Therapists in Columbia, MD

Take charge of your life...manage communications, thinking, emotions, behaviors and goals! When you and I meet in session, it will be a unique experience designed to meet what works for your needs and goals. I view each person in a holistic framework that encompasses cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects. The goal of our work together is to achieve a sense of balance in your life where all aspects of you are working together in harmony to achieve wellness. My training and experience encompass an eclectic approach that combines the newest research and time tested theories, strategies, and techniques.

My therapeutic approach is to provide therapy and support to help clients effectively address personal challenges. There is no single approach that is right for every individual and I'm highly committed to offer a personalized approach tailored to each client. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy to help ignite a change that you can see and feel.

Do you experience anxiety, including social fear and avoidance? Do you feel anxious in romantic relationships or just want to feel less worried and depressed? I get it! Does your angst leave you feeling empty, angry and irritable? Life can be absolutely overwhelming and actually scary, at times, especially when stress piles up and we’re trying to juggle a career, a marriage and parenting. Unhealed wounds and traumatic experiences from our past wreak havoc on our present and we don’t know how to repair the damage. But there are answers!

Do you have questions about discipline strategies, supporting your child's social and emotional development, feel concerned about your child's behavior or mood, or just want to be sure you're doing the best you can for your family? Do you ever feel triggered by parenting, overwhelmed, constantly worried or depressed? I work with parents, children, and families to help families thrive. Whether you're looking for mental health counseling for yourself, you and your partner, or your whole family, parenting support and education, or counseling for your child, we can work together to create a customized plan to reach your goals.

Thank you for choosing Growing Young Minds Counseling, a private mental health service for children and adolescents. Have you noticed a change in your child's mood or behavior? Is your child isolating themselves from others, including you? Have you witnessed them crying at times, and it seem to have come out of nowhere? We are here to help! We have lots of experience helping children and adolescents develop solid coping skills that will address what they are going through. We offer family counseling services and parent coaching, because we believe that a strong family support system is KEY to the success of my clients.

When you are looking for a therapist, that decision often comes during times of crisis. This loss of balance and connection makes it hard to make decisions or trust anyone. But as you take this first step, I will honor your trust with a relationship that is free of judgement and focused on finding your foundation. Whether you are coping with trauma, depression, stress, anxiety, life transition, relationship or marital issues, we can work together to make things better. I bring to the table a deep knowledge of a diverse set of treatment methods that allow me to tailor your therapy uniquely to your personality, challenges and life.

I am here to create a safe and trusting environment that allows clients to unload their thoughts and emotions. Empowering them in a genuine, straightforward, and relaxed atmosphere to step into the brave space where they are able to find their truth, speak it, and live it. My integrative approach is tailored to each client. During this process the client learns how to accept where they are in this moment. Then identifying and making changes to get to where they want to be. This allows them to free themselves from the persistent negative thoughts and societal pressures holding them back from living the life they have always wanted.

Kumi Pledger, LCPC, strives to help clients sleep better, worry less and enjoy life more! She works with children, adolescents, couples, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) Clients, families and adults for various issues including, relationship challenges, supporting new and expectant mothers, eating disorders, adjustment problems, trauma, grief and loss. She uses personal insight and professional experience to provide clients with a safe place to be heard, free fears, reduce anxieties, eliminate unwanted behaviors, grow, improve and conquer insomnia.

If you are currently struggling or know someone who is, I am here to help. You've already taken a positive step in trying to improve your life, by finding a supportive path. With over 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist, I have had the pleasure of working with individuals dealing with many concerns hindering their growth, such as: relationship concerns, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, life transitions, pain management, career counseling, personal growth, law enforcement/EMS, LGBTI. Many years psychological assessment experience and supervision to doctoral students in clinical settings.

It all begins with the desire for change…but as you might realize, change is difficult. And if you’re struggling with things like the desire to stop a negative thought or want to stop using drugs or alcohol, you are not alone. I am here to support you in the changes you want to make in your life, each step of the way.

Darwin offers an individualized approach, implementing mindfulness-based, solutions-focused, narrative, family systems, attachment-based, and cognitive behavioral (CBT) interventions. He partners with his clients to identify both practical and insightful interventions that cultivate success in everyday life. Darwin provides a supportive, relaxed, and safe environment where you can work through and uncover difficult emotions and achieve personal growth. He strives to assist you to process trauma, conflicts, and everyday stress so that you may be your most healthy self and experience a more connected and fulfilled life.

The first steps to a counseling session can be scary, but it is also a courageous act in understanding yourself and living a more engaging life. My philosophy in providing care has always been "helping others help themselves." I believe that each individual has the ability to change and grow in their journey. In sessions I provide a safe, compassionate, and collaborative space. I will also acknowledge that our world is vastly different and more chaotic than it was a few years ago - covid pandemic, racial injustice, climate change - and I will do my best to offer you some direction in these collective struggles.

FEW Spots Remaining for NEW Clients! Welcome to your first step and a vital decision to choose you! Being seen and heard are undervalued in our society. Do you allow the space and care that you need to be whole? Pouring from an empty cup is difficult. I welcome individuals, couples, and families, whether seeking self-enlightenment, coping, better communication, or unity. Though implied in the text, I extend a special invitation to the men. We feel we always HAVE to be "ok," but we know better, fellas! Seeking help is a show of strength.

I value a therapeutic relationship based on warmth, safety, understanding and deep recognition of your authentic self. I validate and nurture your unique self expression and creativity. I have been a therapist for over 20 years, and use my training in trauma informed therapy, IFS, psychodynamic and attachment perspectives to help transform your relationship with others, deepen your emotional life, and reconnect to internal parts of yourself. I utilize AEDP and mindfulness to facilitate the healing of grief, loss, and attachment wounds. To undo aloneness. I emphasize self inquiry and the connection of body, mind. and spirit