Stacey Hellman, LCSW-C

These are challenging times for sure and we are all struggling to make it through. When we are under stress, we are most vulnerable and at risk for slipping back into old patterns of behavior that don’t serve our growth or well-being. As humans, we need connection to thrive and it’s a sign of health to reach out for help. Whatever challenges you are facing, it’s important to get support whether you’re brand new to therapy or a “repeat customer.” Many clients I’ve worked with have tried therapy in the past and found it somewhat helpful but eventually reached an impasse. Some of the issues I help people navigate are anxiety, depression, addictions, self-harming behaviors and trauma (both acute and complex PTSD). I encourage you to keep reading if you want to know more.

My approach to therapy is non-traditional, experiential, and integrative. What all of those terms mean is that I treat each person as a whole, I want to see the big picture, and I go beyond “just talk therapy” to help you feel better and create lasting changes in your life. To read more about the experiential methods I use, click here.

Let’s be curious together and find out what is getting in the way of your ability to experience joy, connection, and peace within yourself. Aspects that are helpful to explore are things like how you measure your self-worth, your level of ability to regulate emotions and deal with stress, the quality of your relationships with friends, family, and intimate partners, lifestyle habits such as sleep, diet and exercise, what meaning you make about the challenges or pain you have been through, and if you have any spiritual beliefs that inspire you.

Many people don’t understand how their past experiences (especially in early childhood) may be linked to their present challenges. I’m here as a knowledgable detective and guide to help you figure out what’s going on and where to go from here. I’m down to earth and most people feel very comfortable opening up to me. I’m honest and straight-forward and I won’t just smile and nod and agree with everything you say. I will listen with kindness and compassion and will gently point out your “blind spots” if I see them. We all need to be seen, heard, and understood. I truly believe that we can heal and grow in relationship to others and within a safe and nurturing environment. I look forward to crossing paths with you when you are ready.

My training and experience:

*Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of MD in 2002

*17yrs of clinical experience with teens and adults doing individual and group therapy

*Worked at Kolmac Integrated Behavioral Health (formerly Kolmac clinic)

*Trauma certified through The Ferentz Institute in 2010

*Certified yoga teacher through the Yoga Center of Columbia in 2017

*Trained in EMDR in 2021 through PESI

My office is located in Ellicott City, Maryland. I primarily do in-person sessions but can provide Telehealth sessions as needed. Some clients do a “hybrid” which is fine for talk therapy, but all of the experiential methods need to be done in person. Clients need to be located in Maryland at the time of the appointment due to current Telehealth laws. Click here to read more about why I strongly recommend in-person sessions.