Therapists in Bel Air, MD

Welcome! I’m Shelley Maxwell, LCSW-C at Piece of Mind Behavioral Therapy. I focus on providing individuals and families with the support they need to put the pieces of their lives together. I provide individual therapy for those ready to take the steps to bring “Piece of Mind'' to their lives.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 18 years’ experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in several different capacities in the mental health since 2004. I have had the benefit of working in several different capacities including outpatient mental health, school based mental health, inpatient treatment, crisis intervention as well as the correctional system.

Life happens, which can foster a need for healing and connection. I’ve learned that as humans, we often avoid our pain and discomfort which can keep us stuck. Depression, anxiety and trauma can often be debilitating. Learning about yourself and how to obtain your wants and needs in life is so important. Doing “the work” needed for change can be hard. As your ally and advocate, I will be present with you and in support of you, throughout your “work.”

Have you been feeling stuck with emotional pain from traumatic experiences or life stressors/transitions and keep ignoring the signs? The difficult thoughts, feelings, and unexplained behaviors (frequent crying, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, poor appetite, self-harm, trouble concentrating, isolation, etc...) that are keeping you from becoming the best version of yourself. This may seem difficult but you are not alone. I have experience working in a school-based and outpatient clinical setting. I welcome you and will support you in this journey of choosing YOU! It is never too late for change!

Guided Hope Counseling is dedicated to providing exceptional quality and highly accessible trauma-informed outpatient mental health care. At Guided Hope, we have therapists who specialize in the treatment of mental health issues such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, PTSD, Grief & Loss, Trauma, and more. Guided Hope also offers support and solutions for families working on marital issues, peaceful co-parenting, blended families, managing challenging behaviors in children, and supporting loved ones through challenging life transitions. We support all varieties of families and are sensitive to the needs of the LGBTQ community.

Are you feeling invisible? Angry about a breakup? Have you recently experienced a loss/death? Do you feel misunderstood? Are you experiencing more pain, burnout, and/or fatigue than normal? Does your adolescent need extra support? Is your family/relationship falling apart? If your answer to any of these questions is "Yes," or even if you have questions of your own, it may be time to reach out and talk through those thoughts and feelings. I would be delighted to be the person you reach out to.

Hello! You are here, looking for a therapist, you are taking the first important step towards healing! "The wound is where the light enters you" - Rumi. I believe that there is always hope, even in the most difficult circumstances. I compassionately will support your journey as you work towards self-understanding, healing and growth; focusing on living your life with purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.

Throughout life everyone experiences varying degrees of struggle which often feel completely unmanageable when we try to brave it alone. The shame and embarrassment that can be associated with asking for help can be paralyzing and can leave us writhing in pain and feeling alone. When in reality, the ability to recognize the need for support is something that should be celebrated and admired. If you are brave enough to reach out, you deserve a safe space of non judgment, empathy, compassion and understanding where you can sort through your concerns and learn the skills to eventually better manage them on your own.

Are you a mom suffering from postpartum depression or anxiety? Was your birth experience not at all what you expected and now you're struggling to handle how you're feeling? I can help you process, feel seen, and feel better. I believe that everyone has the ability to heal with the right help and you deserve to feel happy. I believe that the relationship that one has with their therapist is the most important part in guiding others to a place where they want to be, where they can function more effectively, and most importantly, thrive.

Availability: I only have Virtual Day Time appointments available right now- It takes incredible strength to reach out for help when you are struggling. I am honored that you are considering me as someone to stand by you on your healing journey. I have experience working with individuals of all ages struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, and life changes. My primary training focus is trauma treatment and attachment, most recently earning an Advanced Trauma Treatment certification through the Ferentz Institute.

I began working in the mental health field in 2007 as part of a therapy team and in 2013 opened Ahimsa Counseling with the mission to provide LGBTQIA affirming and culturally competent counseling to individuals in Harford County. I work with adolescents (16 and up) and adults, with a specialization in trauma informed and healing centered care. I utilize strength based client focused therapies including EMDR, CBT, EFT, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in order to assist clients processing through and healing prior trauma. This work aids clients in empowerering themselves while they recover, grow, and learn healthier ways of being.

Are struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction and negative thoughts. Are your relationships in turmoil, unfulfilling or nonexistent? What about your physical health are you carrying extra weight, struggling with sleep, high blood pressure etc. You want your anxiety to go away, to feel more in control of yourself and be more confident. You have dreams and desires in your heart but something always holds you back from pursuing them. The only good news about past trauma, anxiety and addiction is they can be overcome. Using the power of EMDR therapy, natural wellness and sound clinical skills you can take control and heal.

With the stress of the modern world, our hustle and bustle culture, and the limited time we have for connection today, people come to therapy looking for a place to let it all out. I am here to facilitate that safe space for you! If you have suffered from trauma, grief, or are adjusting to life stressors such as a new school, relationship, or more - I will help you find the concrete tools you need to get through. If you are noticing relationship patterns that you need to change, or are interested in integrating traumatic experiences so you can move forward in life, let's talk!

As we journey through life, we encounter obstacles and challenges through the interactions we have with our family, our friends, and our environment that shape our reactions to the world around us and impact our self-perception. We may be unaware of how these behaviors negatively impact our day to day interactions and functioning that may be hindering our potential, leading to existential crises and feelings of aimlessness and hopelessness.

Every day we have a choice in life, do we repeat or evolve? Working together, we will create a treatment plan to help you live your best life. A motivated adolescent or adult can successfully change their perceptions regarding their trauma, anxiety, and/or depression through detailed, science-based exercises that will help them create attainable goals and master techniques to create lasting behavioral change. An ideal client will commit to and engage in consistent therapy and is willing to identify what is important to them for growth and life success.

Every stage of life presents different challenges and obstacles. We can often handle life’s challenges with grace, but sometimes we need help, and that's OK. Sometimes we need help navigating the chaos of life to find the best path forward. I work with children, teens, adults, and families struggling with many issues including anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, ADHD, autism, LGBTQ+ issues, behavioral issues, school-related concerns, racial and cultural identity issues, parenting, trauma, divorce, grief, college and career counseling, and compassion fatigue. It would be my honor to support you on your journey to wellbeing.

The journey to overcome any life challenges, changes, and stressors can seem scary and overwhelming. I am here to relieve you of some of these feelings and help you through this process. I know sharing you story may be difficult and it may bring up emotions that we might try to avoid. I will create a safe space and a trusting environment within our therapeutic relationship, so you feel comfortable sharing your story. Wherever you are in your story, we will work together to explore your goals to support you in becoming the best version of you in a life that you enjoy!

I believe that my purpose in life is to help people and give back to the world that has given me so much. I have extensive experience helping individuals and families manage difficulties while identifying existing strengths. I believe in providing a safe, non-judgmental and genuine space for therapeutic collaboration to thrive. I have an excellent reputation for building strong and lasting relationships with clients and providing quality service. I have the utmost confidence that we can work with together to find the approach to troubling life problems that works best for you.

PLEASE EMAIL ME DIRECTLY TO SEE ABOUT AVAILABILITY OR INQUIRE ABOUT SERVICES. - www.robhardesty.com - Therapy can help us move beyond emotional or behavioral problems. It is an effective tool that can help find relief from feelings of emotional pain, trauma, depression, anxiety, or life's stressors. But most importantly it can also provide growth in a positive direction to improve one's life for the better.