Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in Cape Saint Claire, MD

I work with individuals to develop tools to manage times of transition. Usually, it is from these uncomfortable times in life that tremendous growth occurs. Together we will discover strategies to manage and move beyond your discomfort with increased self-awareness. The bottom line is that this is your journey, and I am humbled to walk with you during this time of self-discovery. Ideal clients for me include adults in life transitions, relationships challenges, trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Therapy is about the relationship between therapist and client. It’s a vulnerable and courageous act to embark on a mental health journey, so comfort and sense of connection is a must. I am someone – in life, in work, in relationship – who has a foundation of empathy, a drive to help others, and a strong appreciation for humor. These core values come directly from my Midwestern upbringing, during which I was taught by example to treat all others with kindness and patience. I have a special soft spot for anyone who struggles with anxiety, especially children and adolescents.

If you are feeling stuck in a cycle of unhealthy thought patterns, plagued by the stress of strained relationships, or feeling overwhelmed by a change in your life, I would love to help you begin to increase your ability to cope and adapt to all that life has thrown at you. I genuinely enjoy building a trusting and friendly relationship with my clients. Our work together may look like taking time to process feelings, confronting difficult issues, and learning new, productive ways of handling life's many curveballs. The power of taking time for yourself and feeling heard by another person is often underestimated.

My ideal clients are driven to achieve their goals but grapple with stress, anxiety, and depression. They need guidance to break free from debilitating automatic negative thoughts, limiting beliefs, and the inner critic that hinders their progress. They want to break free from the mental health challenges that are holding them back so that they can live the life they want to live.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start? Is it hard to imagine someone else could possibly understand what's going on inside your head or why your body keeps feeling that way? Do you act in ways that don’t quite make sense to you? Or maybe you just learned something that isn't sitting well with you and are looking for ways to manage. You’re not alone!

I'm happy you are here. I work with women and people who are struggling with the transition to pregnancy/parenting and want to feel more enjoyment and confidence in their new identity. I also work with couples who are struggling with balancing roles as partners and parents. You may be pregnant or newly postpartum, grappling with the all-encompassing changes that come with such a transition. You may be a tired or stressed out parent, trying to “have it all” but always falling behind the endless to-do’s. You may be feeling like a roommate to your partner after kids. I understand the difficulties that come with expanding your family.

If you are seeking therapy, you’ve already been working so hard! A unique approach with concrete, directive interventions may be just what you’ve been looking for! I conduct individual and couples sessions, offer extended couples sessions and an intensive weekend option to expedite progress. This work emphasizes connection, alignment with values, forgiveness, acceptance, compassion, and living peacefully in the moment with a healthy sense of self. I can often help people who have been unsuccessful with therapy in the past, have had a return of symptoms after repeated therapy, or are reluctant to engage in the therapeutic process.

Amanda Wiemken, Psy. D. , is a licensed clinical psychologist. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at Spectrum Behavioral Health under the supervision of Scott E. Smith, Ph.D. Dr. Wiemken works with adolescents, adults, and couples. She has worked with individuals presenting with a broad range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and trauma. Dr. Wiemken provides evidence-based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and incorporates aspects of mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches into treatment. Dr. Wiemken received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Monmouth University in Long Branch, NJ.

You may be feeling overwhelmed, striving for perfection, or constantly putting others' needs before your own. Whatever brought you here, let's hold space for you, support you on your journey, and navigate it together. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, and stress, often accompanied by challenges with self-esteem, people-pleasing, and perfectionism. 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.

There comes a time when all of us need help finding the path forward. Sometimes we need a "reality check." Sometimes we just need someone to listen without judgment. Regardless of what therapist you decide on, you deserve nothing less than the latest treatment models backed by rigorous research. For years, I have helped clients from all walks of life bringing a wide range of challenges, including difficulties with productivity, impulsivity, extreme mood changes, anxiety, marriage/relationship problems, and more. I treat adults, couples, and families, and maintain a safe space to openly discuss gender identity and sexual orientation.

Are you trying to navigate systems of oppression with grace for yourself? Are you looking to be kept company in the hard parts of being a person? Are you motivated to remain curious and step out of your comfort zone? Are you looking for support in finding a sweet spot between codependency and individualism in your relationships? If so, I look forward to connecting and beginning our journey together.

I establish a therapeutic relationship where clients learn to communicate and advocate for themselves in relationships with others. I teach clients skills to increase self-awareness and expand ways of responding to chronic stressors. These skills fall under the following themes: emotional regulation, distress management, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. In my work with clients, I reinforce choices that are connected to clients' value systems in order to stay motivated and working toward their personal goals.

If you’ve made it to this website you probably already have a sense that something in your life is keeping you stuck or just isn’t working for you. Perhaps you’ve tried therapy before, or maybe this is your first time reaching out for help. Either way, you’ve come to the right place! I have 8 years of training and experience working with clients to address a broad range of psychological symptoms, with expertise in treating ADHD, anxiety, and addiction. I take an integrative approach to treatment, using strategies grounded in science and tailored to your individual strengths and interests.

Niche: LGBTQIA, adolescents/young adults, teachers, athletes and children. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients can feel safe to share their story and know they are being seen and heard. Using a holistic, client-centered approach I help folks find self-love, acceptance, and healthy ways to move through life transitions. I use a variety of clinical skills with children. I encourage parents of young children to attend sessions as I model behavioral techniques they can implement at home.

I passionately believe that long lasting change does not come from a place of self-loathing, fear, or pressure from others, but rather, compassion and acceptance towards ourselves. So many variables can impact the way we view ourselves: trauma, our families & relationships, identities that have been marginalized, sexuality, cultural and societal norms, systemic oppression, neurodivergence, social media, diet-culture, and the list goes on. The culmination of these experiences can weigh us down, preventing us from living a life authentic to our values and aspirations.