Services Offered

  • Individual Psychotherapy

    This provides one-on-one focus for the problems bringing someone to therapy. After the initial assessment, individual sessions provide someone a place to discuss their concerns, identify goals, and learn new skills. Length of sessions include 30, 45, and 55 minutes.

  • Marriage/Couples Therapy

    The Gottman Method is used during marriage/couples therapy to help the couple manage conflict, increase intimacy, remove barriers that lead to complacency, and increase empathy. The process starts with a full assessment of issues contributing to problems. Next, the therapist and couple will decide how frequently to meet. Then, the therapist begins to teach the couple negative conflict patterns and how to replace them with positive interactions, and repair past hurt.

  • Group Therapy

    Group therapy provides individuals the opportunity to interact with others struggling with similar issues. Groups can alleviate feelings of isolation and self-stigmatization. They can be an opportunity to build a stronger support network and learn new skills. Groups are offered depending on the level of interest at the time.

about the Specific therapies offered by Alec peer, LCSw-c

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, better known as EMDR, is one of the leading therapies for treating PTSD, Complex Trauma, or any other upsetting life experience that continues to impact someone in the present. Traumatic experiences get stored differently in the memory. They are often locked into place with the same feelings, images, sounds, and body sensations as when the experience first took place. It can be incredibly difficult for a person to continually reexperience the same emotions as when the trauma took place. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, alternating audio tones, or alternating tactile stimulation, such as vibrating paddles or tapping) to make it easier to discuss the traumatic experience. This bilateral stimulation (BLS) also activates both hemispheres of the brain which gives the person access to new information and insights that help alleviate the frequently self-deprecating beliefs that follow a traumatic experience.

EMDR is one of the most researched therapies that exists. It is endorsed by the Department of Defense, Veterans Administration, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMSHA), and the World Health Organization.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, also known as DBT, was originally developed for people with Borderline Personality Disorder as a way to help prevent a person with overwhelming emotions from harming themselves. Because overwhelming emotions, like depression, anxiety, panic, rage, etc., are experienced by many with various mental health challenges, it was found to be effective with many others as well.

DBT has four main components of the therapy: Core Mindfulness Skills, Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills, Emotion Regulation Skills, and Distress Tolerance Skills. Each of these module accompany specific practices that are developed inside and outside of sessions to help overcome, and ultimately, reduce overwhelming emotions.

Mindfulness Skills focus one developing a greater awareness and insight of one’s self, one’s environment, and one’s relationship with others. This is accomplished through psychoeducation and developing some basic mindfulness practices in daily life. Interpersonal Effective Skills are aimed at developing more effective relationship patterns through boundary setting, assertiveness, and relationship building skills. Emotion Regulation Skills help to challenge belief systems that lead to frequent negative emotions. Distress Tolerance Skills help a person develop the ability to reduce very intense, overwhelming emotions that often lead to self-destructive behavior.

FAQs

How much does counseling cost?

Out of pocket costs vary depending on the insurance provider and specific insurance plan. Cost can vary widely from plan to plan. The best thing to do is to look at the back of the insurance card and contact the insurance company directly to inquire about out of pocket costs. Some of these questions can also be answered once enrolled in the SonderMind platform.

This is a frequently asked question?

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

This is a frequently asked question?

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

What insurance plans/companies are accepted?

Currently, I am only licensed to treatment Maryland residents with the following insurance companies: Optum Veteran’s Affairs, United/Optum, Cigna, and Aetna.

This is a frequently asked question?

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

This is a frequently asked question?

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.