(410) 299-3756

FAQ

Where do you see clients?

I offer both virtual and in-person sessions. My office is on Main Street in Reisterstown, Maryland, where I see clients on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Tuesdays, I see clients in person in my Hunt Valley office.

Some people also prefer a hybrid model with some sessions in-person and some virtually. I am happy to accommodate whatever is most convenient for you.

What are your hours?
I try my best to work around your schedule during the week, with limited hours on the weekend.
How long are sessions?
Sessions typically last an hour, but this can be adjusted depending on your needs. For example, I have offered shorter, more frequent sessions for some clients.
How do I set up an appointment?

You can call or text (410) 299-3756, or email me at mmkcounselingllc@gmail.com. I usually respond within 24 hours or less.

What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for 24 hours’ notice for cancellations. I charge $50 for a late cancellation. I do not charge a cancellation fee if a client has an emergency that isn’t a frequent occurrence.
What age ranges do you work with?
I work with teenagers over 15 years old and adults.
Do you work with women, men, and couples?
I work with individual men and women, as well as couples. I also offer family sessions on occasion, should a client request them.
Do your clients receive assignments between sessions?
I do not give clients formal assignments. However, I do typically invite a client to focus on something or try something new between sessions. I am clear with people that they can accept the invitation or not. I often ask at the end of sessions if the client feels they have enough direction on what to focus on between sessions. I don’t want a client to end a session feeling lost or confused. I also don’t want them to feel shame if they choose not to accept this invitation.
What do you actually do in sessions?

Sessions are focused on you and your needs, meaning if there is something you come in and want to focus on, this is our focus. If there is nothing specific you want to focus on, I can guide the session to work on building skills, gaining insight, or exploring a pattern or specific situation.

What modalities do you use?

I use a broad range of modalities in sessions, based on what works for you. First, we focus on stabilizing and reducing the symptoms that are impacting your day-to-day functioning. Frequently, this includes a combination of cognitive and mindfulness-based approaches, but with a twist.

I also draw on Internal Family Systems and Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment, which explores each person as a constellation of different internal parts.

For clients who want to work on managing anxiety, panic attacks, or something specific, we frequently use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It all depends on your particular needs and what resonates with you.

What is your professional training and experience?

I worked for years as a psychiatric nurse in an inpatient hospital, specializing in adults with a variety of diagnoses. The unit also worked with teens and adults suffering from eating disorders.

I received my MS in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University.

For the last 8 ½ years, I’ve done clinical work in Catonsville and have seen clients in my private practice for the last two years.

I have received multiple certifications in trauma-based approaches, which has allowed me to gain advanced skills in working with anxiety, depression, and more specialized diagnoses like Dissociative Identity Disorder. I am constantly pursuing continuing education to ensure that I offer you the best tools available.

Is there anything that might surprise someone about you and your work?

I really enjoy integrating people’s passions into our work. I have used movies or television shows with people who love movies or television. Some people use gardening or nature walks to gain insight into themselves. My office is also set up to do sand tray or art-inspired work as well. That said, some clients prefer to keep sessions more traditional, and both work for me.

How do you handle communication between sessions?
If there is an emergency, it is important you seek immediate care through a crisis center or ER. For non-emergency communication, I welcome emails or texts updating me. I generally prefer a phone call if the communication requires a conversation, and I will set up an extra session if appropriate.
If you could come back as any animal, what would it be?
I would come back as one of my cats. They have trained me well.
What is your favorite place in the world?
I love to be outside in an open space, late on a clear night, looking up at the stars.