She has 20+ years of counseling experience. She is recognized and noted for her caring, confidential, and holistic approach, as well as for her positive and successful treatment outcomes. Her clients speak well of her. She uses a kind, considerate and person-centered empathetic approach that focuses on the whole person and client emotional well-being, success, and life satisfaction.

The focus of my work is with individuals, couples, business owners and artists who want to unlock barriers and create pathways to well-being. As a couple, you may come to grow your relationship, whether beginning in crisis or not. You may be looking for answers to spiritual questions--an area of personal and professional interest for me. I am comfortable working with people of all religious or spiritual persuations. Therapy style, pacing and emphasis is designed to fit your individual needs.

"You don't have to be broken, to be fixed." Life happens and it can leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious and frustrated with day to day life. Does anxiety or sadness often get in the way accomplishing the goals you have for yourself? I can help you figure out how to get out of your own way and be the best version of yourself possible! I also specialize in substance abuse issues or helping families of loved ones who may have substance abuse related problems. Getting support takes courage and strength and searching for the right therapist is the perfect first step!

Are you a human who struggles with life? Do you find yourself "going through the motions"? Do you feel like you're constantly in survival mode, going from one crisis to the next? Do you find yourself feeling anxious, depressed or increasingly alone? Does your mind race at night, does it replay all of your mistakes? We all struggle with these kinds of thoughts/feelings because of how our mind works. Imagine if you didn't have to struggle and you were engaged in your life in more meaningful ways. You can become more active and engaged in your life and be who you truly want to be. You can LIVE more and struggle less.

Everyone has their own story and journey throughout life. No matter where you are in that journey, I believe that it takes strength and courage to share your story and be willing to make positive changes. I understand that it is hard to do this alone. I will create a safe place for you to share your thoughts and feelings while helping you to develop healthy coping strategies that will best serve your needs.

Therapy is a journey. Like many journeys, the first step may be the hardest to take. So congratulations on taking this first step today! I work to meet my clients where they are in the moment. Every client will be given positive regard and respect. Come as you are, with your goals and desires. We will figure this out together. I work with individuals, couples and families with a variety of goals. Growing in communication skills, conflict resolution, anxiety, depression and frustrations.

A warm and trusting relationship is an integral to my work as a counselor. I enjoy helping my clients heal, regulate moods and become more resilient. For more than a decade, I have helped clients to alleviate depression and anxiety, heal from trauma, and improve relationships.