Dr. Shannon Shoemaker Kakkar, PhD, LCPC, NCC, is a compassionate counselor dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve a harmonious balance in their lives. Many find themselves excelling in certain areas while struggling in others, leading to feelings of overwhelm. Dr. Kakkar believes that, although everyone is the expert on their own lives, having an external perspective can illuminate one's path to clarity and self-understanding. By empowering clients to recognize their inherent strengths, she facilitates positive change, guiding them towards a more authentic and enriching existence. Utilizing an existential/humanistic approach, she skillfully integrates behavioral techniques alongside traditional talk therapy to cater to her clients' unique needs. Her specialties include navigating relationship dynamics, enhancing sexual wellness, and providing support for teenagers facing various challenges. With her expertise, clients in Maryland and Massachusetts are invited to embark on a transformative journey toward personal growth and fulfillment.

Welcome to Bridge of Life Counseling. Dr. Dianne Yvonne Kleckner is a dedicated Pastoral Counselor with 18 years of experience helping individuals navigate the challenges of trauma, including PTSD, Complex PTSD, and dissociative disorders. Understanding the struggles that come with trauma, especially during the holiday season when stress, depression, and loneliness may peak, she is here to support those in need. Dr. Kleckner is a survivor herself; her profound personal experiences illuminate her compassionate and professional approach to therapy, offering hope for healing and renewal. Utilizing a blend of therapeutic modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Christian counseling, she skillfully aids individuals and families in processing painful memories, fostering forgiveness, and finding peace through biblical teachings. Dr. Kleckner's empathetic nature and commitment to helping others reflect her values and deep-rooted faith, making her a unique choice for those seeking guidance and support during their healing journey. With her longstanding marriage of 47 years providing a personal foundation of understanding in marital and premarital issues, Dr. Kleckner is here to illuminate the path toward a hopeful future.

Sandra Clipp, a compassionate counselor with an MPH and MS and credentials as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, believes that every individual is unique and on their own special journey. She understands that many individuals may seek a collaborative partner to navigate life's challenges productively. In her practice, Sandra fosters a safe and supportive environment characterized by empathy and non-judgment. She considers the client-therapist relationship fundamental to the healing process, opening doors to new possibilities. With extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and families impacted by various addictive behaviors, including substance, sexual, and eating addictions, Sandra recognizes the profound effects these issues can have on family dynamics. Her background in public health as a researcher and health educator enriches her holistic approach to counseling, particularly for those facing medical concerns that affect mental wellness. Sandra specializes in addressing anxiety, relationship issues, and depression through an eclectic blend of therapy types including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, and the Gottman Method among others. Her dedication to supporting clients on their journey toward healing is evident in every interaction.

Lisa Hughes is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and therapist dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges with strength and courage. Known for her belief that 'courage does not always roar', Lisa embodies this ethos in her practice, offering a safe and non-judgmental environment for clients to find their voice and seek support through difficult times. With a specialization in trauma and PTSD, as well as her extensive work with children, preteens, teens, and families, she brings a wealth of experience from diverse settings, including schools, juvenile services, home, and outpatient therapy. Lisa's therapeutic approach is grounded in collaboration; she tailors her methods—drawing from mindfulness-based interventions, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and emotion-focused strategies—to meet the unique needs of each client. It is her honor to build supportive relationships that foster personal growth and help individuals set and achieve meaningful goals on their journey toward healing and change.

Chandra Niklewski is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who understands that not everyone may warm up to her approach. Her foremost goal is to empower individuals to be truly okay by encouraging them to confront the behaviors that hinder their well-being. Chandra believes that clients need an advocate—not a friend or cheerleader—who will challenge them to make meaningful changes. She values honesty and prefers a client to express discomfort candidly than to maintain a pleasant facade while remaining stuck in their current struggles. With extensive experience in inpatient psychiatric settings, male corrections, and working with families in challenging circumstances, Chandra is well-equipped to handle a wide range of issues. She creates a safe and open space for clients to discuss anything on their minds, free from judgment. Her warm and supportive nature ensures that clients feel encouraged as they navigate the journey of change and growth. Although seeking help can feel intimidating, Chandra is committed to being an integral part of her clients’ support system, assisting them in setting and achieving their goals. She advises clients to reach out for help, whether it is to her or another trusted individual, as they deserve to rise above their current challenges.

Maria Rodriguez is a highly skilled counselor dedicated to helping adults navigate through life's challenges. With credentials as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), she specializes in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. Maria employs a compassionate, person-centered approach, integrating various therapeutic methods, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her focus on creating a supportive environment allows individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, fostering resilience and personal growth. Maria is committed to empowering her clients on their journey towards improved mental health and wellbeing.

Better Thoughts is an experienced counselor dedicated to helping clients navigate life's challenges and setbacks. Understanding that life can sometimes turn upside down, Better believes that every individual has the power to rewrite their own story. Clients are encouraged to move from being victims of their circumstances to becoming victors of their lives. With an inherent tendency towards growth and self-actualization, Better fosters a compassionate and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. The focus of their work together is on enhancing self-awareness and understanding behavioral patterns that contribute to personal transformation.

Toresa Wilson is a compassionate and dedicated clinical social worker specializing in maternal mental wellness. She understands the struggles that parents face on a daily basis, including the loss of identity after childbirth and feelings of overwhelm or depression. Toresa recognizes that many may find themselves crying more often than usual or withdrawing from family connections, and she offers a safe space where individuals can express themselves without judgment. Through her practice, Maryland Fertility, Pregnancy and Postpartum Therapy, LLC, Toresa supports hopeful and experienced mothers alike. She empowers her clients to envision a life where they no longer feel burdened by these challenges, encouraging them to reclaim their narrative. Toresa is committed to meeting her clients where they are and guiding them through their journey with clarity and accountability. She offers a complimentary 15-minute consultation for those considering therapy and is eager to help clients navigate their experiences with empathy and expertise.