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Meet Our CounselorsIndividual, Family, and Couples counseling is offered in:
Maria B. Adamos is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) in the State of Maryland. After completing a Bachelors degree in psychology at The College of New Jersey, she earned a Masters degree in psychology from American University (Washington, DC), and completed courses through the Master’s Plus program at Loyola University Maryland. Maria joined the team at CCS and IC in December 2016. She co-facilitates the Adult Intensive Outpatient Program, and Adult Outpatient Program, in addition to working on the teen, young adult, and anger management teams. She conducts intakes and assessments for teens and adults for all levels of education, outpatient treatment, and DUI/DWI programs. Maria also sees individual clients. She has experience working in both the inpatient and outpatient settings with various psychological disorders including Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder, and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (i.e. trichotillomania, skin picking, etc.), among others. Maria aims to work collectively with her clients to treat the whole person--body, mind, and spirit. She attempts to help her client embrace the challenges faced in life and learn how to overcome them from a holistic perspective. She believes that all aspects of one’s life affect each other, and she hopes to be able to help her clients to live a well-balanced, mindful, and a purposeful life. She believes everyone is worthy of living this fulfilling life, and is grateful to have the opportunity to work WITH her clients on their journey. She draws from her interest in yoga and meditation and hopes to inspire her patients to acknowledge their worth and to live fulfilling lives. Maria is a member of the American Counseling Association. Maria works under the supervision of director, Mark Donovan, LCPC, LCADC. Return to the full list of counselors. Sarah Agboli, MS, LCMFT Sarah Agboli is a graduate of the Marriage and Family Therapy program at the University of Maryland-College Park. She holds a clinical Master of Science degree and has been providing therapy to families, couples and individuals for over nine years. She has worked with individuals, couples and families in both an outpatient clinical setting and within the public school system (elementary and middle school). The clients Sarah has worked with reflect the diversity of the Maryland/DC metro area. Sarah works with clients to attain their goals targeting a broad range of presenting problems such as: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, ADHD, family relational issues, behavioral problems, anger management, abuse, and grief. It is Sarah's goal to create a space for clients that is genuine and safe so they can work towards making the changes necessary to meet their goals. She believes therapy is most effective when clients are empowered and the relationship with the therapist is a collaborative one. Sarah helps clients identify what and how they want to change and assists them on the pathway to successfully attain and maintain those changes. Return to the full list of counselors. Barbara Borsi, LCPC Barbara is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland. After earning a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University she continued her graduate studies at the University of Baltimore where she received a Certificate in Professional Counseling Studies in 2012. Barbara is a compassionate and empathetic counselor. She utilizes an integrative approach to counseling that incorporates cognitive behavioral and person centered therapy. She has experience working with clients with various mental health and addiction issues including:
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Aaron Brager, MS, CAC-AD Aaron Brager is responsible for coordinating services in our Millersville location as well as facilitating adult education and treatment groups throughout the week in Columbia. Aaron co-facilitates the Young Adult Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). He is also responsible for the Anger Management Program in Columbia. Aaron's experience in the criminal justice system as a counselor has given him insight into what can happen, and how hard it is to reverse, when people refuse to change and take action. His knowledge and straight forward style leaves you certain he is a man you can trust. He cares deeply that his clients learn what they need to do to make their lives better and more fulfilling. Aaron holds a bachelors degree in Clinical Psychology from Stevenson University. He is a Baltimore native who plans to use his knowledge to advance his education seeking a graduate degree. Aaron is one ethics class away from receiving his CAC-AD. Aaron works under the supervision of the director, Mark Donovan, LCPC, LCADC. Return to the full list of counselors.
Elizabeth Brandon, LGSW, DBT-C Elizabeth Brandon is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) in the State of Maryland, and a nationally certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (DBT-C). She has experience supporting clients of all ages manage their symptoms, including Bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Anxiety and Mood Disorders. She utilizes a variety of evidence-based treatment options such as CBT, Mindfulness and Psychotherapy to help clients regulate their emotions and tolerate distress in a nonjudgmental and compassionate manner. Elizabeth has extensive experience using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and is part of Congruent Counseling’s DBT team. The DBT model is present-focused and heavy on life skill acquisition. A DBT therapist's primary role is to encourage the client to accept themselves wherever they currently are, while working towards growth. This challenge is the foundation of DBT philosophy, and is Elizabeth's modality of choice. Return to the full list of counselors.
Marilyn is a compassionate psychotherapist and substance abuse counselor with extensive knowledge and experience in behavioral health integrative services. She has over thirty years experience working with individuals and group therapy. She spent over thirty years of progressive experience in psychotherapy, supervision and management at the Johns Hopkins Hospital Community Psychiatry Program in Baltimore, MD. This included significant experience with co-occurring diagnoses as well as a considerable knowledge of psychotropic medication. She has experience as psychotherapist, including a full range of treatment modalities for age 18 to senior adults. Education:
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Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland. She earned her Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University, Maryland in 2014. Prior to joining Congruent Counseling she worked in an outpatient mental health setting, providing individual counseling to a diverse population of adults and older adolescents. Lauren approaches counseling as a collaboration between counselor and client. She works to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space in which she can assist clients to identify needs, develop goals, and work towards meaningful change. Specialties include:
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Stress, illness, and unplanned life changes can disrupt anyone's life. As a licensed clinical professional counselor and a national certified counselor, my goal is to help you restore balance in your life and gain a sense of peace. I use an integrative approach relying heavily on cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic techniques to help you achieve your goals. I provide individual, group, family, and couples counseling with persons aged 4 to 60 with primary issues of grief and trauma, bipolar and related mood disorders, and child and adolescent disorders including autistic spectrum disorders. I have experience working in prisons, schools, inpatient and outpatient mental health programs, group homes, crisis beds, and hospital emergency rooms. Professional Associations
Education
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Lisa Cohen is the Director of Adolescent Substance Treatment Services for our Outpatient Treatment Program. These programs seek to address not only substance-related issues but also mental health, family, legal, and school issues. Lisa has a strong desire to help kids succeed. She tempers her caring and supportive style with stern limit-setting and personal responsibility for her clients. Lisa is responsible for five different levels of adolescent education and treatment from early intervention to intensive outpatient. She also conducts intakes and assessments for adults and adolescents for education, treatment, and DUI/DWI services. Lisa has been working with both CCS and IC since 2007. In 2015, she obtained her Masters degree from McDaniel College in Community Counseling. Lisa is also a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC), as well as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CAC-AD) and Supervisor. Lisa works under the supervision of the director, Mark Donovan, LCPC, LCADC. Return to the full list of counselors.
Michael earned his MSW in 1995 from the University of Maryland and his LCSW-C in 1997. He completed a year-long Certificate Program in Child & Adolescent Treatment from the University of Maryland in 1996. He also completed a year-long, 30 credit Certificate Program in Chemical Dependency Counseling in 1992. Additionally he has done graduate work in Theology at The Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary’s Seminary with an emphasis on Spirituality and Pastoral Counseling. Michael started his career as a Child Therapist at The Kennedy Krieger Institute. He then transitioned to School-Based Mental Health though the University of Maryland, and later Baltimore City and Baltimore County Public Schools. Prior to joining Congruent Counseling, Michael spent 18 years doing Mood, Anxiety, and Addictions Treatment with adults at Sheppard Pratt Hospital. Michael’s clinical approach is eclectic; combining client-centered and strengths-based approaches with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and motivational interviewing techniques to help clients negotiate challenges and optimize their functioning. Michael works with children, adolescents, and adults. Morning (including 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.), afternoon, and some evening appointments are available. Areas of interest include:
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Dr. Donahue is a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Maryland who specializes in anxiety and mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, and emotion regulation difficulties. He provides cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to adults, with a specific emphasis in mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches to problems in living. His practice philosophy is to work with clients in fostering greater awareness and tolerance of difficult thoughts and emotions, while promoting behavior that is more in line with their values. At the first visit, clients can expect to collaborate with Dr. Donahue in assessing and understanding the issues that brought them into treatment. A treatment plan will be developed based on that understanding with regular progress monitoring occurring throughout the course of care. Dr. Donahue received a B.A. in psychology from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey and a Psy.D. from La Salle University. He completed a predoctoral clinical internship at the Bureau of Prisons Federal Medical Center in Devens, MA and a postdoctoral fellowship in PTSD research and treatment at the Portland VA Medical Center. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Donahue is presently an assistant professor at the University of Baltimore, where he teaches in the Division of Applied Behavioral Sciences, supervises counseling psychology graduate students, and conducts scholarly research. Return to the full list of counselors.
While individual counseling is great for addressing many issues, group counseling can produce more profound and rapid change when used effectively; a combination of both methods is most effective. Mark has experience in a broad range of issues including:
Mark specializes in working with depressed, acting out, dually diagnosed teens and their families. His job is never boring! He enjoys the challenge of working with these kids. Mark's role in the practice Mark is a husband, proud father, and therapist. Mark is the Director of both Congruent Counseling and Integrative Counseling. Mark's goal when entering the field of counseling was to help people live a more fulfilled and meaningful life. In order to do this well, he knew he could not do it alone – he needed other therapists with a variety of backgrounds to work with the varying difficulties of each different person or family. In developing the practice, he felt it was essential to offer both mental health and substance abuse services in one location. While not everyone needs both services, those that do need them receive better treatment when they are offered at one location. However, Mark soon learned that managing the regulations, laws, and insurance policies of a split system were difficult to provide in one practice. Hence the existence of two practices under one roof. Ask him and he will be happy to bore you with discussions of a system in need of repair. Mark has worked in the mental health and substance issues counseling field since 1993. He received his BA in Psychology in 1993 from the University of Maryland College Park and his MA in Counseling Psychology in 1998 from Bowie State University. Mark is proud to have served as a staffer, group leader, and eventually as an associate director of the Adult Health and Development Program (AHDP) under the tutelage of Dr. Daniel Leviton at the University of Maryland. He developed his beliefs about human nature and how to help at the AHDP and while working at Montgomery General Hospital. These two programs provided rich experience in the needs and wants of people. Mark strives to use this experience to help people live a more fulfilling life. Return to the full list of counselors. Katie Downes, LCPC, DBT-C Katie is the Vice President of CCS as well as the Director of Adult Substance Treatment Services for our Outpatient Treatment Program as well as an individual and family therapist. She is also a DBT Trained therapist as part of our DBT Program. The Substance Treatment Programs seek to address not only substance related issues but also mental health, family, legal, and work/school issues. Katie is responsible for four different levels of adult education, DUI/DWI education, and treatment from early intervention through Intensive Outpatient. She also conducts intakes and assessments for adults and adolescents. Katie uses a variety of approaches and therapeutic models when working with clients to develop the best possible approach toward therapy. Katie has been working with CCS and IC since September 2010. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and holds a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology. She is also working toward her licensure/certification in addictions. Katie also works as an individual therapist with a wide variety of mental health and substance related concerns. She has had prior experience in an inpatient setting and crisis residential care providing treatment of various mental health and substance abuse issues such as:
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Erin Fitzgerald is a Maryland Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has worked in the mental health setting for the last 6 years. Her therapeutic orientation involves the use of Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and includes a strength-based approach to working with clients. She is an empathic individual who utilizes cognitive techniques along with behavioral and mindfulness techniques to help clients make important changes in their lives. Erin works under the supervision of the director, Mark Donovan, LCPC, LCADC. Return to the full list of counselors.
Ashley is an Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor working in the field for over 15 years with children, adolescents, and adults. She feels that handling all of the ins and outs of life can be tough.It is important to work within the time that that you have, taking an integrative approach to working on yourself, and making time to better yourself supports a person in all areas of life. Ashley completed her coursework at Loyola College, where she completed additional course work. Ashley also has gone on to get certifications in Autism Studies (Birth to Adult) and Mindfulness training. "It is important to find the time to connect with others, finding your niche and doing what you love. It is difficult to do this when you are not "happy". I love working with clients to figure it all out with you and help guide you through the process! I have to be conscience of the "work-all-the-time" mentality and take time for myself and with my family." Ashley's specialties include, but are not limited to:
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Meghan Hesterberg is responsible for coordinating services in our Millersville location. She co-facilitates the Adult Intensive Outpatient Program ( IOP ). She is also responsible for the Anger Management Program in Millersville. Meghan conducts all levels of education, outpatient treatment and DUI/DWI programs in Millersville. She works under the supervision of the director, Mark Donovan, LCPC, LCADC. Meghan obtained her B.S. degree in Sociology from Dominican College, Orangeburg, New York, in May, 2008. She obtained her M.S. in Substance Abuse Counseling from Coppin State University, Baltimore, Maryland, in May, 2014. She also obtained her CAC-AD in May 2016. Return to the full list of counselors. Sarah Hoffmaster, ADT Sarah is an Alcohol and Drug Counselor trainee who works at the Columbia location. She co-facilitates the Intensive Outpatient Group for Adult Substance abuse, the Outpatient Group for Teen Substance Abuse, the DBT Group for Teens and leads the Teen Early Intervention Group for Substance Abuse. With a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, Sarah gravitates toward creative treatment interventions as well as expressive art therapies. She is currently fulfilling requirements of a graduate program in Applied Psychology for the University of Baltimore which will enable her to apply for licensure as a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor upon completion. With over 15 years of professional and volunteer experience working with youth and adolescents in education, ministry and performance settings, Sarah is comfortable transitioning to a clinical setting with these populations. Sarah has been married for 14 years and has two boys, who have all taught her to seek balance between self, relationships, work and motherhood. Sarah works under the supervision of Lisa Cohen, LGPC, CAC-AD. Return to the full list of counselors.
Kirsten is a therapist whose sensitivity toward others derives from her perspective on life in that each person’s journey is unique, yet feelings are universal. This perspective fosters her approach to therapy that focuses on individual strengths and self-compassion whether clients are seeking treatment to heal from past or present events, change behaviors, or to cultivate their personal growth. For over 10 years; she has been serving the mental health field in varying settings including in-home, school-based, and clinic-based services. She graduated from the University of Maryland-Baltimore with an MSW in Clinical Social Work and is currently providing individual, couples and family therapy, for children, adolescents, and adults. Her specialties include:
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Elaine Johnson, PhD Elaine is a psychologist with more than 30 years of experience in working with individuals, couples and groups. She received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Iowa State University and has worked in university counseling centers, a dual-diagnosis inpatient center, and in private practice. She has also been a faculty member in counseling psychology at Penn State University and the University of Baltimore. She works with young adults through advanced age. Elaine believes, fundamentally, that clients have the resources, sometimes awaiting discovery and development, to make their own best decisions and, with support, find their own solutions. Thus, she works with clients in a shared journey of discovery and action. She does both short-term, goal-oriented work with clients and longer term therapy to change entrenched patterns. She is available for weekend appointments. In a first session, you can expect to get to know each other and decide about whether her approach fits what you are looking for. She is certified in Gestalt Therapy and has extensive experience in group work using Gestalt and Psychodrama to discover and change relationship patterns learned in childhood. She has special interests in working with women’s concerns, codependency, and relationship difficulties.
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Laura Kogelschatz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from the University of Maryland in Baltimore in 2007. Since then, she has worked with at-risk students in middle and high schools on a variety of social, emotional, academic and behavioral issues. Laura's interest in becoming a Social Worker was the result of growing up in a family that fostered children through Baltimore City for eighteen years. As a therapist, Laura's objective is to provide individual, group and family interventions to help meet the social, emotional and behavioral goals of the client. Laura has experience providing individual and group services in the following areas:
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Ryan Logue specializes in stress reduction, trauma, LGBTQ issues, depression, anxiety, spectrum and personality disorders, and substance use. Ryan also had experience working with rural and homeless populations. He provides individual therapy and co-leads the transgender parents and partners support group with Rod Wright. Ryan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and is the team lead for the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program at Congruent counseling. He is also a Nationally Certified Counselor and has worked in residential and outpatient mental health settings since 2009. He has worked in support groups for LGBTQ adolescents, in the community teaching Mental Health First Aid, working on suicide prevention measures through Montgomery County’s Mental Health Association, and constructed training for employers regarding sensitivity training on transgender issues. He joined Congruent Counseling in the spring of 2016 and works with adults and adolescents. Ryan earned his Masters in Clinical Community Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. Specialties:
“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.”- Vincent Van Gogh Return to the full list of counselors. Kathi McGaha, LCSW-C Counseling Approach/Philosophy: My philosophy of life defines my approach to counseling; that all of us are more alike than different. We all want love, meaning and purpose to our lives. Sometimes we get lost on our way to these ideals and that's where therapy comes in. Therapy can help us get back on our own individual paths to wholeness. I use a variety of approaches as we all see, hear and process information differently so part of the "art" of therapy is deciphering what approach(s) works with each individual. Therapy only works well when there is a good rapport between client and therapist so my first concern is establishing a trusting, open relationship so all involved are working collaboratively towards the client's goal(s) Education/Work Experience: Graduated in 1992 from University of Maryland-Baltimore with an MSW. I worked in Baltimore City for various non-profit organizations. My work focused on adult HIV/AIDS clients, substance abusers, homeless adults and people re-entering society after incarceration. I now provide individual counseling/therapy to adults in Columbia, MD. Specialties:
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Jennifer Molinari, MS, LCPC, NCC **Evening appointments available** Ms. Molinari approaches counseling from a holistic perspective which means that she believes that there is a strong connection between the mind, body, and spirit. She utilizes both traditional and holistic/alternative techniques in her practice. She provides a safe, warm, and non-judgmental atmosphere where there is confidentiality, support, and trust. She approaches each client as an individual and tailors treatment techniques to the unique needs of each client to help promote healing, change, and growth. Educational/Work Experience: Ms. Molinari has an extensive educational background in psychology and counseling. She received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Delaware in 1997 and received her Master's Degree in Clinical Community Counseling from Johns Hopkins University in 2002. For the past ten+ years, Jennifer has worked in various community counseling agencies. She worked for many years with "at-risk" youth and their families in Baltimore City and eventually established her own private practice in Columbia, Maryland. She now provides individual, family and couples counseling services for children, adolescents and adults at Congruent Counseling Services and provides services for adults at her private practice in Columbia.
Ms. Molinari draws from a variety of therapeutic models allowing her to integrate therapies such as cognitive/behavioral, pschodynamic, family systems and humanistic psychology. Return to the full list of counselors.
Yu-Ching (Emma) Ostendorp is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She earned her Master of Science degree from Johns Hopkins University and has been practicing mental health counseling since 2005. She is fluent in both English and Chinese and has worked extensively with adults, adolescents, children and families from diverse backgrounds in outpatient settings. Her integrative approach to therapy is built on a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients. She is culturally sensitive and provides a safe, supportive and nonjudgmental space for clients to process their struggles in life, work, and relationships. She assists her clients in exploring options and choosing behaviors that will lead to a positive change. She has experience treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, complicated grief, bipolar, cultural and adjustment issues, couples and family relational difficulties, emotional and sexual abuse, and feelings regulations. Return to the full list of counselors.
Rachel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) and has been working in the field of outpatient mental health for more than 10 years. Her career focuses on working with children, adolescents, families and adults by using a variety of treatment modalities. Rachel believes that a strong therapeutic alliance is the basis to successful treatment and this starts during our first session. She meets the client where they are and tailors treatment to help the client meet their individual/family needs. Rachel has a treatment style that implements evidenced-based and trauma-informed treatment models to help individuals and families cope with traumatic stress. She also has experience working with individuals and families who are dealing with everyday stress, life transitions, and mental health diagnoses such as anxiety and depression. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is trained to treat single and complex trauma exposures. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She has experience using non-directive approaches such as play therapy and sand tray therapy. She also has over 10 years experiences providing mental health treatment to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population. She has awareness and training in Deaf culture, American Sign Language (ASL) and working with certified ASL interpreters and certified Deaf Interpreters (CDI). Return to the full list of counselors.
Yvonne Rogers is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Her expertise is establishing a positive client-therapist relationship using solution-focused, person-centered and behavioral therapies to assist clients to understand themselves, gain inner strength, move toward positive growth and achieve their personal goals. Yvonne earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT. She also completed post-graduate work at Loyola University Maryland toward earning certification in Clinical Counseling. Working for over twenty years as a school counselor for Maryland Public Schools and counseling community college students and incarcerated individuals, Yvonne provides therapy for clients who struggle with a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment, and relational challenges. She believes that by providing an empathetic and supportive environment and using an individualized therapeutic process, the client’s move toward maximizing his or her potential will be positively enhanced. Return to the full list of counselors.
Brooke Schetgen is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland as well as a National Certified Counselor. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and after obtaining her degree she moved to Germany with her husband, who was active duty in the Air Force. Upon returning to the States she began her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Capella University where she graduated with distinction. Brooke specializes in working with depression, anxiety, disordered eating, geriatrics, post-traumatic stress disorder, and military veterans and their families. As a former Air Force spouse with experience living overseas, she has an understanding of the military lifestyle and the unique needs of military families. She has experience in the field of counseling working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and groups. Return to the full list of counselors. Judy Sheppard, Ed.D, LCADC Judy Sheppard is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She is currently licensed by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapist (MBPCT) to practice mental health counseling and counseling for clients struggling with substance use disorders. She is also approved by the MBPCT to conduct counselor supervision. Judy's clinical experience includes outpatient settings, residential settings in a therapeutic community, substance abuse treatment programs, private faith-based counseling and practicing within the state/county department of behavioral health. Specialties include substance use disorder treatment, couples therapy, group therapy, faith-based therapy, individual therapy, assessments, grief counseling and resolving past hurts. Many of her clients present with depression, anxiety, historical family problems and other life issues. She partners with each client to develop a person centered plan, thus creating a unique treatment experience, tailored for each recipient of care. Judy will make the appropriate referral if needed. Her clients range from ages 16 and above. Educational Background Judy Sheppard has a Doctorate Degree in Counseling Psychology form Argosy University, a Masters of Art degree in Counseling from Capital Bible Seminary and an undergraduate degree in Business Management from Potomac College in Washington, DC." Experience providing service in the following areas:
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Counseling Approach/Philosophy: Lori practices therapy focusing on mindful awareness and living in the present; fully and peacefully experiencing life. As a result, clients enjoy symptom reduction and improvement in functioning. This therapy emphasizes values, forgiveness, acceptance, compassion, living in the present moment and accessing a transcendent sense of self. This practice can often help people who have been unsuccessful with therapy in the past, have had a return of symptoms after repeated therapy or may feel reluctant to engage in the therapeutic process. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based therapy, can be effective with a wide range of clinical conditions. ACT assumes that the psychological processes of a 'normal' human mind are often destructive and create suffering. A non-judgmental atmosphere is provided, where treatment is focused on the unique needs of each client to help promote healing, change and growth. Educational/Work Experience: Lori graduated from San Jose State University in 2007 with an MS in Clinical Psychology. Ms. Simmons has worked in various mental health settings, including intensive inpatient and outpatient settings, and has provided services to clients with a wide variety of needs. She provides individual, family and couples counseling services for children, adolescents and adults. Specialties:
Ms. Simmons has evening appointments available. Return to the full list of counselors.
Jennifer Steier, LCSW-C Hello, I am Jennifer Steier. I graduated from the University of Maryland School of Social Work in 2001 and have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) since 2003. My career includes six years working at the University of Maryland Medical Center as an integral part of the interdisciplinary team on the geriatric then the pediatric psychiatric units. Since leaving hospital work, I have working with individuals, couples and families as an outpatient therapist. I have been trained in Child-Directed Play Therapy and I find particular satisfaction helping children discover who they are and who they can become. I also hold a post-graduate certificate in Psychotherapy from University of Maryland School of Social Work. I work with a large variety of concerns from stress management to anxiety, depression and eating disorders to coping with chronic illnesses and to child behavioral and parenting issues. I became a social worker because I enjoy helping people. I believe there are times in everyone's life where it can help to talk to someone who is accepting, non-judgmental, and who's only goal is to assist them to live your best life no matter what the circumstances are. I view and treat every client as a unique individual and personalize my work to meet your specific situation. We will spend the first session figuring out how we can best work together to facilitate the change you are interested in making. Besides daytime hours during the week, I offer both evening and Saturday hours in order to better meet my clients' needs and schedules. Return to the full list of counselors.
Kathryn Stetler, LCSW-C Kathryn Stetler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from the University of Maryland in Baltimore in 2007. Kathryn's work experience has included providing therapeutic interventions with at-risk families and youth, family work with foster and adoptive families, and individual work with children with developmental disabilities. She also has experience providing treatment focused on grief and loss in a maternal child health hospital setting. Kathryn believes that creating a safe, supportive, therapeutic environment can allow her clients the opportunity to move toward goal completion and development of sufficient coping strategies. She has a strength based approach and uses a variety of treatment modalities to meet each client's individual treatment needs. Kathryn has experience providing services to children, adolescents, and adults. Additionally, she is experienced in the following areas:
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Sarah is a licensed clinical professional counselor who has been working with adults, adolescents, and children with a variety of mental health needs for over 10 years. She understands how each client and situation is different and tailors her treatment to the strengths and individual needs of each client. Sarah focuses on living in the present and finding new perspectives in an effort to live your life with more compassion for yourself and the life you choose. Sarah completed her Master's of Science in counseling from Loyola University in Maryland as well as her undergraduate from Towson University. Prior to joining Congruent Counseling Services, she provided in home therapy and designed individual wellness programming for Johns Hopkins Bayview's Adult Psychiatric Rehabilitation treatment program. She is also part of our Dialectic Behavioral Therapy Informed treatment program. Sarah has been with Congruent Counseling since July 2017. Return to the full list of counselors.
Christine has experience working in a range of mental health and substance abuse programs including residential psychiatric rehabilitation and developmental disability case coordination. She has overseen the growth and management of substance abuse and mental health outpatient group education and treatment, intensive outpatient, anger management, family and relapse prevention at the Millersville location, which is handicap accessible over the past two years. She currently practices individual therapy for adolescents, young adults, adults and families ages 13 and up Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Christine emphasizes the positive benefits of building a therapeutic relationship with her clients through a strength-based, person-centered approach with dignity and respect of all persons. She also utilizes evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, multicultural strategies (including working with certified translators) as well as creative approaches to develop successful interventions that will help meet the unique needs of each individual client and their family members. Christine is a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Chapman University in Orange, California and her M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University, Minneapolis, MN. Her professional memberships include Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society, American Mental Health Counselors Association, American Counseling Association and Maryland Counseling Association. Return to the full list of counselors.
Rod joined Congruent and Integrative Counseling in January 2014 as an Intern. His work with the helpful, diverse staff at Congruent/Integrative added immeasurably to his educational experience. He completed his MS in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland in 2016, and is now a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. Rod believes that we are all on our own path in life and that one person’s path is not necessarily the right path for the next person. His goal in counseling is to help his clients remove the roadblocks from their personal path. Rod believes in order for counseling to be successful, the counselor and the client need to have a good connection with each other, and he strives to begin forming that connection from the very first meeting with his clients. Rod prefers to use a person-centered approach to counseling but also naturally incorporates Adlerian techniques. However, regardless of Rod’s preference, he will use the technique he feels is best for the client.
Professional Associations
Rod works under the supervision of the director, Mark Donovan, LCPC, LCADC. Return to the full list of counselors.
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Maria Adamos, LGPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC 
Adult Coordinator - Millersville
Licensed Graduate Social Worker 
Marilyn L. Brooks, LCSW-C
Lauren Cash, LCPC
Mary Carroll, LCPC, NCC
Lisa Cohen, LGPC, CAC-AD
VP and Director of Adult Services
Ashley Harig, MEd, LCPC, NCC
Meghan Hesterberg, MS, CAC-AD
Kirsten Johannsen, LCSW-C
Laura Kogelschatz, LCSW-C
Ryan Logue, LCPC, NCC, DBT-C
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Yu-Ching (Emma) Ostendorp, LCPC
Rachel Rentch, LCSW-C
Yvonne Rogers, MS, LCPC
Brooke Schetgen, LCPC, NCC
Lori Simmons, LCMFT
Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Counseling
Sarah Vayda, LCPC
Christine Wirsing, LCPC, NCC, ADT
Rod Wright, LCPC, NCC
Rod co-facilitates the Adult Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and the Adult Outpatient Program (OP) in addition to working on the teen, young adult, and anger management teams in Columbia. He conducts intakes and assessments in Columbia for teens and adults for all levels of education, outpatient treatment, and DUI/DWI programs. Rod particularly enjoys working with the LGBTQ / GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning) population. In addition to the above, Rod also facilitates the Gender Expression Groups.