Stacy Ciano, MD, LCSW-C

Stacy Ciano uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, and depression. She combines practical tools and straightforward conversation to help people recognize patterns and try new ways of coping. Stacy works from a strengths-based view and encourages small, doable steps toward change.

Stacy holds an MD and is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) in Maryland. Over two decades of work have given her experience with panic, mood concerns, and recovery after traumatic events. She also addresses issues like self-esteem, life transitions, and chronic health-related challenges.

Her sessions aim to be collaborative and goal-focused. She uses CBT techniques to spot unhelpful thinking and try different behaviors. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and client-centered methods to help people clarify values and build acceptance alongside action.

Stacy helps people manage specific problems such as panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, and persistent worry. She supports work on interpersonal concerns like communication problems, abandonment-related fears, and guilt or shame. Practical coping skills are paired with exploration of what matters most to each person.

For people juggling busy lives, Stacy offers different session formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. She encourages asking questions about session flow and what to expect before scheduling. Taking the first step is often the hardest part, and she aims to make that step clearer and more doable.

How CBT and Acceptance Work Online

Stacy often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice thought patterns and test practical behavior changes. CBT focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and is helpful for anxiety, panic, and mood concerns.

She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify their values and accept difficult feelings while taking steps toward a meaningful life. Client-centered therapy is another part of her approach, emphasizing a respectful, listening stance that helps people feel heard and understood.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and adjust methods as needs evolve. This collaborative planning helps shape sessions that feel useful and realistic for day-to-day life.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to give practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction for skill practice and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging suit quick updates, brief coaching, or ongoing support between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to continue work across different settings.