Therapists in Maryland

Hello. My name is Dave Sherwin and I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. Choosing a therapist is a significant step. Thank you for considering me. I believe everyone possesses unique strengths, and the power of therapy lies in empowering you to harness those strengths to overcome challenges like anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. It often requires courage to look honestly at the ways we think and behave, but by taking this step, you can unlock your full potential and live a more fulfilling life. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you on this journey and help you define a new, more resilient kind of strength.

I am here for you. My name is Dr. Jay Rhodes, and I am a board-certified, Licensed Clinical Marriage (LPC) and Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT) in Maryland, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Oklahoma and Texas., and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida. I have a passion for helping individuals find healing, growth, and transformation in their lives. I have extensive education, experience, and expertise in various fields of counseling, ministry, and human relations. I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures in various settings such as military bases, combat zones, hospitals, schools, embassies, consulates, to nonprofit homeless ministries. I have helped individuals, couples, families, children, adolescents, and groups deal with a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, traumatic stress, and relationships. I have helped others, I can help you.

I’m Sean Butler, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges with clarity and compassion. My approach is integrative, blending Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gestalt, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) concepts to create a safe, supportive space for growth. I work with clients to build self-awareness, strengthen emotional resilience, and foster healthier relationships—both with themselves and others.

I have been a Mind, Body and Spirit counselor for 14 years. As a Pastoral Counselor I will help you examine not just your mental and physical well-being but also your spiritual well-being. I will to listen to you and assist you in examining your life, provide you with insight that will help you to determine what is the right course for you.

Hi! I am a Licensed Individual Clinical Social Worker in DC (LICSW). I received my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology in 1985 and my Master's degree in Social Work in 1999. I earned my LICSW in 2002. This past December, I earned my Clinical license in Maryland (LCSW-C). I like talking with people--but more importantly, listening to people. To me, therapy is a block of time. It is an opportunity for people to talk to someone who is not a parent, brother, sister, spouse or even best friend. My goal is to listen to you and to help you consider options in your life.

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) with experience working with individuals, couples, and families through life's challenges. I started my career in child and family welfare and violence prevention. Since then, I have worked as an individual and couples therapist, group facilitator, medical social worker, and with the perinatal/postpartum population. With experience supporting individuals across the lifespan, I’m here to help you manage stress, anxiety, and life transitions with compassion and understanding. My approach is person-centered and strengths-based, focusing on your unique needs and strengths. I draw on various modalities, including ACT, DBT, and motivational interviewing. Above all, I prioritize compassion and resilience-building.

Hello, I’m Kumi Pledger, LCPC, and I am currently accepting new clients. I am also available on Sundays to better accommodate busy schedules. I provide therapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and LGBTQ+ clients. I support individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including healing from traumatic experiences, navigating relationship challenges such as narcissistic abuse, managing anxiety, low motivation, and stress, supporting new and expectant mothers, addressing eating disorders, adjusting to new environments or careers, coping with grief and loss, and improving sleep and insomnia. My work is grounded in creating a safe, compassionate, and supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. I combine professional training with personal insight to help clients reduce anxiety, eliminate unwanted behaviors, restore emotional balance, and reconnect with joy, purpose, and confidence in their lives. I work best with clients who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or pulled in many directions, particularly during life transitions or periods of identity change. Many of my clients appear strong and capable on the outside but feel exhausted, disconnected, or uncertain internally. I understand the complexities of cultural expectations, family dynamics, and the pressure to manage multiple responsibilities. My ideal client is ready to gain clarity, strengthen boundaries, and live more authentically. Clinically, I integrate evidence-based approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based techniques, and culturally responsive therapy. These approaches help clients increase self-awareness, identify patterns contributing to distress, and develop practical coping strategies that support long-term growth and healing. If you often feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or unsure of your next steps, you are not alone. Life transitions, parenting responsibilities, cultural pressures, and personal identity challenges can create stress and uncertainty. With the right support, meaningful change is possible, and I am here to help guide you on that journey.

Greetings, my name is John Luke. I am a licensed clinical social worker and specialize in helping people to effectively manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns using cognitive behavioral techniques. I have worked with a range of populations, nearly all ages, and also have experience with addiction treatment and life-coaching. I work with people to develop insight into the source of their problems, how their core beliefs about the world might be hindering their progress, and focus on their natural strengths to overcome those barriers with practical skills that generate sustainable change. Some of my other specialties include short-term, solution-focused therapy; cognitive behavioral therapy techniques; psychodynamic approaches; and marital counseling. Some of the problems I am particularly keen on solving with my clients include issues with self-image and confidence; dating and relationships; boundary-setting and assertive communication; as well as general anxiety management; and learning to identify and productively resolve emotional unrest. I am also very experienced in cognitive restructuring, which is just a fancy way of saying helping to change the way a person thinks about the world and their place in it. I also enjoy aiding people in goal setting and identification, meaning-making, and navigating family conflicts. If you feel any of this could be helpful or useful to you, please do not hesitate to reach out! (Note: I do work with couples, but only on a cash-pay basis. Also, I only work with ages 18+)

Welcome! I'm an LCSW-C practicing in Maryland and I earned my MSW at the University of Maryland at Baltimore. I have over thirty five years of professional, independently-licensed experience and, because I've loved the time I've spent in this work, the time has flown! I've spent much of my time in the industry in private practice and as such, I've lots to share. Like many of my generation, I entered the workforce as globalization took hold and company loyalties waned. I've remained agile, working in a broad variety of locations, contexts, etc., moving for great opportunities and leaving less desirable ones. Additionally, I've been entrepreneurial, owning my own businesses, which isn't something most therapists can say. I've been creative and courageous designing services that reflect the best of who I am and how I believe I can serve. I continue to do so. I become wiser as I go, so I guess you could say I'm earning my own 'hard knocks MBA'. It's been an exciting ride, complete with highs and lows and everything in between. I've been called a visionary, which is really neat to hear. I am a contrarian, like my father. A boss of his said dad was a non-conformist. This is not necessarily negative. I was, for example, one of the first/only lesbian life and love coaches and matchmakers back in the early 2000's. Those of you under 50 might not realize what courage that one took at that time!

“It’s Okay to not be Okay”. I am a passionate advocate for Mental Health wellness. My goal is to create a safe space to help to heal in a nurturing environment while finding balance through self-care, empowerment, and healing. With positivity provided to motivate self awareness and growth; while focusing on strengths and be guided, heard and understood to find who you really are and the capabilities you possess. With the vision of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and creating a sacred space for healing within the community. My passion is to support those facing adversity and guiding individuals thru life stressors pertaining to self-esteem and self worth, grief and loss, managing anxiety and depression, trauma, healthy relationships, stress management and suicidal behaviors. Through an integrative and holistic approach I provide a variety of tools so you learn to cope with stressors outside of therapy while learning to process them within therapy. The Healing Powell nurtures the mind, body, and spirit while empowering individuals to heal, grow, and thrive.

If you can read this, you made the first step. Congratulations. Seeking therapy is hard. Most people delay and tell themselves that whatever they are experiencing must be the way life is. Chances are if you have reached the point to begin exploring therapy, counseling can help make your life better. While therapy is often hard, it can be an enjoyable and uplifting experience as well. I believe that you cannot laugh without a combination of insight and relief. You can expect some humor in most sessions. I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 20 years. In that time I have worked with men, women, teens, and families on a wide variety of issues. Sometimes that work simply involved helping them through a particular incident or life change that overwhelmed them. Other times our work together centered around longstanding issues of depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. In addition to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy, I also offer a fourth-wave therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). I have found this technique to be highly effective in helping people with trauma and or anxiety. Our minds and bodies are connected. Anyone who has experienced a tight neck and shoulders or an upset stomach when they were stressed knows this. EFT uses acupressure (done by the client) and cognitive interventions to provide fast and effective relief. With over 20 years of clinical experience, I am ready to help you through the challenges you are facing. In addition to counseling, I also provide vocational testing, coaching, and consulting. I provide both Christian and secular counseling depending on the needs of my clients. For clients with high level confidentiality concerns due to corporate or clearance issues, there are ways we can do EFT without you ever speaking out loud about events.

Hi, I’m Nancy Paz Welsh, a bilingual (English & Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving clients in Maryland and Virginia. As a proud second-generation American of Salvadoran descent, I’m passionate about advocating for mental health awareness and normalizing therapy as an essential part of overall well-being. I specialize in helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion, curiosity, and evidence-based support. My goal is to create a safe, affirming space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. Together, we’ll build on your strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and foster greater self-awareness to support lasting, meaningful growth. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My therapeutic style is warm and collaborative, combining empathy with gentle accountability to help you make progress at your own pace. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and I’m here to meet you exactly where you are—without judgment. Whether you’re overwhelmed by emotions or simply seeking more balance, I’ll walk alongside you with compassion and curiosity as you move toward the life you want. Outside of therapy, I’m a wife, mom to two toddlers, and dog mom of three—so life is rarely quiet! I enjoy reading, video games, trying new foods, and teaching my kids about their Salvadoran roots (yes, they’re already pupusa fans). My self-care must-haves? Coffee strong enough to launch a spaceship, food that makes me dance, podcasts that keep me grounded, and laughs that double as ab workouts! If you’re ready to explore new perspectives and make meaningful change, I’d be honored to support you on that journey!

Hi, I'm Laura, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland and Virginia. With over 5 years of experience, I have worked with clients from childhood through adulthood, helping those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, family challenges, stress and other complex concerns. I have worked in various settings including in the community, schools, outpatient mental health, primary care, and residential substance use treatment. My goal is to empower you to move forward into a life marked not by fear, but by healing, strength, and possibility.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with individuals, families and groups. My areas of expertise are ADHD, anger management, adjustment to new transitions in life, anxiety, depression and postpartum. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic and Person Centered Therapy. Whether you’re feeling the pressure of juggling multiple roles, feeling the weight of all the demands and expectations, or trying to cope with depression, anxiety or low self self-esteem, you don’t have to walk this path alone. Talking and making sense of your experiences can help you learn and understand more about yourself and what you need moving forward. Therapy is an educational tool and a safe outlet to help you gain clarity, insight, and awareness, and can help you adopt the skills necessary to overcome obstacles and improve your mental health. I have supported parents with teaching and educating their children on how to manage their child's behaviors in the least restrictive environment. I support individuals that are struggling with stress, anxiety and depression by educating them on ways to manage their emotions. I help young adults struggling with career stress and burnout become the best versions of themselves.

Are you feeling depressed and anxious? Are you finding your life is in turmoil because you have to make a change? Maybe you are changing careers or jobs, you’re recently divorced, your home is now an empty nest, or you are retiring. These are only a few of life’s transitions that can bring on depression and anxiety. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the therapy I use most often, states that A (Antecedent action or event) + B (our belief about that antecedent action or event) = Consequences, (depression or happiness). If you think of a transition or event (A) as a negative experience (B), you will experience the consequences of your belief, as depression and anxiety (C-negative) or as happiness and excitement (C-positive). Unfortunately, many of us view a transition or change as a bad thing, a time when we are facing the unknown without a map. I would like to help you see change as an opportunity, a time for growth and exploration. Come with me. Together we can make change a positive force for a bright future. please schedule appoints only on the hour.😀

Welcome! I am Kimberly. I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 14 years of experience providing therapy. Many of us desire a sense of peace, connection, and well-being within ourselves and in our life. Yet life circumstances and even parts of ourselves can prevent us from having these experiences in our day to day lives. Providing a safe and non-judgmental place to explore your struggles and emotional pain is essential to my practice. I feel grateful to be able to support those who desire to grow and heal. PLEASE NOTE: I work from 8am-3:30pm Mon-Thurs. I do not have late afternoon or evening sessions available.

I am the wife of a Retired Combat Veteran and a mother to four beautiful children. I understand the complexities of being separated from your spouse for extended periods and feeling alone in the relationship and raising the children. Even the most well-prepared and successful person can find themselves wondering how things became so complicated, messy, or challenging, and feel at a loss when it comes to what to do to put the pieces back together. People have been shaped and molded by their past experiences, both good and bad. Often, people feel drawn to focus on the bad experiences, leading to pain and struggles of many kinds.

Hi, I’m Dr. Josh Gonsher, a licensed clinical psychologist with a warm, down-to-earth approach to healing. I specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, worry, and stress—not by fighting their symptoms, but by creating a new internal landscape where those struggles no longer take center stage. My approach is grounded in Contextual Therapy. I don’t just help clients “fix” thoughts or behaviors—I work with them to build a more meaningful life, one where old patterns and problems naturally begin to lose their grip. It’s about shifting the frame, not just adjusting the picture. I offer a space that’s collaborative, gently challenging, and deeply respectful of your unique path. You don’t need to “have it all figured out”—just a willingness to begin. Whether you’re dealing with social anxiety, overthinking, burnout, or a general sense of feeling stuck, my goal is to help you move toward a version of life that you choose, one that often feels more grounded, spacious, and aligned with whom you truly are.

If you're experiencing inner turmoil that’s affecting your peace of mind and daily life, therapy can help—and I’m here to support you through it. Often described as a “therapist’s therapist,” I offer a grounded, compassionate approach to help you reconnect with your sense of clarity and purpose. Life is too short not to live as your best self. My goal is to meet you where you are, focus on what matters most to you, and build on your strengths through healthy coping and healing practices. If you're ready to begin that journey, I invite you to reach out—let’s work together to help you become the best version of yourself.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in the state of Maryland. I have been in the profession for over 20 years and my areas of focus maternal health and mood disorders. My therapeutic approach is cognitive behavioral therapy. I also use a strength-based and solution-focused approach to guide you toward emotional healing. I foster a therapeutic environment that is non-judgmental, and client focused which leads to greater understanding and enables me to support clients authentically.

Hi, I'm Tiffany. I understand that talking about your personal challenges can be overwhelming! My therapy style is relaxed and very client-focused. I have experience helping clients learn healthy tools for managing stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and anger management. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through your "stuff" and offer you a safe place to be open and honest. We will work together to teach you coping skills to promote positive change!

My practice assists Black clients across North America who are impacted by a range of concerns including trauma, anxiety, and depression through a racially-sensitive treatment approach. We also work with individual clients seeking to improve their self-concept by understanding and processing the impact of historical and generational racial trauma on their relationships with themselves, their families, their friends, and their partners. I am a therapist who strives to fully understand my clients and their needs to create an optimized approach to meet their goals. I specialize in working primarily with individual adult clients to help them deal with issues such as infidelity, communication, stress management, anger management, relationship building, sexuality, etc. At Yolo Therapy, our ultimate goal is the well-being of our clients. For various reasons, many clients are unable to access traditional therapy settings but I do not believe that should prevent them from receiving exceptional services. I have catered my practice to the needs of those who need alternative options to therapy and am here to help you. ****Please note: Your initial session is ONLY TO ASSESS FOR THERAPEUTIC COMPATIBILITY. ****

Welcome — I’m Hana Ephraim, a licensed clinical therapist dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their inner wisdom, restore balance, and cultivate lasting well-being. My approach integrates mind, body, and spirit—recognizing that healing happens when we address the whole person. With training in CBT, mindfulness, somatic therapy, I offer a compassionate, intuitive space where clients can explore emotional blocks, release stress, and support the body’s natural healing process. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, physical tension, or simply seeking deeper clarity and connection, I tailor each session to meet your unique needs and goals.

Hi I am Asia, but not like the continent. Think Aseeyah! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Maryland I received my Masters in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Maryland,and my MBA from UMGC. I have been practicing for 6 years and have been in the mental health field for over 14 years. I am also a Goodwill Career Coach and Navigator. I help those in transition figure out how to live their best and fabulous lives. I would love the opportunity to do the same for you.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, CEAP) based in California, Georgia, Maryland, and New Jersey. I received my Masters from the University of Maryland Baltimore and have been practicing for 25 years. I help young adults, adults, and elderly adults struggling with life transitioning issues that may cause stress, depression, and anxiety through CBT, DBT, and psychoeducation treatment modalities that helps individuals reach their highest potential.

Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in DC, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. I help young adults struggling with career stress and burnout become the best versions of themselves. I obtained my PhD in Human Behavior at Capella University, a Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling at Eastern University, and a Bachelors in Psychology Degree at West Chester University.

Hello there, and thank you for reaching out—that’s a meaningful first step. I’m Carrie Freshour, LCSW-C, a licensed clinical social worker with more than two decades of experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice is intentionally small, serving only a handful of clients at a time, so I can offer highly personalized, trauma-informed care. To ensure I can meet your needs with my current availability, a brief phone consultation is required. If we’re not the right fit, I’m happy to provide thoughtful guidance and warm referrals. I primarily support adults and young adults navigating anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, identity transitions, and the lingering impact of trauma—especially systemic and institutional trauma that often goes unnamed but deeply shapes how we show up in work, family, and community. My approach blends clinical expertise with real-world experience. I help clients: rebuild confidence and self-trust interrupt patterns of self-sabotage navigate conflict and communication challenges heal from environments that felt unsafe, invalidating, or toxic understand their nervous system responses and regain a sense of control I’m direct, compassionate, and unafraid of hard conversations when they lead to clarity and growth. I believe people are far more resilient than they realize, and sometimes they simply need a safe space—and the right tools—to rise again. If you’d like to explore working together, please message me with your phone number and three options for a 15-minute consultation call within the next one to two weeks. Taking this step takes courage. I’m honored to walk beside you as you move toward the life you want. Stronger together, Carrie PLEASE NOTE: 15-minute CONSULTATION CALL REQUIRED BEFORE SCHEDULING AN INTAKE. INTAKE WILL BE CANCELED before a call.

I spent many years as an educator in public schools and as a counselor. Now I have the privilege to devote my full time to mental health counseling. My focus is to help families and individuals navigate through life's challenges. I'd love to be your counselor - whether you would like to do pre-marital/couples counseling, to consciously uncouple/improve co-parenting dynamic, or focus on self-work.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 yrs. experience in partnering with my clients to assist in maximizing their wellness. I have worked extensively with trauma, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, pain management, substance abuse, life skills, and general personal well-being. I am a resident of Maryland and have worked extensively with the Veteran population and in the community in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. I am a competent social worker, who is knowledgeable in community-based resources and services within the Maryland area. My clinical style is one of true partnership and collaboration with my patients/clients. I recognize the strengths, preferences, and potential of all my clients I have done extensive case management, individual therapy, and couple and family counseling. I have worked in inpatient mental health settings and mental health outreach within the community. I have worked in government agencies such as child welfare, corrections, and substance in/outpatient treatment. I have also worked with LBGTQ clients.

Hillarie Akinwale is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland with over 5 years of experience in the human and behavioral health field. She also holds a masters in Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) and Childhood and Adolescents Disorders. She uses a comprehensive method to focus on areas like anxiety, depression, PTSD and more. Hillarie provides therapy to children, adolescents, women and men ranging from 7 years old to 65 years old.

Hi, I’m Tashia Weekes, a trauma-informed psychotherapist, cultural sound healer, and spiritual advocate based in Maryland. I received my Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) in 2018. I help individuals navigate life transitions, heal from emotional wounds, and reconnect with their authentic selves. My approach blends evidence-based practices with mindfulness and cultural awareness, creating a space where healing feels both practical and sacred. I believe therapy should feel like a partnership, one where you feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow. Together, we’ll explore patterns, release emotional burdens, and build tools for resilience so you can live with more peace, confidence, and intention.

My name is Jaime Gaudet and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and Art Therapist. I have over 23 years of experience working with multiple populations in multiple settings. I enjoy helping people problem solve and achieve their personal goals. I have been described by others as; creative, smart, caring and compassionate. In my free time I enjoy walking in nature, spending time with my family, making art and traveling.

Welcome! My name is Marian Robinson, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia with over 20 years of professional mental health experience. I have experience in helping clients with low motivation, relationship issues, self-esteem and confidence, career difficulties, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, grief, and end of life issues. I take an eclectic, person-centered approach, CBT and psychodynamic approach where you are in the driver seat in your own recovery. I am here to support you in that process and will meet you where you’re at, without judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I would be proud to help you get started.

Hello, My core belief is that all people are created equal; therefore, everyone has equal right to leave to their fullest potential. I earned my master’s in social work from University of Maryland, School of Social Work, Baltimore, MD in 2010. I have Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical (LCSW-C) in MD, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in DC and Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in VA. For more than 10 years, I have utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), humanistic, person-center, strength-focused therapy and other psychotherapy Intervention to assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual or family in diverse therapy environment. I am commented to assist people to live life to their fullest potential because we all have one life to live, and we deserve to be in peace with ourselves. I have worked with people in LGBTQ+ community both in individual and couple session. I am WPATH qualify to write gender affirming surgery letter.

Hello, I'm Shashana Carter. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and board-approved supervisor, with over 15 years of professional, life and clinical experience. I work with individuals 18-70 to resolve conflict and improve functioning in the lives of my clients. My specialty areas include depression, trauma, grief, life direction, excessive eating, stress, anxiety and relationship issues. Using an evidence-based person-centered approach, and solution-focused perspective will empower clients to overcome obstacles achieve realistic goals and provide solutions to problematic issues getting in the way of living a healthier lifestyle and having a more positive mindset.

My name is Circe Dunwoody. I am a license psychotherapist. In my psychotherapy practice I help couples and individuals to overcome life difficulties by using cognitive behavior therapy. Many couples and individuals feel overwhelmed by the desire to balance the high demands from work and family life. They report feelings of emptiness and loss of drive. Some report feeling of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Others contemplate divorce as a solution to decrease the pressure they are internalizing. You can contact me for help if you are experiencing some of the feelings I have mentioned above, and you are ready to make changes in your life. l work with couples and individuals in a safe and confidential platform environment. In life we all need support and understanding from others. Sometimes the best solution is to seek professional help. Having emotional support is extremely helpful. Relying on friends or family members is also helpful. However, you may not want to overwhelm them with problems. The most intelligent solution is seeking professional help.