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Tracy Kessler

Therapist · Maryland

Tracy Kessler, LISW, LCSW-C

Compassionate practical help for everyday habits

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  • Thoughts and habits
  • Trauma informed care
  • Strengths based

About Tracy

Tracy Kessler is a licensed social worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and everyday habits that get in the way of feeling steady. She brings 23 years of clinical experience to sessions and focuses on practical change. Tracy is warm, approachable, and encourages small steps that add up over time.

She uses a strengths-based outlook to help people notice what already works and build on it. Her approach draws on client-centered methods that honor each person’s goals and perspectives. Cognitive behavioral techniques are used to spot unhelpful thinking and try new behaviors that reduce distress.

Tracy has spent 18 years providing school-based mental health services for children and adolescents in the public school system. That background informs her work with trauma, ADHD, and PTSD, and shapes how she supports parenting and family-related concerns. She also has experience with mood and eating concerns, grief, caregiver stress, and anger issues.

Her sessions often focus on practical tools - simple habits, mindful awareness, and emotion-focused work that improves connection and coping. She frames change as intentional and gradual, helping people learn skills they can use day to day. Tracy brings energy, encouragement, and a straightforward style to conversations.

Outside of work she is a mother and enjoys being outdoors and staying active. She values honesty, hard work, and compassion, and aims to make therapy a collaborative space for learning and growth.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSelf-harmSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

23+ years

Credentials

Maryland, Virginia, Ohio

Languages

English

How Tracy’s approaches translate to online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following the client's goals. The therapist reflects back what she hears and helps people clarify what they want to change, which can guide online sessions toward concrete steps. Cognitive behavioral therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses brief experiments and habit changes to reduce distress; that approach works well when tracking daily routines and testing new behaviors between meetings.

Tracy treats approach selection as a collaborative process. She will talk with the client about goals, try methods that match those goals, and adjust the plan as needed. Finding the right mix of listening, skill-building, and emotion-focused work happens over a few sessions rather than all at once.

If you prefer to use online therapy, confirm the session formats available before booking, since specific format options are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and support using tools like worksheets or mindfulness exercises during and between sessions. Licensed professionals can help set up a schedule that fits daily life and personal goals.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Tracy address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma and related concerns like grief, parenting strain, eating issues, and mood disorders.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is warm and practical, using client-centered conversations and cognitive behavioral techniques to change thoughts and habits.

What is her clinical background?

She has 23 years of experience and spent 18 years providing school-based mental health services to children and adolescents.

What credentials and location apply?

She holds LISW and LCSW-C credentials and practices from Maryland.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the country work with her?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin working together?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

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