Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapists in Kensington, MD

I have over 20 years of clinical experience as an LCSW-C providing psychotherapy to older children, adolescents, and adults, as well as couples and families. In addition, I have 2 years of post graduate training from the Washington School of Psychiatry. My theoretical orientation is primarily psychodynamic, but I also utilize cognitive /behavioral theory and other theoretical models, depending on my client's needs. I provide a safe and caring environment that allows clients to explore their issues. I specialize in treating mood and anxiety disorders, life stressors and transitions, grief/loss, relationship difficulties, as well as developing healthy lifestyle choices and coping mechanisms.

Often we wait until we have exhausted every measure before we seek professional help. You can start on your journey to healing, reconciliation, peace, and joy today. I believe that in times of adversity and struggle, we have the greatest potential for growth. It is often hard to see clearly how the difficulties we face will lead to positive changes, so instead we lose our way and get stuck in places of frustration, despair, and resentment. The change process is a journey-sometimes long and at times short. It is a process that gives us the opportunity to discover new ways of approaching our circumstances.

If you're reading this you've already taken the first step towards healing. As a social worker I specialize in a systems approach to integrative healing, trauma care, and the mind-body connection. My background in health research drives me to take a methodical, evidenced-based approach to assessment, treatment planning, and individualizing therapy based on your unique needs. I work with pre-teens, adolescents, young adults, and adults of all races, genders, religions, and ability. I offer in-depth needs assessments, EMDR, individual therapy, family therapy, group education, and supervision for social workers and counselors in MD.

If you are looking for a supportive and approachable therapist to help you, your child, or your adolescent build effective coping strategies and create goal oriented solutions to help you improve your quality of life, I can help. My passion is adolescents and children. Some of the issues I focus on include anxiety, depression, adjustment problems, and social skills enhancement in young people. I have extensive experience in helping children, adolescents, adults, and families with complex underlying medical and/or developmental diagnoses deal with the impact these conditions have on their behavior, emotional happiness, and interactions with others.

I view psychotherapy as a collaborative approach between the client and the therapist, where we work together on your therapeutic goals to reach greater awareness and personal growth. I work with pre-teens, adolescents, and emerging adults, dealing with social and academic stressors, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, self-esteem, and trauma. I also work with adults in these areas and in the areas of life changes. I provide psychoeducational support for families with children with developmental differences, acute and chronic illnesses, and co-parenting issues.

I have been joyfully practicing psychotherapy for over 30 years in the greater Washington, D.C. area. I have a general practice and specialize in depression, bipolar disorder and addictions/recovery/co-dependency issues. I work with chronic illness and specialize in diabetes. My preferred modality is individual and couple's therapy. I enjoy my clients immensely and feel a great deal of satisfaction in helping people better their lives, alleviate depression and resolve painful relationship issues.

Welcome! I can imagine that the journey to get here has not been an easy one and I would like to congratulate you for taking the first step toward getting the help that you need. Research has repeatedly shown that the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy. I strive to create a safe, accepting environment where my clients can feel comfortable being their true selves and fully engage in the process to gain more insight into their feelings, core beliefs and actions, as well as to develop adaptive behaviors and coping strategies.

You need to talk to someone. You're in a stressful place in your life. Not only is your desire for clarity and comfort at its peak but your need to find the right therapist is a leap of faith. Seeing me, you may find our sessions to be empowering, challenging, yet comfortable, and at times humorous. You can become energized by the unfolding of your story, gaining new insights into your thoughts and feelings that are no longer working for you. Are you having difficulties adjusting to life with a mental health disorder or struggling to make sense of a traumatic experience?

Living a life of peace, free from chaos and dis-ease is what most people strive for. But often we are confronted with anxiety, depression, mood shifts, trauma, stress, anger, grief, isolation, etc. My goal is to help you to restore health and well-being. There are some circumstances of the past that cannot be changed but improving your understanding of past events will help as we work together to create a better present (the here and now), that will lead to a better future.

I work with individuals and couples, adults ages 18 -85. I see people daytime and in the evening. I work primarily with mood and anxiety disorders and also have substantial experience working with serious mental illnesses.

I have worked extensively with clients to help them address a wide variety of concerns, including: Depression and anxiety • Work-related stress • Academic concerns (learning issues, attention problems) • Time management and organizational skills • Grief, loss, and bereavement • Spiritual and existential issues, including crises of faith and integrating beliefs and values • Life transitions (e.g., entering / leaving the workforce; marriage and divorce) • Identity issues and experiences of bias, discrimination, and oppression • Sexual and gender-related concerns

I have 25+ years of experience in treating anxiety disorders (such as OCD, panic disorder, and phobias), depression, and difficulties related to psychological trauma. For the past 13 years, I have also been treating eating disorders and trichotillomania. I work primarily from a cognitive -behavioral perspective. This involves my client and me working as a collaborative team to determine what skills it would be useful for my client to learn and practice. This process tends to reduce distress and facilitates achieving a greater sense satisfaction, happiness, and meaning in life.

My down to earth style, arising from over 25 years of experience working with adults, adolescents and children, creates a comfortable, safe environment where together we learn to understand you. I provide individual, couples and family therapy to enable you to better cope with life's continuing challenges. I have extensive experience with individuals who are having trouble coping with depression, anxiety and trauma history. I also enjoy working with couples who are struggling in their relationships. I have a certificate in Advanced Trauma Treatment and I use Gottman Method Couples Therapy in my work with couples.

Leslie Trerotola is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) with 6 years of experience in the mental health field. Leslie works with adults and seniors. She has experience working with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, life transitions, and stress management. Leslie completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Maryland. While in school, she interned at a community clinic and senior living community (nursing facility and short-term rehab). Leslie uses cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT ) and mindfulness with her clients.