PuttingFamilyFirst

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LS Portrait of Lori Simmons
Online therapist

Lori Simmons

Mindful, values-based therapy for everyday stress

Credentials
LMFT
Experience
16 years
Licensed in
Maryland, Florida, Michigan
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Lori

Lori Simmons is a licensed marriage and family therapist who centers work on mindful awareness and living in the present. She uses practical exercises and simple language to help people notice what matters to them and take steps toward calmer daily life. Lori frames sessions around values, acceptance, and compassion to make therapy feel doable for someone juggling many demands.

She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and the Gottman Method to shape personalized plans.

Background and approach

Those methods are combined into straightforward strategies aimed at reducing stress and improving how people respond to hard moments. Lori aims to teach tools that can be used right away during stressful events. Many clients report fewer angry outbursts, less anxious thinking, and clearer communication after practicing these skills.

Lori also supports work on sleep, eating concerns, intimacy-related issues, self-esteem, and career stress. She pays attention to how values and forgiveness affect daily choices and relationships. With 16 years of experience, Lori offers an experienced perspective while keeping sessions practical.

She is licensed as an LMFT in Maryland and brings techniques that have helped people who struggled with therapy before. Her style is steady and focused on small, sustainable changes. Lori invites people who are ready to try a different approach to reach out and learn concrete ways to feel more present and more in control of everyday stressors.

Using ACT, DBT, and Gottman tools online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then take small actions that match their values. It is often used for stress, anxiety, low mood, and difficulty making changes. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches clear coping skills for intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness. Those skills can reduce reactivity and help with anger, eating or sleeping struggles, and strong emotional ups and downs.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals and preferences and tailor a plan using elements of ACT, DBT, or the Gottman Method when relationship communication work is needed. This is a collaborative process and adjustments are made over time based on what helps most.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make care easier to fit into busy lives. These formats allow for flexible scheduling, regular practice between sessions, and access from home or work. Many people find that the variety of online options makes it easier to use the skills they learn in real life.

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.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Gottman Method

A research-based framework for couples, focused on how partners argue, repair, and stay connected. Practical and structured, with exercises to try between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, self-esteem, bipolar concerns, trauma and abuse, anger, parenting matters, eating and sleeping problems, and career stress.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach emphasizes mindful awareness and living in the present. Sessions focus on values, acceptance, and practical skills to change how people respond to hard moments.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 16 years of clinical experience working with a range of concerns using several evidence-informed approaches.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). Her practice is based in Maryland and her licensing details include MI LMFT 4101007309 and FL LMFT MT4496.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can therapy be done online or by phone?
Sessions are available as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Experience
16 years
Licensed
Maryland, Florida, Michigan
Languages
English

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