Divorce Therapists in Chevy Chase, MD

There are times when things are not going as well as we'd like in our family, social or work relationships, particularly post-Covid. You may feel alone, depressed, anxious, or have conflict or discomfort with those you care about. In my psychotherapy practice I help couples, individuals & families restore their sense of well being and connection. People learn how to be more present and intentional in accordance with their values. Partners learn to be safely available to each other through a dialogue process that teaches more effective listening, deeper understanding and empathy. In person and Telehealth meetings are offered.

I think it's very important to find a therapist who is a GOOD FIT for you with your unique needs. While I think psychodynamically, which means that I focus on helping my clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships, I tend to be pragmatic and problem solving. My style is professional, yet relaxed and I'm appreciated for being both compassionate and having a sense of humor in my work. I see my patients in individual psychotherapy and very frequently in group therapy as well. Please note that I am only accepting new patients for group therapy.

In my practice, I work with a diverse clientele: children, adolescents and adults from all backgrounds. My approach is practical and conversational as we explore together the stressors of daily living, relationship concerns, parenting issues, and in some instances, severe psychiatric disorders. Often, clients seek short-term interventions, though for some difficulties therapy continues for an extended period. I allow my clients to set the agenda for our work together and decide what sort of help is needed.

Each of us arrives at a moment when we need help. Relationships, work, health, family, money, dreams for the future or pain from the past--all impact our self-image, mood, and energy. Maybe now you've hit a bump in the road. Perhaps past events and feelings are getting in your way. Or you feel ready to make some changes. As a therapist, I join practiced clinical skills with empathic warmth. I see therapy as a process in which we learn from the past so you can make more satisfying choices now--creating a fulfilling future.

I am a Licensed Clinical Marriage & Family Therapist (LCMFT) & native of Bethesda, Maryland, with over 30 years experience working with individuals, families, & couples. I have training in Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) & I work from that model with my client couples. I am working towards full IRT certification. I am passionate about helping couples create new connections through enhanced communication skills, & through learning how to communicate clearly & with compassion, understanding, and love.

Finding the right therapist is perhaps the most important step in the therapy process. A trusting relationship allows clients to feel safe when exploring deeper issues and taking risks. I am dedicated to creating a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment for each of my clients. Using an integrative approach, I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who may be grappling with life transitions or struggling with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, or relationship issues.

Psychotherapy is a process of rebalancing yourself. When something is awry in your life-in relationships, career, emotion, health-your life loses its equilibrium. But as we construct your story in the safety of the therapeutic dialogue, we discover themes and patterns that help you articulate who you really are and what you truly want in your life.

Does worrying keep you up at night or prevent you from feeling present in everyday activities? Is it a struggle to shut off the thoughts that take your attention away from the things that matter most? Or do you frequently feel you are engaging in life with a "smile" on your face that does not match what's going on inside? These overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression could be due to a recent life change or they may have been weighing heavily on you for some time. In a warm and supportive environment we will address these concerns together.

I am committed to helping individuals and couples gain insight and make behavioral changes to enhance their lives. My focus is on relationships with friends, family, romantic partners and/or the workplace as I believe engagement in these areas is an important aspect of living a satisfying and purposeful life. I also work with those struggling with addictions, compulsions, self-destructive behavior (especially eating disorders), and balancing the competing demands of life. My professional strengths are reflected in a nonjudgmental stance and an ability to help people examine themselves and make the changes necessary to live in a more fulfilling life.

We all have complicated personal stories that have led us to where we are in life. Your unique thoughts, fears, desires and emotions can affect the quality of your daily experiences and cause you to repeat unhealthy patterns.

Navigating transition or change can be HARD; I partner with you to help make it easier. Together we will uncover and explore patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting to help you feel better and live the life you want for yourself. In our work, I hope you feel heard, understood, and cared for. I acknowledge societal inequities in our work together, such as racism, sexism, and ageism. I hope to do all this while maintaining a sense of humor and not taking myself too seriously. I work with adults and older adolescents throughout the state of Maryland online, and I also provide "Walk & Talk" Therapy outside in Bethesda, MD.

I provide a supportive therapeutic environment helping individuals and families attain a greater understanding into their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Through this understanding, clients will make choices and decisions that will put them on a path to what they really want out of their lives, their families, and their relationships.

I apply the science of Psychology in assisting individuals, couples and families in the pursuit of their goals. I strive to maximize their happiness and to live more effective lives. I have practiced in the Washington Metropolitan area since 1973. Trained by Drs. Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, I have specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy and in the treatment of mood disorders. As a certified sex therapist I combine the application of psychological science with a compassionate, empathic approach to individuals and couples as they struggle with their problems in the area of sexual functioning and related difficulties.

Welcome to my practice. Regardless of what your struggle is at this time, I believe that through our relationship we can work together to help you look at your current patterns and potential changes you can make that can help you lead a fuller life. I realize that this can be difficult and I am grateful that I am able to help you in your journey.

My mission as an IFS-trained therapist is to help you understand and heal the different parts of yourself that may be in conflict or pain. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, I am here to support you. IFS stands for Internal Family Systems. It is a model that views each person as having a system of sub-personalities that have their own thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and motivations. Some of your parts may be wounded by past experiences and carry negative emotions such as anger, fear, shame, or guilt. Other parts may try to protect you from those emotions by avoiding, pleasing, or numbing.

I am an experienced therapist who finds real joy in helping one person/couple/family at a time regain control of their life, improve their situation, find a better path, or understand who they really are at the deepest levels along with core relationship patterns. I have 37 years of clinical experience and specialized postgraduate training in a variety of approaches.. Trauma is a primary specialty though I am trained to address a range of problems. I want you to feel safe and comfortable when we meet so developing a trusting relationship will be important. My style is interactive; you will decide if I'm a good fit for what you need.

My focus is on developing individually tailored ways to resolve, or manage, emotional and practical issues. I treat a variety of emotional issues, such as: anxiety, depression, despair. Frequently I treat couple or marital conflicts, incompatibility, infidality. Also, trauma, loss, indecision, ambivalent feelings. These may occur in relation to other people, or because of internal emotional struggles. I am particularly interested in patients developing relevant skills, such as conflict resolution, emotional regulation, assertiveness, boundary definition, sleep management, controlling one's thoughts, and other coping skills.

At Re-New Psychological we are of the belief that you're doing the best you can with the tools that you have. We work to help you identify your strengths and your successes and identify areas of growth. Rather than highlighting pathology in your life, we help you develop new tools to overcome any roadblocks you have encountered. We bring clinical expertise to our work with you, but regard you as the expert on your life. You can expect that our work with you will be collaborative and goal-focused.

People come for psychotherapy when they are hurting or feeling stuck in unproductive thinking and behavior. This can manifest in depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, issues with career and work performance and self deprecating behaviors. Loss, grief and illnesses can be hard to bear and cause feelings of aloneness. What is often needed is a safe environment for the cultivation of acceptance and compassion and the willingness to wisely explore in a trusting relationship. Developing space to have a new understanding of difficulties can open to greater awareness, sense of possibility and the capacity to live more fully.