2010 Annual Report

Education

Masters in Counseling and Psychology, Argosy University

Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology, Argosy University

License

Licensed Clinical Professional Therapist in Maryland (LC2381)

Philosophy

Dr. Cuomo has worked in the mental health field for more than 20 years. She has a passion for working with individuals who have experienced severe trauma and mental health distress that has interfered with their quality of life and has negatively affected their level of self-esteem and potential as remarkable human beings. She works with all ages, but particularly enjoys working with adolescents.

Dr. Cuomo works from a therapeutic approach that utilizes the therapeutic relationship as a stepping stone to healing and growth. She uses interventions that will produce change in the clients’ negative thinking and faulty belief systems that have perpetuated their current problems. She works in alliance with the client to achieve a greater quality of life for the future.

Leslie J. Marler, LCPC

Education

MS Pastoral Counseling: Loyola University in Maryland

Post Baccalaureate, education dept. leading to Professional Teaching Licensure in Early Childhood Education: West Virginia University

Post MS Training Areas: applied cognitive-behavioral concepts, couples counseling, child-in-family counseling, play therapy, brief solution focused therapy, grief and loss

BA Art: Berea College, Berea, Kentucky

License, Certification, Professional Memberships

LCPC: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Maryland

NCC: National Board Certified Counselor

Member ACA: American Counseling Association, 2003-present

Member IAMFC: International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors

Areas of Practice

• Mood Disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety issues, non-military PTSD
• Women’s and Girl’s Wellness and Life Skills
• Relationship Issues: couples, premarital counseling, child-in-family, parenting, codependency, and boundary work
• Personal Adjustment and Life Transition Issues: loss, bereavement, work stress, transition to college, personality modification, adult survivors of childhood abuses
• Pastoral Counseling: (individual): clergy and clergy family support, spiritual support through the counseling process, student and intern required therapy

Pastoral and Clinical Perspective

1. Since we are made in God’s image, we are assured that God will help us, his children, mature spiritually and emotionally. We also believe that every good gift of healing comes from the One who knows and loves us: when we are hurting, afraid, lonely, or sad, we are able to access God’s love and counsel through scripture, prayer, the advice of compassionate friends, and through a caring therapeutic relationship. 2. The quality of our relationships is influenced by our habitual ways of thinking. Distorted thinking patterns that contribute to symptoms of depression or anxiety are significantly reduced through cognitive behavioral therapy. Clients who practice corrective thinking can experience improved self-image, new optimism, and hope for the future. 3. Each of us is working on a mental blueprint of one or several personal goals. Part of my job is to help you clarify and verbalize your goals, assess where you are now in your journey, determine what is working for you, and encourage your continued progress. I offer clients a holistic perspective that incorporates their values; physical, social, and mental assets; skills, humor, and hope.

A new therapy group for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse is beginning in Gaithersburg, MD. Call 301-439-7191 for details.

Belita A. Proctor, LCPC

Education:

University of Louisville – BA in Spanish
Virginia Commonwealth University – MS in Rehabilitation Counseling

Licenses & Certifications:

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

Associations:

Member of

• American Counseling Association
• American Rehabilitation Counseling Association
• American Mental Health Counselors Association

Method of Counseling

My counseling approach is based on an eclectic model and is primarily influenced by my Christian walk with my savior Jesus Christ, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy. During therapy we will work together to assess where you are experiencing difficulties and what goals you have for therapy. This may require several methods including the intake process, tests, homework, and open conversation between counselor and client. By establishing a positive and trusting relationship, I will attempt to assist you with mental health needs.