Emotionally Focused Therapists in Roland Park, MD

For over 35 years I've been privileged doing what I love: being a therapist to couples & individuals with the courage & determination to make formidable personal changes. I use sensible theories & effective skills to be the right therapist for YOU also - the one you experience as attuned, respectful & responsive to your needs & knowledgeable in how to attend to them. Together we'll work towards YOUR personal goals. Progressing ahead, you'll find relief from initially difficult emotions & life situations, you'll experience transformative resilience in new ways of dealing with yourself & others; & new ways of operating in the world.

My focus, training, and expertise have evolved into seeing couples and individuals dealing with relationship issues. This started off in 2016, when I became a certified Gottman therapist (CGT). I was excited to become more involved the Gottman Institute starting with as a rover for the Art and Science of Love Weekend Workshop for Couples led by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. This led to me facilitating these same workshops for couples in Maryland with a fellow CGT, which led to training therapists the Gottman method of couples therapy (levels 1 & 2). Now, I am devoted to becoming a leader in couples therapy/workshops & training.

As a psychologist my number one goal is to approach you with acceptance, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Through my work as a psychologist I have come to believe in the capacity of people to change. I welcome individuals that are questioning why their own attempts to improve the quality of their lives is not working. Often there can be mixed feelings about change. I recognize that change is difficult. I feel that self exploration is a challenge that often requires courage and risk.

In my practice, I work with adults and older adolescents facing challenges such as eating disorders, depression and anxiety, as well as a variety of other mental health concerns. Research shows that an authentic and caring therapeutic relationship, coupled with evidence based treatments, provides a strong foundation for success. My approach to therapy is integrative, collaborative and individualized. My goal is to help you determine what is causing and maintaining current problems and how to make necessary changes in thoughts, feelings and behaviors, leading to enduring change and resulting in greater health and happiness.

WE are OPEN! NEED HELP WITH YOUR RELATIONSHIP? I'm currently ACCEPTING NEW INDIVDUAL AND COUPLE CLIENTS. I'm also accepting clients wanting to improve their relationship or considering leaving your relationship. If you are looking for a compassionate, highly trained , certified Gottman therapist, an Advanced Emotional Focused Therapist and PACT (psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy) I may be the right therapist for you. Please call or email for an initial consultation. Please visit my website for more information. Thank you for stopping by, Darina

I understand that each individual is not an illness or label, rather a person with multiple contributing factors towards his or her distress and/or reasons that are his or her impetus for seeking help. For this reason, I try my best, as renowned psychotherapist Irvin Yalom puts it, to “create a new therapy for each client.”

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience. I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, relationship concerns, life stressors, and more. Life can be messy, overwhelming, and stressful…and yet also beautiful, joyful, and fulfilling. As an attentive and empathic listener, I help others recognize their strengths and work to create the inner and outer life experience they are seeking. My focus is on building a supportive and safe therapy space to promote healing, growth, and wellbeing. I draw from CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, and Trauma-Informed interventions.

Whether it's a major challenge or an interest in going from good to great, having someone in your corner can make a big difference. I work with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, trauma, and grief. I also have particular experience working with sleep difficulties (insomnia), ADHD, anger, and chronic pain.

Welcome! I specialize in working with children, adolescents and young adults coping with anxiety, depression and/or other behavioral difficulties related to life transitions including but not limited to divorce, out of home placement, grief and loss. I work closely with families and focus on the importance of relationships, building self worth and creating/maintaining peace at home. Caregiver involvement is essential in my work with children. I provide parents and/or caregivers with skills to utilize at home as well as provide insight and a better understanding of what your child may be experiencing.

I am a relationship, sex, and trauma specialist with a passion for helping individuals and partnered adults find deeper joy in the (sometimes maddening) realities of relationships, intimacy, and life. I particularly enjoy working with folks who are navigating blended families, ADHD and other mental health diagnoses, identity concerns, sexual well-being, non-monogamy, the aftermath of trauma, and the journey to and of parenthood.

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.

The stresses of life occasionally take such a toll on us that we need an experienced professional. I have 30 years as a mental health therapist and specialize in trauma, loss, addiction, depression, anxiety and medical trauma. I also work with individuals suffering from the physical issues that often accompany a series of stressful events. I see adults, couples, and adolescents. I find a unique blend of cognitive/behavioral, psychodynamic, mindfulness, bibliotherapy and expressive techniques for each client. I also provide clients with community supports and resources to supplement our work together when appropriate.

Are you feeling stuck, struggling with difficult emotions, or seeking a more fulfilling life? Welcome! Most of us have felt this way at one point in our lives. It can be hard to move forward if we don't know where we're going. In our work together, I'll support you in: -Developing a greater sense of acceptance and compassion for yourself and your experiences - Building psychological flexibility and resilience in the face of challenges - Taking action towards creating a more fulfilling and purposeful life

Whether you're currently feeling overwhelmed or striving to reach your full potential, I help guide people on their path to feeling truly satisfied. I help clarify the patterns that leave people feeling "stuck" and help to illuminate the way towards resolution. I work on empowering people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to become their best selves.

I generally enjoy working with clients working through self-esteem issues, anxiety, and depression. Typically they are looking for ways to reframe negative thoughts, identify triggers and cognitive distortions, and find a path to the best version of themselves. Many of these clients have struggled with these issues long enough to have experienced negative consequences and reduced life chances. We work to rewrite their inner script and learn to make choices that enhance their life.