Margot Lamson
LICSW · DC · VA · MD
she / her / hers
I don't see clients as problems to fix. I see people who already have insight and strengths. We work together to understand what's getting in the way.
Curious about people. Committed to helping them.
I've always been deeply curious about people: how we think, feel, and make sense of our experiences. I studied anthropology in college because I wanted to understand what shapes us, but I quickly realized I didn't just want to learn about people. I wanted to help them. That led me to social work and, eventually, to building a therapy practice that feels both meaningful and personal.
My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and focused on the whole person. I don't see clients as "problems to fix," but as people who already have insight and strengths. We work together to better understand what's getting in the way.
I'm trained in EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which means we don't just talk about what's going on. We also pay attention to how your body and nervous system have been impacted. This helps create deeper, longer-lasting change.
What really drives my work is the belief that when someone heals, it doesn't just change their life. It ripples outward. My Jewish background has shaped this perspective, especially the idea of tikkun olam, or repairing the world. I see therapy as one small but meaningful way to be part of that.
At the end of the day, therapy is a very human experience. You're trusting me with vulnerable parts of your life, and I don't take that lightly. My goal is to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and able to show up as your full self, without pressure or judgment.
When someone heals, it doesn't just change their life. It ripples outward. Therapy is one small but meaningful way to be part of that.
We don't just talk about what's going on.
Many people come to therapy already self-aware: they can name their emotions and understand their patterns. And yet, they still feel stuck. That's because healing isn't just a cognitive process. Trauma and anxiety live in the body just as much as in the mind. That's why I integrate three evidence-based, body-informed modalities.
EMDR Therapy
Using bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps your brain reprocess distressing memories so they lose their emotional charge. You don't have to relive what happened to heal from it.
Learn more →Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
A body-centered approach that works at the intersection of mind and body, helping you notice and work with physical sensations tied to past experiences.
Learn more →Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS helps you understand the parts of yourself that protect you: the perfectionist, the inner critic, the anxious part. We get to know these parts and heal the deeper wounds they carry.
Learn more →Therapy with me is not a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Some days you might feel reflective and ready to process; other days you might feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. Both are welcome. I provide a space that's inclusive for all people: all sizes, abilities, races, sexualities, genders, and religions.
Grounded. Curious. Genuinely myself.
Clients tell me I am grounded, curious, and compassionate. I take therapy seriously, but I also bring my full, authentic self into the room. My clients often describe feeling joy, relief, and even laughter in our sessions.
I love working with deep thinkers and creative minds. As someone who is neurodivergent myself, I appreciate out-of-the-box thinking and nonlinear processing. If you've ever felt like your sensitivity or intensity was "too much" for others, you'll find no such judgment here.
Therapy with me isn't about making you less of who you are. It's about helping you show up more fully and freely as yourself.
"It's an honor to be a trusted part of people's healing. Therapy isn't easy, but it's worth it."
I work best with certain kinds of people.
Who's a Good Fit
- Curious about yourself and open to exploring thoughts, emotions, and patterns.
- Struggling with self-doubt but knowing deep down you're unique and capable.
- Stuck in perfectionism, people-pleasing, or overachieving patterns.
- Wanting to heal relational trauma and understand how the past still affects you.
- A fast, creative, outside-the-box thinker (many clients relate to ADHD traits).
- Compassionate and wanting to take better care of yourself.
Who's Not a Good Fit
- Looking for a structured, step-by-step approach without room for exploration.
- Currently in active crisis or needing intensive psychiatric care (I can provide referrals).
- Unwilling to engage in self-reflection or try new ways of relating to yourself.
- Preferring a therapist who focuses only on surface-level coping skills.
Unsure? We can always chat in a consultation to see if we're the right match.
Training that goes where insight alone cannot.
15+ years of post-graduate clinical experience, advanced certifications, and active licenses across three jurisdictions. Click any "View Certificate" button to see the verified document.
Education & Background
- MSW, Clinical Concentration, National Catholic School of Social Service (2012)
- Post-Graduate Certificate, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Washington School of Psychiatry (2018-2020)
- Prior roles: school social worker, in-home family therapist, group practice clinician
Active Licensure
EMDR Certifications
- EMDRIA Certified Therapist, granted Feb 26, 2025, exp. Feb 28, 2027
- EMDR Consulting Training Course, Toronto, Aug 2023 (50 hrs)
- EMDR Early Intervention Protocols, ScalingUp, May 2024 (14 EMDRIA CEUs)
- IFS-Informed EMDR: 2-Day, Syzygy Institute, Dec 2025 (13 CEs)
Sensorimotor & IFS
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level 1 (80+ hrs) and Level 2 (150+ hrs)
- SP Level 2 Teaching Assistant, 120 hrs delivered (2023)
- IFS Level 1, IFS Institute, letter from Richard Schwartz (Jan 2026)
- IFS Basics, Advanced, and Exiles Series with Bonnie Weiss (40+ hrs)
Giving back to the clinical community.
CE Presenter, American University
Continuing education training for the AU Counseling Department Staff on Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
Facilitator, Therapeutic Arts Training, Kenya
Presented on trauma, somatic regulation, and therapeutic arts as part of the Global Alliance for East Africa program.
Guest Lecturer, National Catholic School of Social Service
Graduate-level lectures on clinical social work and trauma.
Teaching Assistant, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level 2
Assisted in delivering 120 hours of advanced trauma-informed somatic psychotherapy training.
Therapy is important. So is joy.
Outside of being a therapist, creativity is a huge part of my life. I bring all of that into my work, and I hope to help clients reconnect with those things, too.
Oil Painting
Creative expression
Viola
Music and movement
Community
Synagogue, travel, long walks
What colleagues say
"I have known Margot for almost 15 years and have consistently been impressed by her compassion, clinical knowledge, and professionalism. She has mastered integrating evidence-based treatment modalities with her grounded, warm approach."Allie Stefanelli, LICSW, LCSW, PMH-C
Riverview Psychotherapy
"Margot Lamson has the tools to help you become the version of yourself you've always wanted to be. She really gets that therapy has to be tailored to the client in order to be effective. I cannot recommend Margot and her therapy intensives highly enough."Dr. Shannon York
In Alignment Wellness
"Margot is a very talented clinician. Her advanced training in somatic therapy and EMDR gives her a deep understanding of how to treat trauma. I highly recommend her as a therapist who has a well established track record of successfully treating trauma symptoms."Lauren Blackwood, LICSW
Blackwood Psychotherapy
Dupont Circle, Washington DC
📍 1350 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 1030, Washington, DC 20036
🕐 Monday through Saturday, 8:30am to 6pm
📞 (202) 894-9307
✉️ margot@fullselfpsychotherapy.com
Learn more about the DC office →Healing from the comfort of home
I offer virtual therapy for clients throughout Virginia and Maryland via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Many clients find it easier to open up when they're in a familiar environment, free from the pressures of commuting.
Virginia
Telehealth
Maryland
Telehealth
Therapy may be one of the hardest things you do
and it will also be one of the best. If you're ready to take the first step, I'd love to walk alongside you on this journey.
Schedule a free consultation
Full Self Psychotherapy
Full Self Psychotherapy is a trauma-focused group practice in Washington, DC, offering in-person therapy at our Dupont Circle office and telehealth sessions throughout Virginia and Maryland. Our team specializes in EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Therapy Intensives for adults and teens. We are committed to culturally inclusive, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-affirming care.
Full Self Psychotherapy does not provide crisis services. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.