Westminster

Cathy’s career is coming full circle as she returns to the therapy room after 24 years of teaching in the Social Work Department at McDaniel College. During these years, she served as Professor, Department Chair, Director of Field Education and Program Director. Prior to this, she served as a clinical social worker for 13 years in a variety of settings, although mostly worked with individuals and their families challenged with eating disorders, alcoholism, and other mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and attachment insecurities. She also has extensive experience in grief and loss, sexual trauma, acquired disabilities, issues faced by the LGBT+ community, and relational conflict. Cathy is culturally competent and sensitive to the issues of diverse populations.

Cathy earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Western Maryland/McDaniel College, her master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland, and her doctorate in Social work from the Smith College School of Social Work. She mostly practices from a psychodynamic perspective, although is also well informed in motivational interviewing, solution focused brief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and family systems theory. Essentially, Cathy offers a strength based relational approach as the foundation for enacting change, building resilience, and/or finding solace.

She enjoys working individually with both adolescents and adults. She has intervened with a range of family compositions and partnerships. Cathy recognizes and appreciates the fears and apprehensions many people encounter when considering counseling and she encourages folks to take the risk and bring these concerns with them to the session and then determine whether or not embarking upon the therapeutic journey is the best choice for you.

Hello! My name is Lynn DiFatta and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Maryland. I completed graduate school in 2004 but began working in mental health in 2000. I have experience in both long term and short term psychiatric inpatient care, emergency care, and private practice. I have extensive experience in Trauma Disorders (PTSD, CPTSD, Dissociative Disorders, Anxiety) and significant experience with depression, self injury, mood disorders, sexual/intimacy struggles, and relationships. Additionally, I have given seminars and educational lectures on trauma, including childhood, adult, and vicarious traumatization.

My interest and subsequent study in mental health was generated by my belief that all people have struggles and go through periods of life that are difficult. My belief that life can be difficult for all of us at times, drives my core beliefs of respect and resilience. I know that seeking support can be frustrating and trying, however I know that support and help works. I have come to realize that our world has become increasingly stressful and isolative making it even harder to take the first steps in finding support but it is worth the time and risk to get started.

I use a holistic person centered approach. I pull from various modalities including CBT, DBT, solution focused, and mindfulness therapy. I think whatever modality or approach someone uses there is no more important value in counseling than authenticity and genuine positive regard for the individual and the relationship.

I would describe myself as kind, open minded, and honest. I would also describe myself as a realist who appreciates the stresses of life. I believe in a collaborative therapeutic relationship. We will work together to best understand you, understand your current situation, and we will work together to establish goals. Change does not occur overnight but it does happen.

Hello everyone! I’m proud of you for taking the first step towards living your best life! My name is Jolene and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has a passion for working with people struggling with anxiety, life transitions, navigating parenthood and those on a journey of self-discovery. The population I excel working with is teenagers, college students, and adults, I am LGBTQIA affirming. I use a person-centered, strengths-based approach, recognizing that each client has their own unique set of strengths, needs and goals, and as result I strongly believe in collaborating with clients on their mental health journey to wellness.

As a therapist, I utilize several different modalities and techniques that I have learned while studying at the University of Louisville and Walden University to attain my Master’s and have honed my skills since becoming a therapist in 2018. These techniques include Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and nature-based techniques, among others as I continue to grow and learn. I find a holistic approach to mental health to be most effective, tapping into the mind, body, and soul to achieve an overall sense of wellness and peace. I am currently working toward becoming a specialist in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) which focuses on maternal mental health and postpartum mood disorders.

Ashley Sweet, LCSW-C, is a Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical with previous experience in school based social work, outpatient mental health treatment, and inpatient psychiatric hospital settings. She has worked with children, adults and families facilitating family involvement meetings, therapeutic treatment groups, and coordinating community-based services for the most vulnerable populations.

Ashley is a graduate of UMBC where she double majored in social work and Gender and Women’s Studies. She went on to complete a Master of Social Work degree with the University of Maryland, Baltimore, with a clinical concentration. She also completed her Master of Education in Human Sexuality Studies, and is continuing her education at Widener University with a Doctor in Philosophy in Education in Human Sexuality Studies. Her therapeutic style implements evidence based practice with an emphasis on a feminist approach; a person-centered therapy that highlights treatment goals rooted in cultural context and lived experience. Ashley believes in affirming her clients on their journey toward self-efficacy and self-actualization, as well as minimizing power dynamics within the therapeutic setting to foster connection, empowerment, and advocacy. Her areas of practice include working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, anger management, ADHD, relationship challenges, grief/loss and self-esteem issues. Additionally, she has experience with queer identities, sexual dysfunction, and relationship exploration. She focuses on prioritizing the expertise of the client in their own life and acknowledging their strengths and systemic barriers. She is identity-affirming, kink-knowledgeable, and non-monogamy friendly.

Kayla graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Hood College in May of 2012. She went on to earn her Master’s degree at The University of Maryland School of Social Work in July of 2013 and her LCSW-C in March of 2016.

Kayla has a specialization in families and children and has spent most of her career providing individual and family therapy in an outpatient mental health clinic and school based setting. She has experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, ADHD, mood disorders, anger management, grief/loss, relationship issues, and self-esteem.

She aims to create a safe, non-judgmental environment and believes that the client- therapist relationship is a vital component to the therapy process. Her primary approaches are strengths based and solution focused; however, she uses a variety of clinical techniques based on the client’s needs.