Psychologist Lara Peter providing different types of therapy in Willards

Lara Peter

Clinician
License Type(s): LCPC, BC-TMH, NCC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefEating disordersSelf esteemDepression
10 years offering treatment

Finding the right fit with a counselor matters, just like any other healthy relationship. It is of the utmost importance to feel supported and understood by your therapist; that you feel you can talk about everything and anything that you need or want to without fear of judgment. It may be helpful for you to know that I have also been the client in the therapeutic relationship and I understand the courage it takes to be vulnerable with another person. We will go at your pace in our work together so that the process is just as impactful as the destination. My name is Lara Peter and I am a licensed therapist (LCPC), a Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH), a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Board Approved Clinical Supervisor in Professional Counseling (ACS). I have both a B.A. and M.A. in Psychology. All of that alphabet soup aside, I have 15 years of experience in the field of mental health; 10 of those years as a therapist providing individual, family, and group therapy. I have had clients as young as 4 and through the lifespan; however, I specialize in providing individual therapy to adults. I have worked in a variety of settings including outpatient, in-home, residential, public school and universities. I believe my role as a therapist to be like that of a sponge and a mirror. I soak in what you share with me during our conversations together and reflect back to you your disclosures to foster greater self-awareness and insight into the root of the concern. My theoretical orientation is foundationally person-centered and solution-focused; however, I am eclectic in my interventions and draw from an array of theoretical approaches to best meet your needs. What this means is that I take an empowering non-judgmental stance to my work and will not only listen but also provide you with feedback, tools, and resources to help you actively achieve your goals. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to counseling and I creatively partner with you to help bring about the changes you seek. I find building therapeutic relationships with my clients to be very fulfilling and genuinely appreciate the trust placed in me with the intimate details of your life. Thanks for taking the time to read a bit about me and I look forward to hearing more from you!

Psychologist Michael Misterka providing different types of therapy in Willards

Michael Misterka

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW-C
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger management
15 years offering treatment

As a therapist my goal is to assist people with making practical changes in their lives. Making therapeutic progress can alleviate suffering and increase satisfaction with life but the process can be a painful journey especially when family of origin or significant others are involved. The counseling strategies I use are a mix of developmental, psycho-dynamic, cognitive, reality therapy and experiential practices. The heart of my effort is client centered and client motivated. I encourage authentic discussion about these strategies and value decision making by those I serve. As the client it is your decision to determine what you want from therapy and about what changes you want to make in your life. I will be your partner and will walk with you until you reach your goals. I have fifteen years of experience in counseling practice. The areas of my practice have focused a lot on men and women, relationship conflict, trauma and abuse, parenting issues and families with substance abuse, incarceration and reentry, combat veterans and readjustment to civilian life, anxiety, depression, anger management and coping with life changes.

Psychologist Linda Johannisson providing different types of therapy in Willards

Linda Johannisson

Clinician
License Type(s): L.C.S.W.-C.
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesEating disordersDepression
30 years offering treatment

Welcome to Better Help Counseling! Please give yourself credit for taking this difficult and important step towards improving your health and your life. I most certainly give you credit. I know it is not always easy to open up to someone that you don't really know. So, Big Time Congratulations on having the courage to do something that will be both valuable and helpful for you and quite possibly those around you as well. My name is Linda Johannisson. I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (L.C.S.W.-C.) in the state of Maryland. I earned my Masters of Social Work degree in 1994 from the School of Social Work at the University of Maryland, with a subspecialty in Mental Health. For over 26 years I have practiced as a therapist in many settings, from the fast-paced environment of the Emergency Room to the more relaxed setting of Private Practice. I have had the honor of working with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, veterans, the homeless and medically complex care patients. These clients brought a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety (including PTSD), relationship issues, parenting problems, family conflict, alcohol, drug, food, and behavioral addictions, grief and loss, anger management, emotional abuse, career challenges and more. Additionally, I have had two other careers which afford me a great broad perspective and ability to understand life from a non-therapist view. In 1978, I graduated from San Diego State University, CA with Bachelor’s of Art in Telecommunications & Film, with a Minor in Spanish. I worked as a producer and writer at the local ABC Television station in San Diego and learned many skills including video competence, the importance of knowing my audience and the impact of emotional connection. In 1984 I graduated from Officer’s Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and worked on the beginnings of the Internet. I learned many skills including computer proficiency, the importance of being prompt and available. My second duty assignment was as the Admiral’s Aide at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Again I learned many skills such as the ability to work with people from different countries and cultures from all over the world and the importance of attention to detail. Because your experiences are unique, I will do my best to meet you where you are. I want what is best for you just as much as you do! As a therapist I strive to be supportive, empathetic, validating, and comfortable to talk with because when sharing private thoughts or fragile topics it is imperative that you feel at ease and safe. Additionally, I will help you set individual and realistic goals. Adjectives that might describe my style are: engaged, respectful, down to earth, relaxed, practical, mindful, insight-oriented, and solution focused. I lean more towards a collaborative, engaging and interactive approach so that feel you are not doing all the talking. I do my best to go at your pace and have a youthful, somewhat playful demeanor. I honor your innate intelligence and know that when you look within, you gain confidence in yourself and your choices. At times I might recommend reading a short book, or give you a handout, or have your complete a creative assignment to deepen your process between sessions. If you believe in balancing mind, body, and spirit, then we might be a good fit for each other, as each is essential to the healing process. Finally, it is important to me that you feel better after meeting with me. I offer my warm welcome and offer my help to get you on your path to health, happiness, self confidence and peace.

Psychologist Alan Warner providing different types of therapy in Willards

Alan Warner

Clinician
License Type(s): LISW-S, LCSW,LICDC-CS
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
30 years offering treatment

I became a Chemical Dependency Counselor in 1995 and received my MSW in Clinical Social Work from Ohio State in 2002. I have been a Licensed Independent Social Worker since 2005. I have worked mostly with adults and some teenagers dealing primarily with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. I have a holistic perspective of mental wellness and view counseling and other healthy life choices as a way to achieve personal empowerment and actualization. This includes family of origin work and working to let go of ingrained thinking and behaviors that hold a person back from achieving the quality of life they want and deserve. I am trauma-informed and comfortable working with members of the LGBT community. I also have experience working with grief and loss issues. My primary modalities are Cognitive-Behavioral, Solutions Focused, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy. Counseling is a client-driven process and is about the issues and concerns the client wants to address and work on.

Psychologist Steven Lanman providing different types of therapy in Willards

Steven Lanman

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
30 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Maryland and Virginia with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Jennifer Friedman providing different types of therapy in Willards

Jennifer Friedman

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years offering treatment

I am a LCSW-C in Maryland with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Sarah Larsen-Astrones providing different types of therapy in Willards

Sarah Larsen-Astrones

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
13 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Maryland and Nebraska with 13 years of professional work experience. I am a former counseling intern site-supervisor and CE course provider having taught at colleges and universities in multiple states. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (neurodivergence). I work with my clients to create an open, private, and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Patricia Ernster providing different types of therapy in Willards

Patricia Ernster

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years offering treatment

I am a compassionate, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 15+ years of experience in providing counseling services to individuals, couples, and families, including substance abuse issues (both the addicted and the family). I have proven ability to create a supportive and nurturing environment for clients to discuss their concerns and address changes they wish to achieve. I am skilled in using evidence-based techniques, TFCBT and DBT for example, to help clients achieve their goals. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. To move forward to a better life that first step must be taken. I am here to support you in finding a more fulfilling and happier life.

Psychologist Lakia McMillion providing different types of therapy in Willards

Lakia McMillion

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Maryland with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Cameron Hollenberg providing different types of therapy in Willards

Cameron Hollenberg

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment

I’m a licensed therapist in Maryland with over 10 years of professional experience helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in working with clients facing stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, anger management, low self-esteem, and major life transitions. My approach is warm, respectful, and tailored to your unique needs—because therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for growth, I’m here to support you.

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What types of therapists are available to clients in Willards?

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Willards that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.

Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform

Mental health therapists in Willards available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Willards therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Willards therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Willards region and in the state of Maryland.

How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?

Therapists in Willards can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Willards may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Willards offering online therapy or in person?

Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.

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