Self Esteem Therapists in Annapolis, MD

As a Licensed Social Worker, I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a variety of challenges - depression, anxiety, ADHD, learning disabilities, substance abuse, grief & loss, & dual diagnosis. I employ a strengths-based approach, one that provides assistance & guidance, while focusing on resources & problem solving potentials of the individual. Other modalities may include play therapy for children, art therapy, & cognitive behavioral therapy which examines the ways of thinking patterns that may prevent us from achieving a healthy outcome.

Hello, and thank you for visiting this page. In my practice, I work primarily with adolescents and young adults struggling with eating disorders, body image issues and self esteem concerns. I have a strong understanding of the relationship between trauma and body image, and I work delicately with my clients to help recognize these connections to facilitate healing. My experience comes from years working on an eating disorders inpatient unit, day hospital and IOP. Art Therapy can be beneficial for those who struggle to express themselves verbally and is a popular modality in the treatment of PTSD and eating disorders.

Thank you for making the choice to seek help. I know how hard it can be and would be honored to be a part of this next step. Life brings us a lot of changes and challenges that may be difficult to navigate. Perhaps you need help understanding how to cope with your anxiety in certain situations or daily life. Maybe you’re going through a difficult transition. Or maybe something just feels off, and you want to explore what you’re experiencing in a safe place. My hope is that therapy will take you from a place of distress to a place of believing in your strengths and being kind to yourself.

My office is located on Maryland Therapeutic Riding and is surrounded by 25 acres of gorgeous fields and healing horses. Specializing in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), I utilize a team approach, partnering with horses, to facilitate experiential opportunities for adolescents and adults to better know and trust themselves. Horses are non-judgmental and able to provide in the moment feedback to help clients build connections, overcome obstacles, self reflect, problem solve, and work toward meeting their goals. Working in nature provides the opportunity to reset, ground, and find peace.

As a licensed therapist, I have over eight years of experience working with individuals and families of various ages and backgrounds in school, hospital and private practice settings. I currently focus my clinical work with preteens, teens, and adults who are struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem and life transitions. And, as a biracial (Asian/White) therapist, I am knowledgeable about unique identity issues for biracial/multiracial individuals and am passionate about supporting others in this area. I believe therapy should be a collaborative process, and view clients as the experts of their own lives.

“Knowledge is only rumor until it lives in the muscle.” This proverb from the Asaro tribe of Papua New Guinea is the foundation of how we bring what we learn into a lived experience and create lasting change. We can read books, watch videos, and make resolutions but until we truly move forward in a different way, we run the risk of getting stuck in old patterns. My goal is to help uncover the root causes that lead to the use of substances or behaviors that become detrimental to the spirit and values in the individual. Reclaiming these values and rebuilding self-esteem is possible and begins with a decision to seek help.

During my 30 years in the social work profession I have had an array of experiences that have focused on crisis work with families and individuals experiencing: trauma, loss, depression, grief, anxiety, low self-esteem, housing & employment issues, and family challenges. In my more recent practice years, I have enjoyed working with the LGBTQ community as a straight ally, and advocating for equal rights and fair treatment for all. I am also certified as a divorce mediator, and I provide clinical supervision to graduate level social work professionals seeking their LCSW-C licensure. Licensed in MD/VA/FL.

I work with those struggling with confidence/self-esteem/self-compassion, those interested in working on emotion identification and regulation, and those struggling with inattentiveness/focus difficulties. I help those who want to build up their coping skills toolkit. I am interested in working with those striving to identify and live aligned with their values and eager to engage in therapy. I am comfortable with people who might be the first generation willing to engage and trust the therapeutic relationship. I want to work with someone who wants to find balance and acceptance in a life of suffering and joy.

Are you seeking a positive change in your life? Welcome to a journey towards self-improvement and well-being. As a licensed therapist with expertise in depression, anxiety, grief, mood disorders, self-esteem issues, life transitions, and women’s issues, I am committed to empowering individuals at any stage of their lives. Recognizing the courage it takes to seek change and ask for help, I offer a safe, supportive, and confidential environment. My approach is client-centered, tailored to the unique needs of each individual. I employ clinically-tested and evidence-based interventions to ensure the most effective treatment.

Welcome to the first step towards becoming the version of yourself that you strive to be! If you're currently facing changes in mood or motivation, experiencing anxiety or depression symptoms, in need of support through life transitions, or if you're a couple aiming to improve communication, intimacy, and overall connection, I may be well-suited to help you. With over a decade of professional experience, I've worked with diverse individuals and couples addressing various mental health and relationship concerns. Regardless of our backgrounds, we all sometimes need support through life's changes and deserve to be heard and understood.

If you are stuck in unproductive patterns of behavior which negatively impact your life and your connections with others, I can help you lead a more satisfying, productive life and help you become more communicative, closer with your partner and/or others, and better able to cope with the challenges you will face, both today and in the future. For over 32 years, I have been providing therapy to couples, adults, and adolescents, in a variety of outpatient settings as a therapist and clinical supervisor. My treatment approaches include Imago Relationship Therapy, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and psychodynamic principles.

Has your teenager been struggling with anxiety, depression, a negative past experience or stress related to school? Have you felt overwhelmed, discouraged or frustrated while trying to cope with the demands of raising a teenager? Has it seemed as though you've tried all you can and you still don't have the answers? Do you feel out of options or as though you don't know what to do anymore?

Are you feeling hopeless and powerless? Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy? Do you feel dejected and trapped when you are alone and with others? Do you get test anxiety or find it difficult to start new relationships? Are you easily irritated and angered? Are you in need of support after experiencing the loss of a relationship or a loved one? Do you and your partner feel stuck in your relationship? Do you want to learn how to face challenges without fear? Do you want help with discovering how to live your best life?

While a person can feel better after a good talk with a friend or relative, for moderate or severe distress, this relief is only temporary. At those times, it is beneficial to talk with a trained counselor who listens and interacts in a way to get to the very root for your emotional concerns. I offer my clients an opportunity to face their difficulties confidently and constructively; freeing them to enjoy all the good things life has to offer.

Throughout my career, I have worked with clients from childhood to early adulthood, in addition to couples and families who have struggled with depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, self-harm, stress, grief, behavioral issues, and relationship issues. I have a particular interest in helping clients navigate life transitions, such as identity searching, career changes, and loss, and helping clients find meaning and purpose in their lives. I work to create a safe and supportive space where people can explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences without fear of judgment. I will help you to find your path forward.

Virtual/In-Person (Fort Worth) appointments in TX and virtual ONLY in MD. Life has a way of throwing challenges and uncertainties in our direction that we often feel ill-equipped to face. I believe that strength and encouragement can be found in having someone to process these struggles with us. My goal is to come alongside you on your journey and spend time getting to know you as I seek to listen to, empathize with, and understand your personal experiences. I strive to create a safe space where you can learn from your current thinking patterns, explore new coping skills, and grow in more effective behaviors and thought processes.

You may feel overwhelmed by stress, or struggling with anxiety and depression. Maybe you are dealing with family difficulties or parenting challenges. Or like most of us, you are having trouble making time for yourself. I would love to help you let go of stress and anxiety, overcome the pain of trauma and depression, and navigate family difficulties. Maybe you know you need help, but don't know exactly what's wrong or what you want. Thats ok! You are ready to make a positive change. In our sessions, you'll create the life you have always wanted to live.

Do you feel like an imposter? Does it feel like everyone else got a rulebook that you didn't? Are you trying to overcome the effects of trauma, whether from a major life event, or from many smaller things throughout your life that have eaten away at your self-esteem? I'm guessing that you have many negative beliefs about yourself that you know, logically, aren't true. It's really hard to turn that logic into true belief about your worth as a human being, though. I can help you to go from just knowing in your head that you're worthy of love and a fulfilling life to truly believing it deep down. That makes a huge difference!

Relationship problems can result from prolonged grief, excessive guilt, low self-esteem or having very few boundaries. Problems may occur from a series of failed or stormy relationships, being over-controlling or being too inflexible. They can arise from developmental "shocks," losses or being emotionally starved. Problems can result from violence, molestation, abuses, or feeling empty and disconnected. They may also occur from addictions, codependent choices, chronic illnesses, neurobiology or the quality of healthcare. And relationship problems can result from paralyzing fear of harm or being alone, or any combination of the above.