I am thrilled with the team of therapists, acupuncturist, nutritionist, health and wellness coach and yoga teachers that I have working with me! As we work together to build Lotus Point Wellness, we are creating a support team for the whole person (mind, body and spirit) which allows for multiple pathways and integrative approaches for healing. Personally, my upbringing overseas in a foreign service family allowed me to experience many different cultures and to know people from all over the world and I bring this perspective into the therapy room through my curiosity, my nonjudgemental approach and my openness to new ways of thinking, feeling and experiencing the world. As a therapist, I have always had a deep appreciation for each person’s life journey and have a profound respect for what it takes to open up, become vulnerable and heal.  By allowing me to support you, your relationship and/or your family and really “see” each person, trust can build which allows for positive changes. I use an eclectic therapeutic approach but one steeped in attachment theory, neuroscience and AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy), in particular. When working with couples, the Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) model fits well with my belief that strong relationships and secure attachments are the foundation for a life well-lived. The primary goal of developing secure and healthy bonds and creating an atmosphere of openness and trust is to allow each partner to share with one another, as they work on self-awareness, mind-body connections and becoming vulnerable with one another. Sharing their deeper needs, fears and longings brings closeness, compassion and empathy. I consider it an honor to work with my clients every day and I am humbled by their courage and trust in our work together.  My own life journey of facilitating healing, supporting strong relationships and creating community has been my privilege and honor. Marie Caterini Choppin is a Master’s level licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been a practitioner since 1992 and in private practice since 1999. She holds licenses in the District of Columbia and Maryland and is an ICEEFT Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist (to find out more click here). Marie creates a supportive environment of empathy, trust, confidence and success when working with her clients. This allows each client to begin healing, discovering and creating their own vision for their life at their own pace and comfort level. Most clients find success and feel empowered to face their future with courage and hope.

MEMBERSHIPS

• International Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy, lifetime member
• AEDP Institute Member since 2016
• Greater Washington Society For Clinical Social Work (GWSCSW), since 1992
• National Association of Social Workers

VOLUNTEER BOARD EXPERIENCE

• Vice-President of Development – GWSCSW – 2012 – 2014
• Co-Chairperson, Continuing Education Committee – GWSCSW – 2012-2014
• Chairperson, Continuing Education Committee – GWSCSW – 2010-2012
• Board Member-At-Large – GWSCSW 2010-2011

EXPERIENCE

Since 1992, Marie has worked in a variety of settings, including a local Youth Services organization, CPC Health (a non-profit organization specializing in outpatient clinical work with adults, children and families) and in an independent school as a Middle and High School counselor. In all her experiences, she has gained knowledge, respect and a sense of awe over the human spirit and it’s ability to survive amazing hardships. Marie has worked with hundreds of families and children in Montgomery County, MD helping them work through their difficulties in parenting, communication, anger management, stress management, motivation, depression, anxiety, worries, academic and career struggles and past trauma. Throughout her career, Marie has developed programs for the community which are oriented towards families and children including bullying workshops, parenting classes, social skills groups, New Mothers groups and health and wellness classes for Middle and High School students. This has provided her with much satisfaction since she knows how much the community has given to herself and her family.

THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES USED

Marie uses an eclectic mix of therapeutic techniques depending on the situation or problem with which the client, couple or family presents. These techniques include cognitive-behavioral therapy, insight-oriented therapy, emotionally-focused couple therapy, attachment-based therapy (dyadic developmental psychotherapy), art and sand tray therapy, use of relaxation and mindfulness techniques and psycho-educational information, as needed. These techniques work well together to help clients establish stability, develop healthy relationships, manage difficult emotions, develop a positive self-image and feel contented and accepting of themselves and their life.

EDUCATION

• M.S.W. (Master of Social Work), University of Maryland at Baltimore, 1992
• B.A. in Psychology, College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio in 1985
• Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist, awarded April 2012
• AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) for Couples Therapist (2 full weeks & 1 year-long training)
• AEDP for Individuals – training Oct. 2018

Marie regularly attends workshops, seminars and conferences to stay abreast of current research, theories and therapeutic techniques and participates in a weekly peer consultation group and a monthly Family Therapy Peer Group to get support and guidance from other experienced clinicians in the field.