Person-Centered Therapists in Severna Park, MD

Life is full of feelings whether we like it or not. If you are struggling to identify your emotions and what they mean, you are not alone. Trauma, transitions, and a history of a lack of emotional guidance can make it feel as though you are grasping at straws. If you have children of your own you want to teach, this can be even more overwhelming. No matter the reason for this sense of overwhelm, you do not have to go through this journey of self compassion alone. I am a firm believer that we all have a “toolbox” of coping skills. Some may be empty, some filled with rusty tools, and others are just out of reach.

Hi, how can I help you? I am here to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for you to process everything that life throws at you. I know that life can be overwhelming at times, whether it be caring for a struggling child at home or trying to manage your own emotions, but I am here to help. I believe that you are the expert of your own life, and my role is to listen attentively and support you on your unique journey.

I am the owner & clinical director of Magothy River Counseling. I do not have openings, but can connect you with a licensed therapist in our practice. As a group, we all specialize in providing LGBTQIA+ affirming, & informed psychotherapy. We utilize a supportive, personable, yet direct approach

I currently have limited openings for cognitive testing for ADHD and other issues that may be holding you or your loved one back in work, school, and life. I also provide individual therapy for people suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), using behavioral strategies that are designed to be shorter-term, solution-oriented, and focused on your existing strengths and life experiences.

It is important for an individual to be free from the fear that does not allow one to reach a place of understanding and self-acceptance. Whether it is struggling with a past trauma, loneliness, anxiety, anger, fear of not being accepted, feelings of being “too much” or “not enough”, I practice from a place of compassion and non-judgement. When a client expresses, they are ready for a change, I will “meet them where they are at” in the therapeutic process. I enjoy working with diverse populations, at any stage in life, including individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

I am a licensed, board-certified, clinical counselor, certified in Expressive Arts through the Person- Centered Expressive Arts Institute. Using an integrative approach, I combine traditional talk therapy with mindfulness, creative expression, CBT, and DBT skills to support you in your treatment. I use EMDR protocol to teach trauma-informed strategies to self-regulate and address trauma. I will meet you where you are through empathy, compassion, and congruence to help generate insight that can lead to increased healthy coping and desired change. I consider it an honor to be part of my client's journeys.

If you struggle with fears of not being able to carryon, have desires and dreams to share and accomplish, would like to collaborate in finding your purpose, or feel a deep separation with your loves ones and would like to restore what was lost or move forward in a new direction, therapy can help empower you to take an active role in your own personalized plan for healing. I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space inspired by the Person-centered approach, encouraging clients to express themselves freely.

I hope you can absorb and appreciate this moment. You have already made a courageous step toward taking care of you! Whether you are seeking to heal from past or present events, change behaviors, and/or cultivate personal growth - you are to be commended! On your quest, please know that I am a therapist whose sensitivity toward others derives from my perspective on life - that each person's journey is unique yet, feelings are universal. This mindset can be a powerful tool for self-awareness, understanding others, and navigating relational dynamics. We are all connected and not meant to go it alone.

Life Happens. Each person experiences hard seasons in life, but these hard times don’t have to define you. Talking with someone to process the stressful periods in our lives allows us to develop ourselves and reframe our future. I specialize in working with people who experience difficult life transitions to move through tough emotions to find purpose and meaning in their lives, while helping them find their true potential. I also specialize in helping individuals who have are experiencing a faith-based crisis, processing spiritual trauma or exploring spirituality. I have experience in working with adults, adolescents and families.

The healing process of therapy requires vulnerability and the uncovering of intense and difficult emotions. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals who are looking to begin or continue their personal journeys of healing. Are you feeling stuck due to difficult or traumatic past experiences? Do you have trouble understanding or feeling in control of your emotions? Or maybe you are looking to build a better understanding of why you are the way you are! During the therapeutic process, my goal is to help my clients bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be.

Monica Lester, Ed.D. is a Clinical Social Worker with nearly two decades of experience providing mental health services working with individuals, children, couples, families and groups. Throughout my years of providing therapy I have examined issues including substance abuse, behavior challenges, mood disorders, anger management, PTSD, neurodevelopmental, anxiety, self-image, stress, suicide, relationship and LGBTQ issues.

Making the decision to seek help can be challenging and is a big first step on your journey to wellness. Wellness is not an absence of problems, but it is a process that helps us become more aware and make choices for a healthy and fulfilling life. If you feel overwhelmed and want help developing proper coping skills and self-care, you are not alone. Support is available and change is possible! Although I believe the client is the expert in their life, therapy is a collaborative effort between you and I. Together, we will work on identifying and meeting your wants, needs, and goals.

Are you looking for a place to freely express your feelings while dealing with life's challenges? Do you want to better handle stress, improve your relationships, and find balance in your life? Self-understanding is a key element to mental health and well-being. By delving into self-reflection and awareness, you can uncover patterns, triggers, strengths, and areas for improvement, leading to overall better mental health. So, if you're on a quest for self-improvement or seeking solace amidst life's storms, you've come to the right place.

Are you struggling with stress, trauma, depression, anxiety, or general life challenges? Are you in search of an ally committed to your holistic well-being, irrespective of your circumstances? Embarking on a therapeutic journey is a commendable first step in regaining control of your life and rekindling the joy you once cherished. Our combined efforts will cater to your specific needs, paving the way for your innate potential to radiate once again. Therapy isn't just about healing; it's about rediscovering your strengths and reclaiming your happiness. Let's take this journey together, and I will support you every step of the way.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life stressors or struggling with grief, stress, anxiety, or depression. Take the time to slow down, gain insight into your needs and truths, and find a deeper purpose with life. Therapy is an enriching journey which can provide much-needed relief from chaotic or overwhelming moments in our lives. It's my mission as a therapist to help reconnect with your inner voice without judgment or limitation - creating space for you to explore what it means to lead an integrated lifestyle that aligns within all parts of yourself.

Are you or a loved one struggling with feeling down, overwhelmed by life's stressors, need help in overcoming social challenges, or just want someone to talk to? I understand how stressful it can be to deal with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and overall sense of hopeless and helplessness. I strive to provide compassionate and meaningful counseling that empowers you to overcome a myriad of life challenges.

You may feel overwhelmed by stress, or struggling with anxiety and depression. Maybe you are dealing with family difficulties or parenting challenges. Or like most of us, you are having trouble making time for yourself. I would love to help you let go of stress and anxiety, overcome the pain of trauma and depression, and navigate family difficulties. Maybe you know you need help, but don't know exactly what's wrong or what you want. Thats ok! You are ready to make a positive change. In our sessions, you'll create the life you have always wanted to live.

It is my passion to collaborate with and empower others to not just survive through life but to find a way to living fully and thriving. I work to be an ally in achieving your goals and your desires. Finding a way to enjoy and be confident in your career and job experience, creative outlets, and social life can really happen.

Congratulations on taking the steps toward a healthier and happier you! Life presents challenges, and we are here to support you as you navigate through them. BACC is a trauma-informed mental health group practice, and it would be our privilege to support you on this journey. Our mission is to meet each person where they are and offer empathetic and supportive treatment approaches. We believe that raising awareness of mental health is vital to overall well-being and happiness. Our clinicians use evidence-based practices to treat mental health symptoms and help individuals restore optimal functioning.