

Dr. Carolyn Shaffer: 301-320-5268
Dr. Lawrence Sank: 301-229-3131
Location:
6310 Winston Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817







Welcome to Cognitive Therapy Center of Greater Washington, Thank you for visiting our website. Have you become a stranger to yourself and to those around you? Do you see your behavior becoming irrational and self-destructive, but feel helpless to stop it?
You are not alone, and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. Millions of people suffer from anxiety, depression, anger and other feelings that can make them act out.
Whether you are single and feel that your thoughts and actions are driving others away, or if you are part of a family where one of the member’s behavior is hurting the relationships around them, getting the appropriate guidance and counseling can help you to live normally again.

Dr. Carolyn Shaffer
Phone: 301-320-5268
“I enjoy working with couples and individuals using a Cognitive Behavior Therapy model (CBT). I am a certified sex therapist. I am also skilled in treating depression and anxiety. I have a warm and accepting style and very rarely have clients decide to go elsewhere after they have met me. I was trained by Drs. Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, the 2 creators of CBT. I enjoy working on gay and lesbian issues and also working with adolescents and young adults. CBT teaches clients to recognize their dysfunctional thoughts and to change them, allowing them to eventually become their own therapists. I have over 30 years of experience, have written a book and many journal articles and have participated in the NIMH study comparing Cognitive Behavior Therapy to medication for the treatment of depression.”
DC Board of Psychologist Examiners License #840,
Maryland State Board of Examiners of Psychologists #1129,
National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology,
American Psychological Association,
Diplomate, American Board of Sexology,
Certified Sex Therapist, American Association of Sex Educators,
Counselors and Therapists
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GENERAL CLIENT FOCUS |
SPECIALTIES
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QUALIFICATIONS EASY ACCESS Orientation: Coaching Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Modality: Couples Individuals |
Lawrence I. Sank, PH.D., A.B.P.P.
Phone: 301-229-3131
Treatment Approach / Background
I apply the science of Psychology in assisting individuals and families in the pursuit of their goals. I strive to maximize their happiness and to live more effective lives. I have practiced in the Washington Metropolitan areasince 1973.I have specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy and in the treatment of mood disorders. I am a certified sex therapist.
Education and Training
Brandeis University: A.B. (Cum Laude): Economics
Rutgers University: M.S. Clinical Psychology
Rutgers University: PH.D. Clinical Psychology
Harvard University School of Medicine: Clinical Fellow/Predoctoral Internship-Beth Israel Hospital, Department of Psychiatry
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine (Madison): Post doctoral Fellow University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry
University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry, Center for Cognitive Therapy-Collaborative Research Training Program for Depression
Practice Model
Behavior Therapy/ Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Areas of Specialization
Treatment areas include:
Mood disorders(anxiety and depression) including panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and phobias.
Human sexuality particularly sexual dysfunction.
Personality and interpersonal problems including couples and family issues.
Habit control problems (eating, smoking , alcohol and other substance abuse)
Gay and Lesbian Issues
Chronic pain
Populations Served
Individuals (elementary school children through the elderly), couples, families (including those with small children, blended and step families)
Licensure: Maryland
Board Certification: American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP)-Clinical Psychology
Memberships
Academy of Cognitive Therapy (ACT) Founding Fellow
Association of Behavior and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)
American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)- Certified Sex Therapist
American Psychological Association
Maryland Psychological Association- Fellow
DC Psychological Association
Insurance Information
Dr. Sank does not participate on any managed care panels as an “in-network provider” but will gladly assist in submitting for reimbursement from insurance carriers.