Experiential Therapy in Harford County, MD
Shelley Mason
Counselor, LGPC, MEd, CYT, TCTSY-F
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21014 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
When words are at a loss, I offer experiential therapy through role playing, yoga, recreation, or other creative processes.
I offer online counseling to assist with struggles, unmet needs, relationship difficulties, negative thought or behavior patterns, disappointments, limitations, injustice, devastation or other mental health issues that have hindered one's ability to live life to the fullest. I have specialized training in EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and in utilizing movement, breath, and yoga to facilitate healing trauma (TCTSY-F, 300 hours).
When words are at a loss, I offer experiential therapy through role playing, yoga, recreation, or other creative processes.
I offer online counseling to assist with struggles, unmet needs, relationship difficulties, negative thought or behavior patterns, disappointments, limitations, injustice, devastation or other mental health issues that have hindered one's ability to live life to the fullest. I have specialized training in EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and in utilizing movement, breath, and yoga to facilitate healing trauma (TCTSY-F, 300 hours).
Are you a couple seeking to strengthen your bond, rebuild trust, and renew commitment? Is your family seeking support in navigating life’s complexities together? I am here to walk alongside you. You deserve a space where you feel valued and safe to be vulnerable with yourself and in your relationships. We’ll work collaboratively to enhance communication, unravel unhelpful patterns, and rediscover the connection that you and your partner or family long for. Alongside couples and family therapy, I offer support to motivated individuals and young minds 10+ looking to grow, heal, and feel better prepared to cope with life’s challenges.
Are you a couple seeking to strengthen your bond, rebuild trust, and renew commitment? Is your family seeking support in navigating life’s complexities together? I am here to walk alongside you. You deserve a space where you feel valued and safe to be vulnerable with yourself and in your relationships. We’ll work collaboratively to enhance communication, unravel unhelpful patterns, and rediscover the connection that you and your partner or family long for. Alongside couples and family therapy, I offer support to motivated individuals and young minds 10+ looking to grow, heal, and feel better prepared to cope with life’s challenges.
Achieving Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, CAC-AD
Verified Verified
Edgewood, MD 21040 (Online Only)
My name is Mark A. Bernard, LCSW-C, CAC-AD. As a male clinical therapist, my journey into the world of mental health has been profoundly shaped by my personal life experiences and a deep commitment to serving my community. These experiences ignited a passion within me to become a catalyst and resource for achieving psychological health and wellness which is a necessary foundation to sustaining a healthy and productive lifestyle!
My name is Mark A. Bernard, LCSW-C, CAC-AD. As a male clinical therapist, my journey into the world of mental health has been profoundly shaped by my personal life experiences and a deep commitment to serving my community. These experiences ignited a passion within me to become a catalyst and resource for achieving psychological health and wellness which is a necessary foundation to sustaining a healthy and productive lifestyle!
Gerrie Ann Stancik-Bender
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21015
I have a genuine belief in the power of therapy. It is both a privilege and an honor, to sit with people and hear their life stories because every person's story deserves to be heard. I believe in empowering, educating, challenging and supporting with empathy, compassion and understanding. Together we will explore the negative thoughts, perceptions and behaviors that are holding you back while we build on your strengths to help you attain the personal growth you envision. Our partnership is an opportunity to gain new insights and master skills that will provide the foundation for lasting transformative change
I have a genuine belief in the power of therapy. It is both a privilege and an honor, to sit with people and hear their life stories because every person's story deserves to be heard. I believe in empowering, educating, challenging and supporting with empathy, compassion and understanding. Together we will explore the negative thoughts, perceptions and behaviors that are holding you back while we build on your strengths to help you attain the personal growth you envision. Our partnership is an opportunity to gain new insights and master skills that will provide the foundation for lasting transformative change
I've been working in the behavioral health field for over 10 years and enjoy helping people learn how their minds work. Throughout my career, I've worked with adolescents and adults of all ages, individuals, couples and families. I offer psychodynamic psychotherapy. My counseling philosophy is rooted in existential and spiritual traditions with particular emphasis on the inherent human need for meaningful connection in life. From this perspective, the ultimate goal of therapy is to optimize our connection to ourselves, others, and a meaningful spiritual life.
I've been working in the behavioral health field for over 10 years and enjoy helping people learn how their minds work. Throughout my career, I've worked with adolescents and adults of all ages, individuals, couples and families. I offer psychodynamic psychotherapy. My counseling philosophy is rooted in existential and spiritual traditions with particular emphasis on the inherent human need for meaningful connection in life. From this perspective, the ultimate goal of therapy is to optimize our connection to ourselves, others, and a meaningful spiritual life.
I am passionate about helping those who: struggle with addictive behavior, love someone who struggles with addictive behavior, don't identify with a specific addiction but find themselves in survival mode or generally unhappy in life and relationships, or, have worked through a lot of issues but want to take things to the next level and infuse more well-being into their life. I also love working with couples facing challenges related to recovery, communication and/or boundary issues. This is particularly helpful for couples seeking recovery and repair from sexual addiction or betrayal.
I am passionate about helping those who: struggle with addictive behavior, love someone who struggles with addictive behavior, don't identify with a specific addiction but find themselves in survival mode or generally unhappy in life and relationships, or, have worked through a lot of issues but want to take things to the next level and infuse more well-being into their life. I also love working with couples facing challenges related to recovery, communication and/or boundary issues. This is particularly helpful for couples seeking recovery and repair from sexual addiction or betrayal.
Kendra O'Hora
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LCMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21014
If ya'll are ready to grow, I'm ready to walk alongside of you. Are you motivated yet confused and hurting, too? You’re not alone. Relationships are tough and require a lot of work. That becomes even more tricky when the world is in crisis. Or, when you feel like you are in the midst of crisis. To be honest, your partner needs you, your children need you, your friends need you, and your family needs you. But mostly, you need you. You deserve the freedom to vent, unload your fear, and make space for peace and change.
If ya'll are ready to grow, I'm ready to walk alongside of you. Are you motivated yet confused and hurting, too? You’re not alone. Relationships are tough and require a lot of work. That becomes even more tricky when the world is in crisis. Or, when you feel like you are in the midst of crisis. To be honest, your partner needs you, your children need you, your friends need you, and your family needs you. But mostly, you need you. You deserve the freedom to vent, unload your fear, and make space for peace and change.
Jennifer Kraus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21015
Jennifer Kraus LCSW-C specializes in helping children and adults through numerous modalities. She sees the positives and strengths in all her clients. Jennifer takes a unique approach to support clients through their journey. She will incorporate a hands-on experiential technique which can include nature and animals. Strategies are often practiced in sessions and then applied outside of therapy. Jennifer has been certified through Natural Lifemanship and Equine Growth and Assisted Learning Association since 2014, and holds their Military Service Designation.
Jennifer Kraus LCSW-C specializes in helping children and adults through numerous modalities. She sees the positives and strengths in all her clients. Jennifer takes a unique approach to support clients through their journey. She will incorporate a hands-on experiential technique which can include nature and animals. Strategies are often practiced in sessions and then applied outside of therapy. Jennifer has been certified through Natural Lifemanship and Equine Growth and Assisted Learning Association since 2014, and holds their Military Service Designation.
Currently have 2 daytime slots open! Are you struggling and feeling lost? Do you have a hard time not repeating self-destructive patterns? Are you simply wanting to become more self-aware? In my practice, I focus on helping you navigating the challenges of life and discover the way your patterns or life experiences have made it difficult to properly process emotion. I believe the mind/body connection is critical in the treatment of mental health and utilize EMDR in my practice.
Currently have 2 daytime slots open! Are you struggling and feeling lost? Do you have a hard time not repeating self-destructive patterns? Are you simply wanting to become more self-aware? In my practice, I focus on helping you navigating the challenges of life and discover the way your patterns or life experiences have made it difficult to properly process emotion. I believe the mind/body connection is critical in the treatment of mental health and utilize EMDR in my practice.
Donica Harper
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21015
Are you feeling unseen? Silenced in your relationships or misunderstood in your identity? Have you recently experienced the weight of a loss, or are you struggling with the aftermath of trauma? Perhaps you’re grappling with burnout, exhaustion, or overwhelming emotions that don’t seem to have a clear solution. Maybe your adolescent needs support or your relationship is strained, and you're unsure how to move forward. Whatever the struggle, your story deserves to be heard and honored.
Are you feeling unseen? Silenced in your relationships or misunderstood in your identity? Have you recently experienced the weight of a loss, or are you struggling with the aftermath of trauma? Perhaps you’re grappling with burnout, exhaustion, or overwhelming emotions that don’t seem to have a clear solution. Maybe your adolescent needs support or your relationship is strained, and you're unsure how to move forward. Whatever the struggle, your story deserves to be heard and honored.
Nicholas Harmer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Bel Air, MD 21015 (Online Only)
I believe in your power to transform your life through goal setting and a personal commitment to change. For many people, facing the pain of our childhood and adulthood trauma or experiences is challenging. We often choose to continue avoiding these feelings with hopes they will go away, all in attempt to protect ourselves and to continue pushing through life. In other circumstances, you may have been trying to make a difference, feel like you are not getting anywhere, or do not know where to begin. I’m here to help you navigate through these past and current struggles in a safe, nonjudgmental, and affirming space.
I believe in your power to transform your life through goal setting and a personal commitment to change. For many people, facing the pain of our childhood and adulthood trauma or experiences is challenging. We often choose to continue avoiding these feelings with hopes they will go away, all in attempt to protect ourselves and to continue pushing through life. In other circumstances, you may have been trying to make a difference, feel like you are not getting anywhere, or do not know where to begin. I’m here to help you navigate through these past and current struggles in a safe, nonjudgmental, and affirming space.
Jessica Cordero
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21015
Life gives us challenges- often unexpectedly. When that happens we can feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, angry, lost, or frustrated. We can struggle with the next steps of how to start feeling better. All challenges hold within them opportunities and I'd like to help you as you discover them. I am skilled in helping my clients meet the goals they set. Together, let's figure out how to cope with what is occurring, better understand yourself in the midst of it, develop deeper strengths, learn new skills, and make the choices that feel best for you. Big changes and big challenges can make us feel alone, but you aren't.
Life gives us challenges- often unexpectedly. When that happens we can feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, angry, lost, or frustrated. We can struggle with the next steps of how to start feeling better. All challenges hold within them opportunities and I'd like to help you as you discover them. I am skilled in helping my clients meet the goals they set. Together, let's figure out how to cope with what is occurring, better understand yourself in the midst of it, develop deeper strengths, learn new skills, and make the choices that feel best for you. Big changes and big challenges can make us feel alone, but you aren't.
Optimal Life Therapy LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bel Air, MD 21015 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Maybe you feel like life is not worth living anymore. Like no one has your back. Maybe you find yourself saying, “I’m going to fail anyway, so why even try?” Or maybe you want to start moving forward with your life, but don’t know where to even begin. It is completely possible to get "unstuck," so that you can begin living again, and not just merely existing. It all starts with knowing that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Maybe you feel like life is not worth living anymore. Like no one has your back. Maybe you find yourself saying, “I’m going to fail anyway, so why even try?” Or maybe you want to start moving forward with your life, but don’t know where to even begin. It is completely possible to get "unstuck," so that you can begin living again, and not just merely existing. It all starts with knowing that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Christie L. Polley
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bel Air, MD 21014
Not accepting new clients
Humans are hard wired to connect. Connected to ourselves and connected to others. We want to feel empowered, loved and confident. Building resilience in people is not about making them tough. Resilience is having the tools to recover from difficulties and manage how you feel. Welcome, my name is Christie. I have a deep passion to help people within our community overcome adversity, empower them to their core, boost their self-esteem, celebrate their strengths and give them a safe place to express their emotions and feelings. Let me help empower and embody your strengths, giving you hope so you can grow and thrive as an individual.
Humans are hard wired to connect. Connected to ourselves and connected to others. We want to feel empowered, loved and confident. Building resilience in people is not about making them tough. Resilience is having the tools to recover from difficulties and manage how you feel. Welcome, my name is Christie. I have a deep passion to help people within our community overcome adversity, empower them to their core, boost their self-esteem, celebrate their strengths and give them a safe place to express their emotions and feelings. Let me help empower and embody your strengths, giving you hope so you can grow and thrive as an individual.
Megan Lynn Mullins
Counselor, LCPC, LPCMH, ACE CPT, Pn1
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
White Hall, MD 21161
Not accepting new clients
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in MD and DE with 15 years of experience. I specialize in the use of EMDR, EMDR 2.0, BSP (Brain Spotting), Internal Family Systems Therapy as well as RLT, AEDP, DBT, and ERP. I am also an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Precision Nutrition Certified Nutrition Coach. As a former D1 athlete, my approach to psychotherapy is a holistic one. My clients have specifically appreciated the rate at which they are able to experience benefits from therapy. I work out of two offices, one on Main Street in Newark (within walking distance of University of Delaware), the other in Elkton.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in MD and DE with 15 years of experience. I specialize in the use of EMDR, EMDR 2.0, BSP (Brain Spotting), Internal Family Systems Therapy as well as RLT, AEDP, DBT, and ERP. I am also an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Precision Nutrition Certified Nutrition Coach. As a former D1 athlete, my approach to psychotherapy is a holistic one. My clients have specifically appreciated the rate at which they are able to experience benefits from therapy. I work out of two offices, one on Main Street in Newark (within walking distance of University of Delaware), the other in Elkton.
Online Therapists
Luke DeBoy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, CAC-AD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Annapolis, MD 21401
Initially in sports medicine and now through talk and experiential therapy.
The truth about recovery is that it's a process. Just like life itself. It's forever changing and moving forward. Healing never has to stop. There is always more we can recover and grow from, becoming more whole along the way. Recovery is a form of discovery. Recovering parts of ourselves that had been cut off means they are finally revealed to us, and we discover something new about ourselves. We discover that we are greater than we were before. More aware of our inner strength and resources, we become empowered. I hope that you discover true healing and what recovery can be: Internal peace and serenity can happen.
Initially in sports medicine and now through talk and experiential therapy.
The truth about recovery is that it's a process. Just like life itself. It's forever changing and moving forward. Healing never has to stop. There is always more we can recover and grow from, becoming more whole along the way. Recovery is a form of discovery. Recovering parts of ourselves that had been cut off means they are finally revealed to us, and we discover something new about ourselves. We discover that we are greater than we were before. More aware of our inner strength and resources, we become empowered. I hope that you discover true healing and what recovery can be: Internal peace and serenity can happen.
Viktoriya Karakcheyeva
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, LCADAS
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with more than a decade of experience in mental health and substance abuse field. I have experience with wide range of treatment modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, MI, yoga for trauma, biofeedback, experiential therapy (art, music, movement). My clinical focus has been in the areas of trauma treatment, addiction, and relationships. I am passionate about applying holistic approach to mental health and wellness. I meet my clients where they are and help them to move to a better place in their lives using client-centered approach.
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with more than a decade of experience in mental health and substance abuse field. I have experience with wide range of treatment modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, MI, yoga for trauma, biofeedback, experiential therapy (art, music, movement). My clinical focus has been in the areas of trauma treatment, addiction, and relationships. I am passionate about applying holistic approach to mental health and wellness. I meet my clients where they are and help them to move to a better place in their lives using client-centered approach.
I work from the trauma-informed empowerment and resilience model, using experiential therapy, mindfulness, and DBT.
NOW accepting new clients! If you're struggling with depression, anxiety, identity development or unresolved trauma, there is a path forward. You might feel like you keep trying to make changes in your life, and maybe things will go well for a while, but nothing sticks. You're motivated to change, you just need some extra guidance. Many emerging adults struggle during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. They spend their days feeling anxious and unfulfilled, falling back on patterns that used to work for them but which no longer are.
I work from the trauma-informed empowerment and resilience model, using experiential therapy, mindfulness, and DBT.
NOW accepting new clients! If you're struggling with depression, anxiety, identity development or unresolved trauma, there is a path forward. You might feel like you keep trying to make changes in your life, and maybe things will go well for a while, but nothing sticks. You're motivated to change, you just need some extra guidance. Many emerging adults struggle during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. They spend their days feeling anxious and unfulfilled, falling back on patterns that used to work for them but which no longer are.
My clinical interests include somatic, interpersonal, emotions-focused, and experiential therapy.
Are stressors at work or school affecting your overall well-being? Are you and your partner facing difficulties in connecting emotionally or physically? Are you coping with the loss of a loved one, and finding it difficult to move forward? Have past experiences left you feeling overwhelmed or disconnected? Are you struggling with self-doubt or finding it hard to appreciate your worth? Are you facing communication challenges or unresolved conflicts in your relationships? I am deeply committed to your journey for self-discovery, healing from grief, navigating life transitions, exploring identity, and overcoming trauma.
My clinical interests include somatic, interpersonal, emotions-focused, and experiential therapy.
Are stressors at work or school affecting your overall well-being? Are you and your partner facing difficulties in connecting emotionally or physically? Are you coping with the loss of a loved one, and finding it difficult to move forward? Have past experiences left you feeling overwhelmed or disconnected? Are you struggling with self-doubt or finding it hard to appreciate your worth? Are you facing communication challenges or unresolved conflicts in your relationships? I am deeply committed to your journey for self-discovery, healing from grief, navigating life transitions, exploring identity, and overcoming trauma.
Amanda Wiggins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LCMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Annapolis, MD 21401
I draw from an integrative therapeutic model that blends techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
I work with children, teens, and adults facing challenges including life transitions, anxiety, depression, separation and divorce, blended families, parent-child relationships, and self esteem concerns. I also work with folks and kids with ADHD and autism, looking for a neurodiversity affirming space to work through challenges and strengths. I take a strengths-based approach to all therapy, believing that every client has the inherent strengths they need to succeed. My role is to serve as a guide and support, helping you tap into those strengths and use therapy as a tool to move forward on your journey.
I draw from an integrative therapeutic model that blends techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
I work with children, teens, and adults facing challenges including life transitions, anxiety, depression, separation and divorce, blended families, parent-child relationships, and self esteem concerns. I also work with folks and kids with ADHD and autism, looking for a neurodiversity affirming space to work through challenges and strengths. I take a strengths-based approach to all therapy, believing that every client has the inherent strengths they need to succeed. My role is to serve as a guide and support, helping you tap into those strengths and use therapy as a tool to move forward on your journey.
See more therapy options for Harford County
Experiential Therapy
How does experiential therapy work?
Experiential therapy works by allowing an individual to use their creativity to re-imagine themselves and their lives in an effort to process their emotions. Experiential therapy may take many forms, including engaging clients through art, re-enactments, role-playing, music, or forms of physical recreation. By focusing on these activities, experiential therapists help individuals identify the emotions they associate with previous experiences and work together to cope with negative reactions, like fear, anger, or shame.
Is experiential therapy evidence-based?
Experiential therapy incorporates many therapy modalities, some of which have been more closely researched than others. Music therapy, for example, has been shown to help with sleep problems. Some studies find that art therapy can be beneficial for those with eating disorders or personality disorders, while other research suggests that such approaches have little impact.
How long does experiential therapy last?
The duration of experiential therapy will depend on the type of therapy used as well as the severity of the challenges an individual faces. Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Art therapy may comprise 10 to 15 weekly sessions. Music therapy sessions generally last between 30 and 50 minutes and can be scheduled weekly or on an as-needed basis. For each therapy type, clients should periodically discuss their goals with their therapist to make sure the two are aligned on process and progress.
Does experiential therapy help with trauma?
Trauma is one area where experiential therapy may be useful. Traumatic experiences such as combat or childhood abuse can be so painful that articulating them can be too scary or painful; creating visual art allows people to express themselves without words, and tell their story in a different way. Listening to music can be relaxing, while making music as part of a group provides plenty of opportunities to connect with other people. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, or who have been physically or emotionally abused.