Trauma Counseling - Children smiling together

Children

Trauma Specialists of Maryland has a team of dedicated clinicians to meet the mental health needs of our clients. We have convenient hours after-school or via Telehealth.  In our offices, we have safe spaces for children and adolescents to explore and engage with our clinicians.  EMDR therapy can be provided to children and adolescents both in-person and via Telehealth.  We are affirming and inclusive of all children and adolescents finding their own identity within the LGBTQIA+ community.   

 

Services for Children and Adolescents include:

  • Adolescent DBT Group
  • Play Therapy
  • EMDR
  • Family Therapy
  • Attachment Therapy 
  • Adoption Support
  • Neurofeedback

 

We have convenient hours after-school or via Telehealth.  In our offices, we have safe spaces for children and adolescents to explore and engage with our clinicians.  EMDR therapy can be provided to children and adolescents both in-person and via Telehealth.  We are affirming and inclusive of all children and adolescents finding their own identity within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Our clinicians provide therapy for children who may be experiencing ADD/ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Behavioral Concerns, Grief, Life Transitions, Abuse, Grief and Addiction.

Please let us know if you have multiple family members that are seeking therapy.  Our goal is to schedule each family member with their own clinician.  If you’d like to learn more about these services and what we can offer, please complete our request for appointment form (LINK) and someone will be in touch with you soon!

Please note that many of our Child and Adolescent Clinicians will often see rising adults or College-Aged Students.  We strive to provide the best fit possible and will work with you at intake to determine the best fit with our available appointments.

Clinicians who serve children:

Sarah Martin, LCPC, NCC

Sarah Martin

LCPC, NCC

Clinical Director

Sarah Martin, LCPC, NCC

Sarah Martin, LCPC, NCC

Sarah is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland and a Board Certified Counselor (through NBCC). Sarah has over 8 years of experience working in the mental health field. Sarah has extensive experience working with diverse individuals of all ages and families who have experienced trauma. She is passionate about helping individuals cope with medical trauma as well as helping families navigate adoption and the foster care system. Sarah is trained in EMDR, Neurofeedback, and offers Alpha-Stim treatment. 

Contact Information:

Sarah can be reached at 301-304-7108 x 805 or sarahm@traumaspecialistsofmd.com.

Marlee Bardenett, LPC, NCC

Marlee Bardenett

LCPC, NCC

Marlee Bardenett, LPC, NCC

Marlee Bardenett, LCPC, NCC

Marlee is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in both Maryland and Virginia. Marlee works with children, teens, and adults who are facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, dissociation, trauma, and relationship concerns. She strives to create a safe, warm environment where individuals who are having difficulties connecting with family and friends can build healthy connections. Marlee has previous experience working with teens experiencing significant mental health crises in a partial hospitalization setting. Marlee uses a psychodynamic and attachment-based approach to meet her clients where they are at. Marlee is EMDR certified and enjoys integrating EMDR with ego state approaches and Sandtray Therapy. She enjoys using playful, creative approaches to support her clients because sometimes words can be difficult or insufficient. Marlee is LGBTQIA+ affirming.

Contact Information:

Marlee can be contacted at marlee@traumaspecialistsofmd.com or 301-304-7108 ext 815.

Kaitlin Kennedy, LCSW-C

Kaitlin Kennedy

LCSW-C

Kaitlin Kennedy, LCSW-C

Kaitlin Kennedy, LCSW-C

Kaitlin is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical.  She brings extensive experience to the team treating children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma.  Kaitlin is trained in EMDR Therapy and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy).  She offers treatment for depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, behavioral issues and family therapy. 

Contact Information:

 

Kaitlin can be reached at kaitlin@traumaspecialistsofmd.com or 301-304-7108 x 803. 

Callie Hildreth, CSW

Callie Hildreth

LCSW-C

Site Supervisor

Callie Hildreth, CSW

Callie Hildreth, LCSW-C

 

Callie is a clinical social worker who believes every person has the power to create a life they enjoy. She has extensive training in various trauma-focused and informed treatments. Her experience includes working with survivors of child abuse, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. She is an LGBTQIA affirming therapist, a trauma-informed yoga teacher, and is EMDR trained.

Contact Information:

To reach Callie, email callie@traumaspecialistsofmd.com or call (301) 304-7108 ext 821

A.J. Wagner, LGPC

A.J. Wagner

LCPC

Marketing Specialist

A.J. Wagner, LGPC

A.J. Wagner, LCPC

A.J. Wagner is a trauma and child specialized LCPC in MD, though she loves working with all ages. Often, A.J. works with individuals who want to reprocess their trauma, wish to deepen their understanding of their complex and/or childhood trauma, and those who may have intersectionality in race, neurodivergence, and LGBTQIA+ traumas. Some modalities used are: EMDR, DBT, IFS, person-centered, multicultural, interpersonal, and compassion focused therapies as well as eclectic approaches. A.J. has a passion for working with those who want to break away from toxic cycles and develop new patterns of harmonious relationships with both others, and themselves.

Contact Information:

To reach A.J. directly, please email aj@traumaspecialistsofmd.com or call 301-304-7108 x 822.

 
Jamie Sedgwick, LCPC, NCC

Elisabeth Rzepkowski

LCPC

Elizabeth Forbes, LGPC

EIisabeth Rzepkowski, LCPC

Liz (She/her) is a LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist who has many years of experience working in the mental health field including in-patient hospitalization, school-based settings and outpatient. Liz enjoys working with multiple populations including children, adolescents and adults in a person-centered and attachment-based approach. 

Liz is EMDR certified and also likes incorporating concepts of DBT, IFS theory, mindfulness and strength-based approaches to help identify, and bring out your most authentic self. She enjoys incorporating different concepts such as art and music into the treatment process as well. She is also trained in Alpha-Stim Treatment.  

Liz understands that the healing process is not often a direct route, but with much more to be gained in taking a scenic view.

Contact Information:

To reach Liz, email lizr@traumaspecialistsofmd.com or call 301-304-7108 x 825.

Jamie Sedgwick, LCPC, NCC

Susan Vanderhoff

LCSW-C

Elizabeth Forbes, LGPC

Susan Vanderhoff, LCSW-C

Susan is a licensed social worker with over 25 years of clinical experience with children and their families, adults and groups. She is certified in EMDR through EMDRIA and has worked with a variety of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety and trauma. She has a deep belief in the resilience of the human spirit and our ability to heal. She uses a variety of therapeutic modalities to support healing including EMDR, play therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques. Because everything that happens to us happens in the body, Susan includes mind/body work in most sessions. Susan has found her training in trauma sensitive yoga to be a great benefit to her work. She is awed by the courage and commitment witnessed in her clients and consider it a great privilege to help navigate that journey.

Contact Information:

To reach Susan, email susan@traumaspecialistsofmd.com or call (301) 304-7108 ext 838.

Jamie Sedgwick, LCPC, NCC

Christine Wolf

LCPC, E-RYT

Elizabeth Forbes, LGPC

Christine Wolf, LCPC, E-RYT 500

Christine Wolf, LCPC, E-RYT, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher. Christine provides treatment for children (including birth to five) and adults. Christine is trained in EMDR and utilizes attachment theory as a foundation for trauma-focused interventions including strengths-based and psychodynamic approaches, parts work, and play-based therapy. Christine also offers Alpha-Stim treatment and incorporates trauma informed yoga and mindfulness to support nervous system regulation. Specialties include PTSD and complex trauma, depression, anxiety, adoption/foster care, parent-child work, and grief.

As the Community Development Specialist, Christine also provides training to community agencies and provides EMDR treatment interventions for large groups including Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization (ASSYST), EMDR Therapy for Early Intervention and Ongoing Traumatic Stress Protocol (IGTP-OTS), Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP), and Childrens Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (C-GTEP. 

To reach Christine, email christine@traumaspecialistsofmd.com or call (301) 304-7108 ext 836.

Victoria Russo

LMSW

Elizabeth Forbes, LGPC

Victoria Rose Russo, LMSW

Victoria Rose Russo, LMSW (she/her) provides holistic and trauma-informed therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Victoria graduated with a Master's in Social Work from Columbia University in the City of New York in 2017. Victoria developed her person-centered approach while working with clients who have experienced significant trauma, incarceration, immigration, family separation, and residential mental health and substance use treatment. 

Victoria believes that all parts of a person's experience are interconnected, and that trauma impacts not only the mind, but also the body. Victoria engages a variety of clinical approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness. She incorporates mindfulness, breathing practices, and somatic techniques, rooted in her background as a yoga teacher (RYT 200). Victoria believes in the importance of acknowledging and exploring identity and is committed to providing anti-oppressive and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapeutic care.

Life can be unimaginably challenging and unpredictable at times, but humans are tremendously resilient and have an incredible capacity to heal and grow. Victoria is passionate about supporting clients in building tools to help them find a way forward even through the murkiest moments. Victoria believes that caring for ourselves can take many forms, and that it is never too late to begin healing. 

Contact Information:

Victoria@traumaspecialistsofmd.com / 301-304-7108 Ext: 863

 

Neena Tran

LMSW

Elizabeth Forbes, LGPC

Neena Tran, LMSW

Neena (she/her) is a licensed practitioner with a Master's degree in Social Work from Fordham University. She is an LGBTQIA+ affirming clinician who utilizes a compassionate and client centered approach. Recognizing the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and social well-being, Neena adopts a holistic approach to treatment. Neena has received specialized training in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. 

Neena’s approach to social work is defined by empathy, professionalism and a dedication to social justice. She appreciates the uniqueness of each individual and creates a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings. 

Neena specializes in addressing intergenerational trauma, recognizing its profound impact on individuals and families. Through a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed lens, she collaborates with clients to explore the legacy of historical and familial wounds. Neena is committed to breaking the cycle of trauma and strives to foster healing and resilience.

 

Clinicians who serve adolescents:

Whitney Dahlberg

LCPAT

Elizabeth Forbes, LGPC

Whitney Dahlberg, LCPAT

Whitney is a Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist. As an art therapist, she is trained in traditional counseling techniques with a specialization in art modalities.Through art making and dialogue, she pays special attention to the experiences of our mind-body connection utilizing a holistic, process-oriented perspective and works from an individualized, strengths-based, trauma-informed lens. She seeks to provide a visual channel through meaning-making to safely express and navigate obstacles to healing. Engaging in the process of art itself can improve self-esteem, increase emotional self-efficacy, and facilitate an individual sense of identity.

Whitney is an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist who creates an environment of safety, trust, and respect for her clients. She specializes in working with teens and adults experiencing grief, depression, anxiety, medical diagnosis, and trauma. She is passionate about art as a tool for communication and the healing power of the creative process. Whitney is an EMDR trained and pursuing EMDR certification.

301.304.7108 x.809
Email: whitney@traumaspecialistsofmd.com

Laura Williams

LCPC, LGADC, NCC, CCTP

Elizabeth Forbes, LGPC

Laura Williams, LCPC, LGADC, NCC, CCTP

Laura is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and licensed graduate alcohol and drug counselor (LGADC) in the state of Maryland. She holds national and international certifications from the NBCC and IC&RC as a national certified counselor (NCC) and alcohol and drug counselor. She is a certified clinical trauma professional (CCTP) and EMDR Certified by EMDRIA. Laura has 8 years of experience working with kids, teens, and adults with anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. She is passionate about advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice issues. Laura also focuses on creating an authentic, secure space for people previously hurt by counselors or religion. She views counseling as a space for processing and acknowledging pain while searching for hope in the midst of life's messes. 

Contact Information:

To reach Laura, email laura@traumaspecialistsofmd.com or call 301-304-7108 ext 807.

Nora Schaefer

LGPC

Elizabeth Forbes, LGPC

Nora Schaefer, LGPC

 

Nora is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) who works with adults and adolescents navigating grief and loss, anxiety, depression, medical diagnoses and life transitions. Nora is an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist with experience in crisis counseling, family counseling, treatment for anxiety and depression, and as an educator in school settings. Nora is EMDR trained and uses CBT, person-centered, mindfulness and strengths-based approaches. Nora is also passionate about art and integrating visual approaches and creativity into the process of healing.