Portrait by: Tina Krohn Photography
Education and Training
Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Psychology
Victims of Violence Program
Cambridge Health Alliance/ Harvard Medical School
Doctor of Philosophy, Medical & Clinical Psychology
F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Doctoral Internship in Professional Psychology
American University Counseling Center
Master of Science, Medical & Clinical Psychology
F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences
Meet Dr. Bakalar
As a DC area native, it is an absolute joy to practice in the city I call home. My decision to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology stemmed from a belief in the transformative power of connection along with the meaning I find in supporting clients to understand themselves more deeply, harness their strengths to navigate stuck points, and enrich relationships. I believe that the most impactful therapy embraces the full spectrum of the human experience, from pain to joy to absurdity.
After graduating from Cornell University with a BA in Psychology, I earned my Ph.D. in Medical & Clinical Psychology at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD. After graduate school, I pursued postdoctoral training at the Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School specializing in the comprehensive treatment of traumatic stress. Based on this training, I am particularly experienced in working with military and Veteran communities, health care professionals, individuals whose professions commonly involve exposure to violence or death, and individuals navigating the transitions of early and middle adulthood.
Credentials
Licensed to practice as a psychologist in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia
Health Service Psychologist
National Register of Health Service Psychologists
Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology
Registered Florida Telehealth Provider
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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
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Private Practice
*PSYPACT is an interstate compact which offers a voluntary expedited pathway for practice to qualified psychologists who wish to practice in multiple states. PSYPACT is designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology and the temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychology across state boundaries. In order to practice telepsychology in PSYPACT states, psychologists licensed in PSYPACT states only, can apply to the PSYPACT Commission for an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT). In order to conduct temporary practice in PSYPACT states, psychologists licensed in PSYPACT states only can apply to the PSYPACT Commission for a Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP). The PSYPACT Commission is the governing body of PSYPACT and is comprised of one representative from each PSYPACT state. More information regarding PSYPACT and its requirements can be found at www.psypact.org.
Clinical Experience
Treatment Philosophy
Our connections with ourselves, with others, and with 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 an affirming connection in the therapeutic relationship. 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 who deserves unconditional care and respect. From there, we can identify opportunities to relate to yourself and others in new ways.
Therapy will be tailored to you, not the other way around. I am experienced in multiple treatment modalities, including psychodynamic, interpersonal, relational, and cognitive behavioral therapies. We will collaborate on a treatment plan that can be revised over time to meet your evolving needs and goals.
Sometimes it's difficult to capture the intricacy of our experiences and emotions in words. Therefore, I welcome and encourage creative forms of self-expression such as writing, drawing, metaphor, or humor.
Safety is a bedrock of psychotherapy. That said, I do not assume safety or broadly label therapy as a safe space. You determine how safe you feel here. Creating a safe environment is a continuous, shared endeavor because trust is built over time and feeling safe can change moment to moment. With this in mind, ongoing honest communication will be central to our work.
For individuals seeking treatment for trauma, I work from a stage-based approach, that addresses current safety and daily functioning first. From this foundation, we can decide together how to address the impact of the trauma, integrate this understanding into your broader life story and identities, and cultivate new experiences. This process can be cyclical, meaning that progress in one area commonly leads to revisiting earlier work.
