My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment.

It is my desire to create an environment of trust, openness, and curiosity that allows the client's story/history to unfold over time.

It's time now to genuinely feel and function better. In order to do that, it's essential to pay close attention to your internal responses to the difficulties and patterns that have been cropping up in your closest relationships, your work, and with respect to your own self-concept, and to do so with someone who can help you see things differently and perhaps more accurately. Together, we will create an open, accepting, safe space, where you also will feel helpfully and persistently challenged to know yourself much better from the inside out, and as quickly as possible.

I am an internationally-known couples therapist, workshop presenter, and clinical trainer. In 2010, I founded the Tikkun Learning Center, an educational institution through which I train, supervise, and consult therapists in Encounter-centered Couples Therapy (EcCT). EcCT is an extremely effective method with proven success in teaching couples who to re-create the magic of connection. EcCT is an integrative approach inspired by the philosophy of Martin Buber, as well as a variety of relational methodologies including Imago Relationship Therapy, Appreciative Inquiry, Re-evaluation Counseling, and Relational Neuro-biology. I have developed a unique, customized, transformational two-day private session for one couple. You will receive my full attention, expertise and mastery, and I will introduce you to the groundbreaking and pragmatic principle of the three invisible connectors: "the Space, the Bridge, and the Encounter."

I assist clients that have endured trauma and stress. Are you looking to find relief through compassionate and effective treatment? If you are interested in finding relief from conditions that have affected your mood, your relationships, your work, andor your habits in a negative way, call or email me now. Together, we can walk the path of recovery together until you have reached your imagined destination. Let's work on overcoming intimate partner violence, anger, toxicity, infidelity, addiction, self-hatred, codependency, shame, isolation, fear, neediness, grief, etc... ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

At Laurel Fay and Associates, my colleagues and I are committed to providing you with a safe, caring environment in which we can address your unique situation. By carefully listening, I work to get behind the everyday surface of a situation to the underlying meaning. My systemic approach means I look to the dynamics between people rather than solely focusing on the internal workings of one person. Even in individual work, this approach can be helpful and empowering. I often use humor to gently but skillfully pinpoint specific issues and highlight areas of growth.

I work to foster an environment of open communication, where clients feel safe to express knowing they won't be judged or their concerns disregarded.

My primary treatment approach is cognitive-behavioral which is solution-focused and generally shorter-term, however, in reality, we all generally benefit from a variety of therapeutic strategies and i will often utilize complementary and eclectic techniques that enables a more personalized treatment approach and relies on best practices for your specific issues. You will find me to be an active and engaged therapist and we will work together in a team-oriented and collaborative style. I often recommend activities to practice between sessions, and these might include a journal, trying out new communication skills and problem-solving or coping techniques that we have practiced, brief reading assignments, some research, relaxation techniques, and a variety of other options. I believe humor is an important element in the therapeutic process, and to life in general, and I strive to create a relaxing and trusting environment with my clients. I am very happy to answer any questions you might have, and if I am unsure, I will do all that I can to help point you in the right direction. I consider it an honor to assist clients on their personal journey in therapy. Participating in therapy is an important step in reclaiming your happiness and satisfaction and I take me role in providing assistance on that journey seriously as I appreciate the time, cost, and emotional investment of this choice.

I believe in the intrinsic worth of all human beings. I believe that many people do not see their value because it is overshadowed by the shame caused by their perceptions of who they should be and what they should be achieving. There are many reasons why these distortions exist; but one thing is for certain, it creates a feeling of being a fraud and deep shame. A lot of time and energy is used to counteract this secret shame. I feel that it is important to help teens and adults to become authentic and accepting of their strengths and weaknesses instead of putting our emotional and physical energy in denying and being afraid of our humanness. It is exhausting and paralyzing to be so afraid of our imperfections. I believe there is value in accepting our own humanity. We have to climb off our self imposed pedestal which is secretive and isolating and connect with other human beings without the fear of being discovered a fraud. It is so freeing and meaningful.

Welcome to my practice. I believe in the power of a strong therapeutic relationship to nurture change. I offer my clients a warm, collaborative, judgment-free environment where they can comfortably explore their challenges. I foster insight, offer support, and collaborate with my clients to establish new coping skills to effect meaningful change in their lives. I provide individual psychotherapy for adults who are facing a wide range of concerns. I welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities. I specialize in helping my clients manage anxiety, depression, identity issues, relationship concerns, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and working with the LGBT community as an affirming therapist. I also have experience working in university counseling centers, which offers me unique insight into the issues facing undergraduates, graduate students, and young professionals. I have also received advanced training in the assessment and treatment of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders through Postpartum Support International, which allows me to help new parents as they navigate perinatal mental health concerns.

Welcome to my practice! Therapy can be a powerful tool in relieving distress, learning about oneself, and living a more fulfilled life. I believe that at the heart of successful therapy is a collaborative, open, and warm relationship. Through curiosity and acceptance, I help my clients gain more appreciation for their emotions, assist them in recognizing their strengths, and aid them in identifying opportunities for growth. I strive to help my clients obtain the tools necessary to overcome roadblocks, which often keep them from reaching their full potential. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds and life stages and welcome the opportunity to treat individuals facing a wide range of concerns. Given my training and experience working with adolescents, college/graduate students, and young professionals, I have a deep understanding of the challenges these individuals face as they navigate life transitions. In particular, I specialize in helping individuals with self-esteem concerns, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, trauma/loss, and disordered eating. Taking the step to begin therapy can be difficult. With the right therapist, however, therapy can be an important and rewarding tool to living a more satisfying, authentic, and fulfilled life. I invite you to contact me to see if I may be a good fit for you. My office is metro-accessible, conveniently located in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C. I have daytime and evening hours available.

I have a comforting, supportive, and personable style. Sitting with me feels like a natural conversation with collective and meaningful exploration and discovery.