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