Find a Therapist in Nottingham, MD

I love to ask questions instead of giving advice. And I believe that trust and safety are at the heart of counseling relationships. I have been told that my clients feel more confident and hopeful after working through their life challenges with me.

My communication style is warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental to create a safe and supportive environment for clients. I prioritize active listening and seek to foster a sense of trust and rapport. I value open, honest dialogue and adapt communication approaches based on individual needs, whether that means using clear, concise language for clients seeking structure or providing reflective feedback for those in need of deeper exploration.

Searching for a therapist to guide you on your journey towards healing, change, and empowerment can be time-consuming and daunting. Everyone has the right to quality and affirming care, and that starts from the first moment you reach out to me. I will strive to always provide a safe, open, and non-judgmental atmosphere that will foster the positive therapeutic alliance needed to help you achieve your goals. My approach is not one-size-fits-all, and I only see a limited number of clients, which allows us the opportunity to set a focus and the pace you require along your path.

Hi there! I’m Claire Buch, a licensed graduate professional counselor (LGPC) located at a private practice in Columbia, Maryland, and I’m here to offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can work through the challenges life throws at you. I work with individuals at various life stages—adolescents, teens, and adults—helping them navigate anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and the other complexities of everyday life. Every individual is unique, which is why I use a variety of evidence-based methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), culturally sensitive therapy, person-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing. Life can be difficult, and no one should have to navigate it alone. I’m here to walk alongside you in that journey, providing a space where we can develop the tools to manage life’s challenges. Clients often share that I make them feel safe, heard, and comfortable.

I’m a warm, holistic, and empowering therapist who believes healing is possible when we feel truly seen and supported. My work is grounded in evidence-based modalities like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and I integrate psychodynamic and mindfulness-based approaches to meet each client where they are. I specialize in helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, and bipolar condition, and I also support clients working through grief, family dynamics, cultural identity, and relationship challenges. My style is collaborative and compassionate. I aim to create a safe space where you can explore your experiences, build resilience, and reconnect with your inner strengths. In our sessions, you can expect a thoughtful balance of insight, structure, and emotional safety. My goal is to help you feel empowered, understood, and equipped to move forward with clarity and confidence.

I like to describe my therapeutic style as eclectic. I pull from many different modalities to find what works best for each individual client. I believe that nothing in life is one size fits all and therapy is no different. Each individual needs something different when they engage in therapy and I strive to help my clients based on their individual needs. I like to take time to get to know my patients at to work collaboratively with them to create goals that make sense for their lives and needs. I primarily work with adolescents, teens, and young adults. I love working with these age groups because there is so much change happening during this time in someone's life. I am a fairly casual person and (when appropriate) like to use humor to connect and engage. I also am a bit of a nerd and have at least a basic to moderate understanding of many of the things that the younger generations enjoy (video games, TikTok, memes, movies, tv, etc.). I love to use this to connect with my clients and to allow them to feel seen.

My approach to therapy is largely cognitive/behavioral, with a strong emphasis on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) techniques, specifically learning to be mindful- noticing and accept your thoughts, feelings and physical sensations- while committing to behavior that is consistent with your own values. My experiences both in and out of the work setting are fairly broad so I feel I can address most issues clients present with. My style is engaging and supportive. I view our relationship as a partnership. I will spend the majority of our first sessions together listening to get to know you better. I believe that everything in our lives is interrelated, so at times I may let our focus move to whatever is particularly troubling to you that day. At other times, I may focus you back on the current problem we are trying to solve. I am married with two children and have had two career changes. I have experienced a wide variety of life stressors and have sought help when needed. I believe that these experiences have provided me with empathy, perspective and coping skills that I can use to help you.

Are you uncertain about your relationship? Perhaps trust has been broken, feelings have shifted, or another connection is calling your attention. These doubts can feel overwhelming, isolating, and confusing. Take a step today—explore your feelings, clarify your values, and navigate your decision-making process. Begin your path to insight, peace, and understanding. You don’t have to face this alone.

It can be daunting to make the decision to reach out and contact a therapist. Just by doing this, you are already taking the first step towards reaching your goals. Whether you are seeking counseling for yourself or for your child, taking the initiative can be scary. I work to create a positive and supportive environment in order to alleviate some of those fears. I believe that therapy should not be a space where you have to worry about being judged. As a counselor, I believe it is my role to give you unconditional positive regard. This doesn’t mean that I will never challenge you or give you a dose of reality, but instead that I will never judge you for simply being who you are. Going to therapy and opening up to a stranger can be scary, but together we can work towards getting you to where you want to be. In addition to individual and couples work, I also work with preteens, teens, and their families to develop effective communication while also focusing on your teen’s growth, identity development, thoughts, and emotions. Being a teenager can be an exciting, confusing, and scary time. The support of a trained therapist allows for a safe, nonjudgmental space for teens to process life's hardships, learn more about who they are, and gain the skills they need to navigate the future. I believe that empathy and building the therapeutic relationship is the biggest factor in the work we can do together. While I bring a person-centered approach and mindfulness into almost all of my sessions, I don’t believe therapy is one-size-fits-all. This means that I will always take into account individual situations and preferences to make sure our time together is focused on your or your teen’s unique needs and goals. I am trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+ allied, sex-worker allied, and multi-culturally focused.

I see the rapport between myself and my clients as one of the primary elements for a productive, healthy, and safe therapeutic experience and outcome. I offer kindness, compassion, and supportive understanding, as well as strive to create an environment that feels inviting and warm. Understanding and treating each client and their presenting treatment needs uniquely from a nonjudgmental stance is an additional and very important concept that I incorporate into my therapeutic approach. Ultimately, I believe therapy is a journey that both my clients and I embark on together, a journey which I am honored to be a part of. As challenging as this journey may be at times, I value making it feel as safe, enlightening, and rewarding an experience as possible.

Our world continues to change, with its weight sometimes growing overwhelming and crushing. You are not alone. Together we’ll explore your feelings & thoughts while comprehending patterns in your history and life experience that have shaped you up to this moment. We’ll find a new space that feels more authentic, free, and connected through this work. We’ll manage and reduce your feelings of anxiety, depression, and other distressing thoughts. It is never too late to take control and redefine yourself in a controlled, safe, and open place. Whether this is your first time or you've decided to return to therapy, this is a strong data-backed investment into yourself and your future. You’ve already taken the first step by searching for a therapist. While reaching out to me can be difficult and anxiety-provoking, it can also empower, potentially defining the next chapter of your life. After advanced psychoanalysis training in NYC, I moved to Washington, DC, where I've lived and worked for over eight years with a broad and diverse variety of patients just like you. Together we'll create a space in which you’re fully heard and seen, where we start the process of uncovering exactly how you show up in your life. Thank you for taking the time.

Welcome! You’ve taken a wonderful first step in getting the support you or a loved one may need! Life can be complex and challenging, especially for children, teens, young adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses or developmental, behavioral, and intellectual challenges. If this resonates with you or someone you care about, or if you’re seeking behavioral or mental health support for yourself or a minor in your care, I am here to help. As a therapist, my goal is to create a warm, judgment-free space that empowers clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, work towards mutually established goals, and build skills. During sessions, I encourage clients to be themselves and do what they need to feel present. If you want to color, sit on the floor, wear comfortable clothes, play a game, or use a fidget toy, feel free to do so! I strive to use inclusive, neurodivergent, sensory-friendly, and developmentally appropriate techniques and treatments tailored to each client.