Therapist in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland
Welcome! I’m Margot.
she/her/hers
Licensed Social Worker
Certified Psychotherapist
Specializing in EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and IFS
Let’s take the next step on your healing journey… together.
Who I Am & Why I Do This Work
Therapy is an intimate journey, and I believe that who I am as a person matters just as much as my training. You’re inviting me into some of the deepest, most vulnerable parts of your life—it’s only fair that you get to know me, too.
I’ve always been fascinated by people—their inner worlds, their stories, the cultures that shape them. I studied anthropology in college because I wanted to understand what makes us human, what drives our behaviors, and how we make meaning out of our experiences. But I didn’t want to just study people—I wanted to help people. Social work felt like the perfect bridge between curiosity and action, between understanding the world and making it a little bit better.
At my core, I believe that when we heal an individual, we help heal the world. Our world is deeply broken—systems of oppression and injustice don’t exist in isolation; they are reflections of unhealed wounds on a larger scale. My Jewish faith deeply informs how I practice therapy. In Judaism, we talk about tikkun olam, the idea that healing is not just personal but communal—that by repairing the wounds within ourselves, we help repair the world. I see therapy as one way of participating in that healing. My work is also guided by chesed (loving-kindness) and shalom (wholeness, peace)—values that remind me that healing isn’t just about resolving pain, but about helping people find balance, self-compassion, and a sense of inner steadiness.
I also recognize that true healing involves the mind and body working together. As we talk through your experiences, we’ll also explore how your body holds onto past pain, stress, and trauma—and how we can release those blocks to help you feel more integrated, grounded, and whole.
Focusing on the mind-body connection allows us to treat your WHOLE SELF and appreciate long-lasting change.
My Approach to Therapy
Words Are Not Always Enough
Many of my clients come to therapy already deeply self-aware—they can analyze their thoughts, name their emotions, and understand their past. And yet, they still feel stuck. That’s because healing isn’t just a cognitive process—it’s a full-body experience. Trauma, anxiety, and deep-rooted beliefs live in the body just as much as in the mind.
That’s why my work integrates Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). These approaches go beyond just talking about your experiences—they help you process what hasn’t been fully resolved, whether it’s a major traumatic event or the subtle, everyday experiences that shape how you see yourself. If you’ve ever thought, I know this belief isn’t true, but I still feel it, then you know what I mean.
A Space to Show Up As You Are
Therapy with me is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach. There is no “right” way to be in therapy. You don’t need to present a polished version of yourself. Some days you might feel reflective and ready to process, and other days you might feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. Both are welcome.
I provide a space that’s inclusive and welcoming for all people—of all sizes, abilities, races, sexualities, genders, and religions. I also recognize that therapy, at times, has been complicit in reinforcing systems of oppression. I actively work to practice cultural humility—I don’t assume I have all the answers, and I’m committed to learning from and with my clients, as well as engaging in my own learning and unlearning.
Connecting the Dots
My earlier work with children shaped how I approach therapy with adults. The strategies we use to cope and survive in childhood don’t always translate well into adulthood, even though they once served a purpose. Whether it’s people-pleasing, perfectionism, shutting down, or overachieving, these patterns were once ways to gain connection and safety. If they aren’t serving you anymore, we can update the system—not by shaming those parts of you, but by understanding and transforming them.
How is therapy with me different?
Clients tell me I am grounded, curious, and compassionate. I take therapy seriously, but I also bring my full, authentic self into the room. I know this work can be messy and complex, but my clients often describe feeling joy, relief, and even laughter in our sessions.
I also love working with deep thinkers and creative minds. As someone who is neurodivergent myself, I appreciate out-of-the-box thinking, nonlinear processing, and unconventional ways of making sense of the world. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood—like your sensitivity, creativity, 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.
I love being a therapist.
It’s an honor to be a trusted part of people’s healing. Therapy isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. It’s beautiful and inspiring to see people grow. If you’re reading to take the first step, I’d love to walk with you on this journey.
Am I the right therapist for you?
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I work best with people who:
Are curious about themselves and open to exploring their thoughts, emotions, and patterns. Someone who is open to the process of self-discovery and growth. You don’t need to have all the answers—you just need to be open to the work.
Struggle with self-doubt but deep down know they are unique and capable.
Feel stuck in perfectionism, people-pleasing, or overachieving patterns.
Want to heal relational trauma and make sense of how their past still affects them.
Have fast, creative, outside-the-box minds (many of my clients relate to ADHD traits, even if they’ve never been formally diagnosed).
Are compassionate and want to take better care of themselves.
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I might not be the best fit if you:
Are looking for a structured, step-by-step approach without space for exploration.
Are currently in active crisis or need intensive psychiatric care (I can provide referrals for a higher level of support).
Are unwilling to engage in self-reflection or try new ways of relating to yourself.
Prefer a therapist who only focuses on surface-level coping skills rather than deeper healing.
If you're unsure, we can always chat in a consultation to see if we’re the right match.
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Outside of being a therapist, I love spending time with my partner, family, and friends. Creativity is a huge part of my life—I’m currently loving oil painting, making candles, and playing the viola. I also find joy in long walks, thrifting, engaging with my local synagogue, and traveling to explore new places and perspectives.
Therapy is important, but so is joy, connection, and creativity. I bring all of that into my work, and I hope to help my clients reconnect with those things, too.
Therapy Approaches
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EMDR Therapy
Unlock your brain’s natural ability to heal by gently processing the root causes of anxiety. EMDR helps reduce overwhelming stress and rewire anxious patterns so you can feel calmer and more in control—ready to move forward with confidence.
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Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Reconnect with your body to release stored tension and stress that fuel anxiety. Through mindful movement and body awareness, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy helps you calm your nervous system and create lasting ease from the inside out.
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IFS
Discover and heal the different parts of yourself that hold anxiety’s story. IFS therapy helps you build self-compassion and inner harmony, so anxiety loses its grip and you can respond with greater clarity and calm.
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Therapy Intensives
Experience faster breakthroughs with focused, personalized therapy intensives designed to jumpstart your healing journey. Perfect if you’re ready to dive deep and start feeling relief from anxiety sooner.
Clinical Experience
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I am licensed in the District of Columbia (LC50080341) Virginia (0904014215). In 2012, I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Social Work from The National Catholic School of Social Service (NCSSS). I have been a practicing clinician ever since. Before beginning my private practice, I worked as a school social worker, in-home family therapist, and clinician at a group practice clinician.
From 2018 to 2020, I participated in a two-year program at the Washington School of Psychiatry Child and Adolescent Program, where I received a postgraduate certificate training specializing in providing psychotherapy with children, teens, and families.
For more details about my certifications and training, including the expertise and commitment behind my work, please see the following tab.
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EMDR Certified Practitioner
As an EMDR practitioner, I have completed comprehensive training and consultation to utilize this modality effectively. The certification process included:
Completion of 60+ hours of specialized training and continuing education through accredited programs.
Over 20 hours of consultation to develop and refine clinical skills.
Ongoing continuing education and bimonthly consultation
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level 1 and Level 2 Trained
Level 1: Trauma Themes and Stabilization
This foundational level focuses on helping clients develop emotional regulation and safety in their bodies. Training included 80+ hours of coursework in somatic interventions for trauma stabilization and processing.Level 2: Developmental and Attachment Themes
This advanced training builds on Level 1, focusing on the impact of early relational experiences and developmental trauma. Training included 150+ hours of coursework exploring how attachment dynamics shape emotional and somatic patterns.Internal Family Systems (IFS) Training with Bonnie Weiss
IFS Basics Class Series (16+ hours): An in-depth introduction to the foundational concepts of Internal Family Systems, including Self-leadership, Parts work, and the role of the Self in healing.
IFS Advanced Class Series (12+ hours): Expanded training that deepens the understanding of complex IFS applications, including working with challenging parts and navigating system-wide dynamics.
IFS Exiles Class Series (12+ hours): Specialized training focused on understanding and healing Exiled Parts, with an emphasis on creating safety, compassion, and integration within the internal system.
Throughout these series, I actively participated in weekly practice sessions, ongoing consultation, and readings to refine my skills using the IFS framework. A significant portion of the coursework and practice was self-experiential, allowing me to cultivate a deeper personal connection to the work. Additionally, I engage in regular supervision with IFS-certified practitioners to ensure continued growth and the highest level of competency in applying this framework effectively in my clinical practice.
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Teaching Assistant for Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level 2: Assisted in delivering 120 hours of advanced training focused on trauma-informed somatic psychotherapy (June 2023 – May 2023).
Graduate School Guest Lecturer: Delivered lectures at the National Catholic School of Social Service on topics related to clinical social work and trauma (November 2021 and 2023).
Facilitator, Therapeutic Arts Training Program in Kenya: Over the course of three weeks, presented on topics as trauma, somatic regulation, and therapeutic arts treatment as part of Global Alliance for East Africa program in Karen, Kenya (January 2023).
Continuing Education Presenter: Provided training for the American University Counseling Department Staff on Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (September 2024).
In-person therapy in Washington, D.C.
Virtual Therapy: Healing from the Comfort of Home
Life is busy, and carving out time for therapy can feel like just another stressor. That’s why we offer virtual therapy—a flexible, accessible option designed to fit seamlessly into your routine.
Imagine settling into your favorite chair, a warm drink in hand, your pet by your side, and starting your session from the privacy of your own space. Many clients find it easier to open up when they’re in a familiar environment, free from the pressures of commuting or worrying about being seen at a therapy office.
Virtual therapy offers all the same benefits of in-person sessions, with added convenience and confidentiality. You can save time, avoid transportation hassles, and focus entirely on your healing. Your sessions will be held over a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, ensuring your privacy and safety every step of the way.
