Lacey Gaters, LCSW-C

Lacey Gaters is a licensed clinical social worker based in Maryland who works with people facing stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, trauma, and relationship concerns. She aims to meet each person where they are and help them move toward goals at a manageable pace. Her approach centers on listening, respect, and a nonjudgmental attitude so clients feel heard from the first session.

She favors practical strategies that change unhelpful thinking and behavior. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, for example, is used to identify thought patterns that get in the way and replace them with clearer options. Mindfulness and solution-focused techniques are also part of her toolbox to help people build small, useful habits and recognize strengths they already have.

Lacey earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from James Madison University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland. She holds the LCSW-C credential in Maryland and has eleven years of experience in settings such as hospitals and outpatient clinics. That background means she has worked with many kinds of concerns and age ranges, including children, adolescents, parents, and young adults.

In sessions she will not direct clients or push a personal agenda. Instead she asks questions, challenges limiting beliefs, and coaches people to try new ways of thinking and acting. Clients can expect a collaborative process focused on skill building and problem solving.

If you are unsure where to begin, she encourages a short conversation about goals and barriers so a plan can be shaped around what matters most to you.

Therapeutic approaches and how they translate online

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and understanding each person's experience. The therapist follows your lead, reflects what she hears, and helps you name goals so sessions feel relevant and practical. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy works on the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions; it uses simple exercises to spot unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors that lead to better outcomes.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Lacey will collaborate with you to decide which methods fit your needs, goals, and preferences. That process may blend approaches so you get tools for both immediate problems and longer term change.

Confirm the specific session formats before booking, since options are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, such as keeping appointments during a lunch break or joining from a quieter spot without travel time. It can also let you practice skills in the context of your daily routine and maintain regular contact with a licensed professional between in-person visits.