Therapist profile
Tracy Kessler, LISW, LCSW-C
Maryland
Licensed social worker - Anger and Trauma
Continue with TracyKey details
- CredentialsLISW, LCSW-C
- LicenseLCSW-C, Maryland / 15478; LCSW, Virginia / 0904013963; LISW, Ohio / I.2607959
- NPI1669896924
- Experience23 years
- LanguagesEnglish
- LocationMaryland
About
- CBT methods
- Mindfulness skills
- Strengths-based focus
About Tracy
Tracy Kessler is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) practicing in Maryland with 23 years of experience. She works with adults who struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship and family concerns, grief, and anger. Sessions are presented in a direct, practical way that focuses on real-life coping and problem solving.
Tracy draws on a strengths-based outlook and client-centered methods to help people notice what already works for them. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness techniques to address thinking patterns, impulsivity, and strong emotions. She also uses Trauma-Focused and Emotionally-Focused approaches when trauma or attachment issues are part of the picture.
Her background includes 18 years providing school-based mental health services to children and adolescents in the public school system. That work involved supporting survivors of child abuse, children in foster care, students with learning differences, and medically fragile children. These experiences shaped her focus on practical strategies and clear guidance.
Tracy lists additional focus areas such as caregiver stress, chronic illness, control issues, divorce and separation, domestic violence, body image, and forgiveness. She also notes work with mood disorders, panic and OCD-related issues, and compassion fatigue.
Outside of work she is a mother and enjoys outdoor activity and staying active with her sons. Her practice language is English and she does not take international clients.
How sessions work
How her therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Tracy commonly integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy in her work. CBT focuses on identifying thought patterns and testing new behaviors to reduce reactivity and impulse-driven responses. Mindfulness helps people notice bodily sensations and emotions early, so they can choose a calmer response instead of reacting immediately.She also uses client-centered principles that prioritize the person's perspective and strengths. That means she collaborates with clients to decide which methods to try and adjusts the plan based on what the person finds helpful. Deciding on an approach is a team effort that considers the client’s goals, daily demands, and comfort with techniques.
Confirm which session formats are available before booking, since the biography does not list specific delivery methods. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. Therapists and licensed professionals often adapt exercises and homework for remote sessions so tools learned in a meeting can be used during the week.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
23+ years
Listed in
Maryland, Virginia, Ohio
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger issues does she address?
She works with people who experience irritability, snapping at loved ones, workplace frustration, built-up resentment, and impulse control concerns.
How would she approach anger in sessions?
She uses client-centered work alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness to identify triggers and practice different responses to anger.
What is her professional background?
Tracy has 23 years of clinical experience, including 18 years in school-based mental health supporting children and adolescents.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds LISW and LCSW-C credentials and practices in Maryland.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.