ABOUT LORRAINE (she/her/hers)
Hello! I am a proud Californian who loves being outside in nature whether amongst the trees in the beautiful forests of Maryland and DC or at the beaches of Southern California. I offer clients a compassionate, non-judgmental space to make new connections with themselves and others. As a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT), I work with individuals and couples throughout the Washington DC metro area. My office is conveniently located in downtown Bethesda, Maryland - just off the redline. I have experience working with LGBTQIA+ and multicultural couples and individuals.
For many years I worked managing a hospitality office at a private beach resort in Southern California. During this time, I also had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Central and South America, volunteering and learning about the local cultures. I truly love opportunities to connect with people and I feel that we all deserve a space to be our authentic selves.
I am a coffee enthusiast who enjoys spending time with my wife, family, and friends, traveling, reading, yoga, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding and just being in nature (especially water)!
EXPERIENCE
Before starting my private practice, I had the opportunity to learn from an amazing mentor practicing my skills for working with couples and individuals using Emotionally Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems informed therapy. Attachment theory views human beings, including adults as having a natural and adaptive need for maintaining contact with a safe other. Through an attachment perspective, John Bowlby posits, “survival of the most nurtured”. Adults need just as much care, attunement, and nurturing as a young child. To crave this attachment does not make one weak or sensitive, this craving is built into our biology and might be considered essential for survival. Having one secure attachment figure, allows us to feel safe going out into the world to take risks.
During my graduate training as a Behavioral Health Provider at UC San Diego Health Department of Family Medicine, I had the opportunity to work in a primary care setting where I collaborated with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive patient care. The main focus of care was in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression using evidenced based psychotherapy tools and techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness based therapy.
EDUCATION
MA, Marital and Family Therapy, University of San Diego, CA
BA, Sociology, Sonoma State University, CA
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