Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Columbia, MD

Hello, my name is Denise Mitchell, and I am a National Board Certified Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor licensed in Maryland and Virginia. I have over 20 years of experience in the school system and private therapy. I have experience providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-Informed therapy with teens, adults, and couples. My goal as a therapist is to help everyone reach a place where they can be their best self. I look forward to supporting you in your journey.

My approach is collaborative, helping you build awareness and practical tools for daily life. I integrate evidence-based practices focused on communication and healthy boundaries to better understand yourself and your relationships. I specialize in anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, grief, and patterns like people-pleasing and self-doubt.

You don't have to navigate everything on your own—whatever you're carrying, there is space for it here. When you're ready, I invite you to take that next step and begin your journey toward healing and growth.

I am a licensed certified social worker-clinical (LCSW-C) with 22 years of experience providing therapy across a wide range of clinical settings. I have worked with abused and neglected children, individuals experiencing homelessness, crisis intervention teams, and clients seeking faith-based counseling. My work spans individuals, couples, and families, with a strong focus on helping clients navigate trauma, life stressors, and emotional challenges.

I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland. My orientation is grounded in psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral theory, and I utilize solution-focused and reality therapy approaches. In cases involving trauma or abuse, I incorporate ego-strengthening techniques to support resilience, healthy adaptation, and emotional functioning.

Clients often respond well to my practical, evidence-based approach to therapy. I strive to provide competent, thoughtful care tailored to your unique needs and goals. If you are seeking a clinician who values collaboration, insight, and meaningful progress, I look forward to supporting you on your therapeutic journey.

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 or group therapy. Ms. Katz is attuned to the “Open Generation” and enjoys working with the LGBTQIA+ and all queer clients.

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 20 to 65 years. Ask Carmela about her current ZOOM group therapy openings