Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Psychotherapist in Bethesda, MD
With over 25 years of dedicated practice in psychotherapy, I have cultivated a specialized approach to addressing complex emotional challenges through psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy. My practice, established in 1994, is grounded in advanced training from the Washington School of Psychiatry and the Washington Center for Psychoanalysis, complemented by ongoing study at the Contemporary Freudian Society. I serve clients from Bethesda, Rockville, Chevy Chase, and the broader DC Metro Area, offering both in-person and online therapy to accommodate diverse needs. My expertise spans treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties, with a particular focus on young adult transitions and the long-term impacts of early life experiences. As a licensed clinical social worker, I prioritize creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their inner worlds authentically.My therapeutic philosophy emphasizes understanding the root causes of emotional distress rather than merely addressing surface symptoms, fostering sustainable personal growth and resilience. I maintain active memberships in professional organizations like NAMI and NASW, ensuring my practice aligns with the highest standards of care. Through decades of clinical experience, I have developed specialized techniques for helping individuals navigate life transitions, build healthier relationships, and achieve greater emotional regulation. My commitment to mental health advocacy extends to public education through published articles and community speaking engagements, demystifying psychotherapy and its benefits for everyday mental wellness.
Services
Psychoanalysis
Psychodynamic Therapy
Young Adult Therapy
Anxiety Treatment
Depression Treatment
Trauma Therapy
Relationship Counseling
Online Therapy
Mental Health Consultation
Psychotherapy for Transitions
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized psychotherapy experience
- Our practice combines advanced training from top institutions
- We provide both in-person and online therapy options
- Our approach addresses root causes of emotional distress
- We maintain active professional memberships for quality assurance
Services
Psychoanalysis
Deep-dive therapeutic approach exploring unconscious patterns affecting behavior and relationships. Through regular sessions, clients gain insight into long-standing emotional struggles rooted in early life experiences. This intensive treatment fosters lasting personality changes and improved mental well-being through self-discovery and therapeutic relationship dynamics.
Young Adult Therapy
Specialized treatment for emerging adults navigating life transitions. Addresses challenges related to identity formation, career development, and relationship building. Helps clients develop emotional regulation skills and independence while processing family dynamics that may impact current difficulties.
Trauma Therapy
Targeted treatment for individuals experiencing trauma-related symptoms. Utilizes psychodynamic framework to process traumatic memories and develop coping strategies. Focuses on rebuilding emotional stability and restoring healthy relationships affected by traumatic experiences.
Anxiety Treatment
Comprehensive approach to managing anxiety disorders through weekly therapy sessions. Explores underlying causes of chronic worry and panic attacks while developing practical coping mechanisms. Combines symptom management with deeper psychological exploration for lasting relief.
Relationship Counseling
In-depth exploration of relationship patterns and communication challenges. Helps clients understand interpersonal dynamics rooted in past experiences while developing healthier relationship skills. Focuses on improving emotional connection and conflict resolution abilities.
People
Lisa Schlesinger, LCSW-C
Psychoanalyst, LCSW-C
Licensed clinical social worker with 25+ years of experience in psychoanalysis. Specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma through psychodynamic therapy. Completed advanced training at Washington Center for Psychoanalysis and maintains active professional memberships.
Questions
Do you accept insurance?
I operate as an out-of-network provider. You'll receive monthly statements with proper codes to submit for potential insurance reimbursement. Some plans may cover part of the fees.
Can you prescribe medication?
As a psychotherapist, I don't prescribe medication but can provide referrals to psychiatrists. We can discuss medication options and their interaction with therapy during sessions.
What therapy approaches do you use?
I specialize in psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy. These approaches focus on understanding unconscious patterns affecting current behavior and relationships through in-depth exploration.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes, I provide virtual therapy sessions for clients who prefer remote access. Online therapy follows the same therapeutic framework as in-person sessions with scheduling flexibility.
How often are therapy sessions?
Traditional weekly sessions are recommended, with more frequent sessions available for intensive treatment. Consistency helps build therapeutic momentum and deeper exploration of issues.
What are your specialties?
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and young adult transitions. My expertise includes processing childhood experiences impacting current emotional challenges.
