Sara Petrasso, Ph.D.

Executive Director

I work with individuals from diverse backgrounds facing a wide range of challenges. Some of these may include self-defeating patterns of behavior, depression, anxiety, OCD, anger, low self-esteem, trauma, compulsive or impulsive behaviors, and relationship difficulties.  I also help individuals navigate difficult life transitions and big decisions involving careers and relationships, among others.

My goal as a therapist is to help you feel understood, and to set goals to improve your well-being. I approach each individual treatment collaboratively, exploring the foundation of the problem, identifying patterns that may not be helping, and then developing treatment goals tailored to the needs of each individual. My style is warm and interactive. I believe that a trusting connection between therapist and client is essential for the hard emotional work involved in therapy.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and a Clinical Assistant Professor at George Washington University’s Department of Psychiatry where I teach therapy skills to medical residents. I hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY and a Bachelor of Science from New York University. While living in New York, I worked extensively treating OCD, phobias, and eating disorders at a private group practice.  Upon relocating to DC, I completed my postdoc at Georgetown University and went on to work as an in-house psychologist at Georgetown Law. My significant experience working with legal professionals has given me an in-depth understanding of the particular stressors that so often come with the territory of Big Law.