Christian Counseling in Columbia, MD—Howard Christian Counselors

"I believe sharing your deepest truth is not easy. I am honored to be both a compassionate witness and an experienced guide on your journey to wellness and self discovery."

Denise Carmela Katz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30+ years of clinical experience. Due to Ms. Katz's background in IMAGO Relationship Therapy and Advanced Professional Training in Emotionally-Focused Therapy and EMDR, she is especially well suited to serve clients wishing to improve or repair their relations as well as individuals working through trauma. Ms. Katz has a passion for creating and leading group therapy because it allows clients to meet others who can give them support and perspectives on how they deal with or have dealt with similar issues. Ms. Katz aims to create safe, nurturing judgment-free zones whether it is individual, couple, or group therapy.

Ms. Katz completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 1987 from the University of Maryland at College Park with a minor in dance therapy. Ms. Katz also obtained a Master's degree in clinical social work with a specialization in employee assistance programs in 1990. Ms. Katz utilizes a variety of techniques to suit her clients including acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic approaches, mindfulness, family systems, cognitive behavioral guided meditation, and eye movement desensitization reprocessing, which has been shown to accelerate the healing of traumas. Ms. Katz's mother was a psychotherapist for 50 years who also told stories about her own family history including survivors of World War II and how this generational trauma in all diverse cultures and faiths can impact how a person experiences the world.

We all go through challenges in life — "trauma" is a relative word everyone's pain is unique to them. Ms. Katz is confident that if you are ready to experience being even a little bit open to sharing your life story in a judgment-free zone you may reap big rewards in your life and relationships. If you are ready to do the work, schedule with her today. Carmela works best with ages 25 and above but all adults are welcome if they feel comfortable with a therapist with more life experience. Carmela especially can help clients in their 30's, 40's, and 50's to navigate the unique challenges of these periods in life.

"Trust is important in building a relationship and the relationship you have with a therapist should include a genuine and positive regard for the client. Clients have to trust you before they can begin sharing their innermost struggles with a therapist."

Carol Jones-Pinckney is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Board Approved Supervisor in the state of Maryland. She has over 20 years of experience in the human services field working with various nonprofits but for the last 8 years provided therapy for children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples.  

Carol applies a nonjudgmental, caring, strength-based, and integrative approach to therapy. Individualized assessments and treatment plans are key to achieving client goals. Carol maintains that collaboration, trust, and building a partnership are key ingredients to navigate through life’s struggles presented in therapy. Success is measured by how the client’s perception of the therapeutic process and engagement in sessions that work to achieve healthy and successful outcomes. 

Therapeutic modalities utilized in therapy include but are not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, person-centered, couples therapy, and integrative interventions. The goal is to provide a caring and supportive environment for clients to feel comfortable sharing.  

Carol recognizes that clients often feel vulnerable and reluctant to begin counseling. Her approach is very warm and inviting acknowledging that this was a big step but the right decision to share emotions and feelings with someone new. Therapy is at the client’s pace and being mindful of the support each client needs.

"In the immortal words of Marcus Aurelius, “Our life is what our thoughts make it.""

Ashley has most commonly worked with anxiety, LGBTQIA+ issues, social anxiety, self-esteem, HSIB, health and wellness, and family/relationship issues in an individual therapy setting. Ashley finds the great outdoors, health, wellness, and creative ideas therapeutically helpful. Ashley is also trained in wellness workshops, giving workshops in the community related to stress reduction, positive thinking, work/life balance, communication skills, and self-esteem. Ashley works primarily with adults but is also open to working with children and adolescents.

Ashley has degrees in counseling, graphic design, media, and communication (focusing on journalism, mass media, and English), and a minor in Asian American history. Ashley utilizes coping skills, CBT, positive psychology, art therapy techniques (but is not an art therapist), DBT techniques, communication skills, and solution-focused therapy.

In the words of Josh Billings: "Be like a postage stamp. Stick to a thing till you get there." When conducting therapy, that's always her mission—sticking with the goal until it's achieved. Ashley likes challenging her perspective and seeing things from another view. Ashley welcomes individuals who bring their worldviews.

Tori Mills is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has over 20 years of experience in mental health. She works as a clinical therapist providing a variety of mental health services to adolescents, adults, and couples, and she specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, parenting issues, codependency, and self-esteem. Tori partners with clients to increase self-awareness, cultivate empowerment, encourage positive change, and most importantly to work toward achieving the goals that clients set forth for themselves. 

Tori has a B.A. in Psychology from Hampton University and a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Coppin State University.  Some of her experience includes Needs Assessment, School Therapy, Partial Hospitalization, and Care Coordination. She has also completed the Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. The framework of Tori's approach is developed from cognitive behavioral therapy and infused with components of rational emotive behavior therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. She is experienced with diverse cultures and populations in a wide variety of life situations, which includes experience working with individuals with dual diagnosis and dual sensory impairments. 

Have you been in search of discovering the "new you" where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being? Ever been frustrated trying to find the right person to talk to without feeling rushed or judged? Tori's goal is to provide a safe, calm, and compassionate space for you to uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. "Hi, my name is Tori Mills, LCPC and I invite you to book an appointment with me to begin your journey of self-discovery," she says. "During our initial meeting, we will identify your personal needs and goals so that I can be your GPS as we work together to explore different routes to your own self-empowerment and personal growth."

"I believe that therapy is an adventure, and I would like to support you on your journey in managing your overall mental health. "

Shelia Lipscomb is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has more than 2 years of experience working with teens, adults, and seniors who are suffering the effects of anxiety, anger, depression, ADHD, chronic stress, relationship issues, family conflict, academic issues, behavioral disorders, and more. 

Shelia completed her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology (Adlerian) from Bowie State University and utilizes a holistic and collaborative approach to counseling, including modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), reality therapy, person-centered and existential approaches.

Shelia has the innate ability to make people feel comfortable and welcoming and offers an opportunity to help bring change and balance into your life. She will assist individuals to find their potential while exploring meaningful ways to help solve problems.

"Living in our world can be stressful and overwhelming at times; I would like to provide a safe place for you be heard. "

Gillian McCusker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years in hospice and oncology care, specializing in guiding clients through the journey of grief and loss. Gillian has experience working with adults at all stages of life and can provide support with life transitions, navigating relationships, as well as anxiety and depression. She completed her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Maryland Baltimore.

Gillian enjoys helping clients access their resiliency through cognitive-behavioral, strength-based, mindfulness, and systems approaches. She has an affinity for resource linkage, matching clients with programs or services for further aid. She offers gentle, thoughtful, and creative perspectives for the spectrum of everyday challenges to major events.

Gillian hopes to build a trusting relationship with you that allows you to grow, heal, and regain balance to enjoy a full and meaningful life.

Paul McClellan, LCSW-C is a therapist practicing in Columbia, MD, and a Child and Family therapist practicing in Silver Spring, MD. His primary focus is providing honest and authentic communication with clients, and being a resource for active listening and problem solving. He completed his Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Chicago in 2015, and he has over 4 years of clinical experience.

Paul uses an eclectic blend of therapy styles, including Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Reality Based, and psycho-education to individuals age eight and up. Paul uses a holistic approach, exploring with and educating clients about how mind, spirit and body are interconnected. His theory is that a person-centered, nonjudgmental approach best serves the client and that together, we can help a client explore and experience change.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland and have recently become a credentialed Board Approved Supervisor. For the last several years, I have been advocating for and with people struggling with mental health concerns. As a strength based, person-centered clinician, meeting an individual’s needs in crisis, mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, and other similar stressors, I am well prepared to work side-by-side with my clients and help guide them through the often confusing processes leading toward success. I have provided therapeutic services to a diverse array of individuals of all ages (6-65), providing individual therapy, family therapy, and couples counseling. Some of my areas of practice include mood disturbances, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief and loss, trauma, adjustment disorders, and relationship conflicts. I use a variety of clinical modalities so that treatment is tailored specifically for the individual that I am serving. I strongly believe that change can happen in one's life at any point if they are willing and able. Engaging with them where they are at is the very first step. My goal is to provide a safe space for clients to feel accepted, understood, and heard so that that work can be done. I look forward to starting this journey with you.

"As a healthcare provider with a strong passion for the vulnerable population, I understand the unique problems that individuals and families with mental illnesses encounter."

Seth Owusu-Kwarteng is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a strong passion for patient and family-centered care. Although he came from a family of teachers, Seth always aspired to be a medical provider. He obtained his first bachelor’s degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana). After he completed his internship, he worked as a Medical Laboratory Technologist for four years, supervising clinical laboratory services and teaching laboratory technician students. He also established a microbiology unit that allowed effective diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases in a rural hospital in Ghana. Seth’s strong passion for improving health outcomes through direct patient care motivated him to seek a career in nursing after he migrated to the United States. For several years now, Seth has had the opportunity to treat patients with wide-ranging acuity in various settings such as the surgical and trauma, general medicine, oncology, emergency, and psychiatric units.

Seth completed his Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at George Washington University, where he received the Clinical Excellence for Psychiatric Mental Health Award and the Sigma Theta Tau Award. He has worked as a nurse for over seven years at a level 1 trauma hospital in Washington, DC, providing care for vulnerable patients with various diseases, including patients with mental health issues. While working as a nurse, Seth not only focused on his patients, he also supported family members of patients with mental health disorders. Through this work, he developed a strong sense of compassion to provide quality, individualized, and holistic care for individuals and families with mental health challenges. Being aware of the increased need for mental health practitioners in the country, Seth felt the calling to help combat mental health crises. This motivated him to pursue a degree as a PMHNP. 

Seth’s holistic approach to providing care for his patients is built on three key principles, which are compassion, quality, and empathy. He is a great listener and very understanding, with genuine concern for his patients. He also believes that patients and their families are key members of the treatment team and that their involvement in decision-making and health therapy is vital to the overall outcome of the patient. He is delighted to provide education, resources, and treatments needed to improve the quality of lives for his patients.

Karen Osborne is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, licensed by the state of Pennsylvania and Maryland to provide mental health care to individuals across the lifespan. She has thirty years of diverse clinical expertise in the profession of nursing. Her scope of practice encompasses psychopharmacological assessment, diagnosis and treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. She utilizes a collaborative, patient-centered practice philosophy that is flexible, caring, and individualized to meet patients where they are in their journey for mental wellness. In addition to her board certification as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she also has a Master of Science degree in Nursing Leadership. Karen specializes in providing medication management and psychotherapy to individuals across the lifespan for many psychiatric disorders. Areas of expertise include mood disorders, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, PTSD, adjustment disorders, and behavioral disturbances in children and adolescents.

"I understand that it takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards any change; I am here to support, empower, and facilitate you in that journey of improving your sense of well-being and helping to negotiate life challenges and obstacles."

Jennifer Brooks is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with adults through a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, loss of independence, coping with caregiving stresses, motivation, self-esteem, and life transitions. Jennifer completed her MSW at New York University. Between her previous work travels and being a former military spouse, she has had a multitude of experiences that better inform her work and her ability to connect with different people.

Jennifer uses a person-centered, strength-based approach overall and includes psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness techniques, believing that one size does not fit all. A bit of gentle humor at times always helps with difficult situations.

Jennifer knows that creating an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared freely, with honesty and humor, and without any fear of judgment has been the key to her success with her clients. She strives to help her clients meet life's challenges and hurdles through collaborative, caring, and supportive counseling.

Mercy Awokunle is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with more than 2 years of experience and dedication in providing compassionate and patient-centered care. She's licensed in the state of Maryland and has an extensive background in the healthcare field, helping clients struggling with mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment issues, and ADHD. 

Mercy completed her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Bowie State University in 2009, and received her Master's degree in Nursing from Walden University, specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mercy is guided in her practice by the core values of integrity, trust, transparency, professionalism, and service. 

She understands the importance of attentive listening and believes that the provision of quality and therapeutic care is essential to improve each individual's quality of life. Mercy seeks to establish a courteous and trusting relationship with you and work with you to help achieve your goals.

Caitlyn Flores is an experienced Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland, with special interest and experience in working with those who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic mental illness, and substance use disorders. 

Over the last several years, Caitlyn has found herself in both large community mental health care and smaller group practice. Working from a person-centered and client-driven therapy approach, she utilizes various treatment modalities to assist individuals in becoming the best versions of themselves while learning how to manage their unique symptoms and moving towards their personal values and goals. 

Caitlyn works diligently to provide a safe and comfortable space for diverse client abilities, experiences, and needs.

"As a clinical social worker with a range of experiences in the field, I understand that every client needs and deserves an empathetic and tailored approach to treatment. "

Kendall Douville is a Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the health care setting, helping clients navigate the emotional and psychosocial challenges of various medical events. She specializes in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy, stress management, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, and mindfulness. With a strengths-based perspective, Kendall has also served clients and their loved ones as they address and cope with age-related transitions. 

Kendall received her Masters of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She uses an integrative approach, drawing on various models of therapy including cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and systems theory. She prioritizes clients’ goals and wellness above all and understands the perspective needed to support each client’s individuality.

Kendall works to create a positive, authentic rapport in the therapeutic relationship and bring you to the place you want to be in your life. Every client has an active role in his or her journey, and Kendall strives to bring a creative, reassuring, and dynamic energy to help guide the way.

"As a helping professional with experience in a variety of settings from child welfare to public service, I have a unique variety of skills to help individuals of all ages through life's most difficult challenges. "

Sandra is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the District of Columbia and Maryland. For the last decade, she has been advocating for individuals and families struggling with mental health concerns. She has provided therapeutic services to a diverse array of individuals of all ages, primarily focused on childhood trauma. Through her work, she is committed to helping people overcome eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, and other similar stressors that affect all of us at some time in our lives.

Sandra believes that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment, and she cooperatively assists her clients in clarifying their goals for treatment. Rather than adopting one methodology for all individuals and issues, she draws from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. 

As a therapist, Sandra is warm, open, encouraging, and direct. She considers herself an active therapist, combining experience, education, creativity, and a sense of humor with a down-to-earth, realistic approach to counseling. She strongly believes that change can happen in one's life at any point if one is willing and able. Her goal is to provide a safe space for clients to feel accepted, understood, and valued. Sandra looks forward to starting this journey with you.