Psychotherapy Practice – A Step Forward Counseling & Psychotherapy
A Step Forward Counseling & Psychotherapy operates out of Gaithersburg, Maryland, at 333 Main Street, Suite 201, in the Kentlands area. The practice was founded by Dena Alalfey and comprises a team of 11 psychotherapists serving children, adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, and families.
Clinicians at the practice are identified by first name, including Mahe, Alaina, Mark, Lee, Jenny, Chelsea, Michelle, Jennifer, Jessica, Laurie, Micah, and Sarah. Each therapist brings a distinct clinical focus, collectively covering a wide range of presenting concerns. Areas of clinical expertise include anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorders, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief, ADHD, procrastination, infidelity, perinatal support, relationship issues, and self-esteem concerns.
Therapeutic modalities offered across the practice include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman Method, Trauma-Focused CBT, Brainspotting, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), play therapy, art therapy, mindfulness, and sex therapy. Treatment planning is described as individualized and matched to each client’s needs rather than applied from a single framework.
Service formats include individual therapy for adults, adolescents, and children; family therapy; couples counseling; group therapy; and parent consultations. Both in-person and telehealth sessions via video or phone are available. The practice is out-of-network with all insurance carriers and operates on a self-pay basis; staff can provide information on out-of-network reimbursement processes upon inquiry.
The breadth of modalities available at A Step Forward reflects its multi-clinician structure, which allows clients to be matched with a therapist whose training and areas of focus best align with their specific needs and goals. The Kentlands location in Gaithersburg provides an accessible base for the greater Montgomery County area, with virtual sessions extending availability to clients who prefer or require remote appointments. The practice does not list a year of establishment on its website. The practice can be reached by phone at (240) 248-9626 or by email at asfcounseling@gmail.com.