Peter Bachman Therapy Group was founded in 2020 by Peter Bachman, LCSW-C. The group is a collection of experienced and warm clinicians who are interested in supporting the social and emotional well-being of children, families, adults, and couples. Using a wide variety of therapeutic modalities, we provide effective therapy with progress you can see and feel in your daily life. Learn more about us.
PETER BACHMAN
LCSW-C
I have worked with children, families, couples, and adults since 2008. I have particular expertise in treating challenges related to emotional self-regulation such as oppositional and defiant behavior, family conflict, anxiety, and depression.
In addition, I have experience with issues related to gender identity, divorce and separation, and school-related difficulties. My training includes cognitive-behavioral techniques, attachment theory, and mindfulness-based strategies.
My Experience:
Master of Social Work from Catholic University and Bachelor of Arts from Georgetown University.
Therapist with Jonah Green and Associates from 2014 through 2020.
Clinician and supervisor at the Lourie Center for Children’s Social & Emotional Wellness clinic. (2008-2014, 2018-2020)
Early Intervention Specialist with the Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program. (2008-2011)
Consultant with Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. (2014-present)
Maryland Board of Social Work approved Supervisor.
MICHELLE DUDLEY
LCSW-C
Michelle Dudley (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Maryland. Michelle obtained her Master of Social Work degree from University of Maryland, Baltimore. In 2021, she linked with the Center for Nature Informed Therapy and was trained and certified as a Nature Informed Therapist.
Michelle finds that nature-based interventions which engage the senses and help regulate the nervous system while simultaneously offering a break from screen-time have aided her work with a range of adolescents and young adults in need of support. Michelle also uses a variety of therapeutic approaches including art therapy, play therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing/brief solution-focused treatment, psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and a strengths-based approach to meet the unique needs of each client. She is committed to developing a trusting therapeutic relationship and providing a safe, non-judging environment for clients to express themselves and work through difficult obstacles in their lives such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief/loss, relationship issues, emotion regulation, trauma, acculturation, identity exploration, and other transitions.
Most recently, Michelle worked as a therapist at a public high school Wellness Center where she gained significant experience working with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and individuals of all genders and sexual identities. She is also fluent in Spanish and continues to offer clinical services to newcomers from Central America. Michelle also holds a Master’s in Intercultural Communications and CNC certification in holistic nutrition. This previous training supported her decade of work with Crossroads Community Food Network where she led bilingual outreach, healthy eating programming for elementary students and community groups, and coordination for a farmer’s market. Michelle believes in a comprehensive, culturally sensitive approach to each therapeutic relationship, and that our needs for nourishment and nature are multi-tiered.
Michelle is available for in-person sessions at the Takoma Park office or a local park/outdoor center for seated or “walk-and-talk” sessions. Teletherapy also available.
Email Michelle at michelle@peterbachmantherapy.com.
ZAK KALUSIN
LGPC
Zak Kalusin (He/him) is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC). Born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, Zak is an enthusiastic counselor who takes joy in assisting in the growth and nourishment of young minds. Zak’s therapeutic approach combines Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with an active coaching style. Zak attended Towson University for his Bachelors in Psychology before attaining his Masters in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University in Maryland. He has been working in the Mental Health field for nearly 10 years.
Zak’s experience began at the Child and Adolescent Day Hospital within the Sheppard Pratt Health System. There he ran Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) groups for children ages six to twelve years old with a wide range of emotional and behavioral disorders. As part of his graduate field work, Zak offered clinical testing and counseling sessions to low income families at the Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital. Following the completion of his graduate education, Zak moved to Montgomery County, Maryland where he became and continues to be the Lower School Guidance Counselor at the Berman Hebrew Academy. Zak has been in this position for six years. Zak joined the Peter Bachman Therapy Group in 2021.
Zak’s approach in counseling is built on developing a strong therapeutic relationship. Using this foundation, he uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to improve self-esteem, self regulation, interpersonal skills, and problem solving abilities. Zak also works closely with family members, schools, and other involved professionals to get the most comprehensive understanding of each child. During his free time, Zak lives an active lifestyle. Zak is a proficient rock climber, baseball player, and youth baseball coach.
Email Zak at Zak@peterbachmantherapy.com.
LORI
MARSHALL
LCSW-C
Lori (she/her) is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Lori earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore with a concentration in Clinical Behavioral Health in May 2020 after a career in the field of information technology as a systems analyst and project manager. She became a certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) practitioner in January 2021 which allows her to provide this evidenced-based therapy to children ages 3-21. She has provided therapy in a variety of settings that include:
- outpatient mental health for people with severe and persistent mental health issues
- intensive outpatient group therapy for substance use
- collaborative care on an interdisciplinary medical team at a medical clinic
- homebased therapy for children and families
Lori brings expertise on issues that include anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQ+, and life transitions. She practices from resilience, humanistic, and systems-based perspectives using a variety of therapeutic interventions that include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution focused.
Lori works collaboratively with clients to create a safe and fully accepting space to process and explore issues. She helps clients understand and address body stress responses and unhealthy thinking patterns. This often allows clients to create more connection in their lives, change behavior patterns, and move more confidently into their future. When working with children and families, sessions are fun and light using games and hands on tools to build rapport and learning.
Email Lori at lori@peterbachmantherapy.com.
JACKIE
PRESSAU
LMSW
Jackie Pressau, (she/her), is a Licensed Master Social Worker specializing in early childhood mental health and social-emotional wellness. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work with a clinical concentration in families and children at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2016.
With over a decade of experience, Jackie has worked in various settings, including early intervention programs, therapeutic classrooms, and public school systems. She brings an attachment-based, trauma-informed, and strengths-focused approach to her work, emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships and fostering resilience in children and families.
In addition to her private practice, Jackie serves as an Early Intervention Specialist with the Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program. In this role, she provides family-centered counseling and coaching to young children and their caregivers, focusing on attachment, responsive caregiving, trauma-informed therapeutic interventions, and positive parent-child interactions. Jackie deeply appreciates play therapy for its ability to unlock emotional expression and facilitate meaningful transformation regardless of age.
Previously, Jackie worked as a Classroom Social Worker in a therapeutic nursery school program, where she facilitated social-emotional learning groups, provided crisis intervention, and led caregiver support groups.
Jackie integrates evidence-based techniques into her practice, including Attachment-Based Therapy, Play Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Narrative Family Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She strongly emphasizes parent education and training, believing that lasting change in a child or adolescent’s behavior occurs when families feel empowered to apply therapeutic strategies in their daily lives.
In addition, Jackie is a certified Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P) facilitator. Circle of Security is an attachment-based parenting program designed to help caregivers better understand and respond to their child’s emotional needs by fostering secure relationships. It emphasizes recognizing a child’s cues, meeting their needs for connection and independence, and creating a safe, supportive environment for emotional growth.
Jackie is committed to fostering growth and resilience in children, adolescents, and families through collaborative, empathetic, and strengths-based care.
Jackie is available for in-person sessions at the Takoma Park and Kensington offices.
MARIANELA RODOUSAKIS
MSW, LCSW-C
Marianela S. Rodousakis (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board-Approved Supervisor. In addition to private practice, she works in a therapeutic preschool providing Attachment-Centered, Trauma-Informed therapeutic intervention to preschoolers and their families.
Marianela has worked as an early childhood teacher in various educational settings. She considers herself to be an early childhood champion, making sure that young children and their families receive quality education and are treated with dignity and respect no matter where they come from. Her passion is in developmental trauma, working with the most vulnerable members of our society, who have experienced adverse childhood experiences.
Marianela also helps adults and couples navigate life transitions, cope with daily stressors, establish and maintain healthy relationships, and heal from past traumas. Marianela collaborates with family members, schools, as well as other professionals from various disciplines. As needed, she can provide school consultation to ensure children can be successful in their classroom settings.
Marianela believes in the power of relationships as a healing tool. Safe and secure relationships are developed with trust and care and she believes in trusting the therapeutic process. She uses a strengths-based approach, play therapy for all ages, and mindfulness to help guide each individual’s healing journey.
Ms. Rodousakis earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Baltimore County Community College. She then transferred to University of Maryland College Park to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Family Science. Upon graduation, Marianela earned a Masters in Social Work from School of Social Work at The University of Maryland, Baltimore with a clinical concentration and specialization in Families and Children. She is a native Spanish speaker.
Ms. Rodousakis is also a certified Circle of Security Facilitator working with parents and coaching teachers to help improve teacher and child outcomes through the context of attachment. Most recently she completed her training to become a Circle of Security Classroom Coach.
CATHERINE SHARKEY
LCSW-C
Catherine Sharkey (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker who graduated with her master’s degree in social work from Salisbury University in 2018. Catherine was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and moved to the DMV in 2022 to experience the rich diversity and blend of cultures that make this region so unique. It’s a great opportunity to learn from different perspectives and grow in a vibrant, multicultural environment.
As a therapist, Catherine believes in taking a client-centered, strength-based approach, where she focuses on the unique strengths and resilience of each individual and family. Catherine’s priority is always to build a strong, trusting, collaborative relationship with her clients, so that they feel supported, heard, and
empowered to make positive changes in their lives.
Along with trying to build a strong therapeutic relationship, Catherine utilizes evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and motivational approaches to support children and families who experience addiction, anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, and behavior concerns.
Email Catherine at catherine@peterbachmantherapy.com
AALEAH
WILLIAMS
MSW Intern
Aaleah Williams (she/her) is a social work intern pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She is deeply committed to a client-centered approach, emphasizing empowerment through the identification of clients’ strengths and fostering resilience.
Her passion for early childhood mental health developed during her time at a non-profit organization, where she contributed to the holistic development and growth of youth by supporting their unique experiences.
Aaleah has valuable experience working with children, caregivers, and multidisciplinary teams to advocate for students’ well-being and educational needs. Currently, she works as the Assistant Director at a Therapeutic Preschool Program, applying an attachment-based, trauma-informed, and equity-focused perspective to ensure that each child’s trauma history and unique needs are addressed with compassion and care.
In her work, Aaleah aims to support family systems by engaging collaboratively with children/youth, adults, parents, and couples to strengthen family dynamics and promote healing. In particular, she has interest and experience working with children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, PTSD, Depression, Conduct Disorder, and Attachment Disorders.
Looking to Join the Team?
We are looking for warm, collaborative and skilled clinicians to join our team. Please email Peter at peter@peterbachmantherapy.com to find out more. We offer a supportive and fun environment where learning and success are core values.