Family Therapy in Bethesda, MD
![Photo of Allison Cohn, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d87df20-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you concerned that your child is depressed, angry, or has trouble listening and following directions? If you are worried about your child and feel helpless or frustrated, counseling teaches both you and your child effective coping skills. I work with children and families to provide them with individual, family and group therapy. The children I work with have difficulty coping with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, family conflict, grief, poor relationships, behavioral difficulties, and mood irregularity. I provide an individualized holistic approach including parents, teachers, doctors and psychiatrists when necessary.
Are you concerned that your child is depressed, angry, or has trouble listening and following directions? If you are worried about your child and feel helpless or frustrated, counseling teaches both you and your child effective coping skills. I work with children and families to provide them with individual, family and group therapy. The children I work with have difficulty coping with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, family conflict, grief, poor relationships, behavioral difficulties, and mood irregularity. I provide an individualized holistic approach including parents, teachers, doctors and psychiatrists when necessary.
![Photo of Todd Handelman, MSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/819a29da-86a0-4424-aa4a-df53a5f7165c/2/320x400.jpeg)
By providing a supportive, active partnership with my clients we work together to create improved functioning at work, relationships, personal health and ongoing family dynamics.
Since 1992 I have helped clients age 13-73 respond to challenges facing them throughout their life cycles. Throughout my career I have facilitated my clients in developing skills and learning to ways to cope with the demands of school, socialization challenges, relationship dynamics, depression, anxiety, ADHD, sexuality, professional/career development and sports performance enhancement.
By providing a supportive, active partnership with my clients we work together to create improved functioning at work, relationships, personal health and ongoing family dynamics.
Since 1992 I have helped clients age 13-73 respond to challenges facing them throughout their life cycles. Throughout my career I have facilitated my clients in developing skills and learning to ways to cope with the demands of school, socialization challenges, relationship dynamics, depression, anxiety, ADHD, sexuality, professional/career development and sports performance enhancement.
![Photo of Joanne Wolf Small, MSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/007e7b13-4c91-402f-b137-964e7419b442/3/320x400.jpeg)
I focus on aging; adoption; anxiety; depression; co-dependence; family dysfunction; grief; loss; identity; and relationships.
I believe we are all finally recognizing that a more holistic approach to treatment is needed. With over 40+ years of experience working in community mental health and private practice, I know the importance on our assessing and understanding all of the ways society impacts every individual. Everything around us matters, even beyond our personal relationships with our families, colleagues and friends. Speaking as a proud social worker, I know to effectively diagnose and treat a human problem needs a fully inclusive, psycho-social model of evaluation. I am here, tailored to help for your specific and unique needs.
I focus on aging; adoption; anxiety; depression; co-dependence; family dysfunction; grief; loss; identity; and relationships.
I believe we are all finally recognizing that a more holistic approach to treatment is needed. With over 40+ years of experience working in community mental health and private practice, I know the importance on our assessing and understanding all of the ways society impacts every individual. Everything around us matters, even beyond our personal relationships with our families, colleagues and friends. Speaking as a proud social worker, I know to effectively diagnose and treat a human problem needs a fully inclusive, psycho-social model of evaluation. I am here, tailored to help for your specific and unique needs.
![Photo of Maureen McElroy, MA, MS, LCMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/403b8d2b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Life may be harder than you expected. You may feel stressed, depressed, or anxious. You may be struggling with a decision. Relationships with your family are complex. You may want to improve communication with your partner. Parenting is tough. You may have suffered a loss, & you don't know why it still affects you. You may have put a dream on hold while you attended to family matters, & now you wonder if you are still capable of fulfilling that dream. You may feel you have been given gifts, but you aren't using them to their full potential.
Life may be harder than you expected. You may feel stressed, depressed, or anxious. You may be struggling with a decision. Relationships with your family are complex. You may want to improve communication with your partner. Parenting is tough. You may have suffered a loss, & you don't know why it still affects you. You may have put a dream on hold while you attended to family matters, & now you wonder if you are still capable of fulfilling that dream. You may feel you have been given gifts, but you aren't using them to their full potential.
![Photo of Kelini Coker, MS, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b82a7f99-573e-4338-ae4c-11fc6e4b40b3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Do you know what it's like to have a narcissistic partner or did you grow up in a family with a narcissistic parent? Were you a scapegoat in your family dynamics and know what it's like to lose your voice? Are you a first or second generation immigrant with baggage that feels too daunting to unpack? Are you struggling to process grief? Do you long to find your voice again?
Do you know what it's like to have a narcissistic partner or did you grow up in a family with a narcissistic parent? Were you a scapegoat in your family dynamics and know what it's like to lose your voice? Are you a first or second generation immigrant with baggage that feels too daunting to unpack? Are you struggling to process grief? Do you long to find your voice again?
![Photo of Claire Diamonstein Weinberg, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9dbf62f2-b26e-46ad-a083-c8090a842247/4/320x400.jpeg)
Claire Diamonstein Weinberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
I utilize a personalized blend of clinical tools and therapeutic models to foster sustained progress, ultimately equipping you and your family with the necessary skills to effectively navigate and manage these intense emotions.
I am profoundly passionate about working with children (4-12) who have Big Feelings and Big Reactions. These children are wired to feel deeply and react strongly. As a deeply feeling child myself (and now a deeply feeling adult), I possess a unique ability to decipher childrens' emotional experiences and the motivating factors behind their choices. This is the driving force behind my practice.
I utilize a personalized blend of clinical tools and therapeutic models to foster sustained progress, ultimately equipping you and your family with the necessary skills to effectively navigate and manage these intense emotions.
I am profoundly passionate about working with children (4-12) who have Big Feelings and Big Reactions. These children are wired to feel deeply and react strongly. As a deeply feeling child myself (and now a deeply feeling adult), I possess a unique ability to decipher childrens' emotional experiences and the motivating factors behind their choices. This is the driving force behind my practice.
![Photo of Jon Thomas, EdD, LCPC, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0d6bf66-3f9a-461d-8658-7b4a1c5902c6/2/320x400.png)
Research shows that teachers, doctors, nurses, counselors, social workers, pastors, and CEOs face unique challenges that can leave them drained of the energy they need to be effective on the job and in personal and family relationships.
I have been working with individuals, couples, and families in the Maryland area for 20 years, During my time here I have had the privileged to serve as a college chaplain, youth pastor, university professor, and mental health clinic director. At present I divide my time between serving mental health and substance abuse clinics as a clinical supervisor and consultant and running a thriving private practice. I specialize in helping other professionals fight off burnout and establish an effective work/life balance. This become increasingly important with the additional stress Covid-19 has placed on all of us.
Research shows that teachers, doctors, nurses, counselors, social workers, pastors, and CEOs face unique challenges that can leave them drained of the energy they need to be effective on the job and in personal and family relationships.
I have been working with individuals, couples, and families in the Maryland area for 20 years, During my time here I have had the privileged to serve as a college chaplain, youth pastor, university professor, and mental health clinic director. At present I divide my time between serving mental health and substance abuse clinics as a clinical supervisor and consultant and running a thriving private practice. I specialize in helping other professionals fight off burnout and establish an effective work/life balance. This become increasingly important with the additional stress Covid-19 has placed on all of us.
![Photo of Phillip A Reynolds, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc16cff7-8d5b-4b69-b65b-3bc47e07ab09/1/320x400.jpeg)
Recently voted "Reader's Pick, Best Family Therapist" 2014 in Bethesda Magazine, I believe the therapeutic relationship (between client and psychotherapist) is the most important element in the interpersonal and relational interventions of therapy. My goal is to meet you where you are, and to help you get to where you want to be: as an individual, a couple, and/or as a family.
Recently voted "Reader's Pick, Best Family Therapist" 2014 in Bethesda Magazine, I believe the therapeutic relationship (between client and psychotherapist) is the most important element in the interpersonal and relational interventions of therapy. My goal is to meet you where you are, and to help you get to where you want to be: as an individual, a couple, and/or as a family.
![Photo of Jess Nysenbaum, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3516d773-4eab-4439-8d14-4c6220297f7a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tired of having the same argument with your partner or certain family members? Find it hard to talk about sex with your partner? If so, individual and/or couples therapy can help!
Tired of having the same argument with your partner or certain family members? Find it hard to talk about sex with your partner? If so, individual and/or couples therapy can help!
![Photo of Bethesda Counseling Services, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c84e1c2-2948-4b87-96c6-596dbdfb5b52/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bethesda Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817
Are you having difficulty connecting with your loved one? Are you experiencing a recent major life change? Are you having trouble sleeping or concentrating because of an unresolved family conflict or other stressor? Do you feel like there's no room in your schedule to relax because you are always taking care of others or working on a never-ending "to-do list"? Whether you have experienced a sudden unexpected event or you are going through a new change in your life, we can help! We specialize in working with individuals, couples and families who are going through a challenging time in their life or are trying to make sense of neg
Are you having difficulty connecting with your loved one? Are you experiencing a recent major life change? Are you having trouble sleeping or concentrating because of an unresolved family conflict or other stressor? Do you feel like there's no room in your schedule to relax because you are always taking care of others or working on a never-ending "to-do list"? Whether you have experienced a sudden unexpected event or you are going through a new change in your life, we can help! We specialize in working with individuals, couples and families who are going through a challenging time in their life or are trying to make sense of neg
![Photo of Brooke Shafer, MA, LPC, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5149a4be-32a4-4c19-a0ae-f44352df8233/1/320x400.jpeg)
Winner of the Best of Bethesda Magazine in the Child/Adolescent Therapist Category! In the modern world, we are facing more difficulties than ever before. I have worked with clients facing depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, identity exploration, and dysregulated behavior. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, especially around the middle school years, and their parents in order to improve mood and self-regulation and promote positive family interactions and communication.
Winner of the Best of Bethesda Magazine in the Child/Adolescent Therapist Category! In the modern world, we are facing more difficulties than ever before. I have worked with clients facing depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, identity exploration, and dysregulated behavior. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, especially around the middle school years, and their parents in order to improve mood and self-regulation and promote positive family interactions and communication.
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![Photo of Lawrence I Sank, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bdb3989-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Additional approaches include, when appropriate, hypnosis, relaxation and mindfulness training while using individual, family and couples formats.
I apply the science of Psychology in assisting individuals, couples and families in the pursuit of their goals. I strive to maximize their happiness and to live more effective lives. I have practiced in the Washington Metropolitan area since 1973. Trained by Drs. Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, I have specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy and in the treatment of mood disorders. As a certified sex therapist I combine the application of psychological science with a compassionate, empathic approach to individuals and couples as they struggle with their problems in the area of sexual functioning and related difficulties.
Additional approaches include, when appropriate, hypnosis, relaxation and mindfulness training while using individual, family and couples formats.
I apply the science of Psychology in assisting individuals, couples and families in the pursuit of their goals. I strive to maximize their happiness and to live more effective lives. I have practiced in the Washington Metropolitan area since 1973. Trained by Drs. Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, I have specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy and in the treatment of mood disorders. As a certified sex therapist I combine the application of psychological science with a compassionate, empathic approach to individuals and couples as they struggle with their problems in the area of sexual functioning and related difficulties.
![Photo of Devon C King, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bcc3d90-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have tremendous respect for people who make the difficult decision to enter in to psychotherapy. I work collaboratively with older children, adolescents, and adults, in individual, couples, and family therapy. My goal is to explore collaboratively the troubles that have led them to seek treatment at this time. I try to provide a safe, non-judgemental environment, where one can develop insight to better understand and ultimately change behavioral and relational patterns that get in the way of happiness and fulfillment. I have extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, and trauma, as well as relationship difficulties and life transitions.
I have tremendous respect for people who make the difficult decision to enter in to psychotherapy. I work collaboratively with older children, adolescents, and adults, in individual, couples, and family therapy. My goal is to explore collaboratively the troubles that have led them to seek treatment at this time. I try to provide a safe, non-judgemental environment, where one can develop insight to better understand and ultimately change behavioral and relational patterns that get in the way of happiness and fulfillment. I have extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, and trauma, as well as relationship difficulties and life transitions.
![Photo of Beth Haytmanek, LCPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/66fc0a28-6acb-421c-8c48-99e4cd720a93/3/320x400.jpeg)
Beth is available for individual, couples, and family therapy. She has a client-centered/humanistic approach with a focus on a strong therapeutic relationship and genuine empathy for her clients. Beth has experience working with clients who have eating disorders as well as those who struggle with substance use.
Beth is available for individual, couples, and family therapy. She has a client-centered/humanistic approach with a focus on a strong therapeutic relationship and genuine empathy for her clients. Beth has experience working with clients who have eating disorders as well as those who struggle with substance use.
![Photo of Devin Maroney, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d9a9788-7338-4775-9f74-7253d1152774/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have trained in Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, DBT, CBT and Focusing oriented therapy.
I help individuals, couples and families reconnect with and draw strength from the goodness in themselves as they cultivate positive behaviors and new perspectives on life. I specialize in untangling the patterns that cause us harm, including avoidance, addiction, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic suffering, self harm, suicidal ideation, and low self esteem. I help couples and families find more wholesome and supportive ways to connect and care for each other.
I have trained in Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, DBT, CBT and Focusing oriented therapy.
I help individuals, couples and families reconnect with and draw strength from the goodness in themselves as they cultivate positive behaviors and new perspectives on life. I specialize in untangling the patterns that cause us harm, including avoidance, addiction, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic suffering, self harm, suicidal ideation, and low self esteem. I help couples and families find more wholesome and supportive ways to connect and care for each other.
![Photo of Gabriela Barber, PhD, LCMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55c198da-d286-4a26-9f15-d80f0422e58a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gabriela Barber
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LCMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817
As a therapist, I work with children, adults, couples, and families as they navigate various life transitions. This can include reorganization within the family system, through either a new marriage, a separation or divorce, birth of a new family member, the exploration of alternative family building options, or various other life events. Our lives are constantly in flux, and we all sometimes need support to navigate these decision points and learn to better manage the anxiety they create.
As a therapist, I work with children, adults, couples, and families as they navigate various life transitions. This can include reorganization within the family system, through either a new marriage, a separation or divorce, birth of a new family member, the exploration of alternative family building options, or various other life events. Our lives are constantly in flux, and we all sometimes need support to navigate these decision points and learn to better manage the anxiety they create.
![Photo of Victoria Alves, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df185c5e-cacb-4560-be19-3dbd15f401ee/1/320x400.jpeg)
Victoria Alves
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
I utilize my expertise in adoption-competency, attachment-based therapy, and trauma-informed therapy to provide interventions that are tailored to your unique child/teen and/or family.
Victoria was transracially adopted from China as an infant. Her previous work history includes: supervising visitation between parents and their children, working as a school counselor in a public charter school, providing intensive, home-based therapy to children with intense emotional and behavioral needs, and providing clinical case management to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. Victoria believes strongly in client-oriented services and that everyone should have access to the opportunities and support that they need to succeed. Victoria is also passionate about self-improvement and continuing to learn throughout your life.
I utilize my expertise in adoption-competency, attachment-based therapy, and trauma-informed therapy to provide interventions that are tailored to your unique child/teen and/or family.
Victoria was transracially adopted from China as an infant. Her previous work history includes: supervising visitation between parents and their children, working as a school counselor in a public charter school, providing intensive, home-based therapy to children with intense emotional and behavioral needs, and providing clinical case management to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. Victoria believes strongly in client-oriented services and that everyone should have access to the opportunities and support that they need to succeed. Victoria is also passionate about self-improvement and continuing to learn throughout your life.
![Photo of Dr. Carlos J. Carmona-Goyena, PhD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6208d53c-8334-4e28-bfcc-d0b32a9c9eb8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Carlos J. Carmona-Goyena
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
I am best positioned to serve individuals and families navigating challenges such as family conflicts, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, somatic concerns, and life challenges.
Welcome! With over 18 years of experience and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology granted at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, I am eager to start working together... You desire more than just relief from your symptoms; you seek understanding, connection, and lasting change. You want to rebuild your relationships, find peace within yourself, and develop the resilience to face life's challenges. You would be motivated by a deep desire for personal growth and a commitment to building a healthier, more fulfilling life.
I am best positioned to serve individuals and families navigating challenges such as family conflicts, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, somatic concerns, and life challenges.
Welcome! With over 18 years of experience and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology granted at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, I am eager to start working together... You desire more than just relief from your symptoms; you seek understanding, connection, and lasting change. You want to rebuild your relationships, find peace within yourself, and develop the resilience to face life's challenges. You would be motivated by a deep desire for personal growth and a commitment to building a healthier, more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Alondra Perez, MS, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be7f23d6-6c9b-43b4-af58-0e5c3a8ebc31/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Bethesda Play Therapy and Healing Center I am a bilingual (English and Spanish) therapist that focuses on providing a safe and culturally sensitive space. I believe in empowering my clients to achieve their goals and full potential through an integrative approach. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered, Child Centered and Prescriptive Play Therapy, and Relational-cultural Therapy. I work with issues related to ADHD, depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, substance use, trauma, behavior issues, and life transitions.
At Bethesda Play Therapy and Healing Center I am a bilingual (English and Spanish) therapist that focuses on providing a safe and culturally sensitive space. I believe in empowering my clients to achieve their goals and full potential through an integrative approach. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered, Child Centered and Prescriptive Play Therapy, and Relational-cultural Therapy. I work with issues related to ADHD, depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, substance use, trauma, behavior issues, and life transitions.
![Photo of Melanie Eisman Garber, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3baa983-aef1-4c42-a09e-9bf72412509d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Melanie Eisman Garber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
I am an individual and family therapist that works primarily with adolescents, young adults and adults. My practice integrates traditional psychotherapy with a myriad of techniques to help clients channel their inner strength and make positive and desired changes in their lives. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) while also utilizing mindfulness, strengths-based and eclectic approaches to therapy. I am extremely passionate about working with adolescents, young adults and adults dealing with life transitions, relationships, peer issues and failure to launch.
I am an individual and family therapist that works primarily with adolescents, young adults and adults. My practice integrates traditional psychotherapy with a myriad of techniques to help clients channel their inner strength and make positive and desired changes in their lives. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) while also utilizing mindfulness, strengths-based and eclectic approaches to therapy. I am extremely passionate about working with adolescents, young adults and adults dealing with life transitions, relationships, peer issues and failure to launch.
See more therapy options for Bethesda
Family Therapy
What do family therapists do?
A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.
How long does therapy for families take to work?
Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.
How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?
You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.
Is therapy for families effective?
Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.