Courtney Gum, LCSW-C

Courtney Gum is a licensed clinical social worker in Maryland who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and concentration or attention concerns. She speaks English and offers a calm, nonjudgmental presence for people taking a first step toward change. Her name appears here to make clear who leads the sessions.

Courtney uses straightforward conversation to understand what matters most to each person. She focuses on practical steps that can ease daily struggles, such as sleep disruption, low mood, or difficulty focusing. Sessions are built around the client's goals and pace.

Her clinical approach draws on client-centered methods that prioritize the person's experience. She also uses cognitive behavioral tools to spot unhelpful thinking patterns and to try small behavior changes that can make a difference. Emotionally-focused ideas guide work on relationship and intimacy issues when those topics come up.

Over eight years of practice, Courtney has supported people navigating parenting stress, caregiving and cancer-related challenges, chronic illness, and major life transitions like divorce or blended family adjustments. She also addresses concerns such as body image, fertility stress, and compassion fatigue.

Clients can expect a collaborative style that mixes listening with practical strategies. Courtney aims to help people build skills they can use outside sessions while also honoring the emotional work the process requires.

How therapeutic approaches shape online work

Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening and following the person's lead. The therapist focuses on understanding the client's experience and creating a supportive space where people can talk through what matters most. This approach helps when someone needs acceptance and clear reflection rather than direction.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact. It uses simple exercises to test unhelpful thoughts and build small habits that improve mood and attention. CBT is often useful for anxiety, depression, attention concerns, and daily coping skills.

Emotionally-focused principles help when relationship patterns and attachment come up. This work aims to identify recurring emotional responses and to try different ways of connecting with partners or close others.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose or combine methods based on needs, goals, and preferences. That means trying practical tools, reflecting on how they land, and adjusting the plan together.

Confirm current session formats before booking, since the biography does not list specific options. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when a quick strategy or follow-up is needed. Discuss scheduling and format preferences when arranging the first appointment.