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Photograph of Rachel Scharf mental health therapist with Complete Health Wellness Group

Rachel Scharf, LCSW-C

Mental Health Therapist
Ages: Children, Adolescents, Parents, & Young Adults
Licensed: Maryland & District of Columbia (DC)
 

Rachel Scharf is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) in Maryland and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the District of Columbia (DC). She graduated from Binghamton University with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. Rachel completed her Master of Social Work from Catholic University of America. Rachel brings a wealth of experience from her diverse professional background in different settings. From private practice to school-based services and outpatient centers, she has worked with a wide range of individuals, including children, adolescents, parents, and young adults. As part of her social work internship, Rachel gained valuable knowledge in play therapy and had the opportunity to work with young children and their families. This experience ignited her passion for working with children, teens, and parents. After obtaining her Masters, Rachel began her career providing school-based services, where she provided support to children and their families from Kindergarten to 8th grade. During this time, she worked with diverse families and a variety of diagnoses. Rachel then transitioned to private practice, where she continued to work with children and young adults, along with parents and families. She specializes in trauma, divorce/separation, grief/loss, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression, transitional periods, and also has facilitated social skills and psychoeducational groups.

Therapeutic Approach

Rachel is a compassionate and dedicated mental health therapist who specializes in empowering individuals of all ages to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. With a tailored approach to therapy, Rachel focuses on working with children, adolescents, and parents to support their well-being and development. As a collaborative therapist, Rachel prioritizes building trust and creating a safe space for her clients. She utilizes a combination of psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, along with creative modalities like art, sand tray, music, and play therapy. Through these expressive arts and therapeutic interventions, Rachel incorporates various strategies such as psychoeducation, communication skills, active listening, empathy, role play, behavioral rehearsal, modeling, and narratives. With extensive experience in helping clients with anxiety, ADHD, autism, PTSD, and depression, Rachel is well-equipped to provide a specialized therapeutic treatment.

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Rachel's services are designed to cater to clients between the ages of 4 to 25 years old, as well as parents. For children aged 4-12, Rachel recognizes the value of play therapy as a powerful tool for emotional regulation, emotional intelligence, communication, self-esteem, resilience, and trauma processing. By engaging in play, children feel empowered, supported, and develop essential skills within a safe and trusting environment. Additionally, Rachel offers comprehensive support for parents facing the challenges of raising children. Whether it's feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, she provides parent coaching and guidance to nurture familial relationships. In a non-judgmental and safe space, Rachel addresses specific parenting challenges and facilitates the practice of practical skills in real-time. For individuals with ADHD or autism, she offers behavioral coaching and skill-building to enhance executive functioning and emotional regulation. Furthermore, Rachel provides parent support and family therapy to ensure a holistic and inclusive approach to overall well-being.

 

She is committed to her clients' growth and progress. Rachel sees the therapeutic process as an opportunity for individuals and families to explore their inner selves, discover new perspectives, and lead more fulfilling lives. By tailoring her approaches to meet the unique needs of each individual, Rachel strives to provide support, healing, and improved family dynamics.

Areas of Expertise

  • Anxiety

  • Bullying

  • Autism

  • Life Transitions

  • Self Esteem

  • Phobias

  • ADHD

  • Depression

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Learning Disabilities

  • Stress

  • Dual Diagnosis

  • Child Therapy

  • Coping Skills

  • Panic Disorders

  • Peer Relationships

  • Mindfulness

  • Mood Disorders

  • Parenting

  • Family Conflict

  • Behavioral Issues

  • Postpartum

  • Social Anxiety

  • School Issues

Therapeutic Modalities

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Collaborative Therapy

  • Person-Centered Therapy

  • Attachment-Based

  • Expressive Arts

  • Psychodynamic

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

  • Play Therapy, Sand Tray, & Art Therapy

Advanced Trainings & Certifications

  • Trained in Play Therapy & Filial Play Therapy

  • Virtual Play & Sand Tray Therapy

  • Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Adolescent

  • SPACE Program (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Children)

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