Ellie Mental Health - North Potomac-Shady Grove, MD

07/30/2025

Today, on , we hold space for the losses that changed us— the ones we speak of often and the ones we carry quietly.

Whether your grief is fresh or decades old, visible or invisible, your pain is real. We're thinking of you today.

Here are some tips and book recommendations from one of our therapists for helping kids navigate grief and loss.

07/28/2025

Ever zoned out during a meeting, driven somewhere and not remembered how you got there, or felt totally disconnected in a stressful moment?

These aren’t just quirks.... they can be signs of dissociation, a powerful and often misunderstood coping mechanism.

In therapy spaces, we talk about dissociation often. But outside of them, people may not recognize it or know what to do when it shows up. For folks with trauma histories, dissociation isn’t just occasional spacing out—it’s the nervous system protecting itself when things feel too overwhelming to process.

➡️ In this new blog post, Ellie therapist Miranda Barker, LICSW, breaks down:
- What dissociation actually is (and isn’t)
- Why the body uses it as a survival response
- How trauma-informed approaches like EMDR, parts work, and somatic therapy can help
- Practical grounding strategies that reconnect people to the present

Whether you're a clinician, a mental health advocate, or someone who’s felt disconnected and didn’t have a word for it—this is worth the read.

🔗 Check it out here: https://elliementalhealth.com/feeling-disconnected-a-therapists-guide-to-understanding-dissociation/

🎧 Bonus: Watch this related podcast episode featuring trauma therapist Amy Wilkerson, LICSW, for more insights. https://youtu.be/2Cxr5KB8Atg?si=p-mTzj5ZgGmwveOx

In this episode of Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda is joined by trauma therapist ⁠Amy Wilkerson, LICSW,⁠ for a conversation that many of us need but don’t a...

07/25/2025

Ever heard of DBT?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps people manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and build a life worth living.

Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT is now used to support anyone struggling with:
💥 Big emotional swings
🧠 Anxiety or depression
🗣️ Conflict in relationships
🧍‍♀️ Feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns

DBT teaches skills in 4 key areas:
Mindfulness
Emotion Regulation
Distress Tolerance
Interpersonal Effectiveness

It’s not just about coping, it’s about thriving with tools that actually work.

07/22/2025

Understanding your health insurance doesn’t have to be scary, in fact, the more you know, the more you can avoid surprise bills. In this video, we break down key terms like premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, and explain how benefit checks really work behind the scenes. 🧾✨

07/18/2025

If your heart races every time you see a “Can we talk?” subject line, you’re not alone (also, if you're a boss, please stop doing that).

Therapy can help you learn how to calm your nervous system, set boundaries, and stop spiraling every time you hear that notification ding.

07/10/2025

🌟 Welcome to the Ellie Family, Javana Clark! 🌟

We’re excited to welcome Javana Clark, LCSW-C to Ellie Mental Health of North Potomac!

Javana is a licensed psychotherapist with a Master’s in Social Work from Tulane University. She brings deep expertise in children’s trauma therapy, family therapy, and the treatment of depression and anxiety in children and adolescents.

Javana is passionate about providing a space where clients feel safe, supported, and truly heard. She believes that healing begins when individuals are empowered to share their stories and feel seen.

We’re so lucky to have her on our team! 💜

05/05/2025

Our North Potomac and Bethesda teams showed OUT at the NAMI Walk in Gaithersburg this weekend for Mental Health Awareness Month! 💚 It’s incredibly rewarding as therapists to come together with other organizations in support of such an important cause. Huge thanks to everyone who donated to our page!

05/02/2025

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about mental health, and since it's , it's time to clear some up.

➡️ Swipe through to see some common myths and the real facts behind them.

Which myth have you heard the most? Which ones did we miss? Share below! ⬇️

05/01/2025

Self-care isn’t just for when you’re overwhelmed, it’s what keeps you from getting there. Practice it daily, not just when you’re on the edge.

04/21/2025

Work stress weighing you down? You’re not alone. This post is packed with practical tips to help you manage the daily grind: quick mindfulness exercises, boundary-setting strategies, and ways to decompress after a tough day.

But here’s the thing: while these tips can offer relief, they don’t always get to the root of the stress. If you find yourself constantly feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or checked out, it might be time to dig deeper. 💬 Talking with a therapist can help you unpack what’s fueling your stress and build tools to navigate it long-term.

Swipe through for helpful tips, and remember: stress management is about more than quick fixes. You deserve real support!

04/17/2025

Meet Lauren, She provides a safe, supportive space for children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, chronic illness, isolation, grief, and more. With compassion and care, she brings kindness, curiosity, and a deep belief in the power of self-love to every session.
Her approach is rooted in humanistic theory, focusing on holistic healing and honoring the unique, dynamic nature of each individual. With a special interest in women’s health, neurodiversity, and trauma-informed care, she uses an integrative style tailored to each client’s needs—drawing from person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and mindfulness-based practices.
Through a multicultural lens, Lauren walks alongside her clients as they uncover self-awareness, resilience, and well-being. Her practice is deeply personal—never one-size-fits-all—and grounded in the belief that healing looks different for everyone. Welcome to the Ellie Team!🌟
-love

04/16/2025

Work stress is real— no matter what field you’re in. And if you’re not careful, burnout can sneak up fast. In our latest blog posts, we’re breaking down practical ways to manage both.

➡️ For therapists: Tips on protecting yourself from secondary trauma and burnout without sacrificing the quality of care you give your clients: https://elliementalhealth.com/self-care-for-therapists-proven-strategies-to-manage-work-stress-and-prevent-burnout/

➡️ For everyone else: Strategies to build healthier work habits and set boundaries that actually help reduce stress: https://elliementalhealth.com/work-stress-self-care-practical-strategies-for-a-healthier-work-life/

Let’s make stress management a priority this .

For therapists, self-care isn’t optional—learn practical tips to stay energized, balanced, & effective every day.