We aim to stay on top of developments in the field. We want to make sure we’re applying the most appropriate researched-backed therapeutic approaches to your specific concerns—within the framework of your own values/beliefs, strengths, and wishes (and with a critical eye to the approaches themselves). And if we feel we do not have the competence to treat you or a specific issue, we will connect you with someone who does.

Whether it be in antiracism, specific therapeutic techniques, working with particular populations or clinical concerns, etc., we are committed to continuous training and honing our skills and knowledge.

While we respect the field of psychotherapy/psychology/counseling as a whole, we understand that in many ways it is flawed and biased, with questionable points in its brief history, that should be continually questioned and challenged to be more inclusive.

We maintain that much of our suffering comes from avoidance of our own emotional experiences. We believe in finding safe, compassionate ways to be curious rather than avoidant, open rather than resistant. No topics are off the table for discussion or exploration.

We also see another source of suffering as believing that what we are and what we have is not enough. We find it valuable to question where your expectations for yourself come from as well as if you want to endorse those expectations or define your own path, values, and ways of living.

We aim to be flexible in our approach to therapy and take into account the specific needs and strengths of each client or couple. Sometimes that means getting creative in how we notice and respond to our thoughts and feelings–including art, movement, and mindfulness.

This should go without saying, but we want to say it clearly: We welcome adults of all ages, abilities, sexual orientations and practices, gender identifications and presentations, body shapes and sizes, relationship styles, religions, races, etc.

We honor your personal wisdom—your experiences and understanding of yourself and the world. We want to hear about it all in your own words.

We acknowledge oppressive systems in our society and the suffering they create, specifically to BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and fat individuals, and aim to provide anti-racist, informed, and affirming care. We see the therapeutic space as one in which to identify and explore the impact these inequitable systems have on mental wellbeing and heal from them.

We have ongoing and honest conversations amongst ourselves as clinicians about our own biases, privilege, intersecting identities and how they all may be impacting clients or causing harm.

We consult with experts when appropriate (either academically or those with relevant lived experience).

We look ahead by setting clear goals for ourselves as individual providers and as a practice.

When diagnosing and treatment planning, we consider systemic barriers and their impact on clients and their presenting issues. 

We regularly participate in workshops, trainings, and continuing education courses to extend our knowledge, clinically and culturally.

We reinvest in our community by donating a portion of profits:

—To Baltimore mutual aid funds

—To Indigenous land rent

—As a monthly donation to organizations as chosen by staff of Open Lines Counseling on a rotating basis. See more below.