Our Team

The Experience to support your family

We provide in-person and telehealth psychotherapy for children, teens, adults and families who are experiencing difficulty with stress, life transitions such as divorce, depression, anxiety, ADHD, parenting, and trauma.

Each therapist and client work collaboratively to create a treatment plan based on the needs and goals of each person. With that plan, your therapist will tailor their skill base to fit your needs so you can experience deep healing that goes much further than traditional talk therapy alone.

We are trained in Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapies, Solution Focused Therapy, Parenting Support, Cognitive Processing, EMDR, and Brainspotting.

Meghan Murphy, LCSW-C (she/her)
Verified by Psychology Today Proud Member of TherapyDen
Meghan Murphy, LCSW-C

Psychotherapist (she/her)
Founder

A native of Baltimore, Meghan received her B.A. in Psychology from Washington College and her Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland.

A licensed psychotherapist with over 12 years of experience, Meghan uses an eclectic approach of somatic therapies and traditional talk therapy to create a unique treatment plan for adults, families, and children using a combination of CBT, play therapy, expressive arts, and somatic therapies (such as EMDR and brainspotting).

Prior to working in private practice, she received extensive training at the Kennedy Krieger Institute helping children and their families navigate developmental delays and familial stress. She continued to build her experience with families in crisis during her time at Sheppard Pratt where she supported at-risk youth in elementary, middle, and high school settings by providing mental health counseling and family support.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, interior decorating, as well as hiking, and gardening.

Kirsten Holste, LCSW-C, RPT

Registered Play Therapist (she/her)

As a Frederick County native, Kirsten is so excited to be able to serve the community that raised her.

As a Registered Play Therapist, she has completed extensive training and credentialing to specialize in working with children ages 3-12 with a variety of emotional and behavioral needs. Kirsten utilizes a dynamic approach in using a blend of play therapy, expressive arts, talk therapy, EMDR, and brainspotting techniques to develop a treatment plan that is custom tailored to each individual clients needs and goals.

Kirsten obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh (Hail to Pitt!) in 2014. In 2015, she earned her Master of Social Work with a clinical mental health concentration from the University of Maryland Baltimore. Prior to working in private practice, Kirsten’s 9 years of experience includes working as a school-based therapist and in community mental health providing therapy to high risk children, adolescents, and adults. 

When she's not in the therapy room, you can find Kirsten hosting her family and friends, planning a trip to a new location, or enjoying live music!

Kirsten Kleczek, LCSW-C, RPT (she/her)
Proud Member of TherapyDen Verified by Psychology Today
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Kelly ARrington, LMSW

Psychotherapist / Certified Parent Coach (she/her)

Kelly was born and raised in the Frederick area and is excited to help others in this area thrive.

Kelly loves to absorb all the knowledge she can get and specializes in highly sensitive children/people, trauma, parenting, maternal mental health, and chronic pain. Kelly strives to provide a holistic approach to therapy through trauma-informed and internal family systems-informed practices, somatics/mind-body practices, polyvagal approaches, TF-CBT, and play.

Kelly received her B.A. in Psychology from Shepherd University and her M.A. in Social Work from Walden University. She has been working with individuals and their families to improve their mental health and wellness since 2021 as a clinical intern. Additionally, she was certified as a parent coach by the Jai Institute for Parenting in 2022.

In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, hatchet throwing, spending time with her family, and watching football.

Kasey Veenstra, LGPC

Psychotherapist (she/her)

With a background in school counseling, Kasey is a dedicated therapist committed to empowering children and adolescents. She uses an integrated approach blending CBT, talk therapy, and play therapy techniques to cultivate emotional growth and resilience.

Drawing on experience in trauma-informed care and navigating the school system, Kasey is dedicated to creating safe and supportive environments where young individuals can explore and heal. She specializes in providing affirming therapy that honors the diverse life experiences of her clients.

Currently on the path to becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), Kasey is enthusiastic about guiding young clients to overcome obstacles, strengthen their self-esteem, and unlock their full potential in a nurturing and inclusive setting.

Kasey is a Maryland native, currently living in Howard County. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Arizona and later pursued a Master's Degree in Health Management in 2009 from the University of Maryland. Finally, after discovering a true passion, she obtained a Master's in School Counseling from Loyola University Maryland in 2020 and an LGPC in 2024 to allow her to shift gears into private practice.

In her downtime, she enjoys hiking and exploring nature with her family, practicing yoga, and reading.

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Amanda Vogel, LCSW-C

Psychotherapist (she/her)

Amanda was born and raised in western Howard County. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Hood College and her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University, with a focus in Advanced Clinical Practice in Health, Mental Health, and Disabilities.

Amanda has extensive practice and training in providing therapy to children, adolescents, and their families. Her top priority is providing a safe and supportive environment where children and teens can build self-esteem, personal agency, and resiliency through finding the “small wins” in their daily lives.

Amanda uses various modalities including CBT, DBT, play therapy, and family systems therapy to address trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other developmental challenges.

After graduating from the Columbia University School of Social Work, Amanda worked with children and adults at a community mental health center where she provided psychotherapy to a diverse population, many of whom had experienced significant trauma and hardship.

Upon returning to Maryland, she began working with at-risk students and their families in a division of Sheppard Pratt where she provided support for their intensive mental health and developmental needs and served as a liaison between the family, school, and community.

During her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the gym, and enjoying the outdoors.

Our Offices

We've Moved!

Our Mt. Airy Office is now at 1502 S Main Street, Suite 306, Mt Airy, MD 21771. Please update your records!

Healing Connections Counseling - Mt Airy Office

Our downtown Frederick Office

Parking is located directly behind Frederick Coffee Company in the gravel parking lot