Find a Therapist in Beltsville, MD

I love to ask questions instead of giving advice. And I believe that trust and safety are at the heart of counseling relationships. I have been told that my clients feel more confident and hopeful after working through their life challenges with me.

My communication style is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I recognize that therapy can be hard, therefore I aim to create an environment where you can feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether through active listening or thought-provoking dialogue, I strive to foster a meaningful therapeutic connection.

Claudette Gadson is currently a Supervisee in Social Work (SISW) Resident of the State of Virginia with years of experience. She treats clients of all ages and specializes in depression, grief, trauma, posttraumatic stress (PTSD), anxiety, and suicidalhomicidal ideation.

Because therapy is not “one-size-fits-all,” our sessions will be adapted based on your specific needs, tailoring the sessions to align with your goals. No matter the challenges you are experiencing, I am committed to collaborating with you on your journey toward your best life. With time and therapeutic support, we can all heal, achieve growth, and become the best versions of ourselves. My mission is to create a secure and empathetic space where you can openly express yourself, gain intrapersonal insight, and feel truly heard. If you are ready to embark on a path of healing, growth, and self-discovery, I am here to support you. We will utilize an eclectic approach of therapies, drawing from solution focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to name a few. Incorporating a holistic perspective, we will consider the impact that past experiences, trauma, and the body have on your life and work toward lasting change. I look forward to working with you and beginning this compassion filled and judgement free journey toward your inner peace.

Hi there. Glad you stopped by! I really love the work that I do, and I’m very lucky to get to meet people in moments of vulnerability. Over the years, I’ve worked with people going through depression, anxiety, trauma, as well as grief and loss. My particular niche is working alongside men individually, who often carry a significant internal burden that they may rarely talk about, or even have words for. Therapy can provide a space to put some of that weight down, make sense of it, and learn how to express what is really going on beneath the surface. I also very much enjoy working with couples. Having myself been married since 2015, my own relationship has taught me a great deal about communication, vulnerability, conflict, and the work it takes to build a lasting relationship. Those experiences led me to embrace the Gottman Method, a therapeutic orientation that focuses heavily on intentionality.

I am a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 7 years of experience supporting individuals on their mental health journeys in Virginia. I have worked in both psychiatric hospital and outpatient clinic settings, providing compassionate care to people with diverse needs. My background in mental health nursing has given me a strong understanding of complex behavioral health conditions, and I strive to help clients navigate anxiety, depression, and adjustment challenges while building emotional resilience and overall wellness.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 4 years of experience supporting individuals through life transitions, anxiety, grief, mood challenges, trauma, and substance use. I specialize in working with adults who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves, their relationships, or their sense of purpose. Many of my clients come to therapy seeking clarity, healing, and a more grounded sense of self. Together, we work to understand patterns that no longer serve them, build resilience, and cultivate meaningful change.

Sometimes life can get overwhelming, and we need a little help navigating the journey we are on. As a military spouse, I can empathize with just how chaotic and challenging life can be at times. We all have stories and experiences that make us unique. I enjoy helping others navigate their story by coming alongside them to encourage their strengths and share new skills through a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach. I am always honored to walk with others on that journey for however long we work together, collaborating to find the skills, techniques, and solutions that work best for you, both in and outside of session.

"We are only as needy as our unmet needs" - John Bowlby At Matters of the Heart Counseling, we specialize in working with families parenting children from hard places (adoptionfoster care). We have a team of people ready to assess and provide a fully developed plan for working with your family. We utilize individual, family and couples therapy and also incorporate Neurofeedback as appropriate Matters of the Heart Counseling was established out of Karen's desire to provide, teach, and cultivate quality mental health counseling with an attachment focus to those specifically desiring a Christian faith-based perspective. All of our counselors have experience and specialized training to work with trauma and specifically, adoption. Many of our therapists can support a Christian perspective. Karen’s primary focus is to supervise and work with the team of therapists at Matters of the Heart Counseling to ensure quality services and therapy for all who enter our practice. Karen is specially trained in EMDR (through EMDRIA approved trainer), and Level II Certified Internal Family Systems therapist. Karen additionally utilizes the creative arts in her therapy through the use of art, sand tray, and other creative outlets as it is often difficult to find words for the experiences one has endured. Karen is a trained Neurofeedback technician, incorporating it into sessions. Karen closely supervises the clinicians on staff to impart her experience and cultivate their growth. Karen also enjoys being a speaker at conferences & has spoken on topics of adoption, self-injury, compassion fatigue, and trauma, Please contact Karen for her speaking fees.

I believe a strong, trusting relationship with your therapist is the foundation for meaningful growth and change. In our work together, I meet you where you are, with empathy, compassion, and without judgment. My holistic approach focuses on your mind, body, and spirit, and I integrate both traditional and alternative therapies to support your overall well-being.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, and I’m so glad you’ve taken the first step by exploring your options. Whether you’re looking to heal from past trauma, make sense of difficult relationships, or feel less weighed down by everyday stressors, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. I’ve worked with individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including sexual and physical abuse, family conflict, relationship and intimacy challenges, low self-worth, and depression. My work is grounded in trauma-informed care, and I’m trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). While these approaches are powerful tools, I believe therapy should never be one-size-fits-all. I take time to understand your unique experiences, strengths, and goals so treatment feels supportive, collaborative, and tailored to you. I believe healing is possible, and my role is to walk alongside you as you move toward it. Finding the right therapist can be overwhelming; when you’re ready, I welcome you to reach out with questions and see if we might be a good fit.

Elizabeth Peters is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 3 years of experience. She has had the privilege of working in crisis management, forensics, incarceration, and outpatient settings. She works with individuals ages 5 and up who have concerns including addiction, depression, anxiety, severe mental illness, and trauma.