Psychodynamic Therapists in Sandy Spring, MD

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 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.

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.

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 approach therapy with empathy, transparency, and non-judgment, creating a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings. I view therapy as a collaborative journey, working alongside clients to identify patterns, develop insight, and cultivate skills for growth and resilience. I believe in tailoring therapy to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, ensuring a personalized and holistic approach to healing.

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.

I specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals who feel misunderstood and struggle with identity, anxiety, or trauma. As a neurodivergent clinician, I deeply understand what it’s like to feel out of place. My ideal client is motivated to explore their emotions and behaviors, seeking deeper self-understanding and a stronger sense of identity. They want to feel heard, validated, and supported in a safe space. Together, we’ll navigate your journey toward peace, self-acceptance, and lasting change in a compassionate atmosphere.

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.

Accepting New Clients. Are you a professional who doubts your self-worth making it challenging for you to have meaningful and authentic connections with your family, friends, or colleagues? Do you sometimes feel that you’re not good enough and need approval from others to validate yourself leaving you feeling less confident at work, at home, and with your personal relationships? Or are you feeling unclear of your purpose and direction in life causing you to be afraid to make the wrong decisions that are not aligned with your true path?

Our mission at Maryland Therapy Collective is to provide trauma-informed, evidence-based, inclusive, and client-centered treatment to help our clients live healthier and more fulfilling lives. We incorporate this approach by tailoring treatment to each client’s individual needs. We believe that our clients have the power to make the changes they want in their lives, and we are here to help guide and support them through that process.

****Now Accepting New Clients**** Welcome! Life can become overwhelming sometimes, and it is often hard to know where to turn or what steps to take to help find balance. My goal is to create a safe environment where we can partner and collaborate in order to address life’s stressors and challenges head on! Whether you are seeking therapy due to anxiety, depression, relationship troubles, grief, trauma, or if you need support while navigating stressful life events, it can be important to find the right provider to work with.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience working with teenagers and adults. I enjoy working with issues related to depression, anxiety, and trauma.

I am looking forward to working with you and help bring about changes that will allow you to reduce anxiety and depression, and experience more energy and joy in your life. As a therapist, I am highly empathetic and aim to understand you and your personal experiences, providing a safe space for your work. With time, you will experience an increase in emotional awareness and openness, and improve your mental, physical, and relational, well being. I have a unique background having worked as a scientist for 30 years and understand the "professional-mind", issues with relationships, and difficulties in developing a meaningful and joyful life.

Children, adolescents and young adults sometimes experience stress related to school, activities, challenges at home, or periods of transition. These stressors may lead to mood swings, changes in behavior and difficulty expressing emotions and thoughts. My role as a therapist is to help kids and young adults cope with stress and learn strategies to maintain an emotionally balanced life. I provide a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and then work with individuals and families to develop an individualized treatment plan that draws from the client's existing strengths. I utilize evidence-based treatment primarily drawing from CBT.