Rula B. Garside, Ph.D.
Psychologist
License:   PSY1000327   

A Psychotherapy Private Practice

Dupont Circle


Rula B. Garside, Ph.D.
1330 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Suite 106
Washington, DC 20036



(202) 486-9524






I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Washington, DC. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University and my Masters and Ph.D. degrees from The Catholic University of America. During my final year of doctoral training, I completed a predoctoral internship at the George Washington University Counseling Center. Subsequently, I held a postdoctoral fellowship at Georgetown University's Counseling and Psychiatric Service. I have been in private practice in Washington, DC since 2005. In addition to my clinical work, I lead professional development training for both predoctoral candidates and staff psychologists at local university counseling centers, as well as conduct parent education talks at elementary schools in the area. I am proficient in Arabic and French.

Over the course of my training, I worked in a variety of settings in Washington, DC, including the Psychiatric Institute of Washington, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the counseling center at The Catholic University of America. Prior to my doctoral training in Washington, DC, I conducted psychotherapy research at the Beth Israel Brief Psychotherapy Research Project in New York City. In addition, I worked on psychoeducational outreach at Bellevue Hospital as well as the American Anorexia/Bulimia Association (AABA).

As a psychodynamically trained psychologist, I believe that relationships from the past largely influence the way we engage in interpersonal relationships today, as well as play a significant role in how we perceive ourselves, our thoughts and feelings (including anxiety and depression), and how we approach life's challenges. Within the framework of a supportive and collaborative relationship, I actively work with my clients to better understand themselves and their relationships, to acquire healthy coping strategies; to develop more adaptive behaviors in the face of life�s challenges; and to ultimately achieve an enhanced sense of well-being and happiness. I embrace a flexible approach to psychotherapy, tailoring my treatment plans according to the unique needs, issues, and goals of each client. As such, I bring an integrative approach to psychotherapy that includes exploratory, insight-oriented work, practical interventions, and cognitive and/or behavioral techniques, all based on the foundation of a nurturing, safe, and at times, appropriately challenging relationship.

I specialize in providing psychotherapy to adults and adolescents addressing a broad range of concerns, including depression and anxiety; life transitions; relationship and intimacy issues; social issues (social anxiety or awkwardness; loneliness); identity issues in its broadest sense; parenting and family issues; medical and health concerns; and work and career issues. While I am a generalist, I have a particular interest in working with cross-cultural issues and adjustment concerns associated with acculturation, and have extensive experience working with individuals who identify as multicultural, including international students and professionals. I also have worked extensively with students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and am attuned to the issues that are especially relevant to this stage of development.

Services
- Adult Individual Psychotherapy
- Adolescent Individual Psychotherapy
- Professional Development Training
- Parent Education Talks

Areas of Expertise
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationshp and Intimacy Issues
- Family and Parenting Issues
- Identity Issues
- Life Transitions
- College Preparation and Adjustment
- Cross Cultural Issues
- Medical and Health Concerns
- Work and Career Issues

Office Information:

My office is located one block south of the Dupont Circle metro station.

The decision to pursue psychotherapy is deeply personal and can generate feelings of ambivalence. That said, I do believe that committing to therapy is committing to a belief and a hope for positive change, a step that represents courage and strength. I look forward to answering any questions you may have when you schedule an appointment.

Psychotherapy can be a powerfully rewarding experience, and I consider it a privilege to work with clients who are committed to working towards achieving a better sense of themselves, more fulfilling relationships, and a more meaningful and happy life.