Stacy Ciano , MD, LCSW-C

Stacy Ciano is a licensed clinician in Maryland who blends practical therapies to help people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and depression. She uses clear, down-to-earth language and a steady presence to help clients find direction and relief. Stacy holds an MD and is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical, LCSW-C. Her approach begins by treating each person as the expert on their own life. She listens first, then offers tools that fit the person's goals and day-to-day reality. That might include learning new ways to handle strong emotions, shifting unhelpful thoughts, or building routines that reduce anxiety. Stacy draws on a mix of methods that include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and client-centered work. She helps people notice what matters to them, practice small changes, and test new ways of coping with old problems. Many people turn to her when life feels overwhelming - after a loss, during a midlife rethink, or while managing chronic illness or painful relationships. She also supports those dealing with panic attacks, trauma memories, guilt, or struggles with body image. Sessions focus on practical steps and steady support. Stacy aims to help people identify clear goals, try concrete skills between sessions, and build momentum toward a more manageable life.

Online approaches that match your needs

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then take action toward what matters most. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions when values and motivation need clarification. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like panic, low mood, or avoidance. It is practical and skill-based for everyday problems. Emotionally-Focused Therapy centers on understanding and shifting strong emotions that get in the way of connections and wellbeing, which can help with trauma reactions, grief, and relationship-related stress.

Choosing a therapeutic approach is a joint process. The therapist will listen to the client's concerns, goals, and preferences and together decide which methods to try first. Plans are adjusted over time based on what helps and what doesn’t, so the fit can evolve as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make care more flexible. Video is useful for fuller conversation and visual feedback, phone can be easier when bandwidth is limited, and text or chat work well for brief check-ins or skill practice between sessions. These options help people fit therapy into busy schedules and access support from home or work when that is most convenient.