I’m Rachel, the founder and owner of Connected-Self Therapy, PLLC and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Arizona (LMFT-15468) , in the state of Maryland (LCM815), in the state of Nevada (4694-R), and in the state of New Hampshire (License No. 710). I care deeply about helping people heal, become their best selves, and improve their relationships. As your therapist, I will collaborate with you in the work that we do together. Through acceptance, compassion and support I hope to create a safe space that will allow you to grow and become your best self, achieve your goals and work through life’s challenges.

I am a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, with Level 3 training. This model of therapy has become a lens through which I view my world, seeing everyone as a family of parts. I have completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), I have basic training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and basic training in IFIO (IFS couples therapy).

I discovered my passion for helping people while earning my doctorate in social psychology, and learning about the influence that social interactions and relationships have on people’s lives. After working as an instructor and researcher, I returned to school to study Marriage and Family Therapy at Virginia Tech. At Virginia Tech’s Center for Family Services, I worked with individuals, couples, and families struggling with a variety of issues. I also interned at Phoenix House Mid-Atlantic in the men’s residential substance abuse treatment facility, where I conducted individual and family therapy sessions. After graduating and moving to Arizona, I worked in private practice where I specialized in individual and couples therapy, and had the opportunity to create a singles workshop based on a well-known couple’s workshop, Hold Me Tight.

I currently work with adult (18+) individuals only, however, I use my training and experience as a former couples therapist to help individuals improve and heal their relationships and can collaborate with couples therapists as needed. I currently specialize in singles, dating and relationship therapy/coaching, therapy for relational trauma, self-confidence/self-esteem issues, depression and anxiety, and divorce and breakups.

Education

BA in Psychology from Brandeis University
MA and PhD in Social Psychology from University of Maryland
MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Virginia Tech

Publication

Rachel A. Freidus, MS, PhD (2017): Experiences of men who commit to romantic relationships with younger breast cancer survivors: A qualitative study, Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, DOI:10.1080/07347332.2017.1308983

Affiliations

AAMFT
ICEEFT