Marcy Childs
Greetings Fellow Traveler! My name is Marcy and I have been working as a mental health therapist for a little over 17 years. I have worked in a variety of settings from community-based to college counseling centers. I have worked with folks from ages 2 and up as well as people from a variety of backgrounds.
One thing I have heard consistently is that client's like that I make people feel comfortable right off the bat.
I have come to specialize in working with folks from marginalized and/or unconventional populations, including BIPoC, CNM relationships and the queer community. I have also worked with folks from a variety of religious backgrounds. I take an existential approach to the therapeutic experience - believing each of us to be on a journey with the ultimate goal being self-actualization. As you'll likely face many hurdles towards that end goal, therapy can be a great way to accommodate your forward momentum! I love this work, and I bring myself and my energy to each session 100%. I tend to use my sense of humor a good deal in my work. During our sessions, the focus will be on you and you only. We will focus on the content you choose to prioritize and individualize our work to meet your goals. I have been fortunate to share in a lot of peoples' journeys thus far in my career, and I look forward to the honor of being a part of yours. Thanks for your consideration!
First session
Our first session will begin with a brief introduction to the therapeutic experience. It is important that you be physically located in Maryland when we meet. We will discuss several aspects of the work (including confidentiality and limits to confidentiality) and I will field any questions/concerns you might have during that time. During our first session I will be getting to know you as a client, and you me as a clinician. In addition, I will be asking quite a few questions as I will need to provide a diagnosis and begin thinking towards treatment planning. I may ask you to complete a values clarification exercise to help me frame my approach to your work according to your individual value system. The first session is a bit different than the ensuing sessions in that it has a more Q&A feel to it than future sessions will.
Strengths
I have received quite a bit of feedback over the years about my strengths as a therapist, and I think I can provide a pretty good summary of them here. One thing I have heard consistently is that clients like that I make people feel comfortable right off the bat. I am down-to-earth. I bring a true curiosity to my work with clients which allows me to keep my focus locked in. I am good at keeping my focus on the client and avoiding the pitfall of talking about myself. I bring a sense of humor to this work, because life can be messy and messy can be funny! But I can stay with the Client during the need to express the serious stuff. I am flexible in working with clients and try to accommodate everyone according to their unique set of needs, preferences, strengths and limitations. Finally, I respect the human experience, and I am respectful of my clients permission to share in their stories. I am forever humbled by that permission.
Ideal clients
I have experience working with a variety of age groups, ethnic groups and people with a variety of gender and sexual orientation identities. I am comfortable working with adults ages 18 and older. The Client who is positioned to benefit most from my services will be open-minded, will have a healthy sense of humor, willing to be authentic (warts and all) and will be motivated for change/healing.
Treatment methods
Existential
I draw from multiple disciplines in my work with clients, but underpinning all techniques I use an existential approach to the therapeutic experience. I believe us each to be on a journey in life, with the ultimate goal being self-actualization. I believe a client-centered, existential approach allows for individualization of the therapeutic experience - critical in achieving the best therapeutic outcomes. When pinned against a culturally sensitive framework, an existential approach has demonstrated the best outcomes for me in my work with clients over the years.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- MarylandLicense LC4714