Melissa Murphy, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW, C-DBT, is a seasoned therapist and clinical director at Bethesda Therapy, licensed in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia. Specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and OCD, she employs ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) and Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), recognized as leading treatments for OCD. Melissa's expertise extends to managing mood disorders, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain disorders. Her approach is collaborative and strengths-based, focusing on developing personalized strategies for each client.

As a Gottman-trained couples therapist, Melissa is adept at addressing the complexities of relationships affected by ADHD and OCD. She also treats Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) and finds profound fulfillment in supporting therapists and those in helping professions. Her work is underpinned by advanced training in both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

I am passionate about working with clients of all ages to holistically support their mental health journey. My goal is to empower and support clients through processing and managing their needs academically, professionally, and personally. I utilize a feminist approach to CBT with elements of mindfulness. I also incorporate art therapy and play therapy into my treatment of adolescent and teen clients.

My approach to therapy revolves around putting my clients at the center of the process. This means tailoring treatment to suit your specific needs and preferences. It could involve processing through deep-rooted issues, equipping you with coping mechanisms and practical skills, or even collaboration to problem solve. For me, being a therapist is a profound privilege to walk alongside my clients on their journey towards self-discovery and growth. I see each client as an individual with unique experiences, challenges, and aspirations. My role is to support you in realizing your vision for yourself and help navigate through whatever obstacles you may encounter along the way.

I am a compassionate and empathic Associate Marriage and Family Therapist eager to provide support. My journey has involved delivering therapy in both individual and group settings. I have experience in helping clients with trauma, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. I am also fluent in Spanish and enjoy working with the Latino community. I utilize therapeutic approaches such as Person-Centered, Narrative, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. There are various therapy approaches, and together, we can discover which one will benefit you the most.
As an AMFT, I am passionate about helping others. I am committed to helping you reach your goals by providing you with hope, support, and guidance. I have experience working with teens and adults. Therefore, I understand the difficulties that day-to-day life can bring. I aim to work with you along your journey to improve your mental health and emotional well-being. My goal is to understand your inner world and develop strategies that facilitate personal growth.
I hope to provide you with a safe space and supportive environment. I believe each individual has a unique story, and I'd be honored to hear yours!

Porsha is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from University of California at Berkeley then moved to Atlanta, Georgia and completed her Masters of Family Therapy degree from Mercer University School of Medicine. Porsha’s strength is providing an open, caring and safe environment for you to discuss your most private difficulties and challenges. She focuses on building a positive therapeutic relationship to promote maximum positive change and growth in you.

Porsha is experienced and passionate about working with individuals, couples and families suffering from issues surrounding anxiety, depression, major conflict, infidelity, divorce, and blended family dynamics. She uses Solution-Focused Therapy to help broaden clients’ understanding of the way they see themselves, their family and their situation.

Porsha specializes in working with professional athletes and understands the specific lifestyle challenges athletes and their families face. She tailors her approach to each unique situation and strives to meet the individual needs of each athlete and family.

In addition, Porsha believes that one’s thoughts ultimately determine their feelings and behaviors and therefore uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to identify destructive thinking patterns, creating more effective ways to respond to life’s challenges. In the words of John Holmer Miller, “Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.”

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I earned a Master of Arts in professional counseling, with a concentration in trauma counseling, from Richmont Graduate University (formerly Psychological Studies Institute). Additionally I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). My expertise includes trauma, a variety of mood disorders, grief, depression, anxiety, faith-based issues, relationship difficulties, and transitions. I am passionate about equipping my clients to live happier, healthier lives. This is accomplished by listening to each individual’s unique story, creating a plan to address concerns, and walking alongside the client throughout the process. Together we can address thought processes or behaviors that pose obstacles to wellbeing, equipping you for successful problem solving strategies, and improving interpersonal effectiveness.

I approach therapy as the healing of all parts of you not just one particular area or problem. I use a combination of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Together we will navigate through the jungle of trauma, depression, and anxiety. Together, our job is to find a way to the pure, free, natural state of happiness found within your authentic self. There your triggers will no longer trigger you. You will not believe those negative thoughts as truth, and you will be freed of any baggage that trauma as placed on your shoulders.

Whether you are struggling with anxiety, trauma, or addiction, I can offer you a safe place to heal and grow. Looking into therapy is a brave first step in taking control of your life, and no matter what you are going through, I’ll meet you with compassion and respect. I believe my holistic approach to treating the mind, body, and soul—something I am very passionate about—can help you discover your best self.
I believe the ability to form close attachments and maintain satisfying relationships is at the core of a fulfilling life. That’s why I often work through a cognitive behavioral/emotional attachment lens, utilizing the therapeutic relationship to foster trust and connection. And because trauma is often at the root of many people’s pain, I’m also trained in EMDR.
My mission is to help you feel safe so you can tell your story, heal past emotional wounds, and find relief in the present. I have experience in various mental health settings, including residential, partial hospitalization, and individual therapy. As a trauma-informed therapist, I love working with adults dealing with anxiety, addiction, and trauma.

Telemental Health
Serving clients with Trauma, Complex Trauma, PTSD, Bipolar D/O, Anxiety, Depression and Gender issues