In-Person in Rockville, MD 20852
Online in Multiple States
Indiana, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C.
Hello, I’m Laura Goldstein! I am a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist in North Bethesda MD and I founded Montgomery County Counseling Center, LLC in 2017. My work in this field started first and foremost because of my passion for family therapy! Nothing happens in a vacuum of just one person. Sustainable change can only occur when the entire system shifts. Therefore, whether or not the entire family is in the therapy space, we must still consider the whole family’s relationship dynamics.
Because of this perspective, I can work with anyone: individuals, couples, and families. Clients are the experts in their own lives. So, my goal is to create a safe and non-judgemental space for them to explore the issues that matter most to them. However, I also believe that clients come to therapy looking for expertise. If what you were doing on your own was already working, you wouldn’t be here. Therefore, I take a rather directive approach to helping my clients learn skills to be successful in managing distress and/or conflict.
What does that mean exactly?
Well, as a therapist I won't tell you what to do or what not to do. But, I can shine a light on your patterns and bring attention to the areas where you can make different choices [no matter whatever anyone else around you is doing]. I’m a “no BS” kinda gal. Authenticity is key! This means sometimes hearing the things that are hard to hear, and necessary to hear. All the while, my goal is ALWAYS to do so in a safe way that feels supportive, empathic, and non-judgmental.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Children, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Black / African American, Buddhist, Christian, Hispanic / Latino, Jewish, LDS/Mormon, LGBTQ+, Men, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Persons with Disabilities, Sikh, Women clients.
Languages: English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Farsi/Persian
Treatment Approach
- 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.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- 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.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Helps parents strengthen their bond with their child while learning effective strategies to manage challenging behaviors. Through live coaching, parents practice positive communication, set clear boundaries, and build a more supportive, nurturing home environment.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Play Therapy Uses toys, games, and creative play to help children express emotions. It is especially useful when children can’t fully verbalize their feelings.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
- Sandplay Therapy Uses sand trays and miniature figures to allow symbolic expression. It is especially helpful for children and trauma survivors.
- 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: Authentic, transparent, and direct. If I'm not taking new clients, a member of my team likely is!! Much of my bio includes some of the specialities of my team members as well!
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 200
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- Our interns offer sliding scale and we also offer reduced rates for families with 3 or more services at one time
- Out of Network
Education & Credentials
Laura Goldstein LCMFT
- Female, Male, Non-Binary
- License # LCM625
- Licensed in MD
- Practicing Since 2012
Education: BA in Neuroscience from Franklin and Marshall College and MS in Couple and Family Therapy
Laura Goldstein Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Rockville, MD 20852
- Available Online for residents of Multiple States Indiana, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C.
- Online Therapy Details: Google Meets
At Montgomery County Counseling Center, we believe meaningful change happens at the intersection of emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Our therapists work with individuals, couples, and families to better understand these connections and build the skills needed for lasting change.
Our team uses research-based counseling models and a systemic, relationship-informed approach to help clients create meaningful and lasting change. Because we work collaboratively as a team, families are often able to access multiple forms of support in one place, with therapists coordinating care and working toward unified treatment goals. Above all, our commitment to you and your family is to ensure that every client receives thoughtful, ethical, and high-quality care!
Our Commitment to inclusion: We celebrate diversity of all types of clients and family systems. Our highest value is to be inclusive, sensitive, and educated about all neurotypes, races, ethnicities, religions, and sexual or gender identities. We aim to provide culturally competent care. And where we lack awareness, we humbly seek to do better!