Rachel Scharf
Hello! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) based in Maryland. I earned my Master’s degree from the Catholic University of America and have been practicing for the past five years. I specialize in working with teens and young adults.
I’m committed to creating a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable exploring difficult emotions and doing the important work that therapy often requires.
My approach is grounded in neurodivergent-affirming care, creating a safe and inclusive space for individuals and families to feel understood, supported, and empowered.
First session
In our first session, I’ll ask a number of background questions to help me get a fuller understanding of your life and experiences. This information is important for tailoring our work together in a way that truly supports your needs. We’ll also collaborate on creating a treatment plan and set meaningful goals to guide our work moving forward.
Strengths
I’m committed to creating a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable exploring difficult emotions and doing the important work that therapy often requires. I also bring creativity into our sessions and can incorporate art or music therapy techniques if that resonates with you. Above all, I’m here to sit with you in whatever feelings arise, and many clients have shared that they find my approach deeply validating and empathetic.
Ideal clients
I’m passionate about working with young adults who are navigating the challenges of the transition into adulthood. These phases can feel overwhelming, uncertain, and isolating at times. Whether it’s managing academic pressure, identity exploration, social struggles, or the stress of “adulting,” I offer a supportive space to process these experiences and develop practical, concrete tools to handle whatever comes your way.
Treatment methods
Psychodynamic
I take a client-led, psychodynamic approach to therapy, which means you set the pace and choose the goals that matter most to you. You decide what you'd like to explore in our sessions—whether that’s a specific challenge or simply what's on your mind. My role is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly. Whether you need to process difficult emotions, share personal reflections, or just vent, this is your space to do so without judgment.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a practical and evidence-based approach that offers useful tools for breaking the cycle between thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. CBT can help you develop concrete strategies to manage challenges, shift unhelpful thinking patterns, and create meaningful change in how you feel and respond to situations.
Location
Virtual sessions