Tracy Kessler, LISW, MD, LCSW-C - Therapist in Maryland

About Tracy

Tracy Kessler is a licensed social worker who focuses on family and parenting concerns. She brings 23 years of clinical experience and a straightforward, caring presence. Parents will meet someone who listens, offers practical guidance, and respects each family’s values and pace.

Tracy uses a strengths-based outlook to help families find what already works and build from there. She values authenticity, humility, and compassion in everyday conversations. Her style is approachable and energetic, and she aims to make sessions feel useful and down to earth.

Background and approach

For nearly two decades she worked in public schools providing mental health services for children and teens. That work shaped her focus on ADHD, PTSD, and child trauma, and deepened her interest in child advocacy, mentoring, and coaching. She has experience with children and families affected by abuse, domestic violence, learning differences, behavioral and mood disorders, and foster care.

Tracy holds LISW, MD, and LCSW-C credentials. LISW stands for Licensed Independent Social Worker and LCSW-C is Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical. She brings experience supporting issues such as anxiety, depression, parenting stress, grief, eating concerns, and emotional regulation challenges.

Outside of work she is a mother and enjoys outdoor activity and time with her sons and dog. Her practical, compassionate approach aims to help families manage day-to-day struggles and make steady progress toward healthier routines.

Approaches that translate well to online family support

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening closely and reflecting what matters to the family. It helps parents and children feel heard and build trust before trying new strategies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at specific thoughts and behaviors and teaches practical skills to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and improve routines. Emotionally-Focused Therapy, or EFT, helps family members understand and express feelings in clearer, safer ways to repair strained connections.

Finding the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the family about goals, try techniques, and adjust plans as needed. That teamwork helps pick methods that fit the family’s daily life and comfort level rather than using a single fixed method.

Online sessions offer flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video calls work well for face-to-face conversations, while phone and chat options can suit brief check-ins or busy schedules. Text-based messaging allows ongoing support between sessions and can help parents follow through on new strategies without extra travel.

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.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)

Attends to the emotions underneath a recurring argument or distance, and to the attachment needs driving them. Often used where a relationship keeps returning to the same painful loop.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Tracy focus on?

She works with family and parenting concerns and a range of emotional and behavioral issues like anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and grief.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is strengths-based, approachable, and practical. She emphasizes listening first and then helping families try concrete steps that fit their lives.

What is her clinical background?

She has 23 years of experience and spent 18 years providing school-based mental health services to children and adolescents in public schools.

What credentials and location are listed for Tracy?

She holds LISW, MD, and LCSW-C credentials with licence details OH LISW I.2607959 and MD LCSW-C 15478, and she practices in Maryland.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What formats are used for sessions?

Sessions can be conducted by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How are fees and payment handled?

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

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 23 years
Licensed: Maryland, Virginia, Ohio
Languages: English

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