Giselle DeGrafenreid, MD, LCSW-C

Giselle DeGrafenreid is a licensed Maryland clinician with 23 years of professional experience who supports people navigating stress, anxiety, mood disorders, and related life challenges. She holds an MD, a Doctor of Medicine degree, and an LCSW-C, which is a clinical social work license that authorizes clinical practice. Drawing on evidence-based therapeutic techniques, she works with clients facing depression, bipolar disorder, anger, self-esteem concerns, and a range of interpersonal and life stressors.

Giselle approaches therapy from a strengths-based, collaborative stance, viewing each person as the expert in their own story and building on existing resources to create meaningful change. She helps clients address issues such as abandonment, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, communication and control problems, divorce and separation, guilt and shame, impulsivity, isolation, and questions about life purpose or midlife transitions. Her practice also supports people dealing with financial strain, narcissistic dynamics, and other mood-related difficulties.

Seeking change can take courage, and Giselle aims to empower and support clients through that process. She provides practical strategies alongside reflective work to foster greater resilience, confidence, and a more fulfilling daily life.

Evidence-Based Techniques for Online Mood and Stress Support

Giselle uses practical, evidence-based techniques tailored to mood and stress concerns. One approach emphasizes skills-based coping - teaching concrete strategies for managing anxiety, anger, and day-to-day stress so clients can better navigate triggering situations and responsibilities. Another focuses on examining and reshaping unhelpful thought patterns - exploring beliefs that contribute to low self-esteem, depression, or impulsive reactions and developing alternative ways of thinking that support healthier choices. A third element involves behavioral strategies to increase engagement in meaningful activities, which can help lift mood and restore motivation when depression or chronic illness limits daily functioning.

Finding the right combination of techniques is part of the therapeutic process, and Giselle collaborates with each client to determine which approaches align with their goals, values, and preferences. She adapts methods based on ongoing feedback so the work stays relevant and effective.

Offering video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, online therapy with Giselle adds flexibility to fit treatment into busy lives, caregiving routines, or health-related limitations. These options make it easier to access licensed professionals and continue consistent care across different circumstances.