Chevy Chase Counseling is the private practice of Leila Jarrahi, PhD, PC

"You’re roommates who have stopped being partners." It happens quietly. You're great at the logistics—managing the household and the calendar—but somewhere along the way, you stopped feeling like a priority to each other. My mission is to help both individuals and couples navigate the complexities of modern relationships and personal growth. Whether you are in a relationship that has become "logistics-only," or an individual feeling disconnected from yourself, I am here to help you reconnect with your sense of self and vitality. Hi, I’m Leila Jarrahi, PhD. Thank you for taking this step to see if we might be a good fit. With 25+ years of clinical experience, I help people navigate the "roommate phase" of partnership and the personal hurdles of anxiety and intimacy. As a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, my goal is to help you move beyond just "getting through the week" and back into a life that feels vibrant and emotionally secure. Whether you are working through intimacy gaps, anxiety, or life transitions, I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your needs. MY APPROACH: FROM CONFLICT TO CONNECTION In our work together, we go beyond surface-level fixes to uncover the roots of self-sabotage and fear of intimacy. I help you step out of the patterns that no longer serve you, trading old reactions for intentional, conscious connection. We won't spend our sessions looking for a "bad guy" or rehashing old arguments without a purpose. Instead, we use Imago Dialogue to identify communication gaps and turn conflict into a catalyst for intimacy. SPECIALIZED SERVICES INDIVIDUAL THERAPY & GROWTH Healing and growth start with understanding your own story. I work with individuals to navigate anxiety, depression, and self-sabotaging patterns. Whether you are currently in a relationship or navigating life on your own, we will work to build a stronger sense of self and authentic connection. COUPLES & RELATIONSHIP COUNSELING Moving beyond the "roommate phase" requires intentionality. Utilizing Imago Relationship Therapy, I help partners break cycles of conflict and rediscover emotional and physical intimacy. We focus on transforming frustration into a deeper, safer bond. SEX THERAPY Physical intimacy is a vital part of well-being, yet often the hardest to talk about. As a Certified Sex Therapist, I provide a clinical, safe space for individuals and couples to address sexual dysfunction, intimacy gaps, and the emotional barriers to physical connection. NATIONWIDE TELEHEALTH (PSYPACT) Quality care shouldn't be limited by geography. In addition to being a Licensed Psychologist in DC and Maryland, I hold the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) through PSYPACT, allowing me to provide specialized HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions to clients in over 43 participating states, including: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, and the CNMI. EDUCATION: PhD in Counseling Psychology | Texas A&M University MS in Counseling | Indiana University Bloomington BA in Psychology | UNC-Chapel Hill ADVANCED CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Imago Relationship Therapist Certified Imago Advanced Singles Training AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) via PSYPACT Personal Note: My approach is grounded in clinical rigor, but it is informed by real life. Outside of the therapy room, I am a mother to two teenagers. Raising them has transformed how I support other parents, turning professional expertise into deep, firsthand empathy for the complex hurdles of modern family life. My clients often describe me as warm and approachable, which helps foster the trust necessary to navigate challenging issues together. I bring a mix of clinical rigor and real-world empathy to the room. To stay grounded and recharge, I enjoy hiking with my family, tending to my garden, playing cards, or losing myself in a piece on the piano.