Kris Gooding, LCSW  ...at Find-Within Counseling: Individual Therapy and Couples Counseling

A bit about me...


 I am a licensed clinical social worker.  I have a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland and a BA from The American University. I interned with very skilled psychotherapists during my graduate program and then participated in clinical supervision with intensive training with a group of experienced  trauma therapists - for two years post-graduate school  - in Washington DC, & Baltimore, Md. I have worked for over 20 years helping individuals, couples, groups and families reach their goals and heal from many of life's difficulties.


My passion is bringing to light the hidden elements that are impairing progress and harmony and sorting out together strategies and coping skills that will create the life my client desires. It is with respect and gratitude that I do this work, and when I can help someone find their true self, often hidden under past harms or faulty belief patterns, I feel very fulfilled.


Choosing a therapist -

Folks come to therapy for different reasons and with different levels of need.

Anxiety, depressive symptoms, trouble in relationships, experiences of abuse, dysfunctional family of origin issues, couples counseling, or worries about change and adjustment – these are some of the challenges that can be helped with therapy.

It can be hard for some people to ask for help. Many of us absorb messages from our environment that we need to go it alone when trouble or concerns arise. But we are all connected, and the truth is that everyone needs and deserves support. As an experienced clinician, I take my role in your healing or growth process seriously. I will work with you to identify roadblocks to change, increase awareness, and create a safe environment to explore a new path.

 
I have an eclectic approach to therapy and take each client’s unique personality and needs into consideration when developing an approach to our work.  Because therapy requires a therapeutic relationship, choosing a therapist is an important decision and so I encourage you to reach out by email for an introduction, and then we can set a time to speak for a brief telehealth consultation to determine if we are a good fit.


Commitment to strengthening and supporting lives affected by racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and other community dysfunction...


I bring extensive experience around assertiveness skill building, dating or social issues, personal safety, boundary setting and confidence building. I continue to grow in my understanding and approach to many of the effects of living in a divided and sometimes unkind world. For over 20 years I have been working with large and small groups of college age, teen, middle school and other communities experiencing hardships like these and helping bring tools that increase coping and self esteem as well as physical safety.


Treatment focus and modalities

Among the theories & approaches to practice that I commonly utilize are:  cognitive behavioral, attachment based, acceptance and commitment therapy,  emotionally focused couples therapy, mindfulness, & psychodynamic.


Some presenting concerns and issues I treat:

anxiety

self esteem and confidence

assertiveness and boundaries

healing trauma

PTSD

family of origin dysfunctions

relationship issues

communication problems

sexuality and intimacy

self esteem

postpartum anxiety and depression

divorce and break-ups

parenting struggles &  parenting coaching


other life changes, like adjusting to college or retirement