MEREDITH BARGER’S PERSONAL STATEMENT:

“I’m a firm believer in the therapeutic process and that true healing occurs when all facets (mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional) of my client’s life are addressed.  My goal is to provide a safe environment that fosters trust, courageous conversation, and compassionate listening. This process is a journey that I feel blessed to share.”

EDUCATION:

Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Science
Loyola University of Maryland, Master of Science

CERTIFICATIONS:

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

AREAS OF INTEREST: 

Mood, anxiety, depression, personality, and adjustment disorders, sexual and drug/alcohol addictions, working with couples and individuals

JULIE CAIN’S  PERSONAL STATEMENT:

“As a clinical social worker, it is my privilege to support and empower others as they explore life’s challenges within a compassionate and thoughtful environment.  I have faith in the strength and resiliency of the human spirit to acquire the coping and communication skills necessary to overcome these challenges.  In my practice, I am honored to work with individuals, couples and families, using a variety of treatment techniques and am committed to a therapeutic relationship rooted in faith and the grace of God.”

EDUCATION:

Master of Social Work (MSW), Columbia University School of Social Work
Bachelors of Social Work (BSW), Syracuse University School of Social Work

CERTIFICATION:

Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical (LCSW-C)

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Support group facilitator for Neighbor to Neighbor program
Support group facilitator for Kaufman Cancer Center, UMUCHS

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS :

Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW)
National Association of Social Workers (Maryland Chapter-NASW)
Field Supervisor for UMSSW MSW candidates

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

• Adjustment to illness and the role of care giving
• Loss, grief and bereavement
• Women in transition (adjusting to college, motherhood and menopause)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Premarital counselingRelationship issues
• Spiritual issues

KAREN CONNER’S PERSONAL STATEMENT:

“Working with people who are experiencing severe emotional pain and helping them to achieve healthier levels of functioning is very gratifying work. Assisting individuals, couples and families in establishing solid communication patterns and in learning assertiveness skills frequently form the foundation for building healthier, more satisfying lives.”

EDUCATION:

Master of Social Work (MSW), Family Therapy Training

SPECIALIZATION:

Family Therapy

CERTIFICATION:

Licensed Certified Social Work – Clinical level (LCSW-C) Qualified for “self-regulated social work practice” by the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW)

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

adjustment disorders, affective mood disorders, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, and thought disorders. Assisting couples enhance the quality of their communication and assisting adolescents and their families resolve relationship issues are of particular interest. Working with women in transition is an emerging interest.

NANCY GETTER’S PERSONAL STATEMENT:

“My hope as a therapist is to help individuals, couples, and families build on their current strengths to further develop healthy ways of navigating life’s challenges and multifaceted emotions. Together, in a compassionate, judgement-free, safe setting, we will examine, honor, and re-imagine current feelings and thought patterns. With the goal of personal growth, including self-acceptance and self-compassion, we will work toward enriching and nurturing your life and your relationships.”

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Arts, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
Master of Social Work, University of Maryland School of Social Work

SPECIALIZATION:

Individual Therapy

CERTIFICATION:

Licensed Master of Social Work – Clinical (LCSW-C), Maryland

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

Depression, anxiety, parenting issues (including parenting children and teens with ADHD), fertility issues, relationship issues, grief and loss.

SONTÉ DUCOTE’S PERSONAL STATEMENT:

“Having been led to become a therapist by the grace of God who instilled in me compassion for people and faith that He partners with me in the healing process, I believe that everyone can live life to their fullest potential! Together we will embark on a journey that establishes the trust we need to identify appropriate treatments and explore your strengths to reach stability, restoration and ultimately your aspirations!”

EDUCATION:

Masters of Social Work (MSW) Clinical Concentration

SPECIALIZATION:

Anxiety, Depression and Trauma

CERTIFICATION:

Maryland State Licensed Master Social Worker
DC State Licensed Graduate Social Worker

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Community Advocate, My Sister’s Place, Washington, DC

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS :

The National Association of Social Work
Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Services

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

• Life transitions and adjustment (school, work, family, relationships and physical illness)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Substance Use

JOHN MICHALCZYK’S PERSONAL STATEMENT:

“It is my goal as a therapist to provide a safe and supportive environment for others so they may achieve personal well-being and productive relationships on the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual levels. I believe that through the healing of psychological and emotional wounds, each person has the potential and freedom to maintain positive self-acceptance and self-definition. I rejoice in helping individuals, couples and families bring greater meaning and satisfaction to their lives.”

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Arts, St. Basil College, Stamford, CT
Master of Arts (MA) in Pastoral Counseling, Loyola University, Chicago
Master of Divinity (MDiv) in Theology, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.

SPECIALIZATION:

Pastoral Counseling

CERTIFICATIONS:

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) MD
American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) – Fellow

OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Marriage Preparation

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

Identity issues, anxiety, depression, couple communications, family dynamics, parent/child issues, spirituality, loss and complicated bereavement

LIORA NORDENBERG’S PERSONAL STATEMENT:

“’Relaxing the restless mind’ is a phrase I once heard that nicely describes my hope for clients. I’m aware that this goal can seem far-fetched in times of struggle and I have the utmost admiration for clients and their work toward achieving change. I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology, attending The University of Pennsylvania and American University respectively. More recently, after years of doing cognitive testing for research, I did post-graduate work and training, and am now a licensed counselor. I’ve worked with individuals and groups on mental health issues and find a variety of modalities useful, including mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, and strengths-based approaches. Helping goes far beyond technique, though, and I strive to make the client feel comfortable, respected, and truly cared about. Watching clients gain new perspective and skills is gratifying and I look forward to continuing to help people find more contentment and meaning in life.”

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Art, Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Master of Arts, Psychology, American University, Washington, D.C.

CERTIFICATION:

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Certificate of Advanced Study in Counseling Psychology

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

Depression, Anxiety/Stress, Relationships

MAUREEN O’BRIEN’S PERSONAL STATEMENT:

“As a therapist I approach others with a quiet presence where they are with their strength and vulnerability. Using cognitive and solution-focused approaches, I assist others to healthy choice-making that enables healing and new hope to emerge out of emotional pain and impasse. Discovering new possibilities within self and relationships, I companion my clients to more healthy, whole living and relating while quietly aware of the nearness of God whose energy for healing is ever available.”

EDUCATION:

Masters of Science (MS) in Pastoral Counseling
Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Counseling
Masters in Theology (MA)

CERTIFICATION:

American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) Fellow
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), MD
National Catholic Chaplains Association, Member
Licensed Clinical Supervisor, available for Loyola University Pastoral Counseling Supervision

OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Catholic Chaplain at St. Joseph Medical Center ministering to cardiac patients in The Heart Institute.

Certified Catholic Chaplain at University of Maryland at Saint Joseph Medical Center ministering to patients in the Cancer Institute with specialty of Palliative/Hospice Care

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

Depression, anxiety, adjustment to life changes: illness, aging, grief, and loss, for individuals and couples. Relationship enhancement and growth beyond difficulties; spiritual integration within the self, spiritual direction is also available. Clinical supervision of Licensed Professional Counselors.

THERESA PRYMUSZEWSKI’S  PERSONAL STATEMENT:

“It is my privilege to accompany individuals, couples, groups and children in their life journey to strengthen their emotional and spiritual health. By providing the fruits of my counseling and spirituality background together we identify your current life concerns, anxiety, depression, loss, and other mental health issues by setting therapeutic goals and behavioral changes.”

EDUCATION:

Master of Education Degree in Counseling: University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC
Master of Theological Studies Degree, Spiritual Direction: Washington Theological Union, Washington, DC
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies, Cum Laude, Caldwell College, Caldwell, NJ

CERTIFICATION:

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Maryland
National Certified Counselor
Approved Clinical Supervisor

Tier 3 Star Behavioral Health Provider
Certified Poetry Therapist
Certificate in Spiritual Direction in the Carmelite Tradition
Certified Pastoral Associate through the USCCB Alliance for the Certification of Lay Ecclesial Ministries

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS :

American Counseling Association

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (Maryland)

Approved Clinical Graduate Professional Counselor Supervisor

Maryland Counseling Association

Maryland Association of Spiritual Values in Counseling

Spiritual Directors International

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

Adult, Couple, Child, Adolescent and Family Therapy

PETER SMITH’S PERSONAL STATEMENT:

“Psychotherapy is a proven and effective tool for the development of the human person. The relationship between therapist and client has great potential for empowering persons to have more satisfying relationships, and to lead happier and more meaningful lives.”

EDUCATION:

Doctorate (PhD) in Social Work
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Master of Social Work (MSW)

SPECIALIZATION:

Traditional psychotherapy for individuals and couples

CERTIFICATION:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C)

MEMBERSHIPS:

National Association of Social Workers
Maryland Society for Clinical Social Work
American Association of Pastoral Counselors

OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Adjunct Faculty, Dundalk Community College
Consultation and staff development for various mental health and social service agencies, adult religious education and ministry formation

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

Traditional psychodynamic, psychotherapy, systems approach for couples and families; substance abuse and related issues; experienced with clergy, religious, and persons in ministry from various denominations, pastoral ministry supervision, clinical social work supervision.

MARY STUDHAM’S PERSONAL STATEMENT:

“As our lives unfold, I believe we’re all grieving something whether it’s a beginning or an ending with people, places and things. My mission and purpose is to provide supportive, solution-oriented counseling which emphasizes compassion, empathy, and structure to develop self-awareness, deepen insight; to empower and nurture our inner strengths and wisdom.”

EDUCATION:

Masters of Social Work (MSW)

SPECIALIZATION:

Bereavement and Geriatrics

CERTIFICATION:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Family and Couples (Levels I and II)
Adolescent Treatment

OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Facilitator – Hospice of the Chesapeake: Widow/Widowers Group, Suicide Support Group

MEMBERSHIPS:

The Society for Spirituality and Social Work
The National Association of Social Work (NASW)
Maryland Chapter of NASW

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

Life transitions, loss/dying/death/bereavement, family/marriage, parenting, relationships, incest survivors, anxiety, adjustment, depression, mood disorders.

KIM WITKOWSKI’S PERSONAL STATEMENT:

“Counseling is an opportunity to share your life journey, to offer you insights and ideas to facilitate your personal goals. Every individual has a right to be happy and to feel real joy. Counseling offers a safe, trusting environment to help you achieve that experience in life.”

EDUCATION:

Ph.D. Human Services, Walden University
Master of Arts, Counseling, Webster University
Master of Education, Special Education, University of South Carolina

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

Bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, career/employment concerns, stress management, post-traumatic stress disorder, adult attention deficit disorder, parenting children and teens with ADHD, adult children of alcoholics, college students, caregivers, adoptive families, HIV population, support for professionals, women in transition (divorce and career changes), marriage enrichment, grief, parenting skills development