About Me
I’m Joanna Chakerian, a clinical social worker licensed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. In my experience, many clients seek out therapy because they are feeling stuck in some area of their life. I believe therapy is a collaborative relationship, and I truly enjoy helping my clients better understand their patterns, behaviors, histories, and beliefs, and grow and thrive in the long term. I work with individuals across a broad range of presenting issues, and I have a particular interest in perinatal mental health.
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Experience & Training
After studying English at Saint Joseph’s University and completing a Masters program in Journalism at Georgetown University, I worked as a writer for the Department of Justice for eight years. My experience in my previous career uniquely informs how I work with clients navigating work/life balance.
After I discovered my passion for psychotherapy and pursued social work, I attended the University of Maryland School of Social Work in 2020. I completed a field internship working with seniors 65+ at So Others Might Eat, and a psychotherapy internship at The Women’s Center. After graduating, I worked towards independent licensure as a psychotherapy associate at The Women’s Center, M&K Counseling, Betsy Mencher and Associates. During this time, my practice particularly focused on professionals and graduate students. After becoming fully licensed, I transitioned to private practice, and treated perinatal health clients at Azalea Mental Health.
Therapeutic Approach
My practice modality is primarily psychodynamic and relational, while also integrating mindfulness and occasional cognitive behavioral therapy tools. I have a warm and interactive approach, and I value bringing my authentic self to therapy to promote healing in the therapy treatment. I consider it a privilege to sit with my clients through their ups and downs, and help them meet their goals.
Focus Areas and Expertise
I work with diverse adults 18 and older on a broad range of issues, including anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, life transitions, career challenges, trauma, body image issues, and grief/loss. Much of my current practice focuses on parents, and those wanting to be parents.
I specialize in perinatal health, and exclusively treated clients for infertility, pregnancy and postpartum issues at a perinatal mental health practice. My areas of expertise in this space include Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), surrogacy, high-risk pregnancies, mood disorders during pregnancy, birth trauma, and postpartum anxiety, depression, and stress.
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Masters in Social Work, University of Maryland, 2020
MA in Journalism, Georgetown University, 2009
BA in English, Saint Joseph’s University, 2007
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Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, DC, LC200002565
Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical, Maryland, 27668
Licensed Clinical Social Work, Virginia, 0904016559
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Postpartum Support International training
Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy
Advanced Training in mindfulness and meditation, University of Maryland
American Academy of Psychotherapy Institute and Conference Scholars Program