Lisa Franklin Topchik, LICSW

Clinical Social Work Therapist

  • Years in Practice: 13+ Years
  • Education: Amherst University, BA; Catholic University of America, MSW
  • License No. and State: LC50078556 District of Columbia, 12608 Maryland
  • Certified Imago Relationship Therapist
  • Certified Imago Singles Therapist
  • Certified AASECT Sex Therapist
  • Level I training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
  • Certificate of Completion from the Sexual Health Certificate Program from the University of Michigan

For assistance in selecting the best therapist for your situation, contact either Gail or Gwen.

Maryland Office

Gail Guttman
301-984-0322
gail@gpatherapy.com

NW DC Office

Gwen Enfield Pearl
202-363-9191
gwen@gpatherapy.com

Lisa Topchik is a couples and individual therapist. She has been with Guttman & Pearl Associates for more than 10 years. She specializes in sex therapy and helps those suffering from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or the effects of trauma.

Lisa is nurturing, attentive, and accepting.  Her top priority is to create a comfortable environment. She believes that when people feel cared for and respected, they are most able to grow and make positive changes. Within a supportive, caring therapeutic environment, Lisa encourages clients to explore new and sometimes difficult parts of themselves, and to stretch beyond their comfort zones.  Clients have the option to pass on a topic; they determine the pace. Individuals or couples, usually leave sessions with homework assignments, created together with Lisa.

In couple’s therapy, Lisa’s approach is to focus on connection and empathy.  Couples explore their individual family histories, and the impact their history has on their relationships. She teaches couples new and effective ways to communicate and connect. Each partner is encouraged to define the changes they want to make in order to enhance and improve their relationship.

Lisa counsels individuals and couples struggling with a wide range of sexual issues.  She is acutely aware of the courage it takes for men and women who struggle with sexual issues to attend therapy.  She creates an environment that enables people to honestly share their stories, shame, fears, and hopes.

Lisa believes in the healing power of groups. She is touched and amazed at group members’ courage, growth, connection, and learning.  Group members are able to heal from shame and self-doubt while others validate those feelings. Over the past five years, Lisa has been a co-leader of the Women and Sexuality Group. She developed and conducts a monthly four-hour psycho-educational seminar: Women with Low Desire. She also facilitates groups for organizations, including the DC Jewish Community Center and the Women’s Young Presidents’ Association (YPO).

Prior to joining Guttman & Pearl Associates, Lisa Topchik worked at the Women’s Center of Washington, DC.  She is certified by Imago Relationships International (IRI) as an Imago Relationship Singles and Couples Therapist. She has extensive training in sex therapy and received a certificate in sex therapy from the University of Michigan Sexual Health Program. Lisa has completed the EMDR Level I training. She received her BA degree from Amherst College and her MSW degree from Catholic University.