Guided Hope Counseling is a dedicated provider of exceptional quality and accessible trauma-informed outpatient mental health care. This practice features therapists specializing in treating a wide range of mental health issues, including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, PTSD, Grief & Loss, and Trauma, among others. Guided Hope also focuses on supporting families facing marital challenges, navigating peaceful co-parenting, blending families, managing difficult behaviors in children, and helping loved ones through transitions. Recognizing the diverse needs of all families, they prioritize sensitivity towards the LGBTQ community. The office offers Individual and Family Therapy for children and adults and features Art Therapy, a particularly effective modality for children and survivors of trauma. They are certified in Perinatal Mental Health, ensuring comprehensive care for families during critical times. Guided Hope Counseling prides itself on providing compassionate, experienced care to motivated clients striving to enhance their quality of life. The skilled team at Guided Hope includes therapists like Katie Maniscarco, Lacey Davis, Shayla LeBlanc, Chelsea Ruggiero, Lisa Patchell, Kristen McDermott, Julia Cover, Caitlin Furman, and Jess Placek, each equipped to deliver therapeutic support tailored to individual needs. Guided Hope Counseling is committed to fostering personal growth and wellbeing for everyone involved.

Robert Hardesty is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist (LCSW-C) with over 17 years of experience in helping individuals and families in Baltimore, Maryland, and the surrounding areas. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 2000 with a Master of Social Work (MSW), and has a rich background in community mental health, including clinical training at Sheppard Pratt Mental Health Systems. Robert specializes in addressing mood disorders, anxiety, and behavioral issues, utilizing a range of therapeutic approaches such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Positive Psychology, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). His passion lies in supporting husbands and fathers who often struggle to access the resources they need for emotional well-being. Therapy with Robert offers individuals a pathway to navigate emotional pain and life's challenges, fostering personal growth and improving quality of life.

Mona Jafarian is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) with over 25 years of experience in the field of therapy and clinical social work. She is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and parents discover a deeper sense of confidence and self-acceptance. Through her compassionate guidance, clients can learn to move beyond past challenges and release negative thoughts and feelings, empowering them to make healthier choices. Mona specializes in creating a nurturing space for those seeking richer, more fulfilling lives. She offers weekend hours and is affiliated with most major insurance plans. For updates on workshops and groups, please visit the OIC Counseling website.

Karen Jean Albright, MSW, LCSW-C, is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist dedicated to guiding individuals through their therapeutic journeys. With over 25 years of experience, she has had the privilege of working with clients ranging from preteens to adults in various settings, including individual, group, and family therapy. Understanding that the concept of therapy can often feel daunting, Karen emphasizes that it can become a supportive partnership focused on enhancing one’s quality of life. She passionately believes in the power of personal growth and the innate desire for healing that resides within each individual. Karen employs a holistic approach to mental health, effectively addressing issues such as addiction, trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, anxiety, and behavioral concerns. She skillfully integrates modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) to tailor her methodology to the unique needs of each client. Her warm and empathetic nature fosters a safe environment for healing, and she is eager to support clients as they navigate life's challenges.

Tijana Jirecek is a dedicated Counselor with credentials as an LCPC and NCC, specializing in helping adults and elders, particularly those dealing with Depression, Anxiety, and Relationship Issues. She firmly believes in the innate capacity of individuals to improve their lives when the right conditions align. Tijana's primary goals as a therapist are to create a safe, authentic, and judgment-free space for clients to confront and navigate challenging life circumstances. Through a variety of therapeutic modalities—including Compassion Focused, Positive Psychology, Trauma Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy—she supports and gently guides her clients towards healthier living. Tijana has a wealth of experience, spanning community outreach, schools, clinics, and private practice, and she has successfully assisted clients facing issues such as trauma, substance use, anger management, and life transitions. Her hope is for each individual to make positive strides in their journey, unraveling the underlying issues to foster growth and evolution into the balanced, content individuals they are meant to be. Tijana looks forward to accompanying each client on their unique path to healing and fulfillment.

Denise Johnson, LCSW-C, is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist who firmly believes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. She collaborates with her clients to discover tailored solutions that resonate with their unique lives, considering them the experts of their own narratives. As a facilitator, Denise provides her clients with essential tools that empower them to navigate their challenges independently. With over five years of experience in providing psychotherapy to both children and adults in an outpatient setting, Denise employs an eclectic treatment approach. Her methods incorporate modalities such as CBT, solution-focused brief therapy, and a humanistic orientation. Her extensive treatment experience encompasses a range of issues, including PTSD, domestic violence, anxiety, ADHD, depression, psychotic disorders, and adjustment issues. Denise is passionate about fostering growth and resilience in her clients, making her a trusted partner in their journey towards mental wellness.

Karen Poehlman is a compassionate and experienced licensed therapist who believes that starting therapy is a transformative step towards a more fulfilling life. She specializes in helping individuals navigate and heal from issues such as anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, mood disorders, and trauma. With her diverse training in mindfulness-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and existential coaching, she tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Through personalized therapy sessions, Karen works diligently to create lasting change and emotional wellness, guiding her clients towards insight and fulfillment. She empathizes with the fear and anxiety that often accompany the decision to seek therapy and is committed to ensuring prospective clients feel at ease, even before their first session. By fostering a supportive and understanding environment, Karen encourages individuals to share their stories and embark on their healing journey with confidence.

Kelly Klastava is a compassionate clinical social worker and therapist, specializing in helping preteens, teens, and adults navigate their unique struggles. She understands that sometimes life can feel overwhelming, and having a supportive professional to guide you can make all the difference. Her approach is to offer a safe space for individuals, couples, and families to explore their feelings and experiences. With a strong focus on the strengths of her clients, Kelly promotes personal growth and self-compassion, empowering them to achieve their goals with newfound confidence. She skillfully integrates various therapeutic modalities including family and marital counseling, attachment-based therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to create a customized framework for healing and growth. Kelly believes that seeking help is a sign of strength, and she is dedicated to helping clients navigate the beautiful struggles of life with grace and resilience.

Erric Hetzer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist, believes that every individual possesses the inner strength to confront life's challenges. With a commitment to assisting clients in understanding their issues, Erric empowers them to tap into their internal resilience and develop the necessary support systems to regain control and achieve success. With over 11 years of dedicated experience in Harford County, MD, he has earned an excellent reputation among peers and clients alike for delivering compassionate and innovative counseling services. Erric specializes in a variety of therapy types including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Family Systems therapy, working with a diverse demographic that includes children, adolescents, adults, and elders.

Amy Hull is a compassionate and skilled Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, offering support to preteens, teens, and adults facing feelings of isolation, frustration, and anxiety. She understands how difficult it can be to feel stuck and overwhelmed, often leading to depression and stress. Amy believes in the power of changing mindsets and focusing on individual strengths as a path to personal growth and improvement. Through her expertise in person-centered therapy, Amy collaborates with clients to envision a fulfilling life, setting meaningful goals and developing essential coping skills that help alleviate anxiety and depression. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion while guiding clients through life's challenges. Amy invites those seeking a healthier, happier version of themselves to take that first courageous step towards change. With her supportive approach, she is ready to assist individuals and families in navigating their journeys towards wellness and resilience.

Christie Polley is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor dedicated to the belief that humans are hardwired to connect—to themselves and to others. She understands that individuals seek empowerment, love, and confidence in their lives. Christie's approach to building resilience is not about creating toughness; it’s about equipping clients with the tools they need to recover from difficulties and manage their emotions. With a profound passion for helping members of the community overcome adversity, Christie empowers her clients to recognize their strengths, boosts their self-esteem, and provides a safe space for emotional expression. Her therapeutic modalities include Imago, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and various other effective techniques. As someone who embraces an eclectic approach, Christie personalizes each treatment plan since she believes that every individual’s journey is unique. She welcomes all clients seeking compassion, guidance, and empowerment to face life's challenges with bravery and courage, transforming their lives as they grow and thrive.

Katie Landry is a compassionate clinical social worker and therapist who specializes in helping individuals navigate their struggles with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and disordered eating. She is dedicated to meeting clients where they are and walking beside them as they pursue their goals. With extensive experience, particularly with adolescents and young adults, Katie enjoys working with people across all stages of life. Common challenges she addresses include depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, and various eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Katie collaborates with her clients to identify the most effective therapeutic techniques tailored to their needs, fostering active and healthy life changes. She believes that a strong therapeutic relationship combined with collaborative goal setting can significantly enhance positive outcomes. Her practice is rooted in evidence-based treatments, ensuring the best care possible. Katie has a strong foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills, providing her clients with the tools to tackle issues like self-esteem, body image concerns, mood management, transitions, and other stressors in their lives.

Joanne Lang is a compassionate and knowledgeable counselor offering support to adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and grief. She believes in the transformative power of therapy at various life stages, recognizing that many individuals benefit from professional guidance during challenging times. Whether navigating specific traumatic events or a persistent sense of emotional distress, clients will find comfort in her empathetic approach. Joanne employs a dual perspective in her therapeutic practice, utilizing effective techniques to manage overwhelming thoughts and feelings while also helping clients to explore the underlying causes of their emotions. By understanding the unconscious motivations that influence thoughts and behaviors, individuals can reclaim their choices and foster healthier relationships. Joanne is dedicated to guiding her clients on a journey toward a more fulfilling and satisfying life.