Meet The Team
Maryland Therapy Collective was founded by a partnership between Bender Counseling, LLC and Filotimo Therapy, LLC. This partnership seeks to raise the quality of services for our clients by offering collaboration between therapists, on call support, and multi-disciplinary care.
Rachel Bender, LCPC, C-DBT, CCTP (Bender Counseling LLC)
She/Her/Hers
Co-Founder & Partner
I hold an undergraduate degree in Family Studies and Human Development and a Masters in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland and am also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
I believe in a Person-Centered approach, while also incorporating Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Play and Art therapy techniques. I tailor my approach based on each of my clients individual needs and goals. Before moving into private practice, I provided counseling in various settings, such as in an outpatient mental health clinic, A Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Clinic and in a K-8th grade school in Washington D.C. I feel each client deserves to be heard, supported and given the tools they need to be successful.
I have experience leading therapy and skills groups, as well as individual and family therapy with children and adults living with Depression, Bipolar and Psychotic Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Trauma and PTSD.
Maria Poulakis Johnsen, LCSW-C, CCTP, C-DBT (Filotimo Therapy LLC)
She/Her/Hers
Co-Founder & Partner
I utilize an eclectic approach tailored to each client’s individual needs, including somatic therapy, polyvagal theory, narrative therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. As a lifelong learner, I continue to add new treatment modalities to my ‘toolbox’. However, I believe more important than which therapeutic modalities are utilized are the trust, authenticity, and compassion essential to establishing a therapeutic alliance with each client.
My practice, and life, have been shaped by the Greek concept of Filotimo. Filotimo is an array of virtues that are understood intuitively in Greek culture but difficult to put to words outside of it. At its core is the belief in caring for others, giving of them freely, and without expectation. It brings strangers together into a community of care. It is a reminder of the power of respect and nonjudgmental compassion in personal growth, healing, and overcoming adversity.
My work is Anti- racist, Queer positive, Trans-affirming, & Sex positive with teens and adults living with trauma, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety Disorders/OCD, Bipolar, and Psychotic Disorders.
Peter Johnsen, LMSW, CTP (Filotimo Therapy LLC)
He/Him/His
Co-Founder & Partner
I’m a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Maryland with a Master’s of Social Work from Simmons University. I have three years of post graduate experience as a therapist serving clients with a variety of struggles or concerns.
The ability to grow, change, heal, and move toward a healthier, happier, life is already yours. My goal as a therapist is to use my skills and experience to be your ally in that journey.
Because your life and struggles are unique to you I believe my therapeutic approach also should also be. I favor a person centered, trauma informed, and eclectic style utilizing a variety of modalities including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy.
I work with teens and adults living with Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, PTSD, Substance Misuse Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, and Psychotic Disorders.
Jesse Gold, LCPC (Bender Counseling LLC)
They/Them
Therapist
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland, and am passionate about finding the right approach to work with each individual client. I am a person-centered practitioner and draw from a toolbox of modalities that includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), polyvagal theory, brainspotting, somatic approaches, and IFS. I am excited to work with people experiencing symptoms related to borderline personality disorder, bipolar, eating disorders, complex trauma, ADHD, OCD, anxiety and depression, as well as other mental health issues. I am a gender affirming queer positive therapist with a lifelong commitment to social justice that includes advocating for access to mental health care for all. I am also a certified yoga teacher trained in trauma informed and polyvagal informed yoga.
As a trauma-informed practitioner, I see trust and collaboration as primary to the therapeutic relationship. In working with clients, I am committed to creating a nonjudgmental, warm, safe environment that fosters growth, exploration and the opportunity to dig deep into our experiences as humans.
Jude Liberatoscioli, LMSW (Filotimo Therapy LLC)
He/They
Therapist
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Maryland. I received my undergraduate degree in Behavioral Health Counseling from Drexel University, and my Master of Social Service from Bryn Mawr College. I have developed my clinical skills through my prior work in a domestic abuse agency and a school based mental health program where I have supported children, teens, adults, and families from many backgrounds.
When it comes to therapeutic practice, I believe that trust is fundamental. Every person who comes to therapy deserves a space where they feel safe, heard, and accepted, and that is the therapeutic space that I strive to hold for my clients. Grounded in the principles of person centered and trauma informed care, I tailor my eclectic therapeutic approach to best support the growth of each individual client. I utilize elements of dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment-based therapy, feminist therapy, and mindfulness.
I work with LGBTQ+ youth and adults, individuals who have experienced abuse by a partner or family member, and people with experiences of neurodivergence, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and dissociative identity disorder.
Cassidy Dunlop, LCPC (Bender Counseling)
She/Her/Hers
Therapist
I am a Licensed MasteI am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor with an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, an M.S. in Developmental Psychology, and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Tampa. I strive to provide my clients with a Person-Centered and Solution-Focused therapeutic approach to meet their needs and achieve their goals. I do not practice one-size-fits-all therapy and believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions freely.
I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and work with children, teens, and adults. I specialize in developmental psychology and work with mental diagnoses and challenges such as Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Disordered Eating, Substance Use Disorders, Interpersonal Relationships, and Grief. Before transitioning to private practice, I worked in various settings such as a residential home for adults, a residential home for adolescents with dual-diagnosis for substance use disorders, and in public and private schools.
With a compassionate approach and a commitment to understanding the unique needs of each client, I am dedicated to providing supportive and effective therapy to help my clients feel fulfilled and successful.
Emily Gebhart, LCSW-C, CCTP (Bender Counseling LLC)
She/Her/Hers
Therapist
I graduated from the University of Maryland with a Master’s of Social Work and am licensed in the State of Maryland as a Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical (LCSW-C). For the better part of a decade, I have worked with trauma survivors in a variety of settings including community, inpatient, and clinical environments.
My experience includes supporting survivors of sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and child abuse, as well as addressing women’s issues, parenting stressors, and mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I utilize a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to help empower teenagers and adults on their healing journey.
I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), along with a variety of therapeutic modalities including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Additionally, I have completed the Trauma Research Foundation’s Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies. I strive to create a warm environment where clients can feel safe to address even the toughest of life’s challenges.
Jessica Sheridan, LCPC (Bender Counseling LLC)
She/Her/Hers
Therapist
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Masters in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from McDaniel College.
My therapeutic approach utilizes an eclectic combination of Person-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Positive Psychology. My objective is to ensure each client’s treatment is individualized to their specific needs. I strive to create a welcoming environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered as we work together to reach their goals.
Before transitioning into private practice, I worked in variety of settings including an outpatient substance-use treatment program, mobile treatment services and in a community outpatient setting. I have experience working with children, teens, and adults living with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD, Substance Abuse, and other Trauma related disorders. .
NaQuita Gross, LMSW, CTP, CGP (Filotimo Therapy, LLC)
She/Her/Hers
Therapist
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). I hold two certificates: Certified Trauma Professional (CTP), Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP). My educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Critical Sexuality Studies from UMBC and a Masters in Social Work from Widener University.
I believe in authenticity and I empower people to embrace their own. My goal as a therapist is to support your process to becoming the best and most healed version of yourself. I utilize various modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology, Trauma Informed Care, Mindfulness and Empowerment seamlessly throughout the therapeutic journey.
As a Social Justice and Human Rights advocate, I foster an accepting and affirming environment for all guided by person centered care.
I work with people who experience depression, anxiety, mood disorders, grief, trauma, gender identity issues, racial discrimination and social injustice. If you are seeking sexuality and gender affirmation, trauma recovery, grief support or to step into the best version of you, I look forward to working with you.
Hannah Seibert, LCPC, NCC (Bender Counseling)
She/Her/Hers
Therapist
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland. I specialize in OCD, Anxiety disorders and ADHD across all ages. I completed my master’s degree in Professional Counseling and hold an undergraduate degree in Human Services with a concentration in Mental Health.
I provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment to help individuals regain control over their lives. Using techniques like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inferential-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I guide clients in managing intrusive thoughts, reducing compulsions, and breaking free from the cycle of anxiety. I also have had the privilege of working with homeless military veterans, deepening my understanding of trauma and resilience.
It is a privilege for me to accompany individuals on their journey towards healing and personal growth. My goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where individuals can build resilience and confidence in facing their fears.
Megan Jacobs, LGPC, NCC (Bender Counseling LLC)
She/Her/Hers
I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland with a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I enjoy working with adults and specialize in working with children/adolescents and the dual diagnosis population.
I am trained in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) techniques to help manage symptoms and achieve your personal goals. When working with children and adolescents, I incorporate creative therapies including art, play, and sensory techniques.
I believe in creating a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients built on trust and empathy to create a supportive and welcoming atmosphere that allows for self-exploration.
Kelly Charles, LMSW (Filotimo Therapy, LLC)
She/Her/Hers
Therapist
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Coppin State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. I developed my clinical skills through extensive work in mental health programs and state agencies, supporting children, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds.
I believe that rapport and trust are the foundation of effective therapy. My therapeutic approach integrates person-centered techniques, solution-focused strategies, mindfulness practices, and trauma-informed care.
I have experience working with children, families, and adults living with depression, trauma, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment where clients can explore their challenges, build resilience, and achieve personal growth.
Whether you are navigating complex life transitions, coping with emotional distress, or seeking to improve your overall well-being, I am here to support you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Kim Scroger, LGPC (Bender Counseling LLC)
She/Her/Hers
Therapist
Hello! I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) in Maryland with an international certification in Gambling Counseling. I have experience working with adults, teens, and children across a wide range of concerns: Including, but not limited to, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and psychotic disorders.
I utilize a person-centered approach, integrating Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to best fit each client’s unique needs. By tailoring my approach to each individual, I strive to empower my clients with the tools and strategies that resonate most with their personal experiences and goals.
My goal is to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore their challenges and build meaningful paths toward healing and growth. If you’re looking for a compassionate and adaptable therapeutic approach, I am here to support you on your journey.
Unsure which therapist to choose?
Please feel free to contact us for a free 15 minute consultation and we will help you find your best fit!
