Trauma Focused Therapists in Gaithersburg, MD

In person sessions are available at office location! Whether you are coming to therapy for additional support, trying to decrease presenting symptoms, want to work through life's daily challenges or a recent life transition, or process experienced trauma, I enjoy working with clients to meet their needs. My approach is genuine, direct, and warm with some humor to build connections and work with clients collaboratively.

*In person sessions available*Trust and honesty are most important to me. I am trained in trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). I work with teenagers and adults who are struggling with the stress of daily life, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I offer in person sessions for those who prefer it.

I've provided individual and group therapy for at-risk youth, trauma-focused care for survivors of abuse, and relaxation training for adults experiencing anxiety and depression. I also teach mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance skills. I've conducted cognitive and personality assessments for those with learning, attention, and/or emotional concerns as well as pre-trial adult forensic evaluations. I value providing culturally-sensitive treatment if you wish to discuss your cultural background and/or religious/spiritual beliefs in therapy.

Motherhood, transitions, grief, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ identity, career stress, irrational thoughts, sadness, worry, relationships, trauma, conflict avoidance, self esteem and concentration issues are my areas of clinical expertise. I use Trauma Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to decrease and manage the frequency, duration and intensity of their symptoms.  I'll incorporate your values, identities, faith and cultural practices and belief systems. We will identify symptoms and implement long-term coping strategies that are practical for your personality and lifestyle.

Guilt and shame; life transitions; patterns of seeking validation; relationship difficulties; worry; trauma; mood swing are some of the reasons clients come to me for coping skills. We'll work to reduce the cognitive, emotional and behavioral impact of experiences, thoughts, behavior patterns and mood. Assertiveness and personal autonomy; resolution of early life and family of origin issues; increased effective communication; reduction in guilt, sadness, worrying, rumination, shame, codependency and improved self esteem are my clients therapeutic goals.

An increased ability to regulate emotions; emotional resilience; improved ability to identify and manage trigger; reduction in irrational thoughts; decrease in the frequency, duration and intensity of symptoms are some of my clients' treatment outcomes. I use CBT, DBT, Solution & Trauma Focused therapies, reframing, mindfulness, validating statements, reflection of feeling and meaning and active listening. We'll explore and resolve the impact of the past current moods, thoughts, relationships, responses/reactions and more; moving you from making decisions out of habit to making more conscious and fulfilling choices.

We work with infants, toddlers, children, teens, and adults to heal the wounds of trauma through trauma focused techniques and play-based interventions. At Roots to Wings, we have specialized training to treat trauma and restore your most important relationships. Trauma can wreak havoc on every aspect of your life. We can help you find yourself again, heal from and move past your trauma, and live life to your fullest.

I provide services for clients who I believe have the capacity to resolve their own problems with my assistance. I offer a professional relationship with my clients to assist them in exploring and resolving difficult issues. I believe that as people become more accepting of themselves, they are more capable of finding happiness and contentment in their lives. Self-awareness and self-acceptance are goals that sometimes take a long time to achieve. While some clients may need only a few counseling sessions to feel complete, others may require months. I offer a caring, empathic space to explore, heal and to try new ways of being.

All appointments are currently online via secured telehealth platforms. You are not alone! Symptoms involving trauma, anxiety, depression, and challenges with relationships often make us feel this way. Gaining insight, awareness, motivation, and tools to improve well being are my primary focus. This can be a difficult process but it can also be an enjoyable one. A relaxed, nonjudgmental environment will allow for work to be done that will last decades and permanently improve happiness.

Finding and connecting with a therapist is one of the hardest thing to do because you are looking for someone who will see you, hear you, and help you navigate in areas you may be struggling with. Here at Alta Healthcare Services, we pride ourselves on having a variety of clinicians that have come from different walks of life to help you achieve your overall goal. No matter what you are going through you will find someone to give you a helping hand. Here your success and growth is our priority.

I believe in the power of resilience and self-empowerment; however, for those times when that isn't working or a little more is needed, I am here for support. You are the expert on you; I am here to get you back to where want to be or help move you to where you want to go.

My goal is to facilitate your healing, growth, and transformation. Rooted in the psychodynamic orientation, my therapeutic approach is "active eclectic", utilizing cognitive behavioral, Adlerian, and solution-focused interventions. I facilitate change by helping clients understand the underlying reasons why they feel conflicted and by helping identify patterns of behavior that are keeping them stuck. Together we work to develop new ways to respond to present day challenges.

Joseph “Joe” Gallagher, LCPC, NCC, CCTP, BC-TMH, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and a Board Certified-Telemental Health Provider. Joe is a multiculturally competent therapist who is passionate about assisting clients in identifying and achieving their goals. Joe delivers an integrative approach to therapy, believing that every person is intrinsically valuable with a unique story to tell. Joe believes that all individuals have the right to be heard by a caring professional who will provide a safe space to grow and learn to be their best, most happy self.