Our therapists offer anger management therapy in Columbia, MD

Shelia Lipscomb is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has more than 2 years of experience working with teens, adults, and seniors who are suffering the effects of anxiety, anger, depression, ADHD, chronic stress, relationship issues, family conflict, academic issues, behavioral disorders, and more. 

Shelia completed her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology (Adlerian) from Bowie State University and utilizes a holistic and collaborative approach to counseling, including modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), reality therapy, person-centered and existential approaches.

Shelia has the innate ability to make people feel comfortable and welcoming and offers an opportunity to help bring change and balance into your life. She will assist individuals to find their potential while exploring meaningful ways to help solve problems.

Nadine Kakanou is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who has 5 years of experience in the mental health field. Nadine completed her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Walden University. A PMHNP is tasked with evaluating a patient’s mental health status by assessing their relevant medical background, conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, and identifying potential issues that might negatively impact a patient's mental health. The primary concern of individuals suffering from mental health problems is accessing mental health care professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care and offer preventive strategies. Although PMHNPs receive intense training to meet mental health patients' needs, their roles are poorly understood because regulatory barriers have limited the entire scope of the practice.

Due to the complexity of human beings in understanding their lives and illness experience, a PMHNP requires the ability to access situations from different perspectives, not only through a psychological lens but also from a biological and development view, while recognizing the perspective of stakeholders affected. Besides, mental health disorders affect the ability to communicate experiences, and their symptoms may not conform to conventional diagnostic criteria. PMHNPs need to have a high tolerance of uncertainties and a willingness to frequently re-evaluate assessments upon discovering new information.

In addition to diagnosing and treating disease, PMHNPs nurture resilience and growth capacity because of the impact of psychiatric disorders on patients' growth and development abilities. The existing healthcare system may fail to address the complexity of problems suffered by patients completely. Consequently, PMHNPs need to effectively advocate for patients to acquire all the services needed to meet their mental health needs. They also need to push for the development of more effective services. In conclusion, PMHNPs are well prepared and equipped to provide independent and effective psychiatric care and treatment to effectively meet the needs of mental health patients.

Tori Mills is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has over 20 years of experience in mental health. She works as a clinical therapist providing a variety of mental health services to adolescents, adults, and couples, and she specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, parenting issues, codependency, and self-esteem. Tori partners with clients to increase self-awareness, cultivate empowerment, encourage positive change, and most importantly to work toward achieving the goals that clients set forth for themselves. 

Tori has a B.A. in Psychology from Hampton University and a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Coppin State University.  Some of her experience includes Needs Assessment, School Therapy, Partial Hospitalization, and Care Coordination. She has also completed the Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. The framework of Tori's approach is developed from cognitive behavioral therapy and infused with components of rational emotive behavior therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. She is experienced with diverse cultures and populations in a wide variety of life situations, which includes experience working with individuals with dual diagnosis and dual sensory impairments. 

Have you been in search of discovering the "new you" where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being? Ever been frustrated trying to find the right person to talk to without feeling rushed or judged? Tori's goal is to provide a safe, calm, and compassionate space for you to uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. "Hi, my name is Tori Mills, LCPC and I invite you to book an appointment with me to begin your journey of self-discovery," she says. "During our initial meeting, we will identify your personal needs and goals so that I can be your GPS as we work together to explore different routes to your own self-empowerment and personal growth."