I have been providing psychotherapy for over 30 years to individuals, couples, and groups.Throughout one's life, feelings such as depression and anxiety can create a sense of loss of control. Life events such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or interpersonal conflict can feel overwhelming. My clients would say that I treat every one according to their particular issues, with respect, and with great support and understanding. I also teach at George Washington University Medical School and I am on the National Council of the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University. I provide supervision, as well, to other psychotherapists.

I believe that one of the ways in which self-awareness is achieved is through the sharing of one's story. Therefore, I strive diligently to create a safe space for one to share both the beauty and the brokenness of one's story with authenticity, genuineness, and integrity. When appropriate, I infuse spirituality and religion into my therapeutic practice; thus enabling my clients to articulate their feelings of dis-ease within the context of their faith. I have found this approach to be particularly effective in working with populations marginalized because of race, gender, or sexual orientation.

I've been working with stressed out, overworked, anxious and depressed Washingtonians for over 25 years and call me crazy but I still love the work. It's such a privilege to work with an amazing diversity of smart interesting people! While I have been trained in a variety of different therapeutic modalities I've learned the most from my clients. About half of my caseload is working with couples primarily using the Imago relationship therapy approach. The rest of my client load is working with individual adults and relationship groups for men. Men really flourish in these relationship groups.

Do you: Feel stuck and unable to move forward? Want to perform better under pressure? Feel overwhelmed and anxious? I help people manage the tension between what one has already achieved and what one still ought to accomplish. Together we explore questions about why powerful feelings and thoughts emerge, and how these emotions can be expressed and attended to in the most beneficial way.

Therapy isn't education, and it's not advice-giving. Because people are different, elements of therapy require different healing for different people. It's the ability to speak your mind safely to someone who listens, listens intelligently, and cares is important. I believe a successful counseling experience depends on the therapist ability to understand and respect the unique concerns, background, and context of each patient. I am committed to achieving such an understanding in every counseling relationship.

I offer a collaborative and systemic approach to therapy with couples, families and individuals. In addition to being a licensed marriage and family therapist and a Clinical Fellow of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), I am a Certified Sex Therapist through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). I am an alumnus of the University of Michigan's Sexual Health Certification Program/Sex Therapy Track. I am also a Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist. Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a "model of psychotherapy that offers a clear, non-pathologizing, and empowering method of understanding human problems."

As a therapist I believe that all individuals have the potential to flourish in their lives. A person who flourishes increases their happiness, well-being and purpose in life. In order to flourish a person must understand and cultivate their strengths. Through the cultivation of ones strengths a person will be able to build and or deepen their interpersonal relationships, increase the amount of pleasure they experience, and contribute to society in a meaningful way.

As a relationally focused and trauma informed therapist, I have a passion for helping clients feel more connected, grounded and safe in their lives and relationships. Every person has the ability to move toward connection and healing, even in the face of difficult, challenging or traumatic experiences. I work with couples, individuals and families to help them reconnect with the healthiest and most grounded parts of themselves and to restore and rebuild connection and safety within themselves and with others. I use research based, experiential models to keep us focus on your goals and healing process.

I have been practicing for decades now - and still love my work as much as when I started. I specialize in individual, group, couples, and trauma therapy. Since we are born into groups and are both healed and harmed in groups, I often encourage people - eventually - to consider one - or not. I have long had a special interest in the existential issues we all face, such as how to create a meaningful life in the face of an increasingly isolating culture. My stance is mainly psychodynamic and existential, but I tailor my approach to the best interests of my clients.

Life is challenging and at times we need geniune help to grow to our fullest potential. As a clinical psychologist, it is my passion to help individuals discover what keeps them from obtaining their life goals. Depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, divorce, and/or basic growing pains can negatively impact one's life. My practice is centered around breaking down the barriers that impede on life success, and learning real strategies to combat future difficulties. In addition to traditional therapy, I also provide parenting coordination for parents looking for alternative ways to address co-parenting difficulties.

I tailor my services to each client and their unique needs, always from the humanistic approach. That means that I see my clients first and foremost as human beings, having what we would consider a human experience. Clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, job issues, or really any other type of discomfort will benefit from my integration of mindfulness and meditative practices into their treatment, alongside the use of building the psychological tools that empower them to create measurable changes to their circumstances.

For many, this current period of uncertainty and global distress has increased pre-existing stress and interpersonal issues. I am here to help. I work collaboratively with my clients to honor who they are, help make sense of their emotional responses to daily experiences, and guide them to become more authentic in their relationships. My approach is nonjudgmental, reflective and oftentimes playful. During our sessions, I help clients make connections between current problems and past struggles. Understanding these patterns builds self-awareness and helps create more adaptive ways of coping with stress and relating to others.

After 26 years of practice I see my ideal client as one who is ready for change. Ultimately, life is the method by which we grow. I work with a variety of tools to meet each client where they are. I have faith that we can all meet the challenges within ourselves and in life and find the inner capacity to move forward. My clients have ranged from those healing from a recent or historical trauma to those wanting life coaching. I have a holistic/systemic vision of my clients and enjoy working with body, mind spirit when appropriate.

I am co-owner of M&K Counseling Associates Inc which is a psychotherapy group practice in DC and VA. The goal of our service delivery is to improve functioning and mental well-being for adults, children, couples, and families in the DMV area. Individualized services are available to meet most client needs including services for: depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, mental disorders, alcohol and substance abuse issues, career and school challenges, youth and adolescent behavioral issues, relationship issues, and life-span issues.

Finding a therapist with whom you have a good fit can be a daunting task, especially when you are experiencing painful emotions and major life changes. I strive to create an environment where you can feel safe to express your most intimate thoughts and feelings. I believe psychoanalytic therapy and psychoanalysis can lead to deep and lasting change, and can help you resolve a wide range of issues. Learning more about yourself and how your past impacts your present can have many benefits, including more satisfying personal relationships, greater acceptance of yourself, relief from distress, and a richer experience of life.

My goal is to help both individuals and couples become "unstuck' from old patterns and develop the tools to live a more satisfying life. I will work with you to help find ways to cope with life's many challenges, including self-esteem issues, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and life transitions. Identifying the origins of your struggles is only one component of therapy. From there, we will work together to develop the skills necessary for you to navigate through these challenges.

Dr. Lamar is a psychologist and a licensed professional counselor who has been providing therapy to individuals, families and groups for over 12 years. She earned a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University's Illinois School of Professional Psychology in 2016. She also has a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology earned in 2003, and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from St. Xavier University in Chicago obtained in 2000.

Through an empathic, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic approach, I will focus on helping you understand what is getting in the way of you feeling more fulfilled in life. Perhaps you question your ability to sustain meaningful and lasting relationships. Or you worry about how others see you, spend too much energy trying to please people, and doubt your attractiveness and worthiness to them. I believe therapy can help you develop a more authentic relationship with yourself, allowing you to be more clear in your communication with others. I have ample experience and enjoy working with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and career concerns.

I consider it a privilege to be part of people's decision to improve their lives. Named one of Washington's Top Doctors by Washingtonian Magazine, I specialize in relationships and anxiety, and helping people cope with stressors ranging from the mundane to the extremes of modern life. Through individual and couples psychotherapy, I help people uncover patterns that may be holding them back, and together work towards implementing new strategies to find more balance, confidence, and joy.

I work with individuals and couples who are coping with loss, grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, as well as life and relationship transitions. I work from the premise that emotional wellbeing rests on having a satisfying relationship with oneself and others.