Family therapy and counseling in Annapolis, MD

Hello,

My name is Kirsten T. Jackson and I am the owner of Grace Carries Wellness Collaborative and Consulting. My practice’s identity is centered in the belief that individuals have the power to create the change they want to see in their lives through understanding, grace and self awareness. I believe that when these three self regarding behaviors are consistently practiced individuals can better acknowledge and honor their “core self”.

Welcome! If you are feeling stuck and seek growth through empowering, warm, solution focused therapy, you are in the right place! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who will use evidence based practices tailored to your unique needs. My goal is to help you gain clarity and uncover the strength within to overcome current challenges.

I earned a B.A. in Music Education from Howard University in 2005 and a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University in 2012. With extensive training and experience in mental health, education, and the arts, I service adolescents, adults, families, and artists. Specific areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and family transitions. If you are motivated and ready for change, I am here to support you on your journey to fulfillment and improved quality of life!

You should know that I take your concerns seriously, and I will meet you with compassion, respect, and zero judgment. I understand that reaching out for mental health support can feel intimidating, especially if you have faced stigma, felt dismissed in the past, or worried about what a diagnosis might mean. My goal is to help you feel safe and at ease from the very first conversation.

As a doctoral-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over eight years of experience in psychiatric and mental health care, I work with individuals across the lifespan. I commonly support people navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress-related concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral health challenges. I approach each person as a whole, not a label, and I take the time to understand your symptoms in the context of your life, your stressors, your strengths, and your goals.

In our work together, you can expect a collaborative, patient-centered approach. I believe treatment works best when you feel heard and involved, so we will discuss what you are experiencing, what has helped or not helped in the past, and what you want to be different moving forward. If medication is part of your care, I prioritize thoughtful, evidence-based decisions, clear education about options, and ongoing adjustments based on your response and preferences. I also value practical strategies and supportive guidance that you can apply between sessions.

Most importantly, I am passionate about each person I serve because I know you are important, and I recognize the courage it takes to seek help. My role is to offer steady, professional support and a trusting relationship as you work toward clarity, stability, and lasting wellness.

Having grown up across diverse regions of Asia, later navigating life in the United States as a student, and now establishing herself as a permanent resident, Alice brings a deeply personal understanding of the complexities within this journey. Fluent in both English and Mandarin, she bridges cultural gaps with ease and creates a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment for every client she works with.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor who is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals through healing and personal growth. I am licensed to practice in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, and I’ve worked across a range of clinical settings with diverse individuals and families. My background includes extensive training in trauma-informed care, and I integrate approaches such as DBT, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), family systems theory, and transdiagnostic models. I specialize in helping clients navigate trauma, stress, relationship challenges, and emotion regulation.

I provide structured, evidence-based psychiatric care for adolescents and adults with anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, and complex mental health conditions. I specialize in treating individuals who have had limited response to prior treatment and require a more personalized, clinically guided approach. I also have extensive experience supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in both community and residential settings.

I help individuals and couples who feel overloaded, anxious, or stuck. Life can be exhausting when stress, anxiety and relationship problems start piling up. You might be doing everything you can to keep going, but still feeling tense, misunderstood and worn down. When things feel heavy for too long, it can impact your sleep, your confidence, and your ability to show up the way you want to.

I offer a calm, steady space where you can talk openly without judgment. My work is focused on helping you understand what you’re feeling, why it’s happening, and how to get relief. You’ll get support that feels real, straightforward, and grounded.

With 14 years as a psychiatric registered nurse before becoming a practitioner, I bring both clinical expertise and heartfelt understanding to every patient interaction. I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space where you can feel understood and supported. Together, we’ll explore your unique experiences, identify what’s holding you back, and develop strategies to help you move forward with confidence and hope.