Online in Maryland, Pennsylvania
(Online Only)
Hi there! I'm so glad you're here.
I am a doctoral-level social worker who has been practicing for over twelve years. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship, and I'm a great fit for anyone who has ever left a therapy session disappointed because they were hoping for something that felt more authentic or for a space that allowed you to feel safe to be your entire self.
I provide couples, individual, and family therapy, as well as parent coaching. With couples, I am trained in Emotionally-Focused Therapy and Gottman Therapy. I believe that focusing on connection, relationship strengths that already exist, and respect make couples therapy the most successful. For families, similarly, building mutual respect and communication can improve overall functioning and restore peace. For parents, I focus on creating secure attachment, consistently enforcing realistic boundaries, and mutual respect. I support individuals in identifying personal values and recognizing unhelpful patterns so that a plan for moving forward meaningfully can be made.
I'm a perfect fit for you if you're feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, lonely, or unfulfilled. I support moms who have experienced birth trauma, NICU stays, infertility, postpartum depression and anxiety, or who are simply not adjusting to motherhood like they thought they would. I support parents who have multiples, who know they want to break generational patterns but aren't sure how, and who want to gentle parent effectively (not permissively). I work with individuals with ADHD (formally diagnosed or self-diagnosed), especially women with ADHD who may not have been diagnosed until adulthood due to compensating with overfunctioning and perfectionism. I work with individuals recovering from emotionally immature parents and with couples who are struggling to connect despite loving each other.
If any of this resonates you, I am accepting new clients and look forward to chatting with you to see if we might be a good fit! I know how overwhelming it can be to find a therapist who will be supportive, gently challenge you, and show up authentically and empathetically. I am that therapist and I can't wait to get started on helping you achieve your goals.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Young Adult
Treatment Approach
- Behavioral Therapy Uses learning techniques like reinforcement and practice to change unwanted behaviors. It is often applied to phobias, anxiety, and habits.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Based on decades of research, this method gives couples tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen intimacy.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) A short-term approach focused on improving relationships and social support. It is often used for depression and grief.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Approach Description: I am, first and foremost, an attachment-based therapist, meaning I believe the most powerful intervention in therapy is the relationship that a therapist builds with the client (YOU!). I am trained in many modalities of therapy and enjoy pulling from them as a client has need. I help clients to focus on values alignment and self-fulfillment, and believe that these two things can help heal many wounds.
Education & Credentials
Summer Hecht DSW, LCSW-C
- Female
- License # 20514
- Licensed in Maryland
- Practicing Since 2012
Education: I have a Doctorate in Social Work from Tulane University and a Master's and Bachelor's from Case Western Reserve University. I regularly participate in trainings to ensure that I am up-to-date on the latest evidence-based interventions.
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee 185
- Accepts Insurance
- I accept Aetna, Kaiser, and Carefirst BCBS.
Summer Hecht Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of Maryland, Pennsylvania
- Online Therapy Details: Google Meet