Danika Girdner

(she/her)

LCSW-C, 5 years of experience
Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm

Hi! I'm a Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical (LCSW-C) based in Maryland. I received my Masters from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and have been practicing since 2019. I help couples strengthen their relationships by improving communication, building trust, managing conflict, and deepening emotional connection using evidence-based approaches like the Gottman Method. I also enjoy helping young adults find their voice, navigate relationships, and life changes by providing a supportive space to explore their experiences, improve communication, build healthy connections, and develop effective coping strategies during times of transition.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing, to ensure we are a good fit.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strengths as a provider are my ability to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients and my use of evidence-based approaches to support meaningful change. I blend empathy with practical tools from the Gottman Method, CBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing to help clients navigate relationships, life transitions, and personal growth with confidence and clarity.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am best positioned to serve couples looking to strengthen their connection. I specialize in helping couples improve communication, build trust, manage conflict, and develop healthy coping strategies during times of transition. On a case by case basis, I also work with teens and young adults (approx: 18-25) who are transitioning into adulthood and struggling with communication and boundary setting. My approach is loosely grounded in evidence-based practices like the Gottman Method, CBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing to support clients in creating fulfilling and resilient relationships.

Specialties

Top specialties

I identify as

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Couples Counseling

I use inspiration from Gottman method with couples to help them build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. I guide them through evidence-based techniques to improve communication, manage conflict, and deepen emotional connection, drawing on the Gottman Method’s practical tools and interventions.

Motivational Interviewing

I use Motivational Interviewing to help clients explore and resolve ambivalence, empowering them to make meaningful changes in their lives. My approach is collaborative, empathetic, and focused on enhancing clients' intrinsic motivation toward achieving their goals.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients build psychological flexibility by embracing their thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with their values. My approach emphasizes mindfulness, acceptance, and creating a meaningful life even in the presence of challenges.

, 33 ratings

7 ratings with written reviews

September 25, 2025

Danika is a wonderful couples therapist. She has great insight and gives good perspective.

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 1 with Danika

September 9, 2025

Danika is amazing at staying neutral and hearing all sides.

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 5 with Danika

August 26, 2025

Very helpful! and I appreciate her willingness to listen as I work things out in my mind even if I have trouble succinctly articulating my thoughts.

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 17 with Danika