About Dr. Laura

I have practiced cognitive behavioral therapy for over 30 years and have been a licensed psychologist in Maryland since 1984 and in Virginia since 1988. I have been in private practice in the Washington metropolitan area since 1989 working with adults in individual psychotherapy.

After three decades of clinical practice, I remain passionate about providing psychotherapy that actually helps people change! It is very gratifying to offer evidence-based interventions that help relieve suffering.

It is always my goal with each of my clients to establish as warm, supportive and respectful a therapeutic relationship as possible. Over the years, many clients have expressed their comfort and trust in my straightforward, compassionate, down-to-earth style. I offer CBT treatment with a lot of enthusiasm, humor, and optimism.

Professional/Clinical Experience

  • Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Texas in Austin
  • Certified Diplomate and Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy
    • only organization devoted exclusively to the credentialing of CBT mental health professionals
  • 2 years clinical training at The Center for Cognitive Therapy in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania
    • directed by Dr. Aaron Beck - the psychiatrist who developed CBT in 1967
  • Assistant Professor in Medical Psychology, in the Department of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
    • Research associate on studies comparing CBT to anti-depressant medication with depressed patients


  • Co-Director of the Cognitive Therapy Clinic in the Psychiatry Department at Hopkins
  • Served as a psychotherapist in a National Institute of Mental Health psychotherapy research study – chosen from a nationwide selection of experts in CBT
  • Senior Clinician/Coordinator of the Mood Disorders Team at the Woodburn Center for Community Mental Health in Annandale, Virginia
  • Member of several professional societies
    • The Maryland Psychological Association (Fellow)
    • The American Psychological Association
    • The Association of Behavior and Cognitive Therapy
  • Author of publications regarding cognitive behavioral psychotherapy as well as a clinical presenter, teacher, supervisor, and consultant in both clinical and academic settings