Thank you for taking the first step to make a difference. My name is Orly Katz. I am a professional counselor in MD, VA, DC and in NV. I am also a maternal child nurse. My passion for relationships and individual counseling stems from my life’s experience, on the job exposure and advanced continuing education. My professional background started in the late 1970s as a nurse-midwife in Israel. In 1985, I immigrated to the USA and continued working as a maternal child nurse. Although nursing was rewarding, I felt that my work was missing a vital mental health component, that I believed was integral to a holistic approach that I wished to provide for my clients. I later obtained an education in counseling, where I focused on relationships and couples. I facilitated support groups for new mothers, new parents, and worked with children and incarcerated women. My work with a diverse population and in different cultures taught me to accept people without judgment. My pursuit for the most current, research based approaches motivates me to continuously take advanced classes and training, and to read and participate in forums and discussions. This ongoing learning process keeps me updated, while refining and expanding my therapeutic approach. In my practice, I strive to provide you with the most empathetic, yet objective environment where you feel heard, respected and validated. Together, we will collaborate to customize a plan and provide you with the most tested, up to date tools and techniques to get to your desired wish. Your input and feedback are crucial to our work together. What sets me apart from other therapists? Style: My roles as a wife and mother, life experience as an immigrant and professional background all work together by deepening my value and respect for people. I view my clients with great perspective, which allows me to balance an empathetic technique with understanding. With this approach, I am better able to provide clients with direct and straight forward therapy. Clients tend to value this way of “not sugar coating”, or “not hiding behind the bush”. Clients’ Comments: “This is exactly what I need.” Specialty: Focusing on relationships and couple counseling, I am known for getting to the root of the issue faster and assisting my clients in customizing the best therapy for them, through educating them on worthwhile, tested approaches. Clients value this method of “nailing it”, or “getting it”. Clients’ comments: “Coming here is like going to an ivy league school”. Client Led Discussion: Together with my clients we continue to evaluate the therapeutic process. I guide my clients to set their pace and progress with confidence and trust. They feel empowered. Clients’ comments: “It feels good, I am hopeful,” and “We have a road map–we are not going to be in therapy forever”. I look forward to working with you.