Existential Therapists in Columbia, MD
![Photo of Reginald Nettles, PhD, CGP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b795e47-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
People who are seeking to change dysfunctional patterns in their emotional lives and interpersonal relationships or are undergoing major life transitions and loss, may benefit from my approaches to psychotherapy. Working from interpersonal, psychodynamic and emotion focused frameworks, I emphasize the importance of relationships - developmentally and throughout the life span. I have many years of experience assisting people with emotional, interpersonal, achievement-related and existential dilemmas. Adults of diverse racial, ethnic, and spiritual backgrounds, gender orientations, physical abilities, and health statuses are seen in my practice.
People who are seeking to change dysfunctional patterns in their emotional lives and interpersonal relationships or are undergoing major life transitions and loss, may benefit from my approaches to psychotherapy. Working from interpersonal, psychodynamic and emotion focused frameworks, I emphasize the importance of relationships - developmentally and throughout the life span. I have many years of experience assisting people with emotional, interpersonal, achievement-related and existential dilemmas. Adults of diverse racial, ethnic, and spiritual backgrounds, gender orientations, physical abilities, and health statuses are seen in my practice.
![Photo of Elizabeth Venenga, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46c95dc6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Venenga
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044 (Online Only)
My focus in the counseling relationship is on promoting growth and healing by exploring the role of individual identity, coping strategies, support systems, and trauma in your life. I hope to help you find meaning, achieve personal goals, engage in healthy relationships, and confront past hurtful or painful experiences. I use a client-centered approach to therapy while also incorporating aspects of CBT, DBT, and existential psychotherapy.
My focus in the counseling relationship is on promoting growth and healing by exploring the role of individual identity, coping strategies, support systems, and trauma in your life. I hope to help you find meaning, achieve personal goals, engage in healthy relationships, and confront past hurtful or painful experiences. I use a client-centered approach to therapy while also incorporating aspects of CBT, DBT, and existential psychotherapy.
![Photo of Shelia Lipscomb, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a11d82d7-3b46-4b10-9371-b31b80c8d17e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shelia Lipscomb
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044 (Online Only)
Shelia completed her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology (Adlerian) from Bowie State University and utilizes a holistic and collaborative approach to counseling, including modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), reality therapy, person-centered and existential approaches.
Shelia Lipscomb is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) who has more than 2 years of experience working with teens, adults, and seniors who are suffering the effects of anxiety, anger, depression, ADHD, chronic stress, relationship issues, family conflict, academic issues, behavioral disorders, and more.
Shelia completed her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology (Adlerian) from Bowie State University and utilizes a holistic and collaborative approach to counseling, including modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), reality therapy, person-centered and existential approaches.
Shelia Lipscomb is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) who has more than 2 years of experience working with teens, adults, and seniors who are suffering the effects of anxiety, anger, depression, ADHD, chronic stress, relationship issues, family conflict, academic issues, behavioral disorders, and more.
![Photo of Ian Caughlan, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f7d8707-f1fb-43c7-a0e7-8187fff4c32b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Congratulations on deciding to seek therapy! It isn’t easy work, but therapy can help you navigate your challenges and develop your strengths to build the life you want. I work with adolescents and adults individually, as well as people in romantic relationships (I am affirming of all genders, sexualities, and relationship structures). My experience is with helping folks to address mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, to communicate more effectively and develop healthier relationships, to navigate stressful life transitions and existential concerns, and to heal from trauma.
Congratulations on deciding to seek therapy! It isn’t easy work, but therapy can help you navigate your challenges and develop your strengths to build the life you want. I work with adolescents and adults individually, as well as people in romantic relationships (I am affirming of all genders, sexualities, and relationship structures). My experience is with helping folks to address mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, to communicate more effectively and develop healthier relationships, to navigate stressful life transitions and existential concerns, and to heal from trauma.
My therapeutic approach includes a range of evidence-based therapies such as Psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Existential Therapy.
I support minoritized individuals as they navigate workplace discrimination and microaggressions, helping them cope and advocate for themselves effectively. My clients are often managing major life transitions such as job loss, divorce, blending families, or raising a neurodivergent child. I also provide specialized care for aging-related issues, including retirement and legacy planning, dementia, and age-related depression and anxiety. My clients seek to rebuild and redefine their lives after significant changes, striving for resilience, empowerment, and renewed purpose.
My therapeutic approach includes a range of evidence-based therapies such as Psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Existential Therapy.
I support minoritized individuals as they navigate workplace discrimination and microaggressions, helping them cope and advocate for themselves effectively. My clients are often managing major life transitions such as job loss, divorce, blending families, or raising a neurodivergent child. I also provide specialized care for aging-related issues, including retirement and legacy planning, dementia, and age-related depression and anxiety. My clients seek to rebuild and redefine their lives after significant changes, striving for resilience, empowerment, and renewed purpose.
![Photo of Michael Stahly, MA, MSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45c676ac-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michael Stahly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21045
I specialize in helping people grapple with existential concerns, often related to grief, loss, and finding a path in life. I work well with people who are disillusioned with the world today and who struggle to reconcile their values with the tasks of daily living, as well as those who have suffered significant losses need help to find their footing once more and to reengage in their altered lives. I do not structure sessions, teach skills, or assign homework.
I specialize in helping people grapple with existential concerns, often related to grief, loss, and finding a path in life. I work well with people who are disillusioned with the world today and who struggle to reconcile their values with the tasks of daily living, as well as those who have suffered significant losses need help to find their footing once more and to reengage in their altered lives. I do not structure sessions, teach skills, or assign homework.
![Photo of Abhik Saha, MA, LCPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1f52438-6a81-4c8a-8e9e-d4b5c36e4731/2/320x400.jpeg)
You'll be guided in a comfortable space practicing mindfulness, breathwork, somatics, and partswork, for healing and transforming trauma, emotions, anxiety, relationship challenges, and existential crisis.
Are you a young adult struggling to envision your future? Are you feeling anxious or stuck? Have you been hurt or traumatized? Feel like your full potential is unreachable? Or frustrated with life? Be still. Breathe. Seek deep within, for YOU are the Guru. And you have the power to change things! Are you ready to transform your life, by feeling fulfilled in your passions and relationships? Are you ready to explore and journey into your own unique expression of self? Are you ready to tap into your true potential and gifts? Become a new radiant you with my support and guidance! All of you is welcome.
You'll be guided in a comfortable space practicing mindfulness, breathwork, somatics, and partswork, for healing and transforming trauma, emotions, anxiety, relationship challenges, and existential crisis.
Are you a young adult struggling to envision your future? Are you feeling anxious or stuck? Have you been hurt or traumatized? Feel like your full potential is unreachable? Or frustrated with life? Be still. Breathe. Seek deep within, for YOU are the Guru. And you have the power to change things! Are you ready to transform your life, by feeling fulfilled in your passions and relationships? Are you ready to explore and journey into your own unique expression of self? Are you ready to tap into your true potential and gifts? Become a new radiant you with my support and guidance! All of you is welcome.
![Photo of Alexandra Morella, MS, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/525de28e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My approach to therapy is rooted in Client-Centered, Existential Therapy, and EMDR, while also encompassing themes of Mindfulness, Embodiment, and Strength-Based Therapy.
As a clinician, I have experience working with a wide variety of clients, primarily those facing anxiety disorders, depression, body dysmorphia, self-esteem issues, and trauma-related disorders. I'm passionate about helping clients process past experiences, build a stronger sense of self, and create a new route to contentment and peace.
My approach to therapy is rooted in Client-Centered, Existential Therapy, and EMDR, while also encompassing themes of Mindfulness, Embodiment, and Strength-Based Therapy.
As a clinician, I have experience working with a wide variety of clients, primarily those facing anxiety disorders, depression, body dysmorphia, self-esteem issues, and trauma-related disorders. I'm passionate about helping clients process past experiences, build a stronger sense of self, and create a new route to contentment and peace.
![Photo of Jack Pinder, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4d5e042-2b1d-4745-9750-df325fdef507/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jack Pinder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
Waitlist for new clients
Jack’s eclectic approach draws upon narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), existential therapy, and mindfulness practices.
Jack is a trans male, queer, white therapist who practices from a relational and liberatory framework. He is committed to cultivating a therapeutic space in which clients are simultaneously affirmed as experts of their own experience, and challenged to make fresh meanings of the past and imagine new paths for the future.
Jack’s eclectic approach draws upon narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), existential therapy, and mindfulness practices.
Jack is a trans male, queer, white therapist who practices from a relational and liberatory framework. He is committed to cultivating a therapeutic space in which clients are simultaneously affirmed as experts of their own experience, and challenged to make fresh meanings of the past and imagine new paths for the future.
![Photo of Georgiana Avram, MSEd, LCPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/693a2bfb-7b4f-408a-9ff8-b61b40ada42a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Georgiana Avram
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LCPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21045
Waitlist for new clients
Do you want to achieve a level of self mastery where you deeply understand yourself and how you operate in this world? Do you want to make conscious choices in your life that bring you fulfillment and joy? Do you want to increase your self compassion and empathy and have an easier time navigating your relationships? Psychotherapy can help with all of this and more. As a therapist, I see us on a journey traveling together. I am a guide and I am here to understand your world. From that understanding, we will begin to explore possibilities, solutions, and ideas which foster growth.
Do you want to achieve a level of self mastery where you deeply understand yourself and how you operate in this world? Do you want to make conscious choices in your life that bring you fulfillment and joy? Do you want to increase your self compassion and empathy and have an easier time navigating your relationships? Psychotherapy can help with all of this and more. As a therapist, I see us on a journey traveling together. I am a guide and I am here to understand your world. From that understanding, we will begin to explore possibilities, solutions, and ideas which foster growth.
![Photo of Nell Winer, LGPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7da60904-3548-4962-9062-9a83df3035a8/1/320x400.png)
You want things to be different but you don’t know where to start. You’re looking for a space to process the parts of your life that are feeling frustrating. You’re feeling stuck in roles and patterns that are not bringing fulfillment. You have experienced hardships in your past and want to begin or continue the courageous journey of working through these challenges and experiencing the freedom that exists on the other side. I get it and therapy can help. Through therapy, I aim to empower you, fostering confidence and resilience through recognizing your inherent strengths and potential.
You want things to be different but you don’t know where to start. You’re looking for a space to process the parts of your life that are feeling frustrating. You’re feeling stuck in roles and patterns that are not bringing fulfillment. You have experienced hardships in your past and want to begin or continue the courageous journey of working through these challenges and experiencing the freedom that exists on the other side. I get it and therapy can help. Through therapy, I aim to empower you, fostering confidence and resilience through recognizing your inherent strengths and potential.
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![Photo of Felisha C Pierce, MFC-MA, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b44278e-1468-454d-b1d3-1bf9bd1d7737/3/320x400.jpeg)
Felisha C Pierce
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MFC-MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044 (Online Only)
Providing collaborative efforts to help assist individuals who may be navigating through challenging times and are in need of support. In life there are moments of uncertainty and unpredictability that may yield the need for specific guidance that is unique to the individual or family. I am able to offer warm concern that is focused on achieving personal change and growth goals. My ultimate purpose is to connect, understand, and grow therapeutic relationships that are tailored to the needs and desires of the client as a tool to encourage, motivate, and empower the building of self-growth and effective development.
Providing collaborative efforts to help assist individuals who may be navigating through challenging times and are in need of support. In life there are moments of uncertainty and unpredictability that may yield the need for specific guidance that is unique to the individual or family. I am able to offer warm concern that is focused on achieving personal change and growth goals. My ultimate purpose is to connect, understand, and grow therapeutic relationships that are tailored to the needs and desires of the client as a tool to encourage, motivate, and empower the building of self-growth and effective development.
![Photo of Anne Fox, LCSW-C, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48e513d4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anne Fox
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044 (Online Only)
Major transitions, family issues, excessive worry, or feelings of being stuck are hurdles we may face at some point on our life's journey. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to support you or your loved ones through these issues and help you navigate life's challenges. My goal is to form a collaborative relationship with my clients so that we can explore the root of issues, identify barriers, and create pathways to help you move forward.
Major transitions, family issues, excessive worry, or feelings of being stuck are hurdles we may face at some point on our life's journey. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to support you or your loved ones through these issues and help you navigate life's challenges. My goal is to form a collaborative relationship with my clients so that we can explore the root of issues, identify barriers, and create pathways to help you move forward.
![Photo of Teri Tallent Burns, LCPC, NCC, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b8134c9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Teri Tallent Burns
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21046 (Online Only)
I believe that each one of us knows exactly how to heal ourselves; however, the message gets lost inside ourselves for various reasons. I see my job as merely helping the individual attain the clarity to see for themselves the choices they've made. Once they understand the unconscious decisions that drive their behavior they can begin to make positive changes.
My style is very relaxed and interactive. I try to create an environment that feels nonjudgmental and safe; where the individual feels cared about, encouraged and empowered.
I believe that each one of us knows exactly how to heal ourselves; however, the message gets lost inside ourselves for various reasons. I see my job as merely helping the individual attain the clarity to see for themselves the choices they've made. Once they understand the unconscious decisions that drive their behavior they can begin to make positive changes.
My style is very relaxed and interactive. I try to create an environment that feels nonjudgmental and safe; where the individual feels cared about, encouraged and empowered.
![Photo of Gina L Rothbaum, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0358c49-9c18-494a-92e6-d6cea41e7924/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am only offering virtual appointments at this time. My goal is to help my clients learn to cope with the problems and stress they may be experiencing and to help them identify ways to form healthier, happier relationships. To accomplish this, I seek to create a therapeutic relationship that promotes healing and growth, enhances insight and perspective, and helps clients figure out what they want from life and how to achieve those goals. The clients that I work with are individual adults and couples.
I am only offering virtual appointments at this time. My goal is to help my clients learn to cope with the problems and stress they may be experiencing and to help them identify ways to form healthier, happier relationships. To accomplish this, I seek to create a therapeutic relationship that promotes healing and growth, enhances insight and perspective, and helps clients figure out what they want from life and how to achieve those goals. The clients that I work with are individual adults and couples.
![Photo of Amy Meldau, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ccc588d0-1f5b-4dde-a1d1-7d2a635e4c1d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Meldau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046 (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed? Trying to make sense of past trauma or current life stressors? Or looking for healthier ways to cope with distressing emotions? I am here to help. I can assist you in developing insight & coping strategies to address your particular struggles. My therapeutic approach is holistic and tailored to each individual as I draw from Internal Family Systems, polyvagal theory, creative/arts-based expression, & mind-body healing. I have extensive training & experience in Mindfulness Based-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy for C-PTSD, & Prolongued Exposure Therapy.
Are you feeling stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed? Trying to make sense of past trauma or current life stressors? Or looking for healthier ways to cope with distressing emotions? I am here to help. I can assist you in developing insight & coping strategies to address your particular struggles. My therapeutic approach is holistic and tailored to each individual as I draw from Internal Family Systems, polyvagal theory, creative/arts-based expression, & mind-body healing. I have extensive training & experience in Mindfulness Based-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy for C-PTSD, & Prolongued Exposure Therapy.
![Photo of Alexis Powers, MS, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d49aac3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Alexis Powers (MS, LCPC) is a licensed counselor/psychotherapist focusing on the treatment of young adults and life adjustment for older adults utilizing cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for the treatment of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, AD(H)D, and adjustment disorder, She also offers the opportunity for clients to vent about life’s disappointments and difficulties. Her background also includes work in a local school system, as well as in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Alexis Powers (MS, LCPC) is a licensed counselor/psychotherapist focusing on the treatment of young adults and life adjustment for older adults utilizing cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for the treatment of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, AD(H)D, and adjustment disorder, She also offers the opportunity for clients to vent about life’s disappointments and difficulties. Her background also includes work in a local school system, as well as in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
![Photo of Cynthia Canner, MS, LGPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d504839-676d-4dd3-967e-58204d96a366/5/320x400.jpeg)
If you are feeling stuck, unsure, hurt, or angry, I would like to journey alongside you to help you discover the path and healing that is right for you. I have also worked with members of the clergy, military, police, and firefighters, along with their spouses. In conjunction with my studies, I have done research with clergy and their families.
If you are feeling stuck, unsure, hurt, or angry, I would like to journey alongside you to help you discover the path and healing that is right for you. I have also worked with members of the clergy, military, police, and firefighters, along with their spouses. In conjunction with my studies, I have done research with clergy and their families.
![Photo of Jacqueline Segue-Wilkins, LCPC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf2ddd3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Jacqueline Segue-Wilkins
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21045
Do you struggle with negative feelings about yourself? Do you frequently compare yourself to others? Are you experiencing feelings of hopelessness and helplessness? Do you find yourself in chronic cycles of addictive behavior (overeating, binging & purging, alcohol or drug abuse, overspending. etc.) ? Are these addictive behaviors followed by feelings of guilt and depression? Are you easily overwhelmed? Are you feeling tired and discouraged? Are you suffering in silence with anxiety or visions of abuse? You no longer have to suffer. Emotional pain is an invitation to change!
Do you struggle with negative feelings about yourself? Do you frequently compare yourself to others? Are you experiencing feelings of hopelessness and helplessness? Do you find yourself in chronic cycles of addictive behavior (overeating, binging & purging, alcohol or drug abuse, overspending. etc.) ? Are these addictive behaviors followed by feelings of guilt and depression? Are you easily overwhelmed? Are you feeling tired and discouraged? Are you suffering in silence with anxiety or visions of abuse? You no longer have to suffer. Emotional pain is an invitation to change!
![Photo of Carmela Katz, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5bfc668e-5de5-47f3-b125-aa221aa9abc8/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work best with clients who are on the more more mature side, perhaps 30 years old and older. I especially like working with women in mid life going through empty nest or have children not ready to launch. I like helping couples connect where distance or conflict exists or there has been a betrayal trauma. I like working with trauma, all kinds of childhood trauma, but in more recent years I have enjoyed working with veterans and front line workers adult traumas.
I work best with clients who are on the more more mature side, perhaps 30 years old and older. I especially like working with women in mid life going through empty nest or have children not ready to launch. I like helping couples connect where distance or conflict exists or there has been a betrayal trauma. I like working with trauma, all kinds of childhood trauma, but in more recent years I have enjoyed working with veterans and front line workers adult traumas.
See more therapy options for Columbia
Nearby Existential Therapists Searches for Columbia
- Burtonsville
- Catonsville
- Clarksville
- Elkridge
- Ellicott City
- Glen Burnie
- Greenbelt
- Hanover
- Laurel
- Olney
- Pikesville
- Severn
Existential Therapists
How does existential therapy work?
Existential therapy focuses on a patient’s inner experiences. The therapist tries to help the individual comprehend and alleviate symptoms by exploring their interior life. By confronting negative disquiet and emotions, the individual will hopefully become more open to finding meaning and purpose. This therapy can be administered to individuals or groups.
Is existential therapy evidence-based?
Existential therapy is an evidence-based practice. Research has determined that existential therapy can lead to significant improvement in the mental health of patients, and for some people it can be just as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy. The benefits of existential therapy are enduring, even long after treatment has ended.
How long does existential therapy last?
The goal of existential therapy is to understand a person’s internal experiences, which may sound like a lengthy process, but it does not have to be so in-depth. However, sessions are not short-term, and therapy can continue for months or up to a year. And because patients learn the theory behind existential therapy during treatment, they can also practice its tenets throughout life after therapy sessions have been completed.
Is existential therapy effective?
According to research, many patients find success with existential therapy. Researchers note that the therapy is particularly useful in improving feelings of isolation, feelings of purposelessness, as well as conditions such as anxiety and depression. Improvements in problem areas can persist even after the end of existential therapy, as individuals can continue working on themselves by using the tools they’ve developed during treatment.