- CBT strategies
- Mindfulness skills
- Emotion-focused work
About Tracy
Tracy Kessler is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW-C, practicing in Maryland with 23 years of experience. She helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem issues, and other concerns listed in her specialties.
Tracy uses a strengths-based, client-centered approach that focuses on practical change. She encourages clear goals and works with people to identify small steps they can take. Sessions include direct conversation, skills practice, and strategies drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness when useful.
Much of her recent work has been in school-based mental health for children and adolescents. That experience informs how she talks with parents and caregivers about attention differences, trauma responses, and behavior challenges. She also has experience supporting survivors of domestic violence and child abuse, and people coping with mood and eating disorders.
Tracy describes her practice as grounded in transformation education, which means helping people change patterns in their lives and surroundings to support better outcomes. She blends emotionally-focused methods to address relationship dynamics and trauma-focused techniques when past events are central to current difficulties.
Outside clinical work she mentors and advocates for children, and balances work with family life as a mother. Her style is direct and encouraging; sessions tend to focus on practical skills, reflection, and planning steps clients can try between meetings.
How Tracy integrates therapeutic approaches in online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on the person’s goals and experiences. It centers the conversation on what matters most to the client and supports their ability to make choices and try new behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) breaks problems into patterns of thoughts and actions; it teaches concrete skills to test and change unhelpful thinking and behavior, which is often useful for anxiety and panic symptoms.Finding the best approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to choose which methods to try based on needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative process includes checking in about what feels helpful and adjusting techniques over time.
Confirm the current session options before booking, since formats are not listed here. Many people find online sessions help fit therapy into their day, making it easier to schedule appointments around work, school, or caregiving. Online sessions can also allow shorter check-ins when needed, let someone avoid travel time, and make it simpler to practice skills between meetings. Licensed professionals tailor sessions to what the client needs within the available formats.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
23+ years
Listed in
Maryland, Virginia, Ohio
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, depression, ADHD, relationship and family issues, and related topics listed in her specialties.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her work is client-centered and strengths-based, using practical steps, skills practice, and reflection. She often includes cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques.
How much experience does she have?
She has 23 years of professional experience, including about 18 years providing school-based mental health services.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds LISW and LCSW-C credentials and practices in Maryland.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions charged?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.