Partnership Development Group is dedicated to helping individuals, especially teens and adults, navigate their emotional landscapes and improve their mental well-being. For those experiencing challenges like Borderline Personality Disorder, relationship issues, and chronic impulsivity, understanding one’s internal experiences—thoughts, feelings, sensations, and impulses—can feel overwhelming. Through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, the program empowers participants to develop mindful strategies to accept and tolerate difficult situations, while effectively analyzing and transforming unhealthy behavior patterns. The DBT-informed program focuses on the four essential modules of Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Alongside skills groups, the program includes phone coaching and parent groups designed to foster family support and enhance the application of skills in daily life. With a structured framework that spans five modules over 27 weeks, they also offer individual and family therapy to deepen the impact of DBT programming. This holistic approach ensures participants receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

Alison Dorsky, LCSW-C, is a seasoned Clinical Social Worker and therapist with 30 years of experience dedicated to working with children, adolescents, and adults in community mental health and school-based settings. As an Autism specialist, she enhances understanding of the unique challenges associated with Autism, empowering individuals and families to cope in positive and productive ways. Alison frequently collaborates with schools and relevant service providers, advocating for her clients to foster mutual support and understanding across home, academic, and vocational environments. Her extensive expertise includes helping clients manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. In her practice, Alison adeptly employs a blend of visual, video, and interactive social communication strategies alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, particularly when addressing Autism and similar diagnoses. She also integrates mindfulness and trauma-informed therapies to assist clients dealing with anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Central to Alison's approach is the belief that a trusting and supportive relationship is essential for the success of the therapeutic process, making her clients feel safe and understood as they navigate their challenges.

Mary Foster Herbers is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in supporting adults and elders through life's challenges. With a background that includes training in Transactional Analysis, Gestalt therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, she offers a comprehensive range of psychotherapy techniques tailored to the needs of her clients. Her individual and couples therapy sessions create a nurturing environment where acceptance and openness pave the way for personal growth. Mary specializes in guiding individuals dealing with work stress, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and feelings of isolation. She emphasizes that it is often our perceived weaknesses that bind us together in the journey of healing. In her comfortable, non-institutional office in North Rockville, she utilizes mindfulness-based approaches, meditation, and guided imagery to foster deeper connections with her clients. Mary is dedicated to helping those facing life transitions, relationship conflicts, grief, and spirituality, ensuring that each person feels heard and valued on their path to recovery.

Betsy Halsey, MDiv, is a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping individuals and couples overcome emotional challenges and achieve personal transformation. She specializes in addressing issues such as trauma, PTSD, sexual addiction, and mood disorders, working effectively with teens, adults, and elders. Betsy offers insightful couples therapy aimed at breaking negative cycles and fostering deeper connections, allowing her clients to experience intimacy and love. Through a tailored approach that honors diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ and various racial and ethnic identities, she creates a safe space for healing. Utilizing effective modalities like EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic techniques, Betsy has years of experience guiding her clients towards self-confidence, serenity, and fulfillment. With her support, individuals can overcome their emotional pain, navigate relationship issues, and step into the life they desire. Betsy is here to meet clients where they are and help them in their journey toward well-being.

Benjamin Schwinke is a dedicated counselor and the founder of Maryland Integrative Counseling Associates (MICA), an esteemed outpatient mental health practice with offices in Rockville and Frederick. He specializes in supporting teens and adults facing anxiety, trauma, and attention disorders. Benjamin's integrative approach often combines traditional talk therapy with Neurofeedback, a method well-suited for those who may need more than conventional therapy techniques to achieve emotional regulation. As one of the region's few Board Certified Neurotherapists, he offers a unique perspective on brain training alongside therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused Therapy. His therapeutic style is characterized by a relaxed, flexible approach that balances curiosity, humor, and the profound seriousness of the healing journey. If he is unable to accommodate a new client directly, he connects them with one of the highly qualified clinicians at MICA. Benjamin is committed to fostering a supportive and thriving environment for all those he assists.

Dr. Ellen Lee Lessans is a dedicated psychologist specializing in helping adults and elders navigate their emotional landscapes. With a focus on anxiety, mood disorders, and relationship issues, she empowers her clients to explore new perspectives and make mindful choices that foster positive change in their lives. Utilizing an eclectic approach that includes Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dr. Lee Lessans offers practical strategies that allow individuals to develop healthier perceptions of their circumstances. She prides herself on cultivating positive and supportive relationships with her clients, making her practice a safe space for growth and healing. Licensed through Psypact, she provides therapy services across most US states, bringing warmth and expertise to every session.

Dr. Ling Loui Wu is a dedicated psychologist committed to helping adults and elders achieve improved mental health and well-being. Her focus lies in reducing symptoms, fostering self-reliance, enhancing relationships, and exploring the unlimited possibilities that lead clients to function at a higher level. Before arriving at a solution, Dr. Wu collaborates closely with her clients to identify and confirm their problems and resources. She utilizes an integrated treatment approach centered around cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), aiming to identify and enhance thinking patterns and coping strategies. Dr. Wu recognizes the importance of exploring the emotions tied to thoughts and behaviors, and understands that each individual is unique. This often involves delving into past experiences, self-perception, and specific individual needs. As therapy progresses, clients may engage in deeper exploration and understanding of the significance of their experiences and lives.

Dr. Nicole Stern is a dedicated psychologist with a PhD who specializes in facilitating change and personal growth for school-age children, adolescents, and adults. With extensive experience in addressing educational challenges, she effectively supports children facing learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders. Additionally, her compassionate approach extends to working with adolescents who are grappling with school pressures and peer relationships, ensuring they receive the guidance they need to thrive.

Marci Michelle Fenton is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and therapist, LCSW-C, who takes an eclectic approach to therapy. With over 28 years of psychotherapy experience, she has honed her skills in supporting a diverse range of clients who primarily face anxiety disorders, relationship challenges, and depression. Marci implements creative strategies tailored to help her clients achieve their goals, often incorporating assigned work outside of the office. Specializing in anxiety disorders, couples therapy, and parenting challenges, she fosters a supportive and empathetic environment where clients feel safe to explore and reach their potential. Her strength-based perspective effectively empowers individuals to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.

Willow Oak, a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker Certified (LCSW-C), is dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with empathy and expertise. With a focus on children, teens, and adults, Willow provides a safe and nurturing environment for clients dealing with depression, trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. Her extensive knowledge spans various issues, including bipolar disorder, addiction, relationship conflicts, and life transitions, ensuring that each client receives tailored support.<br /> <br /> Utilizing an eclectic range of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and EMDR, Willow skillfully adapts her approach to meet the unique needs of families and individuals. Whether working with preteens, elders, or adults, she is committed to fostering resilience and growth. Her passion for art therapy and skill in emotion-focused techniques enrich her practice, allowing clients to express themselves authentically.<br /> <br /> Willow takes a strength-based perspective, empowering her clients to explore their identities, including those within the LGBTQ+ community, while addressing issues of self-esteem and coping skills. Through her humanistic approach, she creates meaningful connections that facilitate healing and personal development. At the Oak Therapy Center, she helps individuals reclaim their narrative and build a brighter future.

Michael Patrick Donovan is a compassionate counselor, specializing in supporting teens, adults, and elders (65+) through life's most challenging moments. With a focus on depression, trauma, PTSD, and anxiety, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his practice, utilizing a variety of approaches including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma-Focused therapy, Neurofeedback, Existential, Multicultural, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Michael creates a safe and nurturing environment in which individuals can explore their emotions and experiences, fostering healing and personal growth. His dedication to understanding the unique struggles faced by each client makes him a trusted ally on the journey to wellbeing.

Julia Perini is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist known for promoting a warm, non-judgmental environment that empowers clients to address their unique challenges. With expertise in issues such as anxiety, depression, family conflict, substance use, trauma, and low self-esteem, she offers support to individuals navigating significant life transitions, including the experience of moving away from home for the first time. Julia's goal in the therapeutic relationship is to facilitate her clients' journeys toward greater peace and self-acceptance while honoring their individual processes. She employs a holistic, person-centered approach to treatment, skillfully utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Attachment-Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques. Julia has successfully worked with adolescents, young adults, and couples with co-occurring disorders. Understanding that the search for the right therapist can be daunting, she encourages potential clients to take the first step toward their therapeutic journey by engaging in an initial assessment, where open communication about questions and concerns can occur before committing to the process.

Sarah Puskavich is a dedicated counselor with extensive experience helping individuals, teens, adults, and elders navigate through challenges such as mood dysregulation, loss of motivation, self-esteem issues, unmanaged stress, and substance use. She understands that these struggles can occur at any point in life, and her approach is grounded in empowerment, aiming to utilize each client’s strengths for meaningful change. Therapy with Sarah offers a safe space for clients to explore the impact of these issues on their relationships, sense of self, and overall quality of life. With her diverse training in techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused methods, mindfulness-based interventions, and trauma-informed care, she tailors her approach to meet each client's unique needs. Sarah prioritizes ensuring that every individual feels heard, valued, and supported throughout their therapeutic journey. She is committed to fostering positive change and believes in the capability of each client to embrace transformations in their lives. Sarah’s extensive work in various treatment settings has equipped her with the clinical knowledge and evidence-based interventions to help her clients achieve their goals. Should you have any questions about beginning a journey toward a happier self, Sarah is available for consultations to determine the right fit.