Rachel Cochran

I am a passionate and dedicated therapist who is deeply committed to helping individuals and couples create lasting transformation in their lives. With over 15 years of experience, I specialize in guiding clients through the process of confronting old, limiting beliefs, breaking free from unhelpful patterns, and fostering healthier, more fulfilling relationships. My work is rooted in collaboration, trust, and a deep belief in the capacity for positive change at any stage in life.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Early in my career, I gained valuable experience volunteering at a Head Start Program, where I worked to enhance children’s emotional well-being and cognitive skills. I also worked as an addictions course teaching assistant, interned at a residential group home for teen boys, and supported adults with severe mental illness at a non-profit outpatient program.

While completing my Master's degree, I interned at a middle school providing counseling for children struggling with social skills, anger management, and learning difficulties. I also worked at a therapeutic foster care agency, offering casework and counseling to children in foster care and their families.

After earning my Master’s degree, I joined a large group private practice, where I had the opportunity to work with individuals facing a wide range of diagnoses and chronic struggles. This experience was invaluable, as it exposed me to a diverse set of clinical challenges and allowed me to refine my skills in treating various mental health issues. Working with clients from different backgrounds and with unique needs helped me deepen my understanding of the complexities of human behavior and broaden my ability to provide effective, tailored treatment.

For the last 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of running my own private practice here in Sykesville. My work has evolved over time to focus primarily on adults who are ready to make positive changes in their lives.  I draw on a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques, tailoring my methods to suit each client’s needs.

While I still work with children and teenagers, much of my recent focus has been helping adults gain deeper insights into themselves, overcome emotional challenges, and create lasting transformation in their lives and relationships. I believe in providing a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients can build on their strengths and take actionable steps toward healing and growth.

Holistic and Integrative Approach: I believe in a holistic approach to therapy, recognizing that emotional well-being is deeply interconnected with physical, mental, and spiritual health. Recently, I’ve expanded my practice to focus on teaching clients to ground themselves and regulate their nervous systems, helping them develop tools to calm and stabilize their emotions.

Through techniques like breathwork, body awareness, and mindfulness, I guide clients in learning to reconnect with their bodies, process stored emotions, and develop a sense of balance. This grounding approach is particularly effective for managing anxiety, stress, and trauma-related symptoms, allowing individuals to feel more present in their bodies and cope with challenging emotions in a healthier way.

Specialization in EMDR Therapy: In addition to my diverse therapeutic techniques, I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a specialized therapy that has been scientifically proven to help individuals process traumatic memories and emotional blockages more effectively than traditional talk therapy alone. EMDR is particularly helpful for clients who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional issues that stem from past painful experiences.

How EMDR works: EMDR therapy is based on the idea that unresolved trauma can become “stuck” in the brain and body, leading to emotional distress and negative patterns in our lives. The brain processes trauma differently than other memories, and sometimes, these memories can become overwhelming, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, or avoidance.

The effectiveness of EMDR is backed by numerous studies and clinical trials, making it one of the most recognized and validated therapies for trauma. The American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other leading mental health organizations endorse EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.

EMDR has been shown to:

• Reduce emotional distress and anxiety related to traumatic events
• Improve emotional regulation and coping skills
• Help clients reframe negative beliefs that stem from traumatic experiences
• Promote deep healing at both the emotional and physical levels

If you are struggling with past trauma, emotional pain, or persistent negative patterns, EMDR may be an invaluable tool in your healing process. I am here to guide you through this transformative process with compassion, care, and a focus on achieving lasting change.

If you are ready to make positive changes and find fulfillment in your personal and family relationships, I’d love to collaborate with you. Feel free to reach out to learn more about my approach and how we can work together to achieve your goals.