Loretta Collins (Begg)

Experienced therapist blending CBT and empathy

MD, LCPC Maryland

Experience: 4 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Loretta

Loretta Collins (Begg) transitioned into clinical practice after a long career in sales, bringing a practical and empathetic perspective to her work as an MD, LCPC licensed in Maryland.

Background and approach

She uses cognitive-behavioral techniques alongside client-centered principles to form collaborative relationships with clients, emphasizing mutual engagement rather than a one-sided approach. Her training and experience include working with substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions such as PTSD, major depressive disorder, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.

She addresses a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, depression, anger, career challenges, compassion fatigue, and ADHD, and also focuses on related areas like body image, caregiver stress, codependency, impulse control, and mood disorders.

With four years of clinical experience, Loretta aims to reduce stigma around psychological health by treating mental health concerns with the same seriousness as physical health. Her style blends structured cognitive strategies with a supportive, person-centered stance to help clients identify goals and practical steps toward change.

Integrating CBT and Client-Centered Work Online

Both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client-centered methods are part of Loretta's clinical toolkit and translate well to online formats. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through structured techniques and practical exercises, which can help with anxiety, mood disorders, and addictive behaviors. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and creating a supportive therapeutic relationship to explore personal values, emotions, and goals.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Loretta works with clients to determine which methods align with their goals, preferences, and the challenges they bring, adjusting strategies as progress unfolds so therapy feels tailored rather than prescriptive.

Online sessions offer practical flexibility for those balancing work, family, or mobility concerns. Video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging allow clients to choose formats that fit their communication style and schedule, making it easier to maintain continuity of care and access support from Maryland-licensed professionals regardless of daily constraints.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does Loretta commonly address in therapy?

She works with concerns such as stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, depression, anger, career challenges, compassion fatigue, and ADHD, along with related difficulties like body image and caregiver stress.

How would you describe her therapeutic approach and style?

The approach blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with client-centered methods, combining structured techniques with empathetic listening and a collaborative partnership between therapist and client.

What is Loretta's professional background?

She changed careers after a 25-year sales career and completed a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, bringing four years of clinical experience working with substance use and co-occurring disorders.

What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?

The therapist holds MD and LCPC credentials with licence details MD LCPC LC12064 and practices in Maryland.

Does she offer services in other languages or accept international clients?

Sessions are provided in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

In what formats are sessions available with Loretta?

Clients can meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How are fees and payments handled for therapy sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working with this therapist?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression

Also works with

Anger managementCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

Body imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesControl issuesDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessForgivenessGuilt and shame ImpulsivityMidlife crisisMood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Phobias Post-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Experience

4+ years

Licensed

Maryland

Languages

English