Lorraine Harpur

Hello! I am a proud Californian who loves being outside in nature whether amongst the trees in the beautiful forests of Maryland and DC or at the beaches of Southern California. I offer clients a compassionate, non-judgmental space to make new connections with themselves and others. As a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT), I work with individuals and couples throughout the Washington DC metro area. My office is conveniently located in downtown Bethesda, Maryland - just off the redline. I have experience working with LGBTQIA+ and multicultural couples and individuals. I incorporate nature and mindfulness into therapy sessions. Before starting my private practice, I had the opportunity to learn from an amazing mentor practicing my skills for working with couples and individuals using Emotionally Focused Therapy, parts work, and mindfulness based approaches to therapy. I recently completed an intensive training in Nature Informed Therapy which has complimented my biopsychosocial and attachment based approach to my clinical work. “Nature Informed Therapy (NIT) is an innovative approach that integrates the healing power of nature with evidence-based therapeutic practices” (CNIT, 2026). Attachment theory views human beings, including adults as having a natural and adaptive need for maintaining contact with a safe other. Through an attachment perspective, John Bowlby posits, “survival of the most nurtured”. Adults need just as much care, attunement, and nurturing as a young child. To crave this attachment does not make one weak or sensitive, this craving is built into our biology and might be considered essential for survival. Having one secure attachment figure, allows us to feel safe going out into the world to take risks. During my graduate training as a Behavioral Health Provider at UC San Diego Health Department of Family Medicine, I had the opportunity to work in a primary care setting where I collaborated with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive patient care. The main focus of care was in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression using evidenced based psychotherapy tools and techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness based therapy.