Men’s therapy in Maryland and DC

I provide men’s therapy in Maryland and DC to men experiencing one or more of the following:

• Anger issues
• Relationship issues
• Communication issues
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Burnout
• Lack of work/life balance
• Loneliness
• Sex addiction or compulsive sexual behavior
• Dating concerns
• Premature Ejaculation
• Erectile dysfunction
• Gender and sexual orientation concerns

As a therapist specializing in men’s therapy in Maryland and DC, I can help you not only manage these symptoms, but also eventually let go of them altogether.

First off, I want to tell you that it takes strength and courage to seek help. This is a huge step for you, and the odds are it will only get easier from here.

It took me years of struggling on my own with stress and anxiety to finally reach out to a therapist. And even then, I only reached out because an ex-partner all but forced me to.

But after I experienced how therapy helped me feel less burned out and be more present at work and in my relationship, I was hooked. I even eventually became a therapist myself.

Like people of all genders, men suffer from anxiety, depression, and other issues that can get in the way of living the life we want. But there are things particular to the experience of growing up as a boy and living as a man that often need to be addressed in therapy.

How men are socialized

For example, many boys get the message that parents, teachers, and other adults want them to always be in control, fully aware of where they were going, a “man with a plan.”

This creates a little manager in our mind, a part of us that’s afraid that if we’re not in control, no one will like us. This part is terrified of asking for help—because that would be “soft” and “weak.”

This part of me—of being a man—has caused issues in my relationships by holding me back from showing up authentically.

Recently, I was driving my partner to the grocery store when she pointed up ahead and said, “Turn here.” It made sense—she knew the neighborhood we were in much better than I did. Yet, my mind spiraled into anxious thoughts: Why doesn’t she trust me? What would my friends think of me if they saw this? What would my dad think?

“No, this way,” I said, taking a left instead of a right, even though I didn’t know for sure. Her eyebrows furrowed. I could tell she knew I was wrong. For the rest of the drive, I tried hard to make sure I didn’t look as lost as I actually was. We arrived at the store 10 minutes later than we should have.

Yes, being able to take charge and lead other people is a powerful skill for any human, regardless of gender. But not when it takes away another person’s agency. Not when it’s a subtle form of control—which is what I was doing in the car.

Knowing that certain behaviors of mine are a big cause of my anxiety has helped me in relationships, with friends, and at work. It’s helped me become closer with my father. It’s helped me become closer with friends. It’s helped me be more present and get more of my needs met in my relationship.

How I work with men

I will start by identifying the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, whether it’s anxiety, depression, uncontrollable anger, or something else. We will also identify the situations and circumstances (“triggers”) that cause these symptoms.

I will teach you practices to address your symptoms as they arise in the moment, like mindfulness meditation. We will also discuss potential changes at your workplace, at home, and other areas of your life.

Using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, we will identify the “parts” of you that are contributing to your symptoms. For example, you may have a part of you that thinks you should always be in control, figuring things out yourself and never asking for help. Or you might have a people-pleasing (“nice guy”) part that thinks you should stay quiet and keep everyone else happy.

I will help you see that these parts are actually trying to protect you. They don’t want you to feel negative feelings, such as shame, fear, or loneliness. They just have extreme ideas about how to do that.

In IFS, parts are internal subpersonalities (or inner voices) we developed as children. They get “frozen in time … and keep doing whatever extreme things they did to protect [us] when [we] were young,” says Richard Schwartz, the therapist who developed IFS.

For example, that people-pleaser part of you may have learned early in your life that it might be dangerous not to make sure your parents (or other caregivers) were happy. Today, in your adult life, it’s working extra hard doing what it thinks you need to do—be “nice”—to keep you safe.

I will help you get to know your parts and release their childlike, extreme beliefs about how you need to be. With time, this can lead to more choice and freedom in how you show up at work, in relationships, and throughout your life.

FAQ about men’s therapy in Maryland and DC

How will I know it’s working?

While you’ll likely feel some relief within a few sessions, long-lasting progress may take weeks, months, or even years. This is because therapy not only treats symptoms, but it also addresses root causes.

I will not only help you learn new ways to cope with your symptoms, but I will also help you explore why it’s happening in the first place, which often takes time. Eventually, addressing the experiences and healing the trauma that laid the foundation for your symptoms will allow you to fully let go of the habits and patterns that are holding you back.  

How often should I do therapy and for how long?

As the client, you always control the frequency and number of sessions. Typically, I recommend that we meet weekly, especially in the beginning. It takes commitment and consistency to build trust and rapport.

But it’s ultimately your call. If you want to move to bi-weekly after a few months, that’s up to you.

How long we work together is up to you as well. I might recommend continuing or ending therapy based on your progress and goals. But you decide when you don’t need more sessions.

Some of my clients work with me for a few months as they navigate a difficult situation, while others have seen me as a helpful guide for years. Together, we will talk about what is most supportive to your ongoing growth and well-being.

How much does it cost?

My fee for a therapy session is $170 and will likely be reimbursed under most insurance plans. I accept credit card/debit card and HSA/FSA payments at the time of service.

I am considered “out-of-network” for all major insurance companies including Aetna, BlueCross, Cigna, Carefirst, and UHC. That means you pay the full fee at the time of service and can then choose to submit to your insurance for reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits.

The majority of clients have some out-of-network benefits, and benefits often cover 50 percent or more of my fee. You should check with your insurance to confirm.

I provide a Statement for Reimbursement (“superbill”) through a secure online portal to submit to your insurance company if you choose to seek reimbursement.

Your therapist, Jeremy Mohler

Scheduling men’s therapy in Washington, D.C., Silver Spring, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, Baltimore, or other parts of Maryland

Click on the button below to fill out the form and I’ll reach out within 24 hours to set up a free introductory phone call. I’ll answer any questions you have, and if I’m not the right fit, I’ll help you find a therapist who is.