Danika Girdner, MD, LCSW-C - Therapist in Maryland

About Danika

Danika Girdner is a licensed therapist in Maryland who focuses on family and relationship concerns. She supports people facing relationship strain, parenting challenges, intimacy issues, anger, and self-esteem struggles. Danika uses straightforward, practical strategies so parents and partners can make small changes that matter.

She holds an MD and is an LCSW-C, which signals clinical training and a social work license. Danika draws on both evidence-based tools and a calm, nonjudgmental stance in sessions.

Background and approach

She helps couples improve communication and rebuild emotional connection. For parents she addresses day-to-day stressors and family patterns that get in the way of stability. Her approach blends talk therapy with skills practice.

Danika uses techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy to change unhelpful thinking and from the Gottman Method to strengthen relationship habits. Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy help clients notice patterns and choose values-based actions. Sessions are practical and goal oriented.

Clients can expect to talk through recent conflicts, try new communication moves, and plan steps to manage anger or stress. Danika emphasizes small, repeatable changes that fit family life. With five years of experience, she works with a range of relationship and family challenges including blended family issues, caregiver stress, infidelity, jealousy, and domestic violence concerns.

Sessions are conducted in English and offered through several online formats to fit busy schedules.

Online approaches that fit busy family life

Danika draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and the Gottman Method in online sessions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients notice difficult thoughts and choose actions that match their values, which can be useful for caregivers and parents facing stress. The Gottman Method focuses on improving everyday communication and rebuilding emotional connection between partners, which is practical for relationship and intimacy issues.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Danika collaborates with clients to pick methods that match their goals and comfort level. She adjusts techniques as needs change, so therapy stays relevant to the family's current situation.

Online therapy is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to make sessions easier to fit into family schedules. These formats allow for flexible meeting times and different ways to engage with therapy work. Clients can choose the style that best fits their routine and communication preferences.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does this therapist address?

Danika helps with relationship and family concerns such as intimacy issues, parenting challenges, anger, self-esteem, and LGBT-related matters. Her work also covers blended family issues, infidelity, jealousy, and communication problems.

How would you describe the therapy style?

She uses a compassionate, direct style that pairs talking with practical skill-building. Sessions focus on clear steps couples and parents can try between meetings.

What is her professional background?

Danika has five years of professional experience working with relationship and family concerns. Her background includes helping people manage stress, relationship conflict, and parenting issues.

What credentials and location are listed for the therapist?

She holds an MD and is an LCSW-C, license number MD LCSW-C 24836, and practices in Maryland.

In what languages are sessions offered?

Sessions are offered in English only and international clients are not accepted.

Which session formats are available?

Therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.

How does pricing work for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin working together?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Relationship issues
Family conflicts
Intimacy-related issues

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 5 years
Licensed: Maryland
Languages: English

Next step

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