Hello there! I am an LCPC in Maryland and have been in the mental health field for 15 years. I studied psychology at University of Delaware and Loyola University, earning a Master of Arts and an Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, respectively. My theraputic experiences include working with children, families, adults, couples and groups.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, I will be asking a lot of personal questions about you and reviewing your intake form information to ensure I understand your needs/concerns. Much more so than in other sessions, I am gathering information in order to better understand you and what goals and objectives you would like to achieve through treatment. After our first session, there will be more time to explore emotions and dive into day to day impact of symptoms. We will work together to identify patterns of behavior, sources of feelings, and how to manage these in a way that moves you towards your personal goals.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Clients have shared with me that part of what they like about my theraputic style is that I am direct with them. I am willing and comfortable to ask hard questions, challenge beliefs and be honest with my clients. However, I am just as comfortable with silence, holding space for clients, and taking time to process emotions with my clients. I tailor my approach to each client, but my directness will come through.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I work with primarily adults and couples (ages 21+), but have worked with clients in all stages of life. I have significant experiance working with adults who struggle with anxiety. Specifically, I am hoping to work with motivated clients, who are thoughtful and open to change. I enjoy working with clients who come prepared to the session with issues or concerns that they want help with or need a sounding board for.
About Abby Courtright
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
For clients who struggle with anxiety or difficulty with letting go of control, many experience relief through the use of ACT techniques. This allows the client to stay focused on the present moment and accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment or action. ACT dispels the idea that we can control our thoughts (if it was that easy, you would already be doing it!), and instead helps clients to move forward through their emotions so energy can be put into healing instead of dwelling on the negative.
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling involves problem solving around communication patterns, attachment styles, and is skills based. Gottmann theories and strategies (four horsemen, bids, friendships, conflict management, and shared meaning) are influences in the work we will do together. Couples counseling can be brief (10-12 sessions) or ongoing for maintenance. I appreciate your interest in couples counseling. Please note that I do not accept insurance for these services. The fee for each session is $125. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out!
Attachment-based
Taking time to understand where our throughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns stem from is a part of my practice that I think is important for clients to engage with. Our early attachement experiences impact so much of how we operate in and view the world around us. The aim of this therapy is to rebuild trusting relationships and learning how to identify and express emotions.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is very useful when treating anxiety and depression. It is helpful to learn what our thoughts and behaviors do to reinforce and impact our emotions. I often use CBT techniques as a learning tool for clients, to start thinking about thinking, and identifing maladptive thought patterns.
Humanistic
Working with clients to become self-actualized and fulfilled in life is an important part of the work I do. Working with people to find their best selves and fulfill their potential is always a part of the theraputic discussion I have with clients.