Psychodynamic Therapists in Olney, MD

Hello. If you are considering psychotherapy, a good "fit" with your psychologist is essential. I have been a practicing clinical psychologist for over forty years. During that time, I have also been a psychology professor at Montgomery College. My theoretical orientation is a pragmatic blend of cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic and behavioral, but I am also a firm believer in the value of positive psychology. I try not to diagnose people, but rather work with the entire individual, especially with their strengths. I am not the "silent, blank-screen" kind of therapist.

At times in our lives we feel lost, face tremendous challenges, and even reach helplessness. It is precisely in those times that we reach out for help and hope there is a guiding hand on the other end. My name is Jennifer and I am LCSW-C who is passionate about creating that open, caring, and safe space for those struggling. I specialize in working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families struggling with difficult dynamics, problem behaviors and mental health disorders. Every individual is unique and finding the methods that allows each client to benefit from therapy and lead a successful life is essential to my practice.

You are experiencing anxiety, depression, complicated grieving, or trauma recovery, often amid life's transitions. You may be in the LGBTQ+, grieving, cancer, or chronic illness communities. You are transitioning from college to the working world, considering marriage, coping with the loss of a spouse through divorce or death, loss of your job, have children leaving your nest, or parents struggling to age well. You may be transitioning from the working world to retirement and wondering if you have made meaningful contributions. You are ready to examine yourself authentically, building a less chaotic life through psychotherapy.

I work with adolescents (16+) and adults using a variety of approaches and techniques, specializing in grief, mood disorders, and life transitions. I also support people in their struggles with relationships, jobs, and general well being.

TELETHERAPY AVAILABLE, Welcome to collaborative and solution based help to experience joy, success and purpose in your life. For over 25 years I have worked with adults, couples, families, adolescents and children in Maryland. My practice is culturally and ethnically diverse. I founded the group practice Classen-Miller & Associates which offers a full range of clinical approaches for all age groups with our licensed clinicians reflecting the full diversity of our community.

I'm glad today is the day you are reaching out. I'm sorry you are struggling... you are not alone. Are you overwhelmed, suffering from anxiety, or depression; or need trauma recovery? I can help. Perhaps you are experiencing a significant loss, contemplating separation or divorce, or want to end the cycle of unsatisfying life choices. Are you in need parenting advice, or a parent struggling with current demands and personal fulfillment, or looking for support to take that daring next step? I can help. I provide a warm, supportive, therapeutic environment with years of proven success. It would be an honor to work with you.

TELETHERAPY AVAILABLE. My ideal client is one who wants to make a change, or to accept what cannot change, and is willing to look at their ways of thinking, behaving, and relating to others in order to do so. I enjoy working with adults and adolescents to address mood disorders, anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME All of us at times find ourselves overwhelmed by problems that we struggle to cope with on our own, whether around difficult relationships, life transitions, family stress, disruptive traumatic memories, or a sense of isolation or despair. My goal is to help my clients better recognize and understand their feelings, thoughts and behaviors and to mobilize their own innate strengths to reduce suffering, create positive change, and feel stronger and more connected.

Do you ever feel like no one really listens to you or understands you? Are you a person of color or a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and feel discriminated against or rejected? Life comes with many challenges and while you may try your hardest to beat those challenges but sometimes you need a little help. So how can I help? My goal is to assist you with self-discovery, self-healing, and empowerment to face life head-on. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents with of various racial identities and/or sexual identities.

I know how challenging life can be, especially during transition or stress. Going to college, starting a new career, dealing with family and/or relationship changes, and experiencing an illness can all cause anxiety and mood changes. These times can be even more difficult if you already struggle with a lack of confidence and low self-esteem and don't have the tools to manage your stress and anxiety. Finding mental health treatment is no easy task. It can be frustrating to navigate insurance and find the right provider. But don't worry; I'm here to help!

Does it feel like your life is just not working for you? Fear, worry, and shame can paralyze your mind and stifle creativity. You want to make changes but are unsure where to start. Whether working with individuals, couples, or a family, I want to know you and understand how we can improve your life in a safe and supportive environment. Together, we will explore and untangle the origins of the emotions you experience about your life. Our process will begin gently, and each new insight will help us move ahead at a stride that feels right for you.

I specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, chronically ill, and stress out people with navigating the complexities of life. As someone who is chronically ill and neurodivergent, I am committed to creating a space where you can be truly heard and find deeper understanding and acceptance within yourself. Whether it's lightening the weight of a tough day or addressing deeper struggles, therapy doesn't have to feel daunting. Together, we'll navigate this journey towards healing and understanding in a kind and supportive atmosphere.

As a therapist, I believe it is never too late to meet your goals, make positive life changes, and develop a stronger sense of peace. I work collaboratively with clients to create a strong, non-judgmental, and trusting therapeutic relationship. I strive to create a positive environment, where clients feel comfortable exploring and developing deeper insight into themselves from each aspect of their lives. I assist each client in the development and facilitation of their individual goals, and provide support along their journey.

It is only in sorrow bad weather masters us; in joy, we face the storm and defy it- Amelia Barr As your therapist, I will accompany you on your path of discovery and healing through counseling. As the client, you lead the path we walk on. Each person has a collection of experiences, dreams, feelings, fears, joys, and sorrows that create who they are. By allowing me to accompany you on your journey, it would be my honor to witness your strength as you confront the storms you face.

As an experienced therapist, I have worked with clients dealing with adoption and attachment issues, ADHD, depression, anxiety and phobias. One of my goals is to help adults and teens achieve a more positive and satisfying life by working together to identify and clarify issues that are having a negative impact. This allows them to move forward and formulate practical and effective solutions. In addition, I use play therapy to help children express feelings that can be difficult to verbalize.

I often tell my clients that finding a therapist is like buying a new pair of shoes; sometimes you have to try on a few different sizes and styles before you find the best fit. My style is empathic and understanding, yet straight-forward and honest. I help my clients get unstuck and move forward, while providing feedback that is productive and manageable. You and I can work together to come up with ways to meet your goals for therapy, along with acquiring insight into your behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. I am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor and my specialties include Eating Disorders and Trauma.

As a psychoanalyst and psychotherapist, I help people understand the problems that are bringing them to therapy and how these issues are interfering with their life goals. Often these issues are work or relationship related. Though they may originate in the past, they have a strong impact on present day difficulties. We work together to understand how a person is "stuck" and how he or she may get in his or her own way. Sometimes, these issues are outside of a person's awareness, and we seek to uncover and them resolve them.

Sometimes we feel lost and confused by circumstances that occur in our daily lives. During these times, we all need support and the courage to seek it. I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental, and safe environment where you can build trust and improve your journey. Together we can work toward resolving your problems and creating tools to help navigate stressful situations. My focus includes the development of coping skills, improving communications skills and resolving conflict related to work, family and relationships.

As we move through life, we may find ourselves in moments of confusion about who we are, where we're going, and wondering if we can meet the new challenges and experiences that await us. Pursuing an education, establishing a career, dating and forming lasting relationships, ending relationships, starting a family – each new chapter in the book of our lives can be incredibly uncomfortable AND deeply exciting! But sometimes you need help avoiding the overwhelm, over-thinking, and confusion accompanying change so you can master your mind, turn desire into action, keep progress steady, and your relationships vibrant and connected.