Allan Tsai, LCSW, PhD, is a compassionate clinical social worker and therapist dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey of self-discovery and healing. He understands that everyone experiences suffering in life at various times for different reasons, which can lead to feelings of being lost in the world and within themselves. Many of his clients initially seek therapy to address external challenges but discover that the true path lies in reconnecting with their inner selves, their loved ones, the natural world, and the deeper mysteries of life. Some come to Allan as they feel a profound urge for depth and transformation that they can no longer ignore. He draws from a rich tapestry of therapeutic modalities, including Jungian and Archetypal Psychology, NLP, and Ericksonian Hypnosis, alongside Ken Wilber's Integral approach. With 30 years of experience as a therapist and 20 years as an adjunct professor of pastoral counseling, Allan has the privilege of accompanying clients who honor their soul's search for meaningful existence. He believes that while qualifications are important, the essence of the therapeutic relationship hinges on the mutual trust that develops between therapist and client, allowing them to embark on a shared exploration of the self. Ultimately, he recognizes that grace guides the process of returning home to one’s authentic self.

Kathleen Van Meter is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-C) based in Maryland, renowned for her direct yet warm and affirming approach to therapy. She dedicates herself to recognizing the uniqueness of each client, facilitating their journey towards achieving therapeutic goals through a range of evidence-based practices, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). With a strong focus on Mindfulness and supportive therapies, Kathleen has experience serving individuals with diverse challenges such as Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Eating Disorders, the effects of Domestic Violence, and support for at-risk youth and individuals in crisis. Her individualized treatment plans cater to maximize therapeutic benefits, and she employs an array of modalities, including play therapy and family systems therapy. Notably, her golden doodle Penny plays an integral role in therapy sessions, providing comfort and creating a stress-free atmosphere that has positively impacted individuals facing Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and PTSD. Penny's welcoming presence enhances the therapeutic environment and helps clients feel safe and relaxed during their sessions.

Kimberly Vanputten-Gardner is a dedicated psychotherapist and family life specialist with a profound commitment to facilitating individual growth and healing within family relationships. With a PhD and extensive training in Counseling Psychology and Family Studies, she specializes in providing individual and family counseling for a diverse range of mental health issues, including depression, relationship challenges, and parenting concerns. Kimberly also offers family life education services tailored to the needs of separated or divorced families, elderly care, issues related to adult children returning home, biracial couples, and trans-racial adoptive and foster care families. Her experience extends beyond therapy; she has served as a policy advocate and a college professor, representing the American Psychological Association in Congressional briefings on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. Currently, she teaches family science at the University of Maryland, College Park, enriching the lives of her students. Kimberly is also a participating provider with various insurance companies, ensuring accessibility for her clients while providing flexible payment options.

Elizabeth Venenga, LCPC, is a dedicated therapist who fosters growth and healing by exploring the intricacies of individual identity, coping strategies, support systems, and trauma. She aims to guide her clients in finding meaning, achieving personal goals, nurturing healthy relationships, and confronting past painful experiences. With a client-centered approach, Elizabeth integrates elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and existential psychotherapy. She specializes in supporting individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, relationship issues, adjustment concerns, LGBTQIA+ issues, non-monogamous relationships, intimacy challenges, and trauma. Embracing a sex-positive, kink-friendly, and poly-affirmative perspective, Elizabeth is committed to creating a supportive and safe space for clients as they navigate their daily stressors. Regardless of where one is on their journey, she believes that change is always within reach.

Joanne Vizzini holds a distinguished position as a counselor, with a PhD and credentials as an LCPC and NCC, operating a dynamic private practice in Columbia, MD. She believes deeply in the significance of listening to her clients, ensuring they feel understood and supported. Specializing in a wide array of anxiety issues—including generalized anxiety, OCD, specific phobias, panic disorder, and social anxiety—she adopts a flexible approach to meet the individual financial needs of clients. Joanne works with individuals and families of all ages, addressing not only anxiety but also transitional challenges such as separation and divorce, as well as assisting children and youth dealing with ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities. Her therapeutic expertise also extends to healing past traumas, including codependency and addictions. Furthermore, she employs innovative techniques like Puppet/Doll Therapy and Play Therapy, offering unique opportunities for adults, children, and groups. With an educational background that fuses psychology and spirituality, Joanne fosters an inclusive environment where spiritual discussions can be integrated into therapy if desired. Over the years, she has had the privilege of witnessing clients achieve remarkable breakthroughs in their lives, often beyond their initial expectations. As an educator, she has taught and supervised graduate clinical interns at Loyola University, and continues to contribute to the field through training programs offered through the Ferentz Institute and Chesapeake Beach Professional Seminars.

Sue Walker, LCSW, is a compassionate couples and sex therapist dedicated to helping adults navigate the complexities of intimate relationships. She specializes in addressing issues such as loss of sexual intimacy, emotional disconnection, and communication challenges that couples may face. With her expertise in Imago therapy and sex therapy, Sue supports partners in rebuilding their love lives, guiding them through uncomfortable conversations about sexual fulfillment. By focusing on strategies for effective conflict resolution, she fosters a deeper, more intimate connection between partners. Sue also offers premarital counseling, helping those considering long-term commitment prepare for a fulfilling marriage. Couples sessions last 75 minutes, providing ample opportunity for meaningful discussions and insights. In every session, clients embark on a transformative journey to invigorate their relationships and discover the steps to achieving satisfying and lasting connections.

Abyssinia 'Aby' Washington, MEd, believes that everyone deserves support during life’s most challenging times. Whether it’s an event from the past or a recent experience, seeking professional help marks a significant step towards coping and is a true testament to one’s courage and investment in their well-being. Aby emphasizes the importance of a trusting and accepting therapist-client relationship within a nurturing therapeutic environment. With over a decade of experience, she has guided clients through issues such as family dysfunction, trauma, abuse, sudden loss, crime victimization, natural disasters, and legal challenges. Aby knows that with motivation, commitment, and a supportive therapeutic partnership, achieving healing and empowerment is not just possible—it is within reach, even after the most difficult life events.

Elsie Weinstein is a dedicated counselor with multiple credentials, including LCPC and NCC, who understands the courage it takes to start therapy. In a world marked by uncertainty and rapid changes, she creates a safe, nonjudgmental space for individuals to navigate stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and other emotional challenges. By working closely with clients, Elsie aims to alleviate the pressure associated with these issues, diving into their unique needs and goals with compassion and understanding. Her specializations encompass grief and loss—including disenfranchised grief such as pet, friend, and job loss—depression, anxiety, interpersonal and family relations, and support for those on the autism spectrum. No issue is too small or overwhelming to address within her nurturing environment. Elsie's counseling style fosters trust and growth, allowing individuals, families, and couples from all walks of life to flourish with the appropriate guidance and support. She is eager to accompany clients on their transformative journeys.

Cristine Werneck is a trauma-informed Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience working with clients ranging from 6 years to adulthood. She excels at helping individuals uncover their true selves amidst challenging life situations, guiding them through a journey of self-discovery that focuses on identifying and developing their unique strengths and gifts. Cristine is well-equipped to walk alongside clients who incorporate spirituality into their healing journey, assisting them in fulfilling their spiritual aspirations. Through the use of existential psychotherapy strategies and developmental constructs, she specializes in helping adolescents redefine themselves according to their values, rather than the limitations imposed by a harmful culture. For younger children, Cristine utilizes play therapy techniques while collaborating with caregivers to foster impactful behavior changes. Her expertise encompasses working with individuals, families, couples, and groups, specializing in issues related to trauma, anxiety, depression, relationships, domestic violence, substance abuse, and immigration.

Welcome to Global Health Options, where Jawann Wills, LCSW-C, is prepared to guide individuals toward emotional wellness. His extensive experience working with adults allows him to address a variety of concerns, including anxiety, anger management, life transitions, and relationship issues. Jawann employs a range of effective therapy methods, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), each tailored to client needs. He understands the significance of establishing healthy boundaries, managing overwhelming emotions, and navigating life's challenges. With a focus on understanding emotional triggers and their impact on overall wellness, he fosters a nurturing environment conducive to personal growth. Jawann believes therapy is not merely an experience but a lifestyle of healing and growth. By breaking free from cycles that deter mental wellness, his clients often find renewed hope and clarity. Having taken the brave first step toward transformation, potential clients are always welcome to explore a free consultation to discover if they would be a good fit for this therapeutic journey.

At Discover Yourself Wellness Center, a compassionate Clinical Social Worker/Therapist, driven by a deep passion for helping others, understands the challenges that can arise during life's trials. Individuals often find themselves unsure of where to turn for support, especially when family or friends may not provide the understanding needed in tough times. This therapist creates a safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment, fostering wellness and hope for each client. By working collaboratively, they empower adolescents and adults alike to strengthen their relationships and pursue personal growth. With a focus on anxiety, family conflict, peer relationship struggles, and more, this therapist draws from an eclectic approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered techniques, Narrative therapy, and Family Systems theories. An LMSW with a Master's Degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work, the therapist is dedicated to equipping clients with the tools and guidance necessary to achieve their personal goals and enhance their overall well-being.

Dr. Elspeth Bell, the director of the Bell Center for Anxiety and Depression, is a licensed psychologist renowned for her extensive expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She specializes in working with adolescents and adults, particularly addressing challenges such as Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum disorders (including OCD, Hoarding Disorder, and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors), anxiety disorders, and depression. As a hoarding specialist, she conducts thorough assessments and evaluations, provides psychotherapy for individuals and their families, and facilitates psychoeducational and support groups. Dr. Bell completed her Bachelor's degree in psychology at Vassar College before obtaining both her Master's and Doctorate in clinical psychology from Fordham University, focusing on cognitive behavioral therapies and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Licensed to practice in Maryland, Virginia, and DC, she champions a collaborative and comprehensive care model at the Bell Center, where a dedicated team collaborates to create effective treatment plans. Furthermore, Dr. Bell and her team maintain strong partnerships with other mental health professionals, psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and educational institutions to ensure holistic support for their clients.

Katie Bingner is a licensed professional counselor who understands the complexities of navigating life as a fellow human. She aims for her clients to feel that they are on this journey together. For those who are ready to make meaningful changes in their lives but may be feeling uncertain about the next steps, counseling could be a vital path to consider. Whether someone is struggling with anxiety, coping with grief and loss, or managing major life transitions, Katie provides the necessary support to help them move through and overcome these challenges. She extends a warm welcome to all first responders and their families, emphasizing the importance of their wellness and encouraging them to seek support when needed. As a specialist in anxiety treatment, Katie fosters a safe environment, offers educational resources, and shares effective coping strategies aimed at enhancing quality of life. With her formal training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), she collaborates closely with clients to identify skills training that best meets their needs. Understanding that trauma impacts individuals differently, Katie guides her clients in learning to return to the present, stepping out of the shadows of shame, and fostering an environment where they can truly thrive. Her commitment is to see her clients, hear their stories, and assist them in finding their voice—a testament to her dedication to helping individuals achieve their personal goals and live the lives they envision.