Dr. Megan Polanin
Clinical Psychologist
PhD
At the heart of my work is the belief that therapy is a sacred and deeply personal journey—one that you graciously invite me to walk alongside you. As your therapist, my role is to support you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, clarifying what truly matters, and encouraging you as you move forward on your authentic chosen path.
MY FOCUS
I consider myself an existential-humanist, which means I focus on each person's unique inner world and innate potential for healing and change. Each client's humanity is honored and celebrated. My strengths-based approach is grounded in liberation psychology and centers culture as a central component to wellbeing.
I specialize in working with adults seeking support with anxiety; depression; grief/loss; trauma; life transitions and adjustments; and relationship difficulties. With a background in parent and caregiver wellbeing, school mental health, and disability justice; I’m passionate about working with caregivers, women and female-identifying individuals, neurodivergent folks, and fellow therapists and educators. I am licensed as a psychologist in DC (#1001040), Maryland (#07286), and California (#35987).
Therapy is a Sacred and Intimate Journey.
I strive to co-create a creative and collaborative therapeutic space where my clients feel safe, seen, and understood. I gently challenge my clients to explore meaning and purpose, deepen connection with themselves and others, and experience a fuller sense of being alive.
MY EXPERIENCE
I completed my MA and PhD at Loyola University Chicago in Counseling Psychology and have worked with clients in schools; hospitals, primary care and outpatient clinics, and community mental health centers in Chicago, Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. I'm a lifelong learner who values honest self-reflection and practices deep listening to genuinely connect and empathize with people whose life experiences differ from my own.
In addition to private practice, I am an Assistant Professor at the University of San Francisco in the Marriage & Family Therapy Program, where I teach and supervise students training to become therapists. Previously, I served as Co-Director of Clinical Training at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital's Department of Psychiatry. I love working with trainees and care deeply about pouring into the next generation of mental health clinicians!
Connect with Your Inner Wisdom.
I trust that the answers you seek already reside within you, and I am here to help you access and connect with that inner wisdom to light your path forward.