Divorce Therapists in Chevy Chase, MD

It hurts to be in crisis not knowing where to start and how to get help, particularly these days. As a psychotherapist and a psychoanalyst I will work with you, closely listening in a safe and containing environment, so we can process painful experiences and understand patterns and behaviors that affect your wellbeing, productivity and relationships; we will work together to develop pathways towards emotional growth that could facilitate meaningful and lasting changes and healing from past traumas, leading to a more fulfilling, productive life.

I offer a strength base therapy approach focused on the possibilities for change. I help children, teens, adults and families get unstuck from unproductive patters of relation and practice more productive ways of communication. Being from Venezuela, and raising my own multicultural family, I am passionate by the challenges of meshing cultures to raise emphatic, tolerant and successful children and adolescents. I believe building and maintaining a successful family system requires the art of juggling. I help parents use their own resources to balance their many roles and coach kids and teens through their diverse relationships.

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.

Thank you for visiting my profile! I am a Marriage & Family Therapist, & native of Bethesda, Maryland, with over 25 years experience working with individuals, families, & couples. My primary areas of interest include: relationship & marital counseling, family counseling, & solution-focused therapy. My approach is both engaging & encouraging, & my knowledge-base reflects my many years working in a variety of settings, including as a director in both inpatient and outpatient mental health agencies & substance abuse programs.

I help my clients to discover, appreciate and expand their own strengths in order to feel better about life, love, work and recreation. As a therapist with over 40 years experience, my style is warm, direct and interactive. My clients and I form a team, working together to understand and resolve your problems. Our focus is on the whole person: your mind/body, your relationships, and your environment. I guide you with a combination of positive support and gentle challenges.

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 provide a positive and supportive approach to helping children, adolescents, adults and families who are navigating a variety of emotional or transitional challenges, including anxiety, mood disorders, school issues, family conflict and other sources of stress or disruption that may affect daily functioning or emotional well-being. I apply a person-centered and strength-based approach which involves respecting and encouraging a client's own goals and perspectives. I also work closely with parents to help identify practical and personalized strategies and interventions to address the many challenges that come with raising children and teenagers.

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.

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.

I believe the most important thing about therapy is empowering you so that you can make conscious choices about your life. My style is active and involved. Working collaboratively, I can help you define your goals and see what is causing your pain, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and problems in relationships. As a child, you learned ways of coping with your environment that were safe for you at the time. Those coping behaviors became habitual but, as an adult, no longer work for you and interfere with your happiness and your ability to function at your highest level.

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 have been providing individual, couples, and group psychotherapy for over 25 years. Typically, people enter therapy because they are having problems in their relationships. Successful psychotherapy must focus on helping develop more fulfilling and substantial interpersonal connections. Facilitating a client’s capacity to lead a richer and more emotionally balanced life is the objective. The therapeutic relationship is the road traveled, and enables the client to understand the choices they have made, the associated positive and negative consequences, and the freedom to make new, more effective and satisfying life decisions.

I team with adults, children, and parents to create solutions and awaken aspects of themselves they would like to grow. We work together to heal past pain, strengthen, and to build a fresh start. Our sessions will allow you to take time for yourself to step away from the expectations and pressures of the outside world so that you can feel, see, and build a stronger self. Taking a break from work, school, and life for one or two sessions a week allows for clarity of mind, strengthening of self, and a generation of a new mindset. I will work as your guide in providing you the tools you need to live your life more fully.

HeartWerq Lori Shapiro, LICSW Senior Clinician Clinical Social Worker, Certified Sex Therapist, Marriage and Couples Therapist (She/Her) Lori Shapiro is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor with more than 20 years of experience. Her practice focuses on working with individuals, couples, and families on a variety of issues, including couples counseling, sex therapy, relationship difficulties, sexual and gender identity support, as well as unique individual challenges. Lori has received degrees from Florida Atlantic University and Barry University (Master’s in Social Work) and also has a certification in sex therapy f

I like to work with people who find that their usual ways of dealing with problems in their lives are not working as they have before. These problems can involve relationships of all kinds, effectiveness and satisfaction at work, and the changes and stumbling blocks that inevitably come in the course of life. I take an active role in the work; I am not a silent listener. I also want, hope, and expect that YOU will also take an active role in our work and in putting what we learn to use in your life.

Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed? Do you have trouble sleeping? Have you been through a traumatic experience or painful loss? Are you struggling to cope with stressful relationships? Then contact me today to move one step closer to feeling better tomorrow. I provide individual psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, adjustment concerns, perinatal/postpartum issues, and I specialize in treating PTSD and associated conditions. It takes courage to look inward, make changes, and begin to heal. Together we'll develop a personalized treatment plan to help you feel better and reach your goals.

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.

Selecting the right therapist is an important, personal decision. You deserve to work with someone who is compassionate and highly skilled in helping to bring about desired changes in your life. In nearly thirty years of clinical experience, I have helped people attain more satisfying personal and family relationships, cope with symptoms of anxiety or depression, and learn to better manage the stress of daily life.

Are you struggling in your relationship? Do you feel alone? Unappreciated? Have you tried everything to make things better, to get that spark back? It is time to get some relief. Asking for help takes courage, and you are in the right place. I want to hear your story. I work with couples to improve the strength of their relationship. Whether it is premarital/preventative help or help in dealing with longstanding issues, infidelity, or disconnection. Please do not wait another minute. See my website for more information about me, my practice, and how I can help.