Hello, I’m Laura Goldstein! I am a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist in Rockville MD and the founder of Montgomery County Counseling Center, LLC. My career path in this field started first and foremost because of my passion for family therapy! I truly believe that nothing happens in a vacuum of just one person. Sustainable change happens when the entire system shifts. Therefore, whether or not the entire family is in the therapy space, we must consider the whole family’s relationship dynamics.
Because of this perspective, I can work with individuals, couples, and families alike. I believe that clients are the experts in their own lives. So, my goal is to create a safe and non-judgemental space for them to explore the issues that matter most to them. At the same time, I also believe that clients come to therapy looking for expertise. If what you were doing on your own was working you wouldn’t be here. Because of this, I take a rather directive approach to helping my clients learn tools to be successful in managing distress or conflict.
Perhaps, you’re wondering, “what is a direct approach to therapy?”
Well, as a therapist I can never tell you what to do or what not to do. But, I can shine a light on some of your patterns and bring attention to the areas where you can make different choices [no matter whatever anyone else around you is doing]. I’m a “no BS” kinda gal. Authenticity is key! This means sometimes hearing the things that are hard to hear, and necessary to hear. And through all of that, my goal is ALWAYS to do so in a safe way that feels supportive, empathic, and non-judgmental.
Any healthy relationship, whether with others or with yourself, has a good balance of empathy and accountability. My goal is for our relationship to be a role model of that very balance so that you can then go replicate that in your own life.
