Danika Girdner

Hi! I'm a Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical (LCSW-C) based in Maryland. I received my Masters from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and have been practicing since 2019.

My primary practice aims to help couples strengthen their relationships by improving communication, building trust, managing conflict, and deepening emotional connection using evidence-based approaches like the Gottman Method.

I do provide individual therapy to young adults, on a case by case basis. With individuals, my practice focuses on life adjustments, self advocacy, navigating relationships, and other life changes by providing a supportive space to explore their experiences, improve communication, build healthy connections, and develop effective coping strategies during times of transition.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, solution-oriented, and focused on helping couples create meaningful change in real time. I integrate elements of Gottman Method and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support healthier communication, stronger emotional connection, and more intentional responses to conflict.

My style is warm, direct, and often infused with humor, allowing clients to feel comfortable while also being challenged to grow. I love working with couples navigating identity, boundaries, trust, and relationship stressors, and I focus on helping clients not just understand their patterns, but actively shift them in ways that carry into everyday life.

In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, discuss payment and policy questions, and then dive into the specific challenges you're facing, to ensure we are a good fit.

Please Note: Because couples therapy focuses on relational concerns rather than treating an individual mental health diagnosis, it typically does not meet the medical necessity requirements for insurance coverage. While relationship concerns are equally deserving of care and support, I do not bill insurance for couples therapy sessions. Couples therapy is offered on a self-pay basis at a rate of $150 per 60-minute session.