Chevy Chase Counseling

Hi, I'm Leila. Thanks for taking this step to see if we might be a good fit. My mission is to help both individuals and couples navigate the complexities of modern relationships and personal growth. Whether you are in a relationship that has become "logistics-only," or you are an individual struggling with connection, I am here to help you on your journey of improving your mental health and wellness. I love what I do and I cannot imagine any other path. As a Licensed Psychologist with 25+ years of clinical experience, a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, my goal is to help you move beyond just "getting through the week" and back into a life that feels vibrant and emotionally secure. Whether you are working through intimacy gaps, anxiety, or life transitions, I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your needs. My Approach: Moving from Conflict and Rupture to Connection In our work together, we go beyond surface-level fixes to uncover the roots of self-sabotage and fear of intimacy. I will help you step out of the patterns that no longer serve you, trading old reactions for intentional, conscious connection. We won't spend our sessions rehashing old arguments without a purpose. Instead, we will identify communication gaps and turn conflict into a catalyst for intimacy. Specialized Services -Individual Therapy & Growth: Healing and growth start with understanding your own story. I work with individuals to navigate anxiety, depression, and self-sabotaging patterns. Whether you are currently in a relationship or navigating life without a partner, we will work to build a stronger sense of self and authentic connection. -Couples & Relationship Counseling: Utilizing Imago Relationship Therapy, I help partners break cycles of conflict and rediscover emotional and physical intimacy. We focus on transforming frustration into a deeper, safer bond. -Sex Therapy: Physical intimacy is a vital part of well-being, yet often very difficult to talk about. As a Certified Sex Therapist, I provide a clinical, safe space for individuals and couples to address sexual dysfunction, intimacy gaps, and the emotional barriers to physical connection. Nationwide Telehealth (PSYPACT): Quality care shouldn't be limited by geography. In addition to being licensed in DC and Maryland, I hold the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) through PSYPACT. This allows me to provide specialized, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions to clients across more than 43 participating states, including: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, and the CNMI. EDUCATION: PhD in Counseling Psychology | Texas A&M University MS in Counseling | Indiana University Bloomington BA in Psychology | UNC-Chapel Hill ADVANCED CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Imago Relationship Therapist Certified Imago Advanced Singles Training AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) via PSYPACT Personal Note: My approach is grounded in clinical rigor, and it is also informed by real life experiences. Outside of the therapy room, I am a mother to two amazing teenagers. Raising them has transformed how I support other parents, turning professional expertise into deep, firsthand empathy for the complex hurdles of modern family life. My clients often describe me as warm and approachable, which helps foster the safety and trust necessary to navigate challenging issues together. I bring a mix of clinical expertise and real-world empathy to the room. To stay grounded and to recharge, I love to hike, tend to my garden, play cards, chocolate, or lose myself playing a piece on the piano. I look forward to connecting with you soon!