- ACT methods
- DBT skills
- Gottman approach
About Lori
Lori Simmons is an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) with 16 years of clinical experience based in Maryland. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationship strain, anger, sleep and eating concerns, bipolar mood issues, parenting pressures, trauma and intimacy-related problems. Lori names LGBT and family topics among her practice areas and supports people wanting clearer communication and steadier reactions.
She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people notice thoughts and feelings without being driven by them. That approach connects what matters most to small, practical steps in everyday life. Lori also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance, and she applies the Gottman Method to help improve how partners talk and solve problems.
Sessions focus on giving concrete skills people can use right away. Lori talks through specific strategies for managing anger, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep and eating habits. She emphasizes values and forgiveness as ways to change patterns that keep returning.
Her style is practical and action-oriented. People who have tried therapy before and felt stuck may find a different path using mindfulness and behavioral skills together. The work aims to reduce symptoms and help clients function better day to day.
To begin, Lori asks about current struggles, goals, and what has or hasn’t worked before. From there she builds a plan that mixes ACT, DBT skills, and relationship techniques to fit those goals.
How ACT, DBT and Gottman work in online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without acting on them and ties daily choices to personal values to reduce reactive responses. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches concrete skills for managing strong emotions, tolerating distress, and improving interpersonal effectiveness. The Gottman Method looks at communication patterns and teaches practical conflict tools for partners to reduce hurt and increase connection.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Lori will discuss goals, what has helped or not helped before, and then try methods that fit the client’s needs and preferences. This is a collaborative process where methods are adjusted over time based on what is useful.
Confirm the current session options before booking, as specific formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, whether someone needs shorter check-ins, prefers not to travel, or wants to use video or audio in a way that suits their routine. Licensed professionals can help schedule sessions that align with work breaks, caregiving responsibilities, or other daily demands.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
16+ years
Listed in
Maryland, Florida, Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger, sleep and eating problems, bipolar mood concerns, trauma and intimacy-related issues.
What is her therapeutic style?
She uses practical, skills-based work grounded in mindful awareness and values-driven action.
How much experience does she have?
She has 16 years of clinical experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LMFT licensed in Michigan and Florida and practices from Maryland.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.