How does therapy work?
Both individual psychotherapy and couples therapy give you the opportunity to transform your life by looking at how you are living, thinking, and interacting; and then bringing your behavior in line with your highest aspirations for yourself. Whether you are depressed, anxious, having a rough time in your relationship, or feeling stuck in life, I will help you recognize how you can make changes and move forward.
How do I know if I need counseling?
If you are struggling in your life or in your relationship, you could likely benefit from individual or couples therapy. People who come to see me often are tired of going around in circles, sometimes don’t respect how they are living their lives, and want to find solutions for truly getting unstuck. If this resonates with you, you may want to try psychotherapy.
My partner and I are struggling. Can any therapist help us to improve our relationship, or should we be looking for someone with special training to help couples?
Any licensed therapist can work with couples, but couples therapy is a uniquely challenging type of psychotherapy that requires specialized training and skill to effectively help struggling couples. A well-trained couples therapist has the experience and perspective to help even the most troubled marriage to improve. (Of course, this takes great effort and dedication by both partners as well.)
In addition to my training as a psychologist, I have many years of training specifically to work with couples, and many years of experience as a couples therapist. I am passionate about helping couples transcend their difficulties to build vibrant relationships.
What sorts of issues do you help individuals and couples with in psychotherapy?
As a psychologist, I work with people who are sad or depressed; anxious; struggling to get past traumatic experiences or develop self-esteem; or wanting to develop a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I help couples who are struggling with all sorts of issues, including repetitive fights, infidelity, difficulties communicating, and sex lives that could use improvement.
Do you only work with married couples in couples counseling?
Absolutely not! I work with couples in couples therapy whether they are just starting out or have been together for decades; living separately, registered domestic partners, or legally married. Couples I see may be deeply committed to each other, or may be wanting to get clear if they want to be together (or stay together). And of course, I work with both gay and straight couples.
How long does it take to feel better from psychotherapy?
There is no set time in which you will feel better. I will do my best to help you quickly move forward in directions that will bring you increased self-esteem, improved mood, more satisfying intimate relationships, and greater life satisfaction.
How frequently do you work with clients?
I usually work with individuals once or twice per week, depending on the specifics of their lives and the issues they are working on. I usually work with couples once a week at first, and then biweekly as they move toward a better relationship.
What are your hours for individual counseling and relationship counseling?
I am available both daytime and evening hours, Mondays through Fridays.
Where is your office located?
My office is located on Connecticut Avenue in Washington DC, directly across from the National Zoo in the Woodley Park/Cleveland Park neighborhood. My office is a short walk from the Woodley Park and Cleveland Park stops on the Red Line of the Washington DC Metro.
Is your office accessible to the greater Washington DC area?
I am accessible to all parts of Washington DC. In addition, you can easily get to my office from Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, and other Montgomery County, Maryland suburbs; and from Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, and other Northern Virginia suburbs.
I’m really stressed. What can I do to feel better?
Generally, I recommend a healthy diet (including breakfast!), frequent exercise, and dedication to good sleep hygiene for people who are seeking relief from stress. Meditation is a great way to practice letting go of upsetting thoughts and feelings. Here is a short meditation that I often teach clients. You may find that this meditation helps deepen your sense of well-being and peace.
