Lori Simmons, LMFT

Lori Simmons is a licensed marriage and family therapist who uses mindful, practical therapy to help people cope with stress and relationship strain. She focuses on helping clients notice the present moment, connect with their values, and take small steps that make daily life feel more manageable.

Her work often addresses anxiety, low self-esteem, bipolar symptoms, trauma and abuse, and concerns around intimacy and eating or sleeping. Lori also helps people who are navigating LGBT issues, parenting challenges, anger, and career stress. Sessions emphasize clear skills and steady progress rather than long talks with no plan.

She blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Dialectical Behavior Therapy and elements from the Gottman Method to shape each plan. That means clients learn ways to accept difficult feelings, build emotion regulation skills, and improve communication where relationships are involved.

Lori draws on 16 years of clinical experience working with adults in Maryland. Her practical aim is to give tools that people can use right away to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. Progress is measured in what people can do differently between sessions.

For those who have tried therapy before without lasting change, Lori offers alternative strategies and concrete habits to support new outcomes. She works collaboratively to set goals, track small wins, and adjust the approach as needed.

Online approaches for values, emotion skills, and connection

Lori uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck, then choose actions that match what matters to them. ACT can be useful for anxiety, low mood, and people who want clearer life direction.

She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to teach concrete techniques for handling strong emotions, reducing anger, and improving stress tolerance. DBT tools often help when mood swings or intense reactions interfere with daily life.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Lori collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences, and she adjusts strategies as progress is seen. Together they set small, practical steps and review what helps.

Discuss the practical arrangements before beginning therapy online. Confirm the current session options, fees, and appointment schedule, and raise any access needs or communication preferences. The aim is to understand the next steps and decide whether the proposed arrangements work for you.