LISW, MD, LCSW-C

Tracy Kessler, LISW, MD, LCSW-C

Experience23 years
LocationMaryland
Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Trauma and abuse
Therapy approachesClient-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Check the available next steps for working with Tracy online.

About Tracy

Tracy Kessler is a licensed clinical social worker with 23 years of experience who centers care on practical strengths and compassionate presence. She brings a holistic, strengths-based perspective that helps clients identify tools they already have and build new strategies for change.

Background and approach

Tracy emphasizes authenticity, humility, and collaboration while guiding people through challenges such as stress, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, depression, and a wide range of mood and behavioral concerns. Her practice is informed by transformation education, a framework that supports intentional change in both personal habits and the surrounding environment.

Much of her recent work has been school-based, providing mental health services to children and adolescents over the past 18 years, and she has experience with survivors of abuse, developmental and medical challenges, domestic violence, eating disorders, behavioral issues, and foster care involvement.

Tracy describes herself as approachable, energetic, and encouraging, and she brings advocacy, mentoring, and coaching into her clinical work when appropriate.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Tracy integrates client-centered therapy and trauma-focused methods to support growth and healing. Client-centered work emphasizes listening, empathy, and collaboration so clients feel heard and can set goals that matter to them; this approach is helpful for concerns like low self-esteem, relationship struggles, and general life transitions. Trauma-focused therapy concentrates on addressing the impact of past traumatic experiences and building coping strategies to reduce symptoms related to PTSD, abuse, or complex trauma.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to explore what methods fit their goals, preferences, and needs, and may blend techniques over time to find the most helpful path forward.

Online sessions are offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for people with busy schedules or limited local options. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care while allowing clients to engage from home, at work breaks, or while traveling, and they support a range of therapeutic activities from skills practice to deeper emotional processing.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?

Areas of focus include stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, ADHD, depression, relationship and family issues, grief, eating and parenting concerns, bipolar and mood disorders, OCD and panic, among other related challenges.

What is the therapeutic style and approach used in sessions?

The approach blends client-centered work with cognitive behavioral techniques, emotionally-focused strategies, mindfulness, and trauma-focused interventions to meet each client's needs.

How much clinical experience does the therapist have?

The clinician has 23 years of professional experience, including 18 years providing school-based mental health services to children and adolescents.

Which credentials and location are listed for this therapist?

Credentials include LISW, MD, and LCSW-C with licence details OH LISW I.2607959 and MD LCSW-C 15478, and the therapist practices in Maryland.

Does this therapist work in languages other than English or with international clients?

Services are provided in English, and international clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available for appointments?

Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on client preference and therapist availability.

How are fees and payment handled for therapy?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions are billed through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What steps are involved in beginning therapy with this clinician?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling sessions according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression ADHD

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issues Body imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shame Impulsivity Mood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSelf-harmSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

23+ years

Licensed

Maryland, Virginia, Ohio

Languages

English

What Tracy can help with

Tracy Kessler works with clients on stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, depression, and ADHD.

Tracy works with ADHD, PTSD, and child trauma.

Tracy works with survivors of child abuse and trauma.

How Tracy approaches therapy

Tracy's clinical approaches include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Tracy is a Licensed Independent Social Worker practicing in Maryland, with 23 years of clinical experience.