Meet the Therapist
Tracy Pryce, LCSW-C
Maryland Social Worker
License #16325
Board Certified Supervisor since 2012 for Social Work + Professional Counselors
Hi, I'm Tracy. I've been serving Marylanders' mental health needs for fifteen years. During that time, I have worked with a range of people and families experiencing stress, mental health struggles, or wanting to optimize their growth. My work has given me expertise, experience, and a keen eye for helping people use their strengths to make real change in their lives. My style is warm and nurturing, encouraging and hand-holding, with honest insights and an ability to see the real you. We'll most definitely use humor to connect and heal.
I practiced as a generalist for many years and have experience with the wide spectrum of mental health concerns and wellness. If you feel we'd be a good fit but don't see what you're looking for on this list, feel free to contact me. We may decide to work together or I may refer you to a colleague. I want to get you the best care that's aligned for you.
[Trauma-Informed] [Health at Every Size Ally] [LGBTQ+ Ally] [Anti-Racist Practitioner]
Known for work with:
Motherhood
Perinatal We read books and watched friends and family, looked up checklists for what to pack and how to prep for the first weeks. Even with all that preparation, most of us find ourselves unprepared and shocked by the transition to motherhood (and additional children). Our hearts and relationships are forever changed by the gift and challenge of motherhood. For the many ways it's changed you, there are paths we can take together to help you feel more settled and confident in this role that feels, and is, so incredibly important. I'm passionate about helping moms find what's right and true for their family in a sea of opinions and online info. There's never been more pressure to get it right, but you can feel more at peace with an inner knowing that it's safe to move forward imperfectly. I love working with growing families, helping Moms adjust their coping skills and processing the tough stuff.
HSP Parenting managing sleep deprivation grief during the postpartum period
Midlife Primary caregivers experience a tremendous amount of stress as their children and partnerships age. The invisible metal load can start to add up, and you and your partner have changed since choosing to be on this journey together a few years and/or a couple kids ago. Something in life is not working and you can't put your finger on it, or you've pinpointed the problem and, despite your best efforts, the old systems and ways of being are really entrenched. You wonder what it would be like not to have all these responsibilities and don't feel fully re-charged after a break. You're tired of feeling irritable and short-tempered and know something's gotta give.
You can feel better through exploration of your feelings, step-by-step recovery from burnout, and deciding where and how to make changes toward the life you want. Let's find the way.
Mature You're a vibrant woman who has raised her children, or decided not to, and learned a lot about herself in the process. You may have had therapy before, but you're finding yourself stuck in some patterns and you'd do anything to break them (well, almost). I am passionate about working with grown, embodied women who want better for their lives and are ready to try on new ideas and practices to make that happen. I have experience working with women to navigate aging and relationships. Let's work together toward your unique goals with warmth and humor.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an all-t00 common experiences in our modern world. I run into people every single day who are struggling to be okay. There are so many demands for our time and attention that our nervous systems can't keep up. Our engines rev to get us through a tough moment, then rev for hours or days after. Some just get stuck that way until we're out of fuel and shut down entirely. Others have been shut down for so long that the idea of where to start can feel overwhelming. Together, we can recognize your pattern and take steps to help your body find balance and your mind feel at peace. You can have the energy for your life without overdoing until you burn out. You can build the relationships and life you want, since you'll have more power and control over how you feel and how much energy you have. I understand and I'm here to help you heal.
Genetic Disease Risk + Illness I have lived-experience with genetic diseases and understand what can feel impossible to put into words– weighing whether to get genetic testing; the triggers throughout the day that send you into fear or panic; wondering how many "good years" you have left and knowing you don't want to spend them feeling the way you do. Illness and disease never have good timing, and arrive at all stages of the family lifecycle. I can help you work through these isolating thoughts and feelings so you can get back to really living.
Chronic Illness I have experience with chronic illnesses + disabilities. I work with clients navigating related grief, grappling with self-blame in the flare cycle, and helping you tap into and discharge emotions in ways that will serve you and your health. Together, we can find the way to practices and thoughts that support your best life in this body.
*HSPs + Empaths* I can help those who are Highly Sensitive People and Empaths navigate the world and relationships with more ease.
Sex + Sexuality
working with busy-minded women to turn off their thoughts and be in the moment
helping adults adjust when a family member is exploring or identifying with a letter in the LGBGQ+ rainbow
creating appropriate boundaries and protecting your child without creating shame around sex
unpacking prior experiences that are coming up for you as a parent now that you/ your family are in a new life stage
As conscious parents and partners, we want to handle conversations (and our emotions) around sex/sexuality in the best way for our family, and part of that involves a responsibility to process our emotions. We can work through any uncertainty you're having and create a plan for how to guide you through difficult moments– and incredible ones. I'm here for you, without judgment.
*LGBTQ2+ Ally* I'm an LGBTQ+ ally who is poly-informed and kink-friendly, who won't assume that the issue you're seeking help with is related to this piece of your identity.
Seeking services as a trans person/ parent? While I fully support you, there are local transgender and two-spirit therapists who are better attuned to create space and have the expertise and referral base to assist you on your journey. I'm happy to connect you so you get the absolute best care to fit your needs.
Supervision and Consultation
I've been an active clinical supervisor since 2012, partnering with therapists in school settings and outpatient mental health clinics. I am trained in supervising therapists to learn evidence-based modalities, specifically CBT. I help you find your style and voice as a therapist while learning to navigate which approaches are right for your client. I use Discrimination and Developmental models of supervising and have expertise working with therapists at all stages in their careers.
I regularly engage in my own consultation and believe that continuing to review my work and learn is an integral part of longevity and purposeful work in this field. Together, we explore ways to avoid and manage burnout throughout your career. I believe that supervision is a place where we can bring our whole selves, warts and all, becoming the best versions of ourselves to help our clients effect change and lead their best lives.
*I am a board-approved supervisor for LMSWs seeking LCSW-C licensure; and board-approved for up to 50 hours for LGPCs working toward LCPC licenses (i.e. both Social Workers and Professional Counselors and Therapists).
Theoretical Approach
Modalities: I lean heavily on Somatic Therapy techniques to help clients move past difficult times and experiences as well as heal the nervous system. Many of us have been pushed away from experiencing our emotions, especially in connection with our bodies, and this is an integral part of healing for many. In addition, I use psychodynamic theory to help people see how they formed patterns that may no longer serve them, and importantly, how those patterns served them very well in the past. I use aspects of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to benefit relationships and build up coping/ calm down skills when indicated through mindfulness and Polyvagal techniques. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to effect changes in thoughts and behavior when people heal enough to be calm and in charge; I use aspects of CBT throughout therapy, assigning homework regularly. I believe that people see and feel the most change when they do therapy work outside of session as well. I do all of this through a trauma-informed, inclusive, client-centered lens. Importantly, I choose from these modalities when they are an appropriate fit for you and where you are in your journey. In the breadth of human experience, I don't believe in a one-size fits all approach (though I do believe in Health at Every Size).
Other Experience: I have experience as a social worker in the school system, specifically public and non-public school settings including 504 and IEPs. I interned in the hospital setting, gaining experience in addictions, psychiatric inpatient and partial hospitalization, among other areas. My experience with genetic diseases and chronic illness has led to work with OT, PT, assisted living or nursing home facilities, and hospice/ palliative care.