Since I was a young kid, I wanted to be a Ninja Turtle. The first step was obvious – learn martial arts. For the past 20 years I’ve dedicated countless hours and effort into the discipline of Taekwondo. I progressed through the ranks slowly, dealt with several injuries, but ultimately fought collegiately and earned my 4th degree black belt. It is one of my greatest accomplishments.

How is this relevant to psychotherapy? Through ventures like taekwondo, learning a new instrument, or completing graduate school, I’ve learned that any worthwhile endeavor is difficult, takes time, and requires patience. Small incremental improvements are foundational in any meaningful, personal progress. Dedicated effort and patience are also necessary in psychotherapy.

Good counseling also requires a compassionate professional who will understand your unique personal characteristics and work collaboratively to challenge, guide, and support you through the process. I’ve dedicated my professional career to helping others learn more about themselves, their interpersonal and intrapersonal patterns, and how they came to be the person they are today. Together in therapy you will come to better understand emotions, clarify personal values, and strive to act in accordance with them to lead a more fulfilling life.

I’m not a Ninja Turtle yet, but who knows – maybe in a few more years…

Specialties:
Anxiety Disorders
Depression
LGBTQ+ Issues
Medical or Chronic Illness
Emerging adult life transitions and challenges
Relationship distress
Interpersonal trauma/PTSD/Abuse

Email Dr. LoPresti
703.909.5101 ext.110