Therapist Spotlight
We are pleased to announce the newest addition to DC Talk Therapy, Michelle Lawlor, LPC.

Ms. Lawlor provides individual counseling and group therapy. She primarily works with young adults (20s and 30s) and specializes in substance abuse, anxiety and depression.

Ms. Lawlor uses an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing on elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

Prior to joining DC Talk Therapy, Ms. Lawlor worked for the City of Alexandria (Va.), providing individual therapy for clients with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. She has also worked at Kolmac Clinic as an addictions counselor.

A native New Yorker, Ms. Lawlor received her undergraduate degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University in Arlington, Va.

Ms. Lawlor offers afternoons, evening and Saturday appointments. She offers teletherapy on a variety of platforms, including Doxy and Zoom.

To schedule an appointment with Ms. Lawlor for individual counseling, please call 202.588.1288 or email us at info@dctalktherapy.com. (She hopes to start an anxiety group soon.)
Tip of the Month
When we’re overly apologetic, we can feel guilty for our actions and burdensome to others.

So, for those who chronically say “I’m sorry” even when it’s not your fault, try saying “Thank you” instead next time.

For example, say “Thank you so much for waiting” instead of “Sorry I’m late” or “Thanks for listening” instead of “Sorry I’m such a downer”.
3 Tips For Working From Home
Most of us are working from home these days. Here are three tips to maximize your productivity:
 
1.   Set a Schedule: When working from home it’s easy to feel like the workday never ends. After all, you’re home all the time, so you’re technically able to work at all hours. Don’t fall into this trap. Set a schedule of specific hours each day that you are to work and stick to it.
 
2.   Limit Checking of Email: There’s a difference between being busy and being productive. Checking email mostly falls under the category of being busy. Being productive means taking some kind of action -- writing a brief; making sales calls, or researching data for a project. Ask yourself at the end of the day, “What did I accomplish?” You need to be able to answer with an actionable step.
 
3.   Break up the Day: Most of us work best with small breaks. It gives us the time we need to rest and recharge. Schedule them throughout the day, 15 minutes here, 20 minutes there. Use that time to go for a short walk or read the news. And in the middle of the day, step away from your computer and eat lunch.
Podcasts We're Listening To
This podcast, hosted by psychiatrist Justin Romano and therapist Eddie Carrillo, explores different topics of mental health (suicide, eating disorders, phobias, etc.) in an informal but educational way.

Our Clinical Team
DC Talk Therapy | info@dctalktherapy.com | 202.588.1288 | dctalktherapy.com