Meet Ben Pleasure, LCSW-C
Hi, I’m Ben Pleasure, a licensed clinical social worker based in Maryland. I have dedicated my career to helping individuals navigate their unique life challenges with compassion, understanding, and practical strategies. I received my Master’s in Social Work from The National Catholic School of Social Service at The Catholic University of America in 2009, and since then, I’ve specialized in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults.
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I started my career primarily in school settings, with placements at The Children's Guild in PG County and the health center at the University of Maryland. Later I worked in the Montgomery County Public School System, in both alternative and comprehensive high schools. During this time, I developed a deep understanding of the unique struggles faced by young people, including academic pressures, emotional difficulties, and social challenges. This experience allowed me to refine my approach to therapy, focusing on creating a safe, supportive environment where young people can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make positive changes.
Following this I was part of two different group practices in which I learned new treatment modalities like Dialectical Behavior Therapy and expanded my practice into working with adults.
Today, I run a private practice where I continue to focus on providing psychotherapy services to adolescents and adults. I work with individuals facing a wide range of issues, including ADHD, academic challenges, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use and abuse, technology overuse, and stage of life issues.
Whether you’re struggling with a specific issue or simply need support in navigating life’s complexities, I’m here to help. My goal is to provide personalized care tailored to your needs and goals.
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Areas of Focus
Depression and Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Substance Use and Abuse
Stage of Life Issues
Relationship / Interpersonal
Difficulties
Gaming and Technology Overuse
My Philosophy
Creativity
The act of creating, whether through painting, music, writing, or other forms of artistic expression, has always been linked to a search for meaning, belonging, and purpose. As seen in the handprint cave paintings above, early humans may have sought to solidify their place in both their immediate social group and in a larger, cosmic sense, affirming their humanity through creation. In therapy, engaging in creative activities often serves as a path for individuals to navigate complex emotions and trauma, giving form to feelings that may be difficult to articulate verbally.
Honesty and Authenticity
I encourage honesty with all of my clients not just in session but in vivo in their own lives as well. I feel that we too often use lies, both big and small, to avoid conversations or situations we feel might be uncomfortable. While in the short term our discomfort might be prevented, or the feelings of another person might be preserved; however, we may be just delaying what will ultimately end up being a greater pain for all involved. Similarly, I see authenticity to be central to establishing a healthy self esteem. Honoring our sense of self, and pursuing the life that holds profound meaning for us is how we become whole and in turn effectively connect with others on an interpersonal level.
Behavioral Activation
Behavioral activation is a core tenet of my work. It helps improve mood by encouraging individuals to engage in meaningful activities, which can counteract the withdrawal and inactivity often associated with depression and anxious avoidance. By increasing positive experiences and creating a sense of mastery and/or competence, it helps break the cycle of negative thinking and low energy, gradually lifting mood over time.
Distress Tolerance
Distress tolerance skills help improve mental health by teaching individuals how to cope with intense emotions and difficult situations without resorting to harmful or avoidant behaviors. By fostering resilience and acceptance, these skills allow individuals to manage stress more effectively and maintain emotional balance even during crises.
Emotion Regulation
Emotion regulation enhances mental health by helping individuals recognize, understand, and manage their emotions in healthy ways, reducing impulsive reactions and emotional overwhelm. By fostering greater control over emotional responses, it supports more balanced decision-making and improves relationships and overall well-being.
How to Reach Me
The fastest way to reach me is via email as I am able to check it throughout the day. However, you are welcome to call and leave a message on my confidential voicemail as well and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I am located in the Rollins Avenue Office Park which is directly next to the fire station. There is a small driveway that leads to a large free parking lot right outside of the suite.
Phone
Address
(301) 520-4228
131 Rollins Ave. suite 1, Rockville, MD 20852