https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/home daily 1.0 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/14160c8b-e3cb-45b6-a0b2-214185f76097/5BBEDF1C-627C-4D7B-97D7-753D9EF52EBA.jpeg Home Creating a space to be yourself. I offer a hybrid model of in person and virtual appointments depending on your schedule, needs, and goals. https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/about daily 0.75 2024-04-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1626901921046-J338ZY8FSOI4CSZKJXPJ/CA26C965-8B08-4C40-AB8F-478D232693E0.jpeg About - A little about me I began my professional career after graduating from Smith College in 2005 with a double major in Psychology and French Studies. I then pursued my masters in Deaf education and taught for seven years. I spent my time teaching in various places outside of the DMV area, here in the DC Public School system, and in western Kenya where I was a Peace Corps Volunteer. As much as I loved the classroom while I was teaching, I also thoroughly enjoyed the relationships I built with my students’ families, one of the main reasons I returned to study clinical psychology. I have never looked back and am so grateful for my teaching experience, families, and students who have touched my life in such a meaningful way. On a more personal note, I enjoy being active! I love to travel and love animals. Combining these interests has allowed me to engage in various conservation projects with chimpanzees and sea turtles around the world. Nature is my sanctuary. Depending on the season, you might find me: on a stand up paddle board with my pup, on a hike, in my garden digging around, meditating, snow shoeing, building strength on the yoga mat, bouldering, taking a jog with my partner, or simply swinging in a hammock reading a book after I've had a full day. https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/specialties-communities daily 0.75 2024-04-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1600282834017-LZUL57QSS5G6GOMOU8YP/acceptance+and+commitment+therapy Specializations & Communities - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Acceptance and commitment therapy (“ACT”) is an empirically based, transdiagnostic, and flexible behavioral approach to therapy. It is essentially about living life with all that it has to offer- including the inevitable emotional pain that comes with being human. Mindfulness encourages us to take a non-judgmental, present moment awareness stance in all that we do. I like to think about this as a philosophy or lifestyle where individuals commit to practice engaging in value-based behaviors even “when the hard stuff shows up” (e.g., anger, fear, sadness, anxiety, grief, trauma memories, etc…). No matter what therapeutic path we choose together or what you are struggling with, I will often be looking through this lens and asking you to connect to what is important to YOU every step of the way. Learn more about ACT here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1600283427618-WFMCAY530NX2ZUGD3O7U/cactus Specializations & Communities - Trauma-focused My training in evidence-based trauma-focused treatments (e.g., EMDR, IFS, PE, CPT) allows me to practice from this unique lens with all of my clients healing from a traumatic event(s). Everyone processes trauma differently, therefore there is no “right” approach to this therapeutic expereince. We will work together to determine the “appropriate” treatment approach for you and allow for flexibility. Not everyone who experiences a trauma has PTSD. Many individuals struggle in the aftermath of trauma and “get stuck” along their healing process. Depending on what is getting in the way of your living a meaningful life after trauma and what kinds of difficult emotions you are willing to face in therapy, we will work collaboratively to determine your individualized treatment plan. It is also ok to be unsure about what therapy you would like to try or even if you don’t know if you want to engage in specific trauma-focused work at all. I will help guide you and offer recommendations depending on your individual experiences and goals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1600284012503-NGRKA5721VU6L7YFJYR8/image-asset.jpeg Specializations & Communities - Deaf and hard of hearing As an alumna of Gallaudet University and a former educator of the D/deaf/hard of hearing (DHOH), I have been a hearing member in the Deaf community since 2005. My dissertation research focused on sexual assault disclosure among Deaf women and I commit much of my clinical work to supporting survivors of trauma both in an out of DHOH community. Working in the DHOH community is an important part of my personal and professional identity. I recognize that access to therapy in the DHOH community can be hard to find and I value providing therapeutic support and clinical expertise in this community. I do not pretend or claim to know, however, what it is like to be in your shoes. You are and will always be your own expert. I look forward to partnering with you to help guide you towards a life that is meaningful. It is important to recognize that although someone’s identity in the DHOH community may hold significant importance, exploring intersecting identities is often paramount to learning more about oneself and values. Whether or not you are dealing with current life stressors, past trauma/distress or grief, or are facing significant road blocks towards your future, I am confident that we can work together towards your goals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1600284227718-CPHBAHVPTOIW7F0M70HB/camp+tree Specializations & Communities - Military As a former VA employee with a plethora of training experiences in the veteran community, I value working with both veterans and active duty service members. Whether or not you are facing trauma-related struggles, relationship stress, anxiety, depression, anger issues, or non-military related emotional pain, having a therapist who is familiar with the military setting can make all the difference. As a civilian myself, I may not have walked in your shoes, but my experience working with veterans has afforded me an invaluable understanding of this community’s needs. https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-01-20 https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/faqs-1 daily 0.75 2026-02-09 https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/my-approach-new daily 0.75 2024-07-14 https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/about-1 daily 0.75 2022-08-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1626903438299-KY0WW7IQZJIAT9WGRLB4/B4A8F51E-FDFC-4062-ABF8-B3D9294D9728.jpeg About (Copy) - Meet Lily, PhD Specializations I specialize in treating concerns related to anxiety and/or trauma recovery. Life stressors can affect us in a variety of ways; I am equipped to address feelings of depression, perfectionism, burnout, or other adjustment challenges that might be showing up for you. My clients are often looking for support while navigating important decisions or life transitions, or figuring out what they want from their career, relationships, or other valued life areas. Approach My approach to therapy is evidence-based, affirming, and client-centered. My clinical orientation is most grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), in which we identify areas of your life that are most important to you, build your awareness, resilience, and psychological flexibility, and move you closer to the things that give you purpose and fulfillment. As an integrative clinician, I also incorporate skills and concepts from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-focused treatment modalities such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Intersectional Feminist/Multicultural theory. My top priority is to create a safe, collaborative environment where I can truly understand you: your challenges, strengths, values, goals, lived experiences, and the connections among them. I invite regular feedback from clients about what is and isn’t helpful in therapy so that we can optimize the process together. Populations I have specific experience working with clients from LGBQAI+, Trans/Nonbinary, Polyam/Non-Monogamy, Black/African-American, and International/Immigrant communities. I am committed to anti-oppressive practices in mental healthcare. For me, this means engaging in ongoing self-reflection and training to understand the impact of, and reduce harmful biased caused by, my privileged identities. I also take responsibility for creating space in the therapy room to discuss culture and identity, including not only your identity-related experiences but also what it might be like for you to work with a clinician with my identities. I recognize that communities are not monoliths—I am invested in understanding where you fit within your specific cultural groups. Exploring the influence of culture and identity can also give us greater insight into your relationships, environment, and values. Additionally, I have experience working with clients who have served in the military and clients who belong to helping professions. While I myself am a civilian, I completed two training rotations at the DC VA Medical Center, where I specialized in substance use recovery and trauma-focused treatment. I recognize that service members face unique challenges and that each branch has its own distinct culture. Individuals in helping professions (such as medical and mental healthcare providers) provide a great deal of care to others and are at heightened risk for burnout, trauma, and loss. I am here to provide the support that we are not able to offer to ourselves. Education & Training Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, American University M.A., Psychology, American University B.A., Psychology, Bard College I’ve always been interested in hearing people’s stories, exploring different perspectives, and understanding the “why” of human behavior. As an undergraduate at Bard College, I explored the role of writing in mental health treatment. It was my first deep dive into the research literature around depression, trauma, and how expressing our thoughts and feelings about difficult experiences can improve physical and emotional wellbeing. From there, I went on to conduct research related to motivation and behavior change. I spent several years working in psychology research at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, followed by six years of graduate training at American University. These experiences nurtured my deep interest in exploring the functions of different behaviors and coping strategies that we use in our daily lives, and in identifying the most effective strategies to meet our needs. My clinical background includes a breadth of experiences. Before opening my practice, I trained in a variety of settings, including university/college counseling, family therapy, community psychotherapy, and Veterans Affairs psychological services. I completed my postdoctoral fellowship specializing in trauma-focused treatment and values-oriented therapy under the supervision of Dr. Noëlle Opsahl. About Me (Outside of Therapy) I love spending time outside, whether on a hike with friends or just walking through my neighborhood. I take pleasure in noticing the plants and flowers that come into bloom at different times of the year, and in practicing mindful appreciation for the sensory experiences we can find in nature. Seasonal produce often finds its way into my kitchen, where you'll see me trying out new recipes—I’m drawn to the art and science of cooking and baking. I like to wind down at the end of the day with music, a podcast, a favorite TV show, or playing video games with my partner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1626903190345-IPWY1XXP5XO3VUCMXKJE/99E98FF3-DB50-4697-BA22-971A4C35C971.jpeg About (Copy) Lily is a licensed Psychology Associate in Maryland and Washington, DC. She works in close collaboration with Noëlle to provide you with quality, individualized care. https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/services-5 daily 0.75 2025-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg EMDR https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg EMDR https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/services-1 daily 0.75 2025-09-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1600108007524-4SIL7PYOE4JWNTV90IEL/Single%252Bbird%252Bon%252Bwire Services (Copy) hand-drawn armchair icon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1600108037893-QOLDB9BOBBV9C22F5Z1T/flock+of+birds Services (Copy) hand-drawn empty pill bottle icon https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/professional-services daily 0.75 2024-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/0f5130dd-bc83-470e-872c-c2933a088bb6/35195E2B-8C5E-4FB7-AD41-25F841EA723D.jpeg Professional Services https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/3610b95b-5085-426a-889a-df68b6a1cd8d/1I7A9925-2.jpeg Professional Services https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/6dc4ad0c-53d2-4835-ba65-39a4feb7aa6a/IMG_0701.JPEG Professional Services https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/about-3 daily 0.75 2024-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1626901921046-J338ZY8FSOI4CSZKJXPJ/CA26C965-8B08-4C40-AB8F-478D232693E0.jpeg About Noëlle (Copy) - A little about me. I began my professional career after graduating from Smith College in 2005 with a double major in Psychology and French Studies. I then pursued my masters in Deaf education and taught for seven years. I spent my time teaching in various places outside of the DMV area, here in the DC Public School system, and in western Kenya where I was a Peace Corps Volunteer. As much as I loved the classroom while I was teaching, I also thoroughly enjoyed the relationships I built with my students’ families, one of the main reasons I returned to study clinical psychology. I have never looked back and am so grateful for my teaching experience, families, and students who have touched my life in such a meaningful way. On a more personal note, I enjoy being active! I love to travel and love animals. Combining these interests has allowed me to engage in various conservation projects with chimpanzees and sea turtles around the world. Nature is my sanctuary. Depending on the season, you might find me: on a stand up paddle board with my pup, on a hike, in my garden digging around, meditating, snow shoeing, building strength on the yoga mat, bouldering, taking a jog with my partner, or simply swinging in a hammock reading a book after I've had a full day. https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/my-approach-new-1 daily 0.75 2024-07-15 https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/specialties-communities-1 daily 0.75 2024-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1600282834017-LZUL57QSS5G6GOMOU8YP/acceptance+and+commitment+therapy Specializations (Copy) - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Acceptance and commitment therapy (“ACT”) is an empirically based, transdiagnostic, and flexible behavioral approach to therapy. It is essentially about living life with all that it has to offer- including the inevitable emotional pain that comes with being human. Mindfulness encourages us to take a non-judgmental, present moment awareness stance in all that we do. I like to think about this as a philosophy or lifestyle where individuals commit to practice engaging in value-based behaviors even “when the hard stuff shows up” (e.g., anger, fear, sadness, anxiety, grief, trauma memories, etc…). No matter what therapeutic path we choose together or what you are struggling with, I will often be looking through this lens and asking you to connect to what is important to YOU every step of the way. Learn more about ACT here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1600283427618-WFMCAY530NX2ZUGD3O7U/cactus Specializations (Copy) - Trauma-focused My training in evidence-based trauma-focused treatments (e.g., EMDR, IFS, PE, CPT) allows me to practice from this unique lens with all of my clients healing from a traumatic event(s). Everyone processes trauma differently, therefore there is no “right” approach to this therapeutic expereince. We will work together to determine the “appropriate” treatment approach for you and allow for flexibility. Not everyone who experiences a trauma has PTSD. Many individuals struggle in the aftermath of trauma and “get stuck” along their healing process. Depending on what is getting in the way of your living a meaningful life after trauma and what kinds of difficult emotions you are willing to face in therapy, we will work collaboratively to determine your individualized treatment plan. It is also ok to be unsure about what therapy you would like to try or even if you don’t know if you want to engage in specific trauma-focused work at all. I will help guide you and offer recommendations depending on your individual experiences and goals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1600284012503-NGRKA5721VU6L7YFJYR8/image-asset.jpeg Specializations (Copy) - Deaf and hard of hearing As an alumna of Gallaudet University and a former educator of the D/deaf/hard of hearing (DHOH), I have been a hearing member in the Deaf community since 2005. My dissertation research focused on sexual assault disclosure among Deaf women and I commit much of my clinical work to supporting survivors of trauma both in an out of DHOH community. Working in the DHOH community is an important part of my personal and professional identity. I recognize that access to therapy in the DHOH community can be hard to find and I value providing therapeutic support and clinical expertise in this community. I do not pretend or claim to know, however, what it is like to be in your shoes. You are and will always be your own expert. I look forward to partnering with you to help guide you towards a life that is meaningful. It is important to recognize that although someone’s identity in the DHOH community may hold significant importance, exploring intersecting identities is often paramount to learning more about oneself and values. Whether or not you are dealing with current life stressors, past trauma/distress or grief, or are facing significant road blocks towards your future, I am confident that we can work together towards your goals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1600284227718-CPHBAHVPTOIW7F0M70HB/camp+tree Specializations (Copy) - Military As a former VA employee with a plethora of training experiences in the veteran community, I value working with both veterans and active duty service members. Whether or not you are facing trauma-related struggles, relationship stress, anxiety, depression, anger issues, or non-military related emotional pain, having a therapist who is familiar with the military setting can make all the difference. As a civilian myself, I may not have walked in your shoes, but my experience working with veterans has afforded me an invaluable understanding of this community’s needs. https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/services-5-1 daily 0.75 2024-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/general-1 daily 0.75 2024-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1721005585501-8W0OIA0UES2SUMWR08DW/image-asset.jpeg https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/general-1-1 daily 0.75 2024-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1721005944890-0DNZH5NXJ6XLIJIFJE0N/image-asset.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/1721006139269-58MPDPO03VZGS9D3GBII/image-asset.jpeg https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/our-approach daily 0.75 2025-05-12 https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/upcoming-retreats/emdr daily 0.75 2026-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/96f40f52-2549-44f5-bf7a-d25cec90e1a9/1080.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/bddeb0eb-90ae-46aa-9be4-975779efb070/st-johns-history-and-heritage-marquee.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/cf85430c-7123-4b73-a1d3-344214d08387/1080+%282%29.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/f33a1fb3-9d69-40ee-87d2-8f1cc3c080ad/121725-300x300.webp https://www.drnoelleopsahl.com/upcoming-retreats/nf daily 0.75 2026-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/a62658e9-9729-47d2-84b5-cbdcf5525b8e/Puffin-Flight.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/d1ce7e33-5fd5-4739-abc7-f13b5c9e6e87/rooms_garden.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/f45d4a08-3cf7-4c7b-9e67-fb07b5b15e30/rooms6.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/b544f404-5df6-41b2-909f-d9e92b4f421d/fli_attractions_skerwink.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/43adc3de-86ae-45b4-99f5-1959c9b3d887/main-house-and-yellow.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/f1c7eee1-4608-4c67-8e04-029b70de7e46/fli_conference03a.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/59ae3a87-064d-4383-8e51-dd9564ed43ba/Screenshot+2025-11-03+at+4.18.53%E2%80%AFPM.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/3a717195-1b44-4acd-a22e-9f448d9c5fce/fli_dining_garden.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/dfaec98d-4a8e-474d-94c3-6fd4a798a823/IMG_5310+2.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f5a825b8699d26068a1b4b0/a963f1ce-c789-4fff-9375-b194c368d5cb/Lisa-Carlin-1638x2048.jpeg