Ann Ritz

Do you feel unleashed potential deep within that you have not yet been able to manifest? Do you wish to dive deeper into your therapy process? Are you seeking deep, inner healing, rather than just symptom management? Is your inner artist, writer, musician, inner-child, explorer, or wanderer longing for release from within? If so, you may have found your place here. Whether this is your first time in therapy, or if you’re looking for a new approach, I am excited to walk alongside you on this leg of your journey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSWC) and psychotherapist with nearly 20 years of experience in the field of mental health. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Towson University and my Masters in Social Work from Morgan State University. I am a member of Sandplay Therapists of America and have studied extensively in depth psychology approaches. I have lived and worked in Baltimore City for over 10 years in various settings. I enjoy reading, art, and spending time with my cats. Many of my client’s are professionals coming to me after experiencing deeply rooted childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences, or problems with attachment to parental figures in early childhood. Others come seeking increased insight or awareness to a recurring pattern in their life or who are navigating a difficult life transition. I often work with client’s who have tried other forms of therapy in the past and have hit a roadblock in their healing. I welcome fellow humans, travelers, and aliens alike, ages 5 and up. Sandplay is a powerful form of expressive therapy and effective in treating children, adolescents, and adults. Sandplay allows for contact with the inner psyche, taking healing to a deeper level. It is a “hands on”, non-verbal approach, with the belief that we hold a natural ability to heal ourselves, when provided with the space to do so. Through use of symbolism, layers of the unconscious mind are able to surface, providing for a sense of wholeness and balance. Sandplay allows for exploration of our inner worlds in a way that words cannot often express. The Sandplay therapist acts as a “holder”, providing protected space for exploration. The therapist provides a container for the client to create worlds and pictures using sand, water, and miniature objects. This allows for the use of all senses (sight, sound, touch, smell) and all elements (earth, air, water, and even fire). Sandplay is client led, with the therapist acting as a co-explorer. This method reduces anxiety and fear sometimes experienced in traditional “talk therapy”. Sandplay is a commonly sought after as an “express train” in treating trauma. Deeply repressed memories and emotions are able to gently surface, which, in talk therapy alone, can take many years to express.