Kumi Pledger, LCPC - Therapist in Maryland

Mindfulness and imagery
Attachment-informed care
English and Japanese

About Kumi

Kumi Pledger is a licensed clinical professional counselor who brings ten years of experience to her work in Maryland. She focuses on helping people reduce worry, sleep better, and find more enjoyment in daily life. Kumi uses a blend of practical tools and thoughtful listening to help people move forward from things that feel stuck.

Her sessions often include mindfulness and imagery techniques to ease anxiety and insomnia. Kumi also draws on approaches that look at how relationships and attachment shape emotions and behavior. She aims to create a respectful space where people can speak openly and build skills that fit their lives.

She helps people address a wide range of concerns, including stress, trauma and abuse, mood challenges, addictive behaviors, relationship and intimacy issues, and parenting stress. Kumi also lists work related to first responder issues, caregiving strain, and coping with natural or human-caused disaster among her focus areas. She communicates in English and Japanese and accepts international clients.

Kumi describes her style as compassionate and collaborative. She supports parents, adolescents, couples, LGBTQ clients, and individuals dealing with grief or life transitions. Sessions emphasize practical steps and understanding patterns so clients can test new ways of coping.

For people ready to begin, she asks clients to complete an intake process and schedule sessions that fit their needs. Kumi discusses goals and adjusts methods as progress emerges, helping people build clearer routines, healthier relationships, and better sleep.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Attachment-based work looks at how close relationships shape feelings and behaviors. In sessions this means talking about relationship patterns and trying new ways of connecting to reduce worry and isolation. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so clients feel understood and can identify their own solutions. This helps when someone needs time and space to sort through emotions without judgment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through clear, practical exercises, which can help with anxiety, insomnia, and mood swings.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and then suggest which methods to try first. This happens collaboratively, with adjustments as progress is made.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when schedules demand, and reduce travel time. It also lets people use techniques like guided imagery or written exercises between meetings to reinforce skills learned in sessions.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorder

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stress Communication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shame Hospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces Issues Mood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPhobiasPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Credentials

Maryland

Languages

English, Japanese

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Kumi commonly address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship and family issues, grief, sleep problems, parenting strain, bipolar concerns, and coping with life changes including disasters.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

The approach is compassionate and collaborative, combining mindful exercises, imagery, and relational work to help people reduce worry and try new coping strategies.

What is her background and experience?

She has ten years of clinical experience and uses a mix of evidence-informed approaches to support emotional and behavioral change.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She holds an LCPC in Maryland and practices from that state.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English and Japanese, and she accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current session options before booking.

How is cost handled for sessions?

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

How do I begin working with her?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.