Welcome to Anchored Hope Therapy, LLC. We look forward to working with you towards your goals and supporting you in on the journey to overall wellness.
At Anchored Hope Therapy, we believe it is important to utilize evidence-based and evidence supported treatment in the therapeutic process. We also recognize that newer research is emerging in blending somatic therapies and integrated approaches to healing physical, emotional and ancestral trauma that cannot be ignored as helpful for clients with complex trauma experiences. We are among a small group in Maryland who are Nationally Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapists. In addition, we are trained in a number of other evidence supported treatment approaches.
We believe the therapeutic relationship is a partnership and look forward to working with you to help you achieve your goals. To request additional information or to make an appointment please contact us.
All of the clinicians at Anchored Hope Therapy, LLC have received extensive training in the use of evidence-based and evidence supported treatment models in the reduction of symptoms related to Anxiety, Depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. All clinicians have obtained or are working towards certifications in the treatment of trauma and some have obtained additional education to both teach and provide cutting edge therapy to heal trauma and chronic stress patterns.
Chelsea M. Haverly, LCSW-C
Owner/Full-Time Clinician
Chelsea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) and the Co-founder of Anchored Hope Therapy, LLC. She is a Maryland Board Certified Supervisor for Social Workers and Professional Counselors. She specializes in supervision that aims at reducing compassion fatigue and secondary trauma. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Le Moyne College and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland. She has also obtained a Master's Certificate in the Psychology of Leadership from Cornell University. Since then, her career has focused on supporting individuals and families, with complex trauma exposures and ongoing experiences of stress, in making the changes they identify as important for them. Chelsea has completed the International Association of Trauma Professionals Certification Program. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional- Level II C-PTSD. She integrates brain-based research and neuroscience into treatment planning and specializes in interrupting "stuck" patterns of functioning that have persisted as a result of trauma. Chelsea believes that a strong therapeutic alliance can be supportive and helpful in the healing process and that everyone is able to make changes in life.
Chelsea treats a variety of symptom presentations stemming from complex trauma experiences that are often rooted in intergenerational patterns. She has a specialized training background in treating adult and child survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and sex trafficking utilizing an integrated brain-based and body-focused approach to complex trauma symptoms that have not subsided with traditional therapy models. She also has specialized training in treating and managing high risk behaviors such as substance use and non-suicidal self-injury utilizing a DBT-informed approach to therapy. In addition to supporting individuals struggling to manage chronic pain, and other health related issues.
As a TF-CBT certified therapist, Chelsea believes in utilizing evidence supported treatments in therapy and tailoring treatment to fit the needs of each individual, child and family. She also works with adults and families who are in conflict and struggling to communicate their needs and desires within personal, marital and professional relationships related to issues stemming from trauma, narcissistic upbringing, HSP experiences, and more. Chelsea works with the L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ community and believes in collaborating with other service providers to ensure quality care is provided. Chelsea has experience treating military families, first responders, and law enforcement in addressing trauma exposures. Chelsea is an active member of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, Victims Service Subcommittee, and a certified trainer through this committee. She provides state-wide consultation and training to service providers and law enforcement on trauma informed therapy practices as a subject matter expert in Child Sexual Exploitation and Complex Trauma Experiences.
Christine N. Coyle, LCSW-C
Owner/Full-Time Clinician
Christine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) and a Board Certified Supervisor in the state of Maryland. She is the co-founder of Anchored Hope Therapy, LLC. She obtained her undergraduate degree from West Chester University and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Widener University. Prior to starting the practice in 2016 with her partner Chelsea Haverly, Christine worked for almost ten years at the Center for Child and Family Stress at Kennedy Krieger Institute providing individual, family, and group therapy. Christine’s work has focused on implementing evidence-based and trauma-informed treatment to help her clients cope with traumatic stress. In addition to her work with individuals and families who experienced trauma, Christine also supports clients to learn how to manage symptoms of every day stress.
Christine received a certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is trained to treat single and complex trauma exposures. She also has training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help clients evaluate and change the upsetting thoughts that they experience after a trauma. Christine believes that helping client change their thoughts, they can also change how they feel. Christine also has experience with treating individuals presenting with high risk behaviors such as tension-reduction behaviors and non-suicidal self-injury by utilizing a DBT-informed approach. She has also received training to implement Exposure Response Prevention Therapy, a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
Christine has a passion for working with younger children in therapy and utilizes non-directive therapy approaches including, but not limited to, play therapy and sand tray. She is trained to provide Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral problems, and is in the process of becoming certified treatment modality through PCIT International. Christine holds a Budding Yogis certification from Circle Yoga in Washington, D.C. in order to teach yoga to kids and has collaborated with other trauma therapists in developing a Yoga-Based Psychotherapy Group protocol. This protocol was designed to increase self-awareness promote emotional and behavioral regulation and pro-social behaviors in children. She has adapted this protocol in her work with individuals and families.
Caitlin Heffernan, LCSW-C
Full-Time Clinician
Caitlin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) and a Board Certified Supervisor in the state of Maryland. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology from James Madison University and her Master’s in Social Work from University of Maryland, where she also worked as a Research Scholar with a professor, aiding in research and curriculum development focused on family-centered care. Since graduating with her MSW, Caitlin has worked with children, families, and adults providing therapy in home, community, and office settings. Through this work, Caitlin has supported individuals and families with complex trauma histories, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, life transitions and stressors, and issues related to family dynamics or family of origin.
Caitlin believes that every person deserves the space and supportive ear offered by a skilled therapist to express and explore their life stories. She uses an integrated brain-based approach to treatment planning, utilizing mindfulness, brain-based psychotherapy, CBT, and other integrated approaches to support client's with complex needs and presentations of complex histories. Caitlin appreciates an approach that is relationship-focused and values connections, incorporates reasonable expectations, and honors where the client is and where they are coming from, striving for slow-paced change that is sustainable over a "quick-fix." Part of this work with Caitlin includes exploring patterns of behaviors or choices to incorporate into treatment planning for long-lasting change, as well as utilizing different models around self-compassion, self-empowerment, and self-forgiveness.
Caitlin has received certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Plus (CBT+, through the National Center for Evidence-Based Practice in Child Welfare), Parts-based trauma therapy (Janina Fisher), DBT skills, and Neuroscience/Brain-based trainings - all to inform a holistic, integrative approach to each individual and to therapy. Outside of trauma-based work, Caitlin also has experience in helping individuals cope with symptoms of Anxiety and Depression and managing the stresses of life or conflict within families more effectively. Caitlin strives to create a comfortable, peaceful space for therapy in order to build a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship, which she believes to be the foundation of the work that is done within therapy. She works to utilize evidence-based practices balanced with warmth, empathy, and a strengths-based perspective to individualize therapy for each person and family.
Ruth Milsten, LCSW-C
Full-Time Clinician
Ruth Milsten is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, MSW, LCSW-C, and received her Master’s in Social Work from The University of MD in 1995. Ruth has been a certified yoga teacher since 2000 and a Holistic Health Educator since 2007. Ruth has 24 years of experience working with women and their families.
“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”-Maya Angelou.
Ruth’s passion is helping women and girls connect to their “amazingness”, quiet their inner critic and develop more self-compassion, while strengthening their connection to their inner selves and innate wisdom. Ruth helps her clients with a variety of issues, including: postpartum depression, grief and loss, separation and divorce, childhood abuse and trauma, anxiety and depression, PTSD, career, school and relationship struggles, highly sensitive person and caregiver stress, emotional eating, and low self-esteem. Ruth believes in creating a safe, nonjudgmental and supportive environment for women and girls of all colors, sexual and gender identity orientations and provides holistic counseling, drawing on psycho-dynamic and insight oriented therapy, as well as Eastern philosophy, mindfulness, yoga and breath work.
Ruth has completed Lisa Ferentz’s Level I Trauma Training for Therapists. She is also trained in Imago Relationship Therapy and provides counseling for both traditional and alternative lifestyle couples, who want to improve healthy communication and safety in their relationship. Ruth also has experience working with highly sensitive and empathetic men, who are struggling with issues related to relationships, trauma, self esteem and career.
Emily Young, LMSW
Full-Time Clinician
Emily Young is a Licensed Master Social Worker and received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland. She has over seven years of experience working in the health care and end of life settings as well as experience working in an Assisted Living Home providing therapy services to individuals with Dementia, and their grieving families.
Emily has worked as a Grief Counselor in a hospice setting providing therapy to children, teens, adults, and older adults. She also has experience working with children, teens and adults who are presenting with symptoms connected to anxiety, depression and ongoing stress. Emily has specific training from the Center of Complicated Grief and specializes in working with clients who have experienced traumatic losses of a loved one from suicide, substance abuse, homicide, and perinatal traumas. She believes that grief is not pathological and that everyone experiences the grief process differently, and on their own timelines. Emily strives to create a safe space for clients to share the story of their loss without judgment.
Emily values using a partnership approach to therapy and works to create a therapeutic relationship that is built on trust, support, self-empowerment and the client’s strengths, to achieve goals determined by the client. Emily utilizes evidence-based approaches including Trauma and Complicated Grief Informed Therapy, Mindfulness, Play-Based Therapy approaches, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in order to best serve her clients and their journey toward progressive and positive healing. Emily is certified to provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist and obtained a certificate in Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training from Behavioral Tech.
Emily is supervised by Christine Coyle, LCSW-C.
Christa Bellanca, LMSW
Part-Time Clinician
Christa Bellanca is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) specializing in both individual and family-based psychotherapy for adults, children and families. Christa graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Delaware with an undergraduate degree in Communications, and holds a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Christa is dedicated to helping clients navigate complex life challenges and difficult transitions including separation and divorce, infidelity, adoption, co-parenting, blended family issues, and behavior concerns for children. Christa’s ability to truly connect with others infuses her practice with a warm, holistic, safe and nurturing experience for clients and their families. Christa truly believes that through connection, there is healing.
Christa combines her unique professional background in communications and media – including stints as an award-winning news and video producer – with extensive community engagement and advocacy expertise to help clients of all ages learn to breathe, connect, find their voice and reclaim their own power.
As the Family Outreach Specialist with the Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ Infants & Toddlers program since 2013, Christa seeks to identify and effectively address the complex behavioral needs of children within the context of the overall family system. Christa is trained in specialized family-based intervention techniques including Eco-Systemic Family Therapy and utilizes a family systems framework to create positive change for children and families. She has experience working with children with ADHD, sensory-processing and sensory-integration concerns, and complex trauma including prenatal substance exposure.
Christa is also the Founder and Board President of Isabel’s Gift, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families with children in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Anne Arundel Medical Center. She has won numerous community awards recognizing her commitment to NICU families including the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award and most recently, the William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award.
Christa believes in the strength of human connection and the indelible healing power of relationships to empower her clients in transition - from preschoolers to retirees. She is an avid reader, passionate music lover, rookie gourmet cook, and dedicated Redskin fan. She loves hiking, yoga, friendship and of course, her family (although as a mom and stepmom to three teenagers, she is currently taking a crash course on managing the growing pains of adolescence, and hopes to escape with minimal wrinkles and plenty of expertise to add to her resume in the future).
Christa is supervised by Caitlin Heffernan, LCSW-C.
Laura Marques Brown, LGPC
Full-Time Clinician
Laura is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) and received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Nature-based Psychotherapy from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. Laura’s expertise is in the field of Nature-based Therapy, also known as “Ecotherapy” or “Ecopsychology”. This field recognizes that our internal environment is connected to our external environment and that over time, due to various influences, these two systems have become disconnected. A growing body of research shows that when humans step back into mindful relationship with the natural world, there are profound physical, mental and emotional benefits. Laura facilitates this work with adults, families, couples and helping professionals who seek to re-vitalize themselves.
Having worked in residential and outpatient substance abuse programs throughout Colorado and Maryland, Laura is trained to work with people in the throes of addictions. Laura has identified that shame, guilt and the desire for change are often familiar feelings for this population. Laura utilizes her training in motivational interviewing, somatic experiencing, parts-work, DBT, mindfulness interventions, Gestalt Therapy and Ecotherapy, to work with people who feel stuck, lost and alone. Laura believes in the importance of offering a collaborative therapeutic environment focused on building safety, trust, and rapport over time. When this is cultivated in therapy, people learn to increase their window of tolerance for new emotional experiences, which interrupts dysfunctional patterns created by trauma, neglect and abuse.
With her intensive meditation and mindfulness training, Laura supports individuals to build new insight and awareness by learning to come to a stop in their life. Through this gentle and self-paced approach, her clients learn to slow the body and mind, and learn to decipher “what is happening” from “what we tell ourselves is happening”. From this place, clients can learn to identify their wants, needs and desires. This type of mind-body shift can be helpful for those suffering from cycling depression, anxiety, and patterns of disordered eating. Mindfulness can also be profound for people with debilitating complex trauma symptoms like dissociation and fragmentation. Symptoms that were once protective, can lead to feeling stuck and powerless.
As a bi-cultural clinician, Laura believes that the therapeutic alliance can combat culturally, racially, socially oppressive experiences. She believes in the importance of working with bi-cultural families, people of color, and folks across the spectrum of sexual and gender identities. Simultaneously, Laura enjoys working with people in positions of relative power and privilege, and people with conduct or personality related issues. Laura works from the understanding that trauma is historic and inter-generational. So, when we have the opportunity to tell our family stories in safe spaces, we have the chance to reclaim our power, reclaim our voice and make meaning of our lives.
Laura is a member of the American Counseling Association. Laura is supervised by Chelsea Haverly, LCSW-C.
Susie Cooper, LCPC
Full-Time Clinician
Susie is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Her undergraduate education is in Psychology from East Carolina University and her Master’s degree is in Urban Education with a concentration in Guidance and Counseling from Norfolk State University. In addition, she received post-Master’s education in Professional Counseling Studies from the University of Baltimore. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). She has additional training and certificates in Advanced Mindfulness, Trauma/Attachment Therapy, and Intensive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Susie is a member of the International Association of Trauma Professionals.
Believing that life can be complicated at times, Susie incorporates an eclectic array of therapeutic tools that include evidenced based CBT, Positive Psychology, Bibliotherapy, Psychoeducation, and Experiential/Exposure Therapy. With an intense passion for health and nature, she believes that the above modalities can be augmented positively with nutrition education, sleep efficiency training and integrated movement in therapy. Susie trusts in a unified goal of reducing psychic pain/life suffering and increasing insight, growth, and self-compassion/appreciation. These tools and approaches can enhance the possibility of change, honor change as a natural part of life, deepen nurturing relationships, create greater satisfaction in daily living, and promote the discovery of intrinsically rewarding outlets.
Susie’s diverse mental health background includes crisis stabilization work, short-term Urgent Care, long-term Outpatient Mental Health, and Mobile Crisis. She treats teens, adults, couples, and families with a range of issues such as depression, anxiety, marital/sexual challenges, eating disorders, ADHD, substance abuse and more. Her sub-specialty is in treating complex trauma exposures & PTSD with multi-layered childhood deprivation; including physical, sexual, and emotional abuses, and adult single episode traumas. Sometimes life adjustments such as medical issues, aging, career, menopause, divorce and parental concern can simply feel overwhelming. As a 21+ year military veteran, Susie also has extensive experience working with military and first responders. In addition, having obtained a second Master of Science Degree in Leadership and Human Resources, she also works with clients from corporate settings with executive level stressors. Confidentiality and alliance building are key components in therapeutic work.
Change is hard. Effort matters. Secrets can be laid to rest. Life’s joys can be realized!
Kendall Patterson, LCPC
Full-Time Clinician
Kendall Patterson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Davidson College and her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Towson University. Kendall has experience providing trauma-informed therapy to children, adults, and families as well as therapeutic services to individuals across the lifespan. She roots her treatment in evidenced-based treatment modalities. She has received training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy from the Beck Institute and has also been trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
Kendall has extensive experience providing therapeutic services to children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Prior to obtaining her degree in Counseling Psychology, she provided Applied Behavioral Analysis services to children on the Autism Spectrum. She additionally offers IEP advocacy services to families who are working with the school systems to ensure that their children receive appropriate services in school. Kendall has facilitated social skills groups for children on the Autism Spectrum and frequently helps children learn new social skills and self-regulation skills in individual therapy.
Kendall’s experience also includes utilizing non-directive therapy interventions including play therapy, sand therapy, and art therapy and addressing issues related to self-regulation skills, behavioral concerns, and sensory issues. Kendall provides didactic support to parents as they work with her to address their children’s needs.
Kendall strongly believes in empowering individuals and families to make meaningful changes in their lives. She enters into partnerships with individuals and families to jointly develop treatment goals to address their individual goals and move towards positive changes. Adapting treatment modalities to address the specific needs of her clients, Kendall provides highly professional, caring, and personalized psychological services to promote well-being and growth.
Jocelyn Vas, LCPC
Part-Time Clinician
Jocelyn is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland. Her undergraduate education is in Psychology from James Madison University and her Master’s Degree is in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. Jocelyn has spent the majority of her career in a hospital setting working to stabilize individuals and families in crisis. She has experience providing intensive care, transitional care and in-home services for individuals, families and the geriatric population with complex mental health and physical health needs.
Jocelyn’s passion is to assist teens, adults, families, and couples in healing, learning new skills and developing a greater sense of self-awareness and strength. Throughout life, many of us encounter roadblocks that create stress and anxiety, overwhelm our coping skills and undermine our growth. Jocelyn specializes in psychoanalytic/psychodynamic theory to promote healing for her clients. Jocelyn finds what is most therapeutic is examining our childhood experiences and understanding patterns of behaviors overtime to help correct and change maladaptive behaviors and beliefs. Jocelyn believes through revealing and bringing these issues to the surface, healing can occur. Jocelyn also utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in order to promote self-awareness for clients to interpret thoughts, understand core beliefs, and develop goals for a journey into a healthier and more fulfilling life.
She has specialized training and experience working with individuals with chronic mental illness issues who have experienced chronic and/or passive suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts. She has spent the last year working as a group counselor at a Partial-Hospitalization Program tailoring a variety of treatment modalities like mindfulness, DBT-informed skills learning, insight driven activities and Art-Based Psychotherapy projects to meet the needs of the program participants. Jocelyn’s wide array of clinical skills allows her to meet the needs of many clients looking to increase their awareness through insight driven healing.
Megan Yount, LCSW-C
Full-Time Clinician
Megan Yount is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) with over ten years of education and experience in the field. Megan earned her Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in 2008. In 2009, she earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work where she specialized with a Clinical Concentration in working with Children and Families. Megan is a Maryland Board Approved Supervisor and has experience providing education and training to social work students and those looking for advance licensure in the field.
Megan is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) from the International Institute of Trauma Professionals and specializes in working with clients presenting with PTSD, Complex Trauma, Sexual Trauma, Domestic Violence, and Combat Veterans. Megan is currently in the process of obtaining her certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) through the EMDR Institute. Megan also holds certifications in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Sex Offender Treatment (CSOTP).
Megan has worked in a multitude of settings and has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with many different populations. She has experience working in the school setting, in homes, inpatient, residential, and with the local department of social services.
Megan also provides individual psychotherapy for adults struggling with anxiety and depression as well as with adolescents struggling with behavioral issues and conduct disorder. Megan’s approach to therapy focuses on the whole person with emphasis on their individual strengths and goals. Megan truly values the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client and fosters growth within each client to improve overall well-being.
Sarah Mann, LCPAT, LGPC
Full-Time Clinician
Sarah is a Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist (LCPAT) as well as a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC). She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Salisbury University and her Master’s degree in Art Therapy from The George Washington University with additional coursework in counseling and trauma-informed treatment processes. Sarah has experience providing care across a variety of levels of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and community settings. Sarah’s research interests include community-based practice as well as social action within the field of art therapy.
Art therapy is a unique practice that allows individuals to engage the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone. It is defined by the American Art Therapy Association as “an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship”. Through this alternative mode of communication, individuals are able to bypass barriers previously experienced in verbal communication and give a voice to their unique experience without judgement.
Sarah has specialized training and skill in working with clients struggling with eating disorders/disordered eating. She focuses on helping individuals explore and tolerate emotions, challenge perfectionism, reduce anxiety and increase healthy expression of self. Sarah treats children, adolescents and adults using a unique blend of art therapy and counseling to help support individuals through their journey of exploration and recovery while emphasizing process over product. Sarah has worked with teens questioning their identity and identify as L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+. Sarah utilizes a person-centered/strength-based approach to treatment where the individual feels empowered to create the change they seek. At the core of her practice, Sarah believes in the innate healing power of creativity in all forms. Sarah is clinically supervised by Chelsea M. Haverly, LCSW-C.
Victoria Ringo, LCSW-C
Part-Time Clinician
Victoria Ringo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) in Maryland. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Smith College in Massachusetts and planted roots in the Baltimore-Annapolis area while interning with Johns Hopkins. Victoria has worked with numerous populations and in a variety of settings, including in-home services in Therapeutic Foster Care, Sheppard Pratt’s Trauma Disorders Inpatient Unit, and Residential Hospice Care. Most recently she has been facilitating group therapy with both adolescents and adults in a Psychiatric Day Hospital. Throughout these work experiences, Victoria has been repeatedly drawn to helping children and families. She recognizes the range of challenges that can be faced by children and adolescents -- self-esteem, expressing emotions, communication, maladaptive coping strategies -- as well as those adults who fall into the sandwich generation and are taking on the role of caregiver to their aging parent(s). Victoria has worked with clients and families in a variety of environments and finds these therapeutic relationships intensely rewarding.
Victoria believes in calling on a variety of tools and philosophies to work collaboratively with clients to determine their path to wellness. While Victoria’s clinical approach has a foundation in psychodynamic theory, she also uses elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT-informed strategies, feminist psychology, and non-directive play therapy with young children. Victoria believes in the importance of establishing a strong rapport and strives to provide clients space, empathy, and validation. She firmly believes that everyone has the capacity for positive and lasting change. Specific areas of interest include anxiety, depression and mood disorders, transition and change, and invisible disabilities.
Prior to a career in social work, Victoria worked in arts and education for 15-years. She was active in educational theater, directed theater projects with children and adolescents, and worked as an early childhood development teacher. Victoria is thankful for the multiple skills developed during her years in education that continue to be called on in her current work with clients, such as responding with flexibility, considering a seemingly unusual approach, and incorporating therapeutic humor.
Carmen Rickman, LCSW-C
Telehealth Clinician
Carmen Rickman is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical in Maryland. Carmen received her Master’s degree from Spalding University’s School of Social Work in 2015.
Carmen began as a hospital advocate and crisis counselor providing crisis intervention counseling to survivors of intimate partner abuse and sexual assault. After receiving her Master’s degree, she supervised a program for court-involved youth and provided case management services to families involved with the Department of Child Services in Indiana. She progressed into clinical therapy as a family therapist working with children, adolescents and families who experienced abuse, neglect, PTSD, grief, loss and various forms of trauma. Carmen has also provided therapy in a residential setting to adolescent males, outpatient therapy to individuals and families in the adoption and foster care community and in a private practice setting with individuals and families experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment concerns, self-esteem and other life stressors.
Carmen incorporates the use of Mindfulness, EMDR, TF-CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Sand Tray, Art and Play therapy techniques to help clients explore and resolve concerns. Using a strengths-based and family-centered approach, Carmen often involves parents in the therapeutic process with children.
Carmen’s therapeutic philosophy is based on being present, open-minded, non-judgmental, compassionate and caring. She values open dialogue and uses a collaborative treatment model to develop goals and interventions specific for each individual.