About Me

My name is Ruthie and I am a pediatric and perinatal psychotherapist with more than a decade of experience working with individuals and families. I’ve worked in a variety of different settings including schools, domestic violence shelters, early intervention programs, and hospitals.

I’m also a clinician and clinical faculty at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital in the Department of Psychiatry. I teach, write, and contribute to research in perinatal and pediatric mental health.

Background

I’ve worked in a variety of different settings including schools, domestic violence shelters, early intervention programs, and hospitals. I’m also a clinician and a clinical faculty member at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital in the Department of Psychiatry.

I teach, write, and contribute to research in perinatal and pediatric mental health. I have been  published in a number of acclaimed publications including The Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post. I have presented at a number of conferences including Postpartum Support International Conference, Mayor Bowser’s Maternal and Infant Health Summit, and Marcé of North America Perinatal Mental Health Conference. I also teach courses including CBT for the Perinatal Period and CBT/ERP for Perinatal OCD. My Perinatal OCD course was the first in-depth, national course on this subject. I am also on the Board of Washington DC Postpartum Support International Chapter.

Approach

My therapy style is eclectic and founded on principles of self-compassion and resilience. Parenting three spirited children gives me deeper insight into myself and my notions of parenthood. I try to use warmth, empathy, and humor in my work and my everyday life.

Training

Certification in the DIR/Floor-time Model
Trained in Exposure and Response Prevention
Trained in Animal-Assisted Play Therapy
Certification in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies
Certification in SPACE (Yale Child Study Center)
Certification in Maternal Mental Health
Trained in Lactation Support
Registered "Circle of Security" Parent Facilitator

Education

Bachelor of Arts, McGill University
Masters of Science in Social Work from Columbia University
Masters of Arts from The Jewish Theological Seminary

Achievements

I have published in a number of acclaimed publications including The Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post. I have presented at a number of conferences including Postpartum Support International Conference, Mayor Bowser’s Maternal and Infant Health Summit, and Marcé of North America Perinatal Mental Health Conference. I also teach courses including CBT for the Perinatal Period and CBT/ERP for Perinatal OCD.

Professional Memberships

Membership in the Perinatal Mental Health Society, Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Workers, DMV Women's Mental Health Consortium, DC Collaborative for Mental Health.