I’m so glad you’re here

it’s so nice to virtually meet you!

A psychotherapist, an advocate, a process consultant.

As an immigrant from Germany who has worked in international development, mental health and trauma recovery in over 20 countries, I bring a wealth of personal and professional experiences to my work as a psychotherapist. Providing guidance, support, and compassionate care to help international individuals and couples thrive in every aspect of their international lives is my passion. 

Having navigated different cultures, languages, and organizational settings myself, I understand firsthand the complexities and stressors that can arise in the context of international work and relationships. My journey has given me a deep appreciation for the richness of diversity and the importance of cultural competence in fostering growth and connection.

In my practice, I draw upon my extensive training and experience to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for individuals and couples to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Whether you are struggling with work-related stress, relationship difficulties, adjustment issues, or other challenges, I am here to walk alongside you on this transformative journey toward authenticity, joy, and meaningful relationships.

As a former employee with the Whitman Walker Clinic, which focuses on LGBTQ+ care and advocacy, I enjoy working with and providing a safe, respectful and affirming environment for clients with diverse sexual orientations as well as diverse gender identities and expressions.

My Philosophy

I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable strength that resides within each person. As a professional with three decades of extensive experience in psychotherapy, psychosocial support for survivors of armed conflict and international development, I bring a unique perspective to my practice that specializes in helping individuals and couples affiliated with international organizations lead fulfilling lives and enjoy meaningful connections.

My approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to live a life imbued with vibrant colors and meaningful connections. Just like the lotus flower pushes through the mud to unfurl its exquisite petals, I wholeheartedly believe that we, too, possess an innate capacity for - and an inbuilt “GPS” towards - resilience and growth. 

Regardless of your cultural background, sexual orientation or gender identity, I am committed to creating a safe and compassionate space where every client feels valued, heard, and understood. Whether you are grappling with personal or work stress, navigating relationship challenges, or seeking personal healing and growth, you don’t have to do it alone. 

my experience

  • Licensed in the District of Columbia (license number  LC50078205) as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)  in 2006.

    Licensed in the State of Maryland (license number 254313) as Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) in 2019.

    Licensed in the State of Virginia (license number 0904011338) as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 2019.

    Master of Social Work (MSW), Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Massachusetts in 2002.

    PhD in Economics from the Koblenz School of Corporate Management in Koblenz, Germany in 1993.

  • Psychotherapist in Private Practice since 2021. Individual and couple psychotherapy.

    Trauma Psychotherapist & Domestic Violence Prevention Consultant at The World Bank (2021-2022). 

    Psychotherapist at the outpatient Department of Psychiatry, George Washington University (2014-2021).  

    Psychiatric Social Worker, George Washington University Hospital, Inpatient Psychiatry, Washington, DC (2013-2014).  

    Post-doctoral Fellow at Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University (2011-2012). 

    Adjunct Faculty/Lecturer, Smith College School for Social Work (2009).

    Senior Social Worker, Survivor Corps/Landmine Survivors Network (2006 – 2008). 

    Psychotherapist/Clinical Social Worker, Whitman-Walker Clinic (2004-2006). 

    Full-time internships in family and child services and college counseling (2000-2002).

    Senior Social Protection Specialist and various other staff positions and consultancies with The World Bank (1993-2012) in Africa, East Asia and Pacific Rim, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and Caribbean Regions. 

  • Certified in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) by the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy in 2023.

    Completed Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) training in 2018.

    Advanced Trauma Certificates 1 and 2 by the Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy Training and Education, Baltimore, Maryland in 2013 and 2014.

    Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, completed 3-year program at Washington School for Psychiatry in 2016 and one-year program at ISTDP Institute in 2017.

    Clinical Certificate in Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery by the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma in 2009.

  • Authored and co-authored multiple articles and reports in collaboration with organizations like the World Bank and Johns Hopkins University, focusing on topics such as support for survivors of sexual violence in the DR of Congo, climate-responsive social protection, and implementation results reports for various World Bank-supported programs in Africa. 

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