About
About Laurel Fay
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am specially trained to work with couples and families, as well as individuals. I approach therapy from a systemic perspective, which means that I look to the dynamics between people rather than solely focusing on the internal workings of one person. Even in individual work, this approach can be helpful and empowering.
My approach is eclectic. I have various tools that I can use therapy to customize to the uniqueness of the people I aim to help. Some of these tools include cognitive-behavioral techniques, experiential exercises, homework assignments, and family-of-origin work.
I am committed to providing you with a safe, caring environment in which we can address your unique situation. By careful listening, I work to get behind the everyday surface of the situation to the underlying meaning. I often use humor to gently but skillfully pinpoint specific issues and highlight areas of growth.
Ms. Fay has a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Child and Family Studies from Syracuse University, and a Masters of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Maryland at College Park.
In addition to being licensed as an LCMFT (Maryland License #LCM167) and an Approved Supervisor, she is a Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and a member of the Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment (ACME).
Ms. Fay has worked extensively with families and children, particularly around marital and intimacy issues, and has given workshops on family relationships to several organizations, including the Maryland Psychological Association (MPA). Her articles have been featured in “your Health” magazine (2001) and Montgomery County Mental Health Association’s (MHA) newsletter (”Clinical Corner”, MHA News, Summer 2003). She has been in private practice since 2001.
About Katie Hrapczynski
I believe you have the ability to overcome life challenges, however many times you may find
yourself stuck. It is as if you want to move forward as a whole person, as a connected couple,
or as a united family, but can’t. You want to feel like yourself again, but are wondering how
to get there. You want to reconnect, but struggle to do it. You want to be a happy family, but
everything feels chaotic. Therapy can be a vehicle for overcoming the obstacles that you face in
your couple and family relationships.
As a marriage and family therapist, I am specially trained and enjoy working with couples,
families, and individuals. My personal philosophy of therapy is strongly influenced
by structural, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused models of therapy. In our sessions
together, I will pay particular attention to the dynamics and connections between family
members and intimate partners. I believe that by identifying those connections and recognizing
your strengths you will grow and overcome the obstacles that interfere with your happiness.
I view therapy as a collaborative endeavor, where we will work together to accomplish your
goals and strengthen your relationships. My commitment is to provide you with a safe space
to creatively and successfully navigate these challenges in life. I encourage you to visit
www.katiehrapczynski.com to learn more about me.
Katie Hrapczynski has a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a Certificate in Human
Development from Duke University, and a Masters of Science degree in Marriage and Family
Therapy from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is currently working toward
completion of a Doctorate degree in Family Science at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Katie is a Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist (LGMFT) in Maryland (License
#LGM352), and is an active member of the American Association for Marriage and Family
Therapy (AAMFT). Katie is a trained facilitator of the PREPARE/ENRICH program to help
engaged couples realistically identify individual and couple strengths and areas for growth as
they prepare for marriage. Her affiliations with the Association of Cognitive and Behavioral
Therapies (ABCT) and the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) connect her to current
advancements in child development and family dynamics.
About April McDowell
My clinical experience includes work with individuals, families, and couples in a family-based clinic, co-facilitation of several children’s therapy groups, specialized work with couples experiencing domestic violence in their relationships, and volunteer work for a children’s grief camp. I’ve also earned a Play and Filial Therapy Training Certificate from The National Institute of Relationship Enhancement (NIRE). In terms of therapy models, I prefer the use of Bowenian family therapy, Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused although I am committed to customizing your treatment and using the models and techniques that will best serve your individual and family needs.
My research experience includes my Master’s thesis project which explored how African American men’s perceptions of partner support shaped their intimate relationships during incarceration and community reentry. I am also co-author of a study examining trajectories of relationship suspension for low-income unmarried parents which can be found in the 2008 fathering special issue of Family Relations. Currently, I am studying the multigenerational transmission of health behaviors in families.
April McDowell is a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Maryland (License #LCM323). She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Maryland. Ms. McDowell is currently earning her doctorate in Family Science at the University of Maryland.
April’s professional memberships include the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT). Please visit www.aprilmcdowelltherapy.com to learn more about April.
About Kate Opel
As a Marriage and Family Therapist I specialize in working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. As a result of my background, I approach therapy from a systemic perspective. This means that instead of solely looking at each individual, I look at and work on the dynamics and relationships between people. I hope to provide a safe and collaborative environment that allows for open exploration of the challenges and concerns that brought you to therapy. My approach draws from a variety of tools including solution focused and cognitive behavioral techniques, experiential exercises and homework assignments in order to best achieve your personal goals. I view therapy as a vessel to help you find and capitalize on the strengths and skills you already possess as well as to develop and strengthen new skills and tools to help you navigate challenges in the future.
Kate Opel has a Bachelors degree from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in Psychology and a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Kate is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT) in Maryland (License # LCM401) and is an Associate Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). In addition to being an Associate with Laurel Fay & Associates, Kate works as a School Based Therapist in Montgomery County where she works extensively with adolescents and their families.
