Christian Counseling at Thriveworks Bethesda, MD—Montgomery Counselors and Therapists

"As a Latina woman of color, I understand the multiple hats women are expected to wear on a daily basis. Making time to focus on your mental health is not selfish, it is a necessity."

Elizabeth Santiago is a Bilingual (English & Español) Licensed Therapist in Georgia and Maryland with 10 years of experience helping clients living with grief/loss, anxiety/stress, depression, low self-esteem, and unresolved traumas. She is committed to working with clients motivated to find healing and growth. She will create an open and safe therapeutic environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without judgment. Elizabeth has obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Community Counseling, and a Certification in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Elizabeth was raised by an immigrant single mother. She understands dealing with poverty, unresolved childhood traumas, and feeling isolated due to cultural differences. She utilizes many treatment approaches including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

Everyone experiences difficult emotions and situations during their lifetime. Elizabeth can help you process these challenges while providing encouragement and unconditional acceptance. The hardest part is making the call. If you are ready to find answers and healing, schedule an appointment with her today because there is no time like the present!

"When we talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary."

Leslie Trerotola is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) with 6 years of experience in the mental health field. Leslie works with adults and seniors. She has experience working with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, life transitions, and stress management. 

Leslie completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Maryland. While in school, she interned at a community clinic and senior living community (nursing facility and short-term rehab). Once Leslie became licensed, she worked in an inpatient behavioral health hospital setting. Afterwards, she transitioned to an outpatient mental health practice. Leslie uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness with her clients. She also encourages her clients to use a holistic approach to health through exercise, nutrition, getting enough sleep, having supportive relationships, and doing activities that bring them joy. 

You can expect Leslie to get to know you and address any concerns you have. She will be honest, but optimistic and realistic. Leslie knows your time is valuable and your trust is just as valuable, so she will work to earn that. She will also be respectful of your opinions. If that sounds like something you are interested in, schedule an appointment with Leslie today.

Patrick "Pat" Hogan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has 13 years of experience in the mental health field. Pat works with life transitions, adjustment challenges, end-of-life/grief, dementia and aging, and men’s issues. He has a master's degree in Pastoral Counseling. Pat has decades of experience in spiritual practice, a touchstone for supporting clients in their own lives.

Growth, change, and renewal are central to Pat’s counseling philosophy. He finds that many people are searching for meaning and connection. Pat believes, as Pierre Teilhard de Chardin wrote, that "We are not human beings on a spiritual journey, we are spiritual beings on a human journey,” meaning that each of us has inherent value and worth regardless of our circumstances and that each of us has the capacity for abundance and joy in life.

Pat works with each person’s strengths to focus on practical solutions and effective coping strategies. He recognizes that within each of us is a source of healing, creativity, resilience, and vitality. Pat is known for his caring and involved presence and is ready to assist you in your growth. Whatever you do, remember to keep investing in yourself, in your life, not because everything will go as planned but because your abilities, strengths, and self-confidence will create a more positive and healthful you!

"As a clinician using a client centered approach to treatment I make every effort to meet you where you are at in your goals for treatment. "

Bernadette Cosgrove is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who has a strong background in a variety of mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety, and phobias. Bernadette has experience in mental health crisis counseling and feels she is well-equipped for crisis situations should they arise. Bernadette also has experience working with persons who have drug and alcohol addiction concerns. An ideal client for her would be someone over the age of 18 who is dealing with adjustment disorders, phobias, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Bernadette would like to help them better manage their daily lives as she would assume they are coming for treatment because certain aspects of their lives have become unmanageable. She would also have interest in working with young persons going through self-esteem or relationship issues.

Bernadette completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Salisbury University. She has a strong background in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure therapy. Bernadette herself overcame many phobias and feels she truly understands where the client is coming from because she has lived in their shoes. She uses a person-centered approach to therapy where a therapeutic alliance will be strongly built so you are held accountable and she can support you and motivate you to the best of her abilities.

"I am a dedicated therapist committed to helping you achieve balance and well-being."

Nina Zuriff is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 24 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in assisting adolescents and adults through a diverse range of challenges. With a compassionate approach, Nina focuses on treating depression, anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions.

Nina completed her Master's degree in Social Work from Columbia University and has completed a two year postgraduate training program at The Washington School of Psychiatry. She has an integrative approach that combines psychodynamic techniques and mindfulness practices. By delving into underlying patterns of thoughts and behaviors, clients can uncover insights that lead to lasting change. Mindfulness tools empower Nina's clients to stay present and manage stressors, fostering self-awareness and resilience.

Nina believes in building a collaborative relationship where you feel understood and empowered to make meaningful shifts in your life. Through your work together, you'll develop a deeper understanding of yourself and acquire the skills to navigate challenges with confidence. Nina is here to support you every step of the way. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.

"I help people feel more comfortable and accepting of their mental health while validating and really listening to what they are saying and experiencing."

Tiffany Burke is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and Maryland. She has 9 years of experience providing individualized services to adults struggling with mental health and substance use. 

Tiffany completed her undergraduate work at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville with a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice and received her Master of Arts in Counseling at Lindenwood University in Belleville, IL. She uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to challenge thoughts, motivational interviewing to elicit change talk, and a strengths-based approach to help clients address their concerns and manage everyday struggles in a healthier way. 

Tiffany strives to develop a trusting, caring, and respectful relationship with her clients, and she seeks to recognize each person’s individuality and meet them where they are to achieve their goals and meet their needs. She provides a safe space for her clients to be able to discuss whatever is on their minds at that time. Tiffany believes in complete transparency as it affords the trusting and caring environment she intends to provide.

"As a pastoral counselor, I understand how spirituality, religiosity, justice, and other multicultural factors may serve as sources of strength and/or stress. "

Oladipo Adedeji is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland and a Resident in Counseling in Virginia. Oladipo has 9 years of experience providing individual and group psychotherapy to clients of various demographics (ages 4-65). People across the lifespan often experience low self-esteem, low motivation, irregular moods, discrimination, poor impulse control, family stress, school-related or work-related conflict, substance abuse, and grief. Oladipo partners with those experiencing these barriers to help them cope and develop more meaningful relationships in their communities.

Oladipo completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology at Bowie State University and his Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Loyola University Maryland. He is trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Oladipo uses EMDR therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and spiritually integrated psychotherapy to address concerns of clients, groups, and families.

Oladipo seeks to understand the perspective of his clients and the stressful experiences negatively affecting their daily lives. As clients exercise greater awareness and acceptance of themselves and their circumstances, both painful and pleasant, they often experience change.

Anne Donohue is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical in the state of Maryland with more than 20 years of experience in various mental health settings. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from California State University Long Beach in 1995, and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University in 1991. 

Anne approaches counseling as a collaboration between counselor and client and utilizes a client-centered, strength-based approach to care. She works to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space in which she can help clients work towards meaningful change.

"As someone who has navigated change from careers to cross-country moves to evolving family structures, I understand the challenges and excitement that come with major life transitions."

Catherine Stieg is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Maryland since 2020. She is passionate about helping individuals and couples (with special attention to Gen-Xers, Millennials, and Gen-Zers) navigate change, life transitions, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship issues. With a background in public relations, Catherine transitioned to earn a Master of Social Work from Aurora University. Catherine’s professional journey led her to work in community mental health and private practice settings where she helped individuals discover different ways to navigate challenges and create meaningful connections.

Catherine’s therapeutic approach is eclectic and applies principles from CBT and DBT with psychodynamic theories to create an individualized approach to help you in the way that is most healing for you.

With Catherine, you’ll explore questions like “What now?” and “What next?” to help you move forward on a meaningful and authentic life path. As a therapist, Catherine’s focus is on helping you develop new strategies and perspectives to improve your life experience. Together, you’ll address current symptoms while also exploring the root causes of discontent.

"As an ethnic woman of color who has lived in different countries, I'm able to understand and empathize with different thought processes based on one's identity and lived experiences."

Kalkidan Yilma is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with 2 years of experience in the mental health field. She is dedicated to fostering positive change, growth, and empowerment in the lives of her clients. She is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for individuals to navigate life's challenges. Kalkidan specializes in helping clients navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship dynamics. Kalkidan completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

With a background working in both clinical and community settings, she was able to hone her skills in individual and group therapy. She tailors her methods to meet the needs of her clients by utilizing various treatments such as trauma-informed therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy.

Kalkidan's warm and empathic demeanor creates a space where clients feel heard and understood. She actively involves clients in therapy and believes in the power of collaboration in developing a sense of empowerment and self-discovery. Her goal is to guide individuals in building resilience, improving well-being, and strengthening their quality of life.