George Forsythe, LCPC
Therapy, EMDR, Hypnosis, Trauma-Focused, CBT; Counselor Supervision
Meet our Founder:
George Forsythe spent 26 years as a dedicated Maryland State Trooper working undercover, within HIDA Task Forces, and with the joint Warrant Apprehension Task Force in Baltimore City. After witnessing firsthand the mental and emotional toll that comes with the responsibilities of this line of work, he launched Driftwood Psychotherapy to ensure no first responder would struggle alone. He has experience working with those recovering from trauma, substance abuse-related addictions, pornography, conflict resolution, crisis counseling, domestic violence, relationship conflict, and grief using an integrative approach, including EMDR and hypnosis when appropriate.
George only accepts clients who are first responders.
George is proud to report that he works as an adjunct professor at Divine Mercy University (DMU) in their Spiritual Direction program and also assists as a residential facilitator for both the Spiritual Direction program and the MS in Clinical Counseling program at DMU.
Meet Christy!
I have a background in crisis intervention working on the Anne Arundel County Mobile Crisis Team since 2012 as well as certification in and multiple Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) related trainings. Additionally I am a MD Board Approved Supervisor providing clinical supervision to LGPCs. My goal in counseling is to create a safe and supportive environment where you can feel calm, comfortable, and open to explore the stressors you are facing. I specialize in using trauma informed approaches and working with my fellow First Responders. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy with a focus on strengths, insight, and working towards making changes. I believe in a collaborative process, using creative modalities, and moving at a pace that is comfortable for you as well as tailored to your needs.
For clients who are comfortable with her joining their sessions, Kelpie typically accompanies me to the office. Kelpie is a medium sized mixed breed dog that is about to turn 5y/o. and clients report that they find her presence comforting and a welcome breath of fresh air as they process what has brought them into session. Before you are scheduled I will ensure you are comfortable with her presence or I will schedule you at a time that works for you where she will not be present. If you have allergies or a fear of dogs you will not hurt our feelings.
Seeing clients in-person and virtually.
Christy Dressel, LCPC, NCC, CCISM
Therapy, Trauma-Focused, Counselor Supervision
Meet Ariel!
I am a licensed graduate professional counselor (LGPC) with experience working across the lifespan—from children to older adults. I provide a safe, affirming, and supportive space for individuals navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma.
I have worked closely with clients from a wide range of communities, including those navigating substance use, couples, adolescents, children, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. My therapeutic approach is grounded in person-centered therapy, which means I meet each client with empathy, respect, and authenticity. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative process where you feel empowered to explore your experiences and grow at your own pace.
At Driftwood Psychotherapy, I strive to create an environment where clients feel heard, understood, and supported — no matter where they are in their journey.
Ariel Kamen, LGPC
Person-Centered Therapy, EMDR
Alaina Gay, LMSW
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Meet Alaina!
Alaina, a proud Philadelphia native and devoted EAGLES fan, is a licensed therapist who brings a unique and deeply informed perspective to the field of mental health.
With a career spanning over two decades in law enforcement—including distinguished service with the Baltimore City Police Department and the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff—Alaina has cultivated an extraordinary ability to connect with individuals facing crisis and trauma. Her extensive training as a Hostage/Crisis Negotiator, Peer Support Team member, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor has laid a strong foundation for her clinical work, which is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
These evidence-based approaches allow her to help clients identify and restructure harmful thought patterns, process traumatic experiences, and foster emotional resilience. Alaina’s therapeutic work is driven by a passion for healing and a belief in the transformative power of trauma-informed care, helping clients reclaim control over their lives with compassion, structure, and renewed purpose.
Dylan Bates, MS-THSP, MS-CMHC
First Responder Coach, Counselor in Training
Meet Dylan!
From one first responder to another, I know this job changes you, how you see the world, how you sleep, and how you show up at home. As a criminal investigator in Alaska and a former police officer and firefighter/EMT, I understand critical incidents, cumulative trauma, and the unspoken rules of our culture in a way that does not need translation.
I am a graduate student in a CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program with a specialization in Telehealth, Private Practice, and Supervision, and I also hold a Master of Science in Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy with additional doctoral-level training in forensic psychology focused on trauma and violence. In our work together, I integrate lived experience on the street with trauma-informed, skills-based, and solution-focused techniques to help with hypervigilance, sleep, burnout, moral injury, relationship strain, and life after critical incidents.
I offer confidential Zoom-based coaching for first responders, veterans, and their families for $40 per session, direct pay only (no insurance), to keep care accessible when benefits, stigma, or agency barriers get in the way. I also lead a weekly online peer support group for first responders and their families on Zoom from 7:00–8:30 p.m. EST every Thursday, providing a consistent space to connect, decompress, and learn practical tools with others who truly “get it.”
Email - Website - Podcast & YouTube - Peer Meeting Zoom Link