Kate Shepard, LMSW
Rockville, MD
I have over 15 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate conflict, understand patterns, and build deeper connection. My approach is collaborative, warm, and often infused with humor. I want couples to know they’re not alone. I focus on amplifying what’s working and addressing the interaction patterns that pull partners apart, rather than “fixing” one person. Drawing from approaches like IFS, Emotion-Focused Therapy, CBT, and Attachment Theory, I tailor therapy to each couple, helping them strengthen connection and show up for each other in meaningful ways.
Education & Experience
- MSW, University of Maryland
- 15+ years of experience serving couples and families
- License number 25236
Specialties
- Marital & Premarital
- Relationship Issues
- Conflict Resolution
- Intimacy
- Communication
- Sexless/Withdrawn
- Affair & Infidelity Recovery
- Family Systems & Life Changes
Trainings, Certifications, and Continuing Education
- Healing Trauma in Couples Therapy: Two Contrasting Approaches
- Last Chance Couple, Peter Fraenkel
- Couples and Their Careers, Alexandra Solomon
- From Pain to Pleasure: Erotic Recovery in Trauma Healing, Esther Perel
- Breakthrough Results with Difficult Men: Terry Real on Working with Narcissists, Bullies, Boy-Men, and Avoidants
- IFS Immersion: Integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) Across Clinical Applications
- Expressive Arts Therapy: Creative Solutions for Trauma Recovery
- Reproductive Trauma, Infertility and Loss
- Integrative Attachment Family Therapy for Oppositional Behaviors
- Polyvagal Theory in Action, Deb Dana
Kate’s Approaches include the following:
- Gottman Method
- Imago Therapy
- Relational Life Therapy by Terry Real
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right marriage counselor?
While all our of counselors have years of experience specializing in couples therapy and all the challenges and unique situations that it encompasses, we understand it can feel overwhelming choosing the right therapist. That’s why we offer free 15-minute phone consults so you can start sessions with confidence. Reach out to our intake coordinator today to schedule yours.
How long are couples therapy sessions?
The first appointment (your intake session) is an extended 90 minutes. All following sessions are 50 minutes long. After your intake appointment each of you will have an individual session with your counselor. From there you may have more individual appointments but you will typically attend as a couple.
Do you offer both in-person and virtual appointments?
Yes! We want to ensure that scheduling sessions is as easy and stress-free as possible. You can attend sessions in-office, virtually or opt for a hybrid schedule.
Locations Kate Works
Rockville, MD
Kate sees clients in-person in her Rockville office Monday through Friday.
Our Counselors Association Memberships Include:
Verified by
Psychology Today
Verified by
Psychology Today
