IN-PERSON & ONLINE THERAPIST IN BEL AIR, MD
Holistic Therapy That Actually Helps You Heal.
I’m Dawn Gomez, an EMDR & ART-certified therapist helping you heal anxiety, depression, trauma, grief or relationship struggles by addressing the root causes — not just the symptoms. I offer in-person therapy in Bel Air and online therapy across all of Maryland.
Do Any Of These Struggles Sound Familiar?
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Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or stress that you can’t seem to shake, no matter how hard you try?
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Struggling with persistent feelings of sadness or depression that that have caused you to stop doing the things you used to enjoy?
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Struggling with negative relationship patterns — whether it’s with a partner, family, or friends — that you’d like to change but don’t know how?
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Battling with grief and loss and unable to find peace or closure?
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Overwhelmed by the weight of your daily responsibilities and feeling like you’re on the edge of burnout?
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Struggling with self-doubt, people-pleasing, perfectionism, a constant feeling of never being "good enough"?
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Struggling to feel balanced because you are a highly-sensitive person and/or an empath?
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Dealing with emotional dysregulation, feeling like your emotions are constantly out of control or unpredictable and your temper is getting the better of you?
WHAT IF I TOLD YOU THAT IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY?
THE CARE YOU’VE ALWAYS DESERVED
A Holistic Therapy Approach That Actually Helps You HEAL
My holistic therapy approach goes beyond just managing symptoms — my goal is to help you heal from the inside out. Most therapy modalities focus on coping strategies for everyday and symptom management without looking into the root causes of your issues. In the same fashion, medications may alleviate symptoms temporarily, but neither of these strategies actually address the root causes and deep emotional or relational wounds that are causing your symptoms in the first place.
In my approach, we uncover the underlying WHY behind your struggles — whether rooted in past trauma, early childhood, generational patterns, unresolved grief, or unhealthy relationship patterns. Many current challenges stem from early life experiences that have been unconsciously passed down, shaping our beliefs, behaviors, and emotional responses in ways we may not realize.
Using a trauma-informed and integrative approach, I can help you identify triggers, reprocess painful memories, and release emotional burdens so they no longer hold you back. It is my role to guide you as you explore hidden parts of yourself and uncover connections between your past and present, ultimately helping you break free from limiting beliefs, self-doubt, and the heavy weight of past trauma.
Healing these deeper layers doesn’t just open you up to the possibility of getting relief from your current symptoms — I’ve seen first hand how it can create lasting transformations for my clients. As you cultivate self-worth, improve your boundaries, build fulfilling relationships, and step into a life of clarity and confidence, you’ll discover a renewed sense of joy, balance and purpose, as well as the ability to experience true inner peace.
WHAT I TREAT
In-Person & Online Therapy in Bel Air and Maryland
Trauma
Trauma doesn’t always look the way we expect. Many people dismiss their past experiences as just something that happened, not realizing how deeply those memories still affect them - influencing emotions, behaviors, and even physical health. You don’t have to carry this weight alone — healing is possible.
Depression
Depression can sneak up in unexpected ways, making even small tasks feel exhausting. You may struggle with motivation or doing the things you enjoy. Maybe you feel persistently sad or disconnected but can’t quite explain why. It may feel hopeless right now — but therapy can help you find hope again.
Grief
Losing someone or something important can feel like the ground has been pulled out from under you. And you might be wondering — How could therapy ever help with this? It’s not like it can undo the loss. I understand. Grief is a deeply personal journey but with support, you don’t have to navigate this pain alone.
HOW I WORK
Individualized Therapy - Designed Just for You
Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process — what works for one person may not be the right fit for another. Your healing journey is deeply personal, shaped by your unique experiences, emotions, and inner world. That’s why I take an integrative and personalized approach, using a variety of evidence-based methods to find what works best for you.
By exploring your symptoms, past experiences, and personal needs, we’ll craft a therapeutic path that meets you exactly where you are — helping you heal at your own pace in a way that feels safe, effective, and empowering.
Here are some of the approaches we may incorporate in your therapy:
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Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
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Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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Trauma-Informed Modalities (e.g. Inner Child Work & Reparenting)
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Art Therapy
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Christian Counseling
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Psychotherapy/Talk Therapy
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Brainspotting
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Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Together, we’ll find the right tools to help you break free from old patterns, build resilience, and create lasting change.
HOW TO WORK WITH ME
Flexible In-Person and Online Therapy Options To Suit Your Unique Needs
Local In-Person Therapy In Bel Air and Surrounding Areas
For those who prefer face-to-face sessions, I provide a warm, welcoming space where we can work together to address your challenges and goals. In-person therapy allows us to engage directly in a safe, supportive environment, where I can offer personalized guidance and foster deeper connections to your healing process.
Online Therapy Across The State of Maryland
For those with busy schedules, mobility issues, or those living outside the immediate area, online therapy offers the convenience of receiving support from anywhere in Maryland. No need to worry about long commutes or scheduling conflicts—online therapy allows you to prioritize your mental health in a way that fits seamlessly into your life.
Therapy Intensives - In-Person In Bel Air
For clients looking to address specific issues more intensively or who would like to come in from out-of-state, I offer therapy intensives in Bel Air. These sessions are ideal for those who are interested in a highly-concentrated and immersive experience, allowing for the same amount of healing in a shorter period of time.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your Path to Healing: What Lies On The Road Ahead
If you’re anything like most people, starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions and maybe even some anxiety, especially when you’re getting to know a new therapist and aren’t sure what to expect. While everyone’s journey is different, having a general sense of what lies ahead can help make the process feel more comfortable and reassuring. So to give you a glimpse into my process, here’s an overview of what working with me usually looks like:
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Our First Connection:
The Initial Consultation
This first step is all about getting to know each other. We’ll discuss the challenges you're facing, explore your goals, and see if we’re a good fit. You’ll have space to ask any questions, discuss payment and scheduling preferences and I’ll explain my approach so you can feel at ease moving forward.
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The Deep Dive:
In-Depth History-Taking
I always start by delving into your background, family dynamics, life events & impactful experiences. This helps me develop a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs. Usually, clients are pleasantly surprised by this step because it isn’t very common among other modalities.
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Immediate Relief: Building Coping Skills
I believe in providing practical tools from the start. Early on, we’ll focus on strategies to manage anxiety, stress, and any other emotional struggles, giving you immediate relief and ensuring you have the necessary coping skills to deal with anything that comes up as we dive deeper into your healing journey.
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Getting Ready:
Planning & Preparation
As we move into more intensive work, we’ll decide together what treatments feel right for you and I’ll guide you through any of the necessary preparations for these treatments. This phase ensures you feel confident, well-informed and ready for the deeper reflections and transformations that lie ahead.
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The Healing Process: Tailored Treatments
Our sessions will vary but generally involve deep conversation or exercises like guided visualizations & breathing techniques. For specialized treatments, such as EMDR or ART, there are specific processes, e.g. eye movements.
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Reflection & Results: Post-Treatment Review
After each treatment phase, we’ll take some additional time to reflect on your experience and your progress. This is a space for celebration and self-reflection as we discuss any insights, adjustments, or additional needs to continue your healing.
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Sustaining Your Progress: Long-Term Support
Our work together continues beyond the treatment phase. I will help you integrate everything you’ve learned into daily life, offering ongoing support as you learn to adjust to your new reality and continue building a healthier, more fulfilling future.
Cost & Payment Options
Insurance
I currently accept Cigna insurance. For other insurance providers, I’m considered out-of-network, but I can provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement, as long as you have out-of-network benefits. If you'd like to check out your out-of-network benefits and reimbursement rates, you can do so here.
Private Pay
The cost for individual therapy is $150 per session for private pay clients. Many clients intentionally choose to pay out-of-pocket for a variety of reasons. If you're curious about the benefits of private pay over insurance-based therapy, be sure to check out the section below for more details.
THE BENEFITS OF PRIVATE PAY
Why Go Out-Of-Pocket Or Out-Of-Network For Your Therapy?
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You’re More Than Just A Diagnosis.
In order for insurance to pay for your therapy, it demands that you receive formal medical diagnosis according to the DSM. While some people are comfortable with such a diagnosis, others may prefer not to have their mental health problems labeled as a pathological disorder and officially entered into their medical records for the rest of their lives. In my practice, I prefer to focus on addressing the symptoms and root causes of your pain, not just helping you live with your diagnosis. So working without the requirement of formal medical diagnosis allows me the freedom to help you heal from within and actually achieve freedom from your pain in a long-lasting and transformative way.
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Your Privacy Matters.
In addition to a formal diagnosis, insurance also requires that therapists share details about your treatment that become part of your medical record. Many people have concerns about the confidentiality of their mental health information, especially those working in professions where stigma around mental health still exists. So by choosing private pay, you can ensure your mental health remains 100% confidential and free from external scrutiny.
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You Deserve The Best Care.
You shouldn't be limited by the restrictions of insurance when it comes to your mental health. Insurance companies often impose limitations based on diagnostic criteria and what’s considered “medically necessary,” meaning you only get access to therapists who work within these confines. Many of the most effective and innovative therapies — those that have proven to help people heal — fall outside of this system. By choosing private pay, you unlock access to a wider range of therapies and approaches that are specifically designed to help you heal in the most effective way.
YOU MAY WANT TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
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Will therapy actually work for me?Therapy can be highly effective, but its success depends on factors like your openness, commitment, environment and the therapeutic relationship. Healing isn’t always linear or guaranteeed, but with the right support and approach, I've seen incredible results with my clients. So meaningful change and lasting transformation is definitely possible.
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Can you help me if I’ve tried therapy before and didn’t find it helpful?Yes! Every therapist has a unique style, and sometimes it takes finding the right fit or approach. If past therapy didn’t resonate with you, we can explore what wasn’t helpful and tailor our work to meet your needs more effectively.
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How can I tell if you’re the right therapist for me?The best way to know is to schedule a consultation so we can meet and see if we’re a good fit. In our initial conversation, we’ll discuss your needs, my approach, and any questions you might have about the process. It’s important to feel safe, heard, and understood in therapy so I definitely want to make sure we both feel like it’s a good fit.
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When are you available for sessions?My hours are: Monday: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 6pm Tuesday: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 5pm Wednesday: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 6pm Thursday: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 5pm
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What are your qualifications?I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Maryland. I have worked in community mental health and in private practice. I am certified in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and ART (accelerated resolution therapy). My approach is trauma-informed, compassionate, and sometimes even sprinkled with humor - because healing doesn’t have to be so heavy all the time.
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I want to work with you but what if I’m not ready to face and work on certain issues?I completely get that. Opening up can feel vulnerable, especially if you've felt unheard or dismissed in the past. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and accepted exactly as you are. Therapy isn't about judgment, it's about understanding what you're going through and working together to help you heal. My first priority is always for you to feel safe so you'll only ever need to talk about what you feel comfortable sharing.
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How long will therapy take, and how will I know if I’m making progress?This really depends on your goals, history, and how deep we need to go. Some people find relief in a handful of sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll check in regularly to make sure you’re feeling progress - whether it’s sleeping better, handling stress more easily, or simply feeling lighter. The goal is always to help you feel better, not keep you in therapy forever.
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Will I just talk in therapy, or will I get practical tools I can use?This isn’t just a space to vent (although sometimes that may be exactly what you want/need). I’ll also provide you with practical tools, strategies, and coping skills you can use in your daily life. Whether it’s reframing negative thoughts, grounding techniques, or working through processes like EMDR or ART, you’ll walk away with real ways to help yourself outside of our sessions.
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What if I have to cancel or reschedule — will I be charged?Life happens, and I get that. I do ask for 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or reschedules. Late cancellations or no-shows may be charged a fee since that time was reserved for you.
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What happens if I’m unhappy or feel like it isn’t working?Therapy should feel like a good fit, and if at any point you feel like it’s not working, let’s talk about it. Sometimes we need to adjust our approach, and other times it’s about finding the right therapist for you. I won’t take it personally if you need something different and I may be able to refer you to someone in my network who is better suited for your needs.
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What happens if I have to pause therapy temporarily due to finances, time, or other reasons?If you need to pause therapy, we’ll make a plan to ensure you still have tools to support yourself in the meantime. You’re always welcome to come back when you’re ready. Life has seasons, and therapy should work with where you are, not add stress to it.
IT’S TIME FOR A NEW DAWN!
Start Your Journey Toward Healing Today
It is my mission to help you achieve the transformation you desire and feel supported throughout the entire process. I am committed to helping you achieve your goals and navigate any challenges that may come your way. Contact me today to schedule your consultation or ask any questions you may have. Let's work together to achieve a new dawn in your life!