Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you haven’t been trying. It usually means the tools you’ve relied on were never quite designed for this. In our work together, we’ll take stock of what’s working, set aside what isn’t, and build new tools that actually meet the moment you’re in.
About Therapist Kerry Järvi:
Hello, my name is Kerry and I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to respond to your child’s big emotions, or an adult who has spent years quietly wondering why everything feels harder than it should, you’ve found the right place. I work with clients to understand how your unique brain works best rather than focusing on what’s “wrong,”. This might take shape as either therapy or executive functioning coaching. Or a blend of both.
For Children and Families
Play is a child’s most natural language; and that’s exactly how I work with kids. Kids don’t necessarily need to find the “right words” to express what they’re feeling in order for therapy to be helpful. That’s what makes Play Therapy helpful, especially for children with sensory sensitivities or those who struggle to verbalize their experiences. Over time, parents often notice their child starting to name their emotions and needs, handling transitions with less resistance, and expressing positive self-talk.
Parents are an essential part of this process. In addition to working with kids clients, I also work with parent coaching clients to help parents understand what’s driving the behavior you’re seeing at home, de-escalate before things boil over, and set limits your child can actually hear.
Support for Teens and Young Adults
Figuring out who you are is hard for any young person. For neurodivergent teens and young adults, it often comes with extra layers: friendships that don’t quite click, organizational systems that keep breaking down, and difficult transitions to college or careers. That can feel overwhelming, but can be easier to understand and manage with the right support. In our work together, we focus on understanding your neurotype, building on your strengths, and developing the tools you need to move into adulthood with confidence.
For Adults
Most adults arrive in my office in one of two ways. Either they’ve just received an ADHD or autism diagnosis and are trying to make sense of what that means. Or they’ve spent years suspecting that something was different about how their brain works and are finally ready to explore and get support. I welcome both! Together we work on understanding your neurotype, building organizational systems that actually fit how your brain operates, managing anxiety, and developing strategies for whatever areas of life feel harder than necessary, be that work, relationships, or simply daily functioning. It’s never too late to understand yourself better, and it’s never too late to get the right support.
Education and Experience as a Therapist
Becoming a professional counselor was not my first career path. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The University of Nebraska, Lincoln, in 2014. Inspired to create social change in the world, I became an elementary school teacher through Teach For America in Baltimore. A key aspect of my teaching approach involved building connections with students and families, and I grew frustrated in my limited capacity to help with challenges they faced outside the classroom.
This was my motivation to return to school and become a professional counselor. In 2020 I completed my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University, Seattle. In the same year, I also earned my Play Therapy Certificate from the Antioch Center for Play Therapy. I have worked in Community Mental Health and as a therapist since then using elements of Play Therapy, mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and art-based therapy as part of my approach – always guided by the interests and needs of the client.
Therapy Services and Expertise
Types of Therapy Provided:
- Child Therapy
- Adolescent Therapy
- Teen Therapy
- Adult Therapy
- Parent Coaching
- Executive Functioning Coaching
Areas of Focus
- Neurodiversity in children and newly diagnosed adults
- Autism and ADHD
- Separation Anxiety
- Sensory Processing
- Grief and Loss
- Sibling Rivalry/Relationships
- General Anxiety & Depression
- Trauma-Informed Care
Professional Licensure
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Maryland
Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor, Maryland
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Washington State
What Clients Say About Working With Kerry
Kerry developed a nice therapeutic rapport with my son and my son felt as though he got what he was looking for from therapy. My son feels more at ease with his ADHD diagnosis since having the opportunity to learn more about how it impacts him and how he can manage different facets of it. He also learned some helpful anxiety coping strategies. The experience was smooth from start to finish. Kerry maintained confidentiality with my son, but also did a great job of keeping me updated on how things were going. Kerry was a great communicator and scheduling was easy.
Kerry is adaptable and follows my child’s lead. [It is most helpful that] my child has an outlet and place to process different things.
He’s been very kind, open, personable and relates well with my son. Seeing my son learn how to identify and manage his emotions [has been most beneficial].
Get to Know Kerry Järvi
Meet Kerry in this Short Video!
Beyond the Therapy Room
Outside counseling, I enjoy spending time outdoors by camping, biking, and hiking. I also stay connected with nature through volunteering, cleanup, and sustainability efforts. On a hot summer afternoon you might find me at the community pool or in the bleachers at a baseball game. Although I grew up as a St. Louis Cardinals fan, I’ve welcomed the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens into my sports family as my home teams.
When I’m not immersed in a book or baking, I find comfort in the company of my pet cat Mochi. I relax by spending time with friends through online gaming by playing strategy, exploration, and puzzle games. As the son of an immigrant, I find it important to spend time practicing my Finnish and connecting with my heritage through local Finnish and Scandinavian organizations. In addition to doing one-on-one counseling, I also lead social skills groups for kids, teens, and young adults using Dungeons and Dragons and Minecraft.
Contact Kerry Järvi
Email: Kerry@mccounselingcenter.com
Blogs and Publications
Strengthening Sibling Bonds Through Play Therapy
Fantasy Sports and Politics: What fantasy sports can teach us about election emotions