“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” ― Maya Angelou

Alicia's Story

As a practicing psychologist in Washington DC, I am dedicated to serving the mental health needs of area professionals, students, and families. I have been named one of Washington’s Top Doctors by Washingtonian Magazine and spend my time helping clients face and manage the anxiety and stressors of their life ideally with more confidence and balance.  I have been in the field for more than 25 years and have had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients over that time.

What I’ve noticed  

What I have come to understand in doing this work is that the anxiety and stressors of everyday life can sometimes make it difficult to get through the day.  Whether it is juggling career and family responsibilities, feeling overwhelmed at work, being concerned about the vitality of relationships (with spouse, kids, friends, and family), or coping with the anxieties of life and health, it is a lot for anyone to deal with, especially when they have to do it on their own.

Facing modern life

Realizing we are all experiencing an ever-increasing amount of stress and anxiety – which appears to be getting worse, not better – has inspired me to make coping with anxiety and all of its dimensions a core focus of my practice. We struggle with “busy-ness,” not feeling like we have enough time or energy, feeling burdened with all the responsibilities in our lives and that doesn’t begin to address how we feel about our spouse (or partner), our finances or our boss.

How I spend my time

I spend my time working with clients, writing, and teaching about psychology. I have recently written a book, HACK YOUR ANXIETY, detailing the science and best practices for taking control of anxiety and making it work for you. I am a contributor to Psychology Today, YourTango, and have written for the NYTimes, Yahoo!, Time, and the Huffington Post. My work has been published both academically and on popular websites over 200 times.

Life and its power to teach

In addition to being a psychologist, writer, and teacher, I’m a mom, wife, daughter, and friend. I love playing tennis, reading great books, my morning coffee, and sharing time with good friends. My life is full, and I work hard to practice the strategies I know work to keep it balanced, and meaningful. I’ve learned how to not waste time avoiding things that are difficult, but instead to face and move through them. This is a key part of what I share with people as I understand the power of compassionate support to muster the courage needed to do the tougher things in life. Life has a way of teaching us the lessons we are ready to learn and to propel continuous growth if we are willing to learn and adapt.

How I can help

I consider it a privilege to do what I do every day and am inspired to be a part of people’s decision to improve their lives. Working with clients is a two-way street and works best when leadership and growth are shared between us. If you, or someone you know, is looking for an experienced psychologist in Washington DC to help navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of life, I would be happy to consult with you about how I can help. You can reach me confidentially by email at or by phone at 202-969-2277.

Join me

You can also follow my practice on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter.

For a deeper look at Alicia's professional credentials and interests

Please read on

An Experienced Psychologist in Washington DC

 

Licensure:

Clinical Psychologist DC #1932

Degrees + Credentials:

PsyD, Clinical Psychology, Pepperdine University

MS, Human Development, Counseling and Family Studies, University of Rhode Island

BA, Art History, Davidson College

Clinical Training:

Internship: University Counseling Center, The George Washington University

Post Doctoral Training: Counseling and Psychiatric Services, Georgetown University

Emergency Services, Woodburn Community Mental Health Center, Fairfax, VA

Professional Associations:

APA (American Psychological Association), Member

National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, Registrant

DC Psychological Association, Member

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), Member

Publications:

Hack Your Anxiety: How to Make Anxiety Work For You In Life, Love and All That You Do

Trauma Exposure and Alcohol Use in Battered Women

Response to Froman: “The University as a Learning Community”