Denise Collins
Hello. I am a Clinical Social Worker practicing in Maryland and additionally licensed in DC , Virginia and New Mexico. I received my Masters of Science in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and have been practicing for over 40 years. While I am new to the private practice setting, I bring years of experience working with individuals and their caregivers challenged with chronic medical illness such as cancer and Chronic Kidney Disease, helping them explore limiting beliefs that can interfere with achieving goals. Clients tell me I am warm and compassionate, very present in the sessions. I also have a certification in Financial Social Work and can help clients explore the role that their relationship with money plays in their lives and how that might influence their choices.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we'll start with brief introductions and a brief outline of what the therapy experience can look like. We will then move through a psychosocial assessment to get a clear understanding of who you are, where you are at and the issues you want to focus on. This will help build a roadmap for our continued work together. Moving into treatment, I am a relationship based therapist and am quite collaborative in my style. We will work in partnership to meet your goals at your pace.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I have 40 plus years of experience working with clients .I help lead them on a healthy path where they can learn to identify maladaptive patterns and begin to make changes in behavior. My breadth of experience helps me feel confident in addressing the unique challenges of the people who seek my help.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I love working with individuals who are experiencing transitions. Whether it’s a new or chronic medical diagnosis, a move into retirement or transitioning to the general challenges of adulthood, navigating these changes can seem overwhelming.I enjoy working with all adults, the young , middle and not so young and can do both long and short term therapy.
Location
Offers in-person in 2 Wisconsin Cir, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 210VirtualMy treatment methods
Psychodynamic
Through insight into a person’s past thoughts, feelings and perceptions, one can become empowered to make changes in their mindset and actions going forward in their lives. I work with clients to identify old feelings and behaviors that are no longer serving them so they can move toward making positive changes in their lives.
Motivational Interviewing
In my work with clients facing chronic medical challenges, such as Cancer and End Stage Renal Disease, I help them to explore their readiness to change and to work towards identifying what is holding them back from reaching their goals.
Strength-Based
In this positive approach toward treatment, I work together with clients to identify their strengths and how they have successfully navigated previous barriers and how they can rely on those strengths to solve current and future challenges.
Supportive
I work to create a strong, warm relationship with my clients to provide support , validation and encouragement as they move through current challenges.
5 ratings with written reviews
July 1, 2025
Helped me to think through some steps to accomplish my goals while being realistic. She went straight to the point, and I agreed with what she was saying, knowing this already, but I just needed validation.
Verified client, age 65+
June 10, 2025
It took a few people to go through but I am glad that Denise and I seem to match well, I feel very comfortable and at ease talking with her.
Verified client, age 45-54
May 22, 2025
I love Denise we are open and conversations and working towards our goals and where I want to be. She’s very easy to talk to about any problems.