About Us

Our Therapists

Maria Sanchez-Masi

I hold a MSW and my pronouns are she/her. My approach to therapy is grounded in this quote from Angela Davis: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change…I am changing the things I cannot accept.” Taking the step to start or resume therapy can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to ease some stress of the first appointment with compassion, warmth, and unconditional positive regard. I bring more than 20 years of work with trauma survivors to my practice, with a particular focus on survivors of sexual violence. I have over 20 years of experience working with teens and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, anger, relational problems, and discrimination. I’m licensed in both Iowa and Washington, DC, and trained in EMDR, clinical hypnosis, and expressive techniques, and incorporate cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and narrative techniques in my work with clients.

Chandler Swope

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience providing services in a variety of settings. I have worked survivors of domestic violence, individuals and families in trauma recovery, depression, grief, and have an extensive background working with young adults impacted by rare disease. I have spent most of my career working with adolescents and young adults to help them navigate a multitude of situations while providing techniques to manage stress and anxiety. I use a mixture of techniques to ensure that individual can meet their therapeutic goals in a meaningful way. I have lived in Washington DC for over 15 years, but spent my childhood moving around the US. I received my Master’s in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis.

Sara Mackey

I am a licensed professional counselor in Washington D.C. and am board certified in telemental health. I believe that one of the most important things I can do as a therapist is create a safe space for you to learn, grow, and explore. So often, the distressing things we are experiencing are caused or intensified by not having a place where you can let your guard down and be completely yourself. It is my goal to create that place for you. I want our sessions to be an environment where you will be fully accepted and cared for just as you are, while also being given the support needed to create the changes you want to see. Using this approach, I have had great success working with people from every walk of life. I can help with issues ranging from going through a temporary rough time to learning to thrive in the community with a mental health disorder, and everything in between. I am also experienced in treating addiction and working with people with a history in the legal system or current legal issues. Whatever your motivation for seeking treatment is, I will help to the best of my ability.

I provide eclectic therapy using approaches such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and person-centered therapy, amongst others. I offer both individual and relationship telemental health therapy.

Steve Lerch

I believe clients are much stronger than the problems that bring them into therapy. For over 20 years of practice in Washington, DC, I’ve worked with a range of client populations and issues, engaging skills I honed through extensive therapeutic training in private practice, community mental health and hospital settings. I have comprehensive practice working with clients facing chronic and acute illnesses and adjusting to life changing experiences. I wholeheartedly believe that you are your own expert on your life. Through therapy, my goal is to help you identify and work through the challenges and obstacles that may be standing in the way of gratifying relationships, a satisfying work life, and living the life you wish to lead. Your problems are not what define you as a person.I do my best to create a safe and supportive environment with warmth, respect, kindness, curiosity, and a little humor. I tailor my approach to the particular needs of each client. I believe that all successful psychotherapy starts from building together a caring relationship of empathy and understanding. Treatment should build upon personal strength and it's goal should be increased self-reliance as well as a connection to others. I am committed to creating a judgement-free atmosphere that embraces all aspects of a client's life, and to challenging the cultural messages and unhelpful inner- monologues that hold us back from achieving our greatest potential.

Danielle Besuden

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). I help clients find their way to a deeper understanding of themselves through a warm and open therapeutic relationship. I believe that all people can grow and develop in ways that bring them closer to their ideal selves. I have experience helping people cope with the impacts of complex trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, life changes, and transitions.

I have a BA in Sociology from Brown University and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. I have 8 years of experience including a background in child welfare, adoption, and integrative primary care and behavioral health. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy with clients and integrate other techniques including mindfulness and solution focused techniques.

Michele Davies

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). I have been working in Washington, DC for over 10 years. Much of my professional background has been spent working with adolescents and young adults. Most recently I worked with adolescents in a school-based setting helping them work through various mental health challenges including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief & loss, trauma, peer relationships, anger management, behavioral issues and stress.

As a therapist, I value the therapeutic relationship and provide my clients with a warm, accepting, non-judgmental space. I view therapy as a tool to empower individuals as they conquer challenges and overcome feeling stuck or trapped. Life can be overwhelming and sometimes it's hard to know where to start. As your therapist, I can be there to provide empathy, insights, and tools to help you move in the direction you want to go. I am here to collaboratively work with you and help you meet your goals.

Leena Mazid

I received my Master’s in Social Work from Temple University with a clinical concentration in health and mental health.My treatment preferences include Feminist Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Emotional Freedom Technique. My style draws on faith and spiritual counseling and career development coaching. As a Highly Sensitive Person, I understand people who experience sensory sensitivities that can lead to emotional highs and lows.I use mind/body techniques and energetic healing approaches while using intuition to guide the therapeutic process. Using a strengths-based perspective, I assists clients in understanding their triggers so that they feel in more control of their emotions.I will be providing therapy via Telehealth to treat adolescents through older adults.

I'm passionate about serving adults that have endured trauma, sexual abuse, divorce, and other stressful life events. I have experience working with matters related to chronic illness, pain, and caregiving. My clinical interest has been focused on working with victims of human and sex trafficking as well as burnout from political activism. As a Syrian-American, I enjoy discussing identity issues with multicultural and multiracial clients.

Mary Elizabeth Ehrhardt

As a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, I have been blessed to have had a wealth of experiences and training. However, I believe that therapy comes down to the relationship of trust and mutual respect that I build with my clients. I have extensive experience with troubled youth and their families, working with them in a variety of setting and situations. I've worked in community mental health, serving individuals with persistent mental illness and their families. I completed an extensive and prestigious internship with a well-respected family service center. I provided individual, couple/family and group therapy under the guidance of some of the best therapists in the area. I was also trained extensively in the treatment of childhood trauma and sexual assault, helping survivors through all stages of the healing process. Most recently, I provided therapy to military members and their families. Like many newer residents, they struggle to adjust to the lifestyle specific to DC and the overall upheaval change can bring. Below is more specific information about me, including the modalities I use, and my specialties and preferred methods.

Peter Lewis

I am licensed in the state of Virginia and in the District of Columbia. I have worked in community mental health as a clinical supervisor and as a therapist in a private multi-specialty practice. I draw on a variety of perspectives to create a trusting and safe environment for you to explore your concerns, address your goals, and help you live a meaningful and satisfying life. Everybody brings strengths and unique qualities into therapy; I also view distressing symptoms as opportunities for growth. Exploring a moment in life that has had a painful effect can lead to transformation.