Kumi Pledger, MD, LCPC

MD and LCPC focusing on healing

Trauma and anxiety care
Works with families
Speaks English and Japanese

About Kumi Pledger

Kumi Pledger brings a compassionate, insight-driven approach to therapy, helping people reduce worry, sleep more restfully, and reclaim enjoyment in daily life. She combines Guided Imagery, mindfulness practices, and trauma work using Internal Family Systems (IFS) alongside related modalities to address anxiety, insomnia, unwanted behaviors, and patterns that limit growth. Kumi draws on both personal insight and clinical experience to create a therapeutic space where individuals can be heard, explore fears, and work toward measurable change.

Her style emphasizes respect for each person’s strengths and resources, supporting clients as they move through a process of positive change and personal development. Kumi enjoys empowering others to clarify goals, understand themselves more fully, and increase the capacity for joy. She works with children, adolescents, couples, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) clients, families, and adults on issues such as relationship challenges, supporting new and expectant mothers, eating disorders, adjustment difficulties, trauma, grief, and loss.

Kumi holds an MD and an LCPC; MD indicates Doctor of Medicine and LCPC indicates Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, reflecting her clinical training and professional licensure. Her practice focuses on helping people grow, manage distress, and improve sleep and daily functioning through tailored, evidence-informed techniques and a collaborative therapeutic relationship.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

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

Also Specializes In

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorder

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommunication 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 shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPhobiasPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Kumi Pledger have?

Kumi Pledger has 10 years of experience.

Is Kumi Pledger a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credentials MD and LCPC and is licensed as MD LCPC LC10963.

In which languages does Kumi Pledger provide therapy?

Kumi provides therapy in English and Japanese.

Where is Kumi Pledger located?

Kumi Pledger is located in Maryland.

How can I work with Kumi Pledger as my therapist?

You can work with Kumi Pledger through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Kumi Pledger work with international clients?

Yes, Kumi Pledger works with international clients.

How much does therapy with Kumi Pledger cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Approaches for Online Healing and Relational Growth

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early bonds shape current relationships and emotional patterns; it helps people address attachment wounds, abandonment, and relationship difficulties by exploring needs and rebuilding secure connections. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person’s own experiences and goals, offering empathic listening and nonjudgmental support to help individuals clarify values, build self-esteem, and navigate life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) examines the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, offering practical strategies to reduce anxiety, manage mood symptoms, and change unhelpful patterns.

Kumi views finding the right approach as a collaborative process. She and the client work together to identify which methods best fit the client’s needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts the plan as progress unfolds to ensure the work remains relevant and effective.

Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for varied schedules and life demands. These formats make it easier to access licensed professionals from different locations, track progress between sessions, and choose the communication style that feels most comfortable. For many people, remote work with a therapist supports consistent, practical engagement and helps therapy fit more naturally into everyday life.

Ready to start therapy with Kumi Pledger?

Take the first step toward a better you.

Get Started