Hi there! I’m Deborah Stern, LCPC. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space for clients to explore what’s really going on—whether it’s anxiety, depression, relationship stress or feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns. My vibe is calm and accepting, so you can feel safe being fully yourself. I draw from psychodynamic, somatic, and relational therapies to help you build insight, heal from the inside out, and connect more deeply to who you really are. I'm available for virtual sessions and have some availability in person in the Pikesville, MD area.
In our first session, I’ll probably ask you a ton of (possibly annoying) questions — I promise I ease up after that! It just helps me get a fuller picture of who you are and what you’re carrying so I can better support you. We’ll also leave space for you to ask me any questions, and we’ll talk about what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. I might ask if you’ve had therapy before and what worked or didn’t work, so I can try not to repeat what wasn’t helpful in the past. If there’s anything important you want to share, we’ll absolutely make space for that too — and just to be clear, I’ll never pressure you to talk about anything you’re not ready for. You get to move at your own pace. The first session is about 60 minutes, and after that, sessions are usually 45–50 minutes.
So.... I wish I had quick fixes or had all the answers to problems, but unfortunately, I totally don't. However, I do create a space where people feel genuinely seen and accepted. I don’t just focus on managing symptoms; I’m interested in helping my clients understand the deeper patterns and emotional layers underneath. My goal is to help you get curious about yourself in a way that leads to real, lasting change. Clients often say they appreciate how calm, thoughtful, and non-judgmental our work feels.
I work best with people who are feeling stuck in patterns that aren’t working—whether that’s in relationships, at work, or just within themselves. My clients are often dealing with things like codependency, self-doubt, people-pleasing, communication struggles, or feeling like they’ve lost touch with who they really are. You might be questioning what you want, how to speak up for yourself, or why you keep ending up in the same dynamics. You don’t need to have all the answers—just a willingness to explore. I’ll meet you with curiosity, honesty, and zero judgment.
Psychodynamic therapy is all about understanding the deeper layers of your thoughts, feelings, and patterns. In our work together, we might explore how your past experiences and relationships shape how you see yourself and relate to others today. This isn't about staying stuck in the past — it's about gaining insight that helps you feel more in control, connected, and free to grow. I create a space where you can speak freely, reflect openly, and feel truly heard, so that together we can uncover what’s beneath the surface and move toward lasting change.
In Somatic therapy, we pay attention not just to your thoughts and feelings, but also to what your body is saying. Our bodies hold on to stress, emotions, and even old experiences — sometimes without us even realizing it. In our work together, we might notice how certain feelings show up physically (like tightness, restlessness, or numbness) and gently work with those sensations to help you feel more grounded, safe, and present. It's a way of healing that includes your whole self — mind, heart, and body — and can help release stuck patterns and restore a deeper sense of calm and connection.
Relational therapy is based on the idea that healing happens through connection. Our relationships — past and present — shape how we see ourselves and others. In our sessions, the relationship between us becomes part of the healing process. That means we’ll pay attention to how you relate, what you need in connection with others, and how trust, boundaries, and patterns show up in real time. I aim to create a safe, authentic relationship where you feel seen and supported — because meaningful change often starts with being truly understood.