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What to Expect From Your First Session With Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst

Start With Online Therapy in Maryland and Washington, DC

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Overview and Getting Started

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Washington DC that did Start With Online Therapy in Maryland and Washington, DC​ supported by Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst’s counseling

What You Will Find On This Page

Beginning therapy is a meaningful step toward emotional clarity, healing, and growth. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, relationship stress, trauma, or life transitions, I’m here to support you with evidence-based care and compassionate guidance. If you’re ready to begin your mental health journey, start with online therapy in Maryland or DC, for flexible, secure support.

I’m Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping adults, couples, and families move through emotional challenges with insight and resilience. I offer secure, HIPAA-compliant online therapy to clients across Maryland and Washington, DC.

This page will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how to begin. Start with online therapy in Maryland and Washington, DC to access expert care without commuting or waiting rooms.

The Three Stages of Emotion Focused Therapy

Getting Started

Step 1
Reach Out

If you’re ready to make a change, start with online therapy in Maryland and Washington, DC for flexible, supportive sessions. To get started, simply contact me by phone or email:

📞 Call: (301) 578-8760

✉️ Email: gkvanderhorst@gmail.com

I’ll respond promptly to schedule a brief phone consultation. This initial conversation is free and gives us a chance to:

  • Discuss your goals and concerns
  • Determine whether my services are a good fit
  • Answer any questions about the therapy process
  • Schedule your first session
Step 2
Schedule Your First Session

Once we’ve spoken, we’ll schedule your first 50-minute online session. You’ll receive:

  • A secure video link for your session
  • Intake paperwork via a HIPAA-compliant platform
  • Instructions for setting up your space and technology

Sessions are available for individuals, couples, and families. I offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. Many clients choose to start with online therapy in Maryland  or DC to access care from the comfort of their home.

Step 3
Begin the Therapy Process

In our first session, we’ll focus on:

  • Exploring what brings you to therapy
  • Clarifying your goals and hopes for the process
  • Beginning to understand your emotional patterns and strengths
  • Creating a safe, collaborative space for growth

Therapy is a partnership. I’ll bring clinical expertise, structure, and compassion, and you’ll bring your lived experience, insight, and readiness for change. This page on online therapy in Maryland and DC outlines what to expect from virtual sessions and how to get started.

What You’ll Need for Online Therapy

To participate in virtual sessions, you’ll need:

  • A private, quiet space where you feel safe to speak openly
  • A reliable internet connection
  • A device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone)
  • A willingness to show up with honesty and curiosity

I make it easy to start with online therapy in Maryland  or DC through a streamlined intake process and personalized care.

If you’re new to online therapy, I’ll walk you through the setup process and answer any questions. Clients often ask how virtual therapy works, this page on confidentiality and technology answers those questions clearly.

children learning virtually with support from Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst’s Telehealth Therapy in Navy Yard, DC​

My Approach and What I Can Help With

What Therapy Can Help With

I provide therapy for a wide range of emotional and relational concerns, including:

  • Anxiety, depression, and emotional overwhelm
  • Trauma, grief, and unresolved pain
  • Relationship conflict, disconnection, or betrayal
  • Parenting stress and co-parenting dynamics
  • ADHD, executive functioning, and performance pressure
  • Identity exploration and life transitions

You don’t need a diagnosis to begin. If something feels off, unsettled, or unclear, therapy can help. Start with online therapy in Maryland or DC, to receive compassionate, evidence-based support tailored to your needs.

Clients who engage in EFT often experience:

I use evidence-based models including:

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS): A compassionate, non-pathologizing model that helps you understand and heal emotional “parts” of yourself
  • Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT): A structured approach that supports emotional healing and secure connection in individuals and couples
  • CBT, DBT, ACT and Trauma-Informed Care: Integrated as needed to support emotional regulation, resilience, and practical change

Together, we’ll tailor therapy to your needs, goals, and emotional readiness.

who i work with

Serving Clients Across Maryland and Washington, DC

I offer online therapy to clients physically located in:

  • Maryland: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Rockville, Potomac, Gaithersburg
  • Washington, DC: Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Navy Yard, Northwest DC

You must be located in Maryland or Washington, DC at the time of your session to receive care. Whether you’re new to therapy or returning, it’s simple to start with online therapy in Maryland  or DC and take the first step toward healing.

Email Me
Headshot of virtual therapist in Maryland and Washington, DC with Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst

Schedule a Virtual Therapy Session

Ready to Begin?

Starting therapy is a courageous step. If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, I’m here to walk with you.