Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists in Frederick, MD

I work with individuals and couples from a background of mindfulness and somatic experiencing. I am also trained in the Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT). Please learn more about my practice at www.marylizaustin.com.

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) with ten years of experience working with children, adults, and families who have experienced diverse challenges in a variety of settings. I earned her Master of Social Work, with a clinical concentration in children and families, from the University of Maryland Baltimore in 2014.

If you are ready for change, willing to put in the work, venture into understanding yourself better, and desire to live the life of your dreams by embodying your true self I would be honored to work with you. I work with children, individuals, and families who are willing to address their trauma through intentional healing and an open heart. The solution to your problems is intentional inner work. I am here to serve you as a guide, to provide positive and enlightening insight, unconditional support, and expertise as we walk through this therapeutic journey together. You can do this! I am here to help and serve you on your journey.

No evening hours available. We all need support and guidance to deal with life’s challenges. You may feel criticized, uncertain, and ashamed of your feelings. Problems can occur in your relationships, sense of wellbeing, self-confidence or your ability to manage day-to-day. Therapy can provide a strong support where we can foster your happiness while developing the tools you need to feel better. You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed, anxious or that your life lacks enjoyment.

Life can be stressful, down right overwhelming at times. “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”-Helen Keller. During these times when things become too difficult to manage on our own, counseling can help with learning healthier ways to cope, expressing deep emotions in a safe environment, working on goals, and reaching your potential. My years of experience related to the field have focused on assisting clients with work-life balance, sense of purpose, breaking through fears, reducing anxiety, and improving self-esteem.

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.

**Telehealth Available** I know that you have a "pretty good" life. Perhaps you have done some work in therapy before, and things are finally stable. Yet, you sometimes feel like you are playing a part, rather than embracing and expressing your authentic self. You may feel uncomfortable in your own skin, self-conscious, or like you are not "enough." You may struggle to find your authentic voice and honor your values in your relationships or career. Life circumstances, societal pressures, past trauma, depression, and anxiety can all create obstacles to experiencing inner peace, trust, and confidence.

Are you an adult experiencing depression or anxiety, or have you been struggling to move forward through grief? Are you facing transitions in your life (i.e., going to college, dating, starting a first job, or facing your kids leaving home)? Is it difficult to manage and sustain a work/life balance? Are you trying to navigate trauma? Are you wanting to establish boundaries, become more assertive, or build stronger healthier relationships? Then the therapy I provide is evidence based and focuses on treatment approaches that are collaborative and designed to meet your goals and needs.

I am a clinical social worker with a strong emphasis on the healing power of a therapeutic relationship. I take pride in my ability to create and maintain an environment tailored to each unique individual. I draw on humanistic, cognitive, and mindfulness techniques.

There comes a time in everyone’s life when they consider therapy. If you are reading this, that time has come. It’s OK to not be OK. I believe we all have an inherent need to feel safe, seen, valued, connected and understood. When we don’t, we can feel anxious, depressed, worthless, angry. I have a passion for working with clients who have a complex set of issues and are motivated to feel better. I can help you gain self-awareness and an understanding of how early experiences have impacted your thoughts, feelings, behaviors and ways of relating with others.

Life's not easy and it can even be scary and confusing at times, and that's ok. We live in a big world and feeling overwhelmed or lost can happen. With a little help, you can find the true meaning of life. Life is beautiful and I would love to help you see it. You're taking the first step in seeking help. Allow me to serve as a guide and partner as you discover your own meaning, strengths, and true purpose in order to foster self-growth. Life is beautiful and I would like to help you see it!

Are you sick of feeling tired, stressed, anxious, or depressed? Are you feeling like you should have your issues "together" by this point in your life? Do you think there must be more to life than the treadmill you feel as if you are on? Do you want to lose weight but can't seem to figure out how to make it work? Are you tired of making changes that don't stick? Maybe you aren't sure how you've gotten to this place in your life, and you aren't excited about the direction you are heading. You want to make some changes but are feeling overwhelmed and don't know where to begin. I understand that. I've lived that. I can help you.

Sessions open and close with mindfulness interventions. I use a holistic approach to increase one's capacity for parasympathetic nervous system activation (our rest and digest system) to treat stress, mood and behavioral disorders and cognitive impairment. We will work to increase the mind/body connection to assist you with being able to manage life's stressors in a healthy way.