Portrait by: Tina Krohn Photography
Credentials
Licensed Psychologist
District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and New York
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Health Service Psychologist
National Register of Health Service Psychologists
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Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology
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Registered Florida Telehealth Provider
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Education and Training
Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Psychology
Victims of Violence Program
Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School
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PhD in Medical & Clinical Psychology
F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
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Doctoral Internship in Professional Psychology
American University Counseling Center
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MS in Medical & Clinical Psychology
F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
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Intramural Research Training Award Fellow
National Institute of Mental Health
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BA in Psychology, French minor
Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences
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Meet Dr. Bakalar
Though I've had a lifelong interest in the human experience, I decided to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology in college. During a course on Trauma Psychology, I was especially compelled by Dr. Judith Herman's work as a pioneer who redefined our understanding of trauma through a social justice lens. I was also captivated by the many dualities of trauma and loss, such as connection and isolation, speaking out and silence, or control and powerlessness.
After college, I completed a research fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health. From there, I earned my Ph.D. in Medical & Clinical Psychology, which provided the unique opportunity to learn the intricacies of the mind-body connection and the links between psychological and physical health. After graduate school, I pursued postdoctoral training specializing in the comprehensive treatment of traumatic stress and loss.
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My continued commitment to clinical practice is fueled by the meaning I find in partnering with clients to understand themselves more deeply, harness their strengths to navigate hardship, and (re)discover solace and fulfillment in close relationships. In addition to private practice, I serve as a Psychosocial Educator for medical students at George Washington University. Over time, I've found that the most impactful work -- in therapy, teaching, and beyond -- embraces the full spectrum of human experience, from pain to joy to absurdity. ​​
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Professional Service and Affiliations
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
George Washington University
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Member
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American Psychological Association
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Division 56: Trauma Psychology​​
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International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation
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International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
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Maryland Psychological Association
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MPA Ethics Committee​
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Psychotherapy Action Network​
Clinical Experience
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National Institutes of Health
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Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
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DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center
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American University Counseling Center
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Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School
Treatment Philosophy
Our connections with ourselves, others, and the world can give rise to the greatest joy, meaning, and fulfillment in our lives. In parallel, disconnection and loss can elicit profound pain and anguish.
A crucial step toward finding relief and enduring growth in psychotherapy starts with a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, care, and respect. Beyond the reasons that bring you in, I am committed to listening to your life story and learning about you as a whole, imperfect person. From there, we can identify new ways to relate to yourself and the important people in your life.
Therapy will be tailored to you, not the other way around. I am experienced in multiple treatment modalities, including relational, contemporary psychodynamic, interpersonal, and cognitive behavioral therapies. Beyond addressing symptoms, we will collaborate on a treatment plan that centers your understanding of yourself, your intersecting identities, and your vision for a meaningful, fulfilling life.
It can be difficult to capture the intricacy of our experiences in words. Therefore, I invite and encourage creative self-expression such as writing, drawing, metaphor, humor, and movement.
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Safety is a bedrock of psychotherapy. That said, I do not assume safety or broadly label therapy as a safe space. You ultimately determine how safe you feel. Creating a safe environment in therapy is a continuous, collaborative endeavor because trust is built with experience and feeling safe can change moment to moment. Therefore, open, ongoing, and honest communication will be essential to our work.
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I bring a trauma-informed lens to all of my work. For individuals seeking trauma-focused therapy, I work from a stage-based approach, which starts with addressing current safety, stability, and daily functioning. From this foundation, we can decide together how to address the deeper impact of adversity, integrate this understanding into your broader life story, and cultivate new experiences. This process can be cyclical, meaning that progress in one area commonly leads to revisiting and reinforcing earlier work.
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