MEET KIRSTEN
I have been told throughout my life that I am an observer. Before engaging in my surroundings, I observe, I listen. I have always paid close attention to and enjoyed observing relationships: relationships between friends, between family members, and especially between beloved partners. I have witnessed relationships that are nurtured, so they grow to be strong and enduring. It is a beautiful thing, a relationship that is cared for; it is something truly special, and I believe it is something that you can have with the right guidance and support.
The opposite occurs when a relationship is not cared for properly. I have seen and witnessed the destruction and devastation that occurs when a relationship is not tended to. It is miserable to observe, and worse to experience.
We are social beings. We need love and acceptance. I want that for you, and I believe it is possible for you because science tells us it's true! My desire is for you to have a strong, secure, loving, and joyful partnership. I want your relationship to bring you comfort, to lift you in your darkest moments, to bring you joy...because when we feel understood by our most beloved person, we have the freedom to grow and develop into our best selves.
I am so glad you found me, and I look forward to hearing your story.
License & Education
Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Maryland since 2010
Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy, University of Maryland, 2010
Clinical Supervisor in the State of Maryland, 2017 - current
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Externship and Core Skills
from Washington Baltimore Center for EFT
Mindsight Immersion with Dr. Dan Siegel
Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP)
Certificate in Nutritional Psychology
from the Center of Nutritional Psychology
Certificate for Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care
from Postpartum Support International
Specialties
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Adolescents
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Family Conflict
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Couples therapy
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Nutrition and Mental Health
Background
I have been working in private practice for over 9 years. Aside from my passionate work in private practice, I love my job as a Program Coordinator at the Mental Health Clinic with JSSA. There, I create new programming, work to support the practice of family therapy, and manage various community based programs in the area, including co-located therapy in physician offices, schools, and preschools.
I am specifically trained to help couples, families, and individuals resolve personal and relationship issues. During my graduate training, I served couples and families at our on site clinic, at the University of Maryland. I also had opportunities to grow in diverse settings outside of the clinic. Upon graduating, I began working with families going through transition by providing groups to kids and seminars to parents. I also started working at Jonah Green and Associates, LLC, where I provided therapy for adolescents and for families. Soon thereafter, I started with the Linkages to Learning Program with YMCA Youth & Family Services, as a school based therapist in a middle school, and I was promoted to Director after four years in the program. In 2014 I started my own practice with an emphasis on work with adolescents and with couples.
In addition to my emphasis on healing relationships, I have more recently become more aware and knowledgeable about the importance and the impact nutrition has on mental health. This is a brand new area, and I am excited by how much research is going into this new field! I am enjoying my work in helping each client to use additional nutritional tools in regards to improve their life and well-being.
Ready to schedule an appointment?
Professional Affiliations
Board President for Metro Marriage and Family Therapists, Inc. (MetroMFT)
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)
International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
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Communication Issues
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS)
"Kirsten is extremely supportive and insightful as a therapist."
"Kirsten is a wonderful therapist with a calm and genteel demeanor."
"Kirsten gave [my teen] the tools to deal with her anxiety and understood how to help her."
"She understands how to work with each of her clients and provides the guidance that helps to achieve a happier life."
Specialized Training
Kirsten is available for virtual appointments.
Find out more!
Bethesda Couples Therapy Bethesda Perinatal Mental Health Integrative Medicine for Mental Health