Welcome to Strength Within Counseling Center
Our Philosophy
At Strength Within Counseling Center, we believe everyone has the power to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. Our team provides a wide range of services—including individual, couples, and family counseling, massage therapy, and mediation—to help you discover your inner strength, restore balance, and confidently pursue your goals.
Amy M. Cohen, LCPC and Maryland Board Approved Clinical Supervisor
I believe everyone has the ability to create meaningful change, and I’m grateful to help clients uncover their inner strength through the counseling process. My practice focuses on fostering emotional growth, balance, and resilience in a safe, supportive environment. I hold a B.S. in Special Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an M.S. in Counseling from Western Maryland College. Before entering private practice, I worked as a special education teacher and school counselor in Baltimore County Public Schools. Alongside my counseling work, I embrace the mind-body connection as a group fitness instructor at Merritt Clubs. I’ve been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor since 2010.
Sarah McConnell, LMT
I am a State of Maryland Licensed Massage Therapist who specializes in working with those with chronic pain. I am happy to be practicing at Strength Within!
I believe that massage therapy is a wonderful way to treat both physical and mental stressors. I work with people in all walks of life. Whether you deal with joint replacements, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, sports injuries, arthritis, or simply need to quiet your mind and relax,
I would love to assist in your healing.
Sessions are customized by combining Deep Tissue, Stretching, Muscle Energy and Relaxing Energy work.
I am certified Reiki Level 1, and I also specialize in gentle Manual Lymph Drainage sessions for those dealing with swelling due to illness or surgery.
I look forward to contributing to your wellness by personalizing sessions in order to relieve your pain, increase your mobility and provide balance.
Stefani Comer, LCPC
I believe there is a unique potential in every human interaction and I believe in therapy as an experience of self-understanding. Whether you are looking for exploration and transformation or to change the way you think and behave, I am committed to providing sound clinical advice and guidance. Using creative problem solving and understanding, we can work together to change the course of your life.
I earned my undergraduate degree from Rider University, and my Master of Science degree in mental health counseling from McDaniel College. I have clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I have experience working with varying levels of anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, grief and loss.
My goal as your therapist is to help you improve your life, develop healthier thought patterns and emotional skills, and reduce the toll of personal challenges. I provide an unbiased, supportive, safe space for you to share and process your concerns. I utilize unconditional positive regard, compassion, guidance, and provide a level of accountability when needed.
My goal is to help clients understand themselves and others and to develop a level of self-awareness. I encourage you to contact me to learn more about my services or to schedule an appointment.
Katie Thompson, LCPC
We all have a story. Parts of it we may wish we could forget, while others have shaped us into who we are today. Our stories define us in many ways. If you are scrolling through this website then you have already started the hardest part of therapy—making a decision to invite someone else into your story. This is not something I take lightly.
As your counselor, I aim to help you integrate all parts of your story within a framework of safety, compassion, and authenticity. I understand the importance of feeling safe, and acknowledge it will take time to build rapport. Our first few sessions together will focus on getting to know each other, with the goal of creating a space where you feel comfortable and known. Together we will work to understand and overcome the obstacles that are blocking the path to healing and growth. As a person who has faced many of her own obstacles, I offer a unique emphasis on self-compassion and acceptance along with accountability and action when needed.
My clinical experience includes working with children, families, and adults whose stories include anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, adoption, and neurodivergent behaviors. In my various volunteer experiences within the community I have found myself in roles of teaching, facilitating groups, and providing care for individuals who have experienced trauma of many kinds. I have a passion for understanding people and where they come from, and am genuinely interested in learning how to best come alongside each person, exactly where they are. I encourage you to reach out and take that first step in taking care of you!
Marc J. Cohen, Ed. D. Certified Mediator
I provide professional mediation services designed to help individuals, families, and organizations resolve conflicts outside of the courtroom. As a neutral mediator—not a lawyer—I guide participants through a constructive process that emphasizes active listening, mutual understanding, and practical solutions. I am especially committed to child advocacy, ensuring that the best interests of children are centered in family and parenting-related disputes. I also provide mediation between parents and schools to support effective communication, problem-solving, and collaborative decision-making. My services help participants avoid the time, cost, and stress of legal proceedings, creating a safe and supportive environment where all parties feel heard. Whether addressing personal disputes, workplace conflicts, or community issues, I help participants find common ground and reach agreements that are sustainable and satisfactory for everyone involved.
Contact Us directly
Mental Health Services
- Amy M Cohen, LCPC 443-516-6262
- Stefani Comer, LCPC 443-280-5572
- Katie Thompson, LCPC 443-650-8480
Massage Therapy
- Sarah McConnell, LMT 301-437-3208
Mediation and Advocacy Services
- Marc J Cohen, Ed.D. 410-552-9287