Services

“There is something in us, as storytellers and as listeners to stories, that demands the redemptive act, that demands that what falls at least be offered the chance to be restored.”
-Flannery O’Conner (novelist & short story writer)

I use creative and experiential exercises such as bibliotherapy, journal writing, and drawing as well as relaxation and meditation techniques with clients. Sometimes, we may work on an activity in session but oftentimes I will assign “homework” for clients to complete when they have more time.

I am perceptive to my clients’ attitudes and comfort levels, as well as to their resistances, and I am deliberate with suggestions and ideas. I encourage new strategies when I sense readiness. I am comfortable asking questions about discomfort, whether it is about the subjects we discuss or the exercises I present to them, and I encourage this type of dialogue in sessions.

Understanding Pain Through Art

I think pain, as any other feeling, can be understood through stories in boundless ways. If you are the artistic, empathic or sensitive type, art can be profound in your healing process. Creative expressions have a way of honoring our experiences, the ecstatic and the dreadful. Pain is subjective and artists know this well.

It is challenging for people to face their struggles head on, at least in the beginning. The writer Elizabeth Bishop wrote that poetry “is a way of thinking with one’s feelings.” I share this sentiment and believe that while we may intellectualize our feelings through art, it is a defense that must be recognized, appreciated and explored. Without this armor, it is hard to be confronted with the struggles people face. When problems are confronted creatively and intuitively, people may feel liberated, once the words or images click. Writing compels feeling, without telling us how to feel. Authors, including you, the writer of your own life stories, capture those universal feelings, each through a unique narrative.

Individual Therapy

If you are seeking help for yourself, I want you to know that you are on the right path already. Choosing to put yourself in this vulnerable place means that you’ve decided there is no choice but to move forward in your life. Ironically, in therapy, most times we have to move backward in order to move forward. There are many ways to describe this process; I encourage you to create your own metaphors because you will be more likely to remember them between sessions.

In individual therapy I will challenge you to look at your life stories (the ways you perceive your feelings, your behaviors, your life, and your relationships) in a variety of ways. I advise my clients to meet with me on a weekly basis until progress is made and maintained. Sessions run a little under an hour.

Couples Therapy

In couples therapy, my objective is to provide guidance for couples struggling to keep a harmonious relationship. While couples therapy may strengthen a relationship, it can also shed light on dormant issues. Working through these conflicts is essential to a thriving relationship and I do not guarantee that couples therapy will save a struggling relationship, although it can certainly help.

I use Emotionally Focused Therapy in treating couples, focusing on the stuck pattern in the relationship rather than the stuck partner, and rely heavily on attachment theory as I learn about my clients’ histories and relationships. I trained with the founder of EFT– Sue Johnson– through an externship, and am in the process of becoming a certified EFT therapist. I also provide sex education as it relates to mental health. If one or both partners have traumatic histories, particularly sexual trauma, this may be a valuable topic to explore in couples therapy and I often encourage clients to seek individual therapy concurrently with couples therapy. As I align with both partners in couples therapy, I am happy to refer one or both partners to therapists to help treat their individual needs. Similarly, if I am already treating a client individually, and I find that couples therapy may be helpful, I will refer them to a couples therapist to treat my client and their partner together, concurrent with the individual therapy I will continue to provide my client.

Couples therapy is typically not covered by insurances. Sessions tend to run between an hour to an hour and a half. My rate for couples therapy is $150, both for assessment and ongoing sessions. Couples therapy tends to have a shorter timeline than typical therapy and runs for about 3–6 months, depending on the needs of the couple.

More about Gottman Therapy…

Family Therapy

In conjunction with individual therapy, sometimes a client requests to be seen for sessions in a family setting, or family members request to be seen with the client. Before taking this step, I discuss this possibility with the client to ensure that everyone is on board. If there is resistance, I encourage clients to voice their concerns.

If the family agrees to try this approach, we make the appropriate arrangements. I do not replace individual therapy completely with family therapy, unless there is good reason. Sometimes I suggest terminating family therapy, also based on good reason and judgment.

In family therapy, I evaluate the entire family system and not just the identified client. I assess family roles and expectations. I encourage open discussion and vulnerability among all family members involved. Sometimes, family sessions may become emotionally charged quickly, but this is a sign that change may be on the horizon.

As with individual therapy, family therapy is almost always covered by insurance. Please bear in mind that I only accept BCBS, but can also treat clients out of network. You may refer to the Fees page for more details.

Email or Call

Send an e-mail directly to me at
badalovalcswc@gmail.com

1-443-858-6036

5115 Roland Ave, Suite A
Baltimore, Maryland 21210