Danika Girdner, MD, LCSW-C

Danika Girdner, MD, LCSW-C helps people facing relationship strain, family conflict, parenting challenges, intimacy worries, anger, and self-esteem concerns. She also supports clients navigating infidelity, jealousy, blended family dynamics, and caregiving stress. Her tone in sessions is calm and nonjudgmental. She focuses on practical steps people can use right away.

Clients can expect a straightforward approach that combines clear skills practice with reflective conversation. Danika draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and client-centered techniques to help people stay connected to their values while managing difficult feelings.

Sessions often include communication coaching for couples. She uses elements of the Gottman Method to teach repair strategies and improve day-to-day interactions. Parents receive concrete tools for setting boundaries and reducing household tension.

Danika describes problems in simple terms and works with clients to set short-term goals. She offers mindfulness exercises to ease reactivity and brief homework to practice between meetings. Progress is tracked through changes in communication and day-to-day functioning.

Danika is based in Maryland and holds an MD and a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical, LCSW-C. She has five years of professional experience. Sessions are conducted in English and she does not take international clients at this time.

How therapy approaches translate to online care

Danika commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy when working online. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It helps with relationship patterns, anger, and low self-esteem by teaching practical skills to test new responses. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy encourages awareness of feelings and choosing actions that align with personal values. It can help people manage painful emotions while staying committed to relationship goals.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the first sessions. Danika will work together with each person or couple to determine which methods fit their goals and preferences. That collaborative process includes trying techniques and adjusting based on what feels helpful in real life.

Online formats available include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video offers face-to-face interaction for communication practice. Phone sessions are useful if bandwidth or being on camera is difficult. Live chat and text messages are good for brief check-ins, skill reminders, or when someone needs flexible ways to stay connected between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and maintain continuity of care.