Meet Our Therapists / Thomas “Teddy” Knebel

Thomas “Teddy” Knebel, LMSW

Licensed Master Social Worker under supervision with Jen Braveman, LCSW-C, and Hetty Barnett, LCSW-C

Clinical Degree: Master of Social Work, Salisbury University

Expertise: Internal Family Systems, trauma healing; couples & Relationship Counseling, anxiety and depression; life transitions; relationship difficulties; self-compassion and mindfulness; and Stress management

IFS training: Level 1 (2022), Level 2: IFS for Shame, Anxiety, and Depression (2024), Deepening & Expanding with IFS (2025).

IFIO Couples training: Level 2 Basic IFIO - IFS for Couples (2023), Advanced IFIO: Deepening Skills (2025) & Sexuality Matters (2024).

Throughout his career, Teddy has continually sought professional development, specializing in IFS workshops and trainings on topics including inner critics, perfectionism, psychedelics, trauma, spirituality, and attachment styles. In addition, he serves on staff for official IFS Level 1 & Level 2 trainings as a Program Assistant (PA). Teddy has over 1000+ hours serving as a PA, supporting therapists and allied-health professionals in the US and Canada with learning the IFS model.

When working with a couple, I use Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO), the application of IFS to relational therapy.  You may be seeking help with brushing up on your communication skills, exploring a conflict in the relationship, or finding new ways to physically reconnect with love and passion.  I will support each of you to bring more courage and perspective into your everyday interactions to allow for more openness and compassion for one another.  Couples therapy can often bring deep healing for both partners as you get to know yourSelf in new ways and witness your partner do the same.  As your couples' therapist, I aim to empower all partners to have more connection and choice as you navigate the big decisions and challenges of life.  

My Background and Approach

While I’ve always had an interest with our minds and how we relate to one another, it was my sister who first introduced me to IFS through a book recommendation (The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk). It felt more compassionate and comprehensive than any other therapy I’d had experienced before. With the support of an IFS therapist, I found and connected with the parts of me that needed witnessing and healing. This opened paths to profound transformation and growth, which also led to more internal trust and confidence in my system.

Since then, I was fortunate to become trained in IFS professionally, giving me the confidence and clarity to pursue a career in social work to help others experience the magic of this model. Under the supervision of certified IFS therapists, I’ve provided IFS therapy to adults and couples in private practice and in a community mental health agency in Maryland. Prior to getting my MSW (Master of Social Work) degree, I was an IFS Practitioner, supporting therapists and allied health professionals nationally and internationally. As your therapist, I am committed to providing a calm, judgment-free zone regardless of your sexuality, race, gender, culture, and spirituality.

What to Expect in Our Sessions & How I Can Help You

Each session, I will check what is most useful to you, whether that involves deep therapeutic exploration or more focused problem-solving. We will collaborate and work at the speed of trust, and it’s my role to support you every step of the way. That means that you don’t have to know anything before a session, or “get it right” in a session. I know that you are intelligent in many ways, and that you’ve worked hard for a long time. Rather than being another responsibility, therapy can be a time to be appreciated for all that you do each day and to be less alone in your struggles. Ultimately, this will allow you to feel more seen and valued in your relationships.

I look forward to supporting you on your healing journey as you develop a deeper connection and trust with your internal world. I also welcome your questions and feedback.

My Style & Skills

As an Enneagram Type 9, “the Peacekeeper,” I feel a natural ease with appreciating various perspectives, and mediating internal conflicts. When practicing IFS, I enjoy being flexible to the person I am supporting. I can maintain a pragmatic focus, offer humble leadership around a conflict, or encourage lots of space to gently explore subtle somatic signals in new ways, depending on what feels right to you. I am happy to encourage curiosity towards an inner voice who is used to being brushed aside, or to speak directly to an inner critic. I have learned IFS with a somatic focus, and I am equally happy to support connections to your intellectual parts. Your faith or spiritual beliefs are welcome in our work, whenever it feels right to you. I know that you are a good person, and I understand if parts of you have forgotten or taken on beliefs that deny that. At your side, I will be your companion as you reconnect with your creativity, confidence, and freedom of choice.

~ Teddy Knebel

“There’s a chain reaction in your heart. Muscle memory, remembering who you are...A little at a time, I feel more alive. I’ll let the scale tip, feel all of it. It's uncomfortable, but right. And we were born to try to see each other through. To know and love ourselves, and others well, is the most difficult and meaningful work we’ll ever do.” ~“Nine” by Sleeping at Last

With a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Salisbury University, Teddy enjoys working with couples and with adults 18 and older of various backgrounds and life stages on issues including anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, grief, trauma, and self-esteem challenges.

Teddy is licensed as a LMSW in Maryland and Virginia, and is supervised by Hetty Barnett, LCSW-C, IFS-Certified (L-3) therapist and Jen Braveman, LCSW-C, IFS Level 2 trained therapist.

Ready to get Started?
Call us at 301-960-8960 for a short chat with our Client Care Coordinator, who is available weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. You can also fill out the contact form and we will get back to you.

 Think we might be a good fit?

Contact us with any questions or to get started.