About Me
Cheryl Zandt LPC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have extensive experience working with both new and long-term anxiety, later in life recognition of neurodivergence, self-esteem, emotional boundaries, life transitions, communication difficulties, parenting issues, and existential crises. With over 20 years in practice, I am known for helping people navigate complex and limiting situations.
As someone who grew up surrounded by nature, one of my most treasured experiences is feeding wild birds from my hands. The extraordinary privilege of interactions like those were, among other things, early lessons in the value of trust, patience, and respect.
I carry this forward into counseling by making a space where you can be assured that you are able to say what you need to say and know that you will be treated with patience, kindness, and respect. All are welcome in this practice, and internationally recognized standards for gender affirming care are followed.
My career began with caring for people experiencing medical crisis in a hospital setting. This usually meant not seeing them again, which also meant never knowing how they moved forward through the drastic life changes which likely followed their emergencies when I met them. This inspired me to change my practice focus to include ongoing care for people during the “now what” parts of their lives.
Of particular interest to me was the long-term effects of anxiety on our nervous systems, our bodies, and our connections with others. Sometimes overwhelm can reach a point where it becomes difficult to keep up with things we need or want to do. At that point it can be hard know the best way forward, so many of us just end up white-knuckling our way through and eventually feeling the consequences of it.
I began practicing therapy as a way to help adults find the emotional and cognitive resources they need to effectively make the choices and changes that they want for themselves. I completed my degree in counseling from Loyola University in Maryland and am licensed to practice in Virginia and Washington DC.
Personal note
I live in Washington DC with my husband, our teen daughter, our cats, and a “pet” wild cardinal who comes to visit when he’s called. I’ve recently been delighted to hand-feed hummingbirds, and I am attempting to befriend a local raven. In my free time, I’m often reading, catching up with friends, browsing around a museum, or working to support our local community. If the weather is nice, I’m likely outside working in my garden or hiking in the woods. I love to travel the world and always enjoy planning my next adventure.
Your journey, one insight at a time
When we work together, I assess your experience, focus on what you want to be able to take out of the time, and make recommendations for the most effective path forward. While big change takes time, each session holds opportunity for manageable pieces of work. In our sessions, we work collaboratively and will check in at the end of each one to review what you’re taking away from it. I will emphasize the importance of setting aside some time for yourself afterward to be able to reflect and decompress. We may even agree to send you away with homework to do between sessions to practice what you’ve learned.
Where healing begins
You’ve spent so long telling yourself to “just deal with it” even when you know that how you feel is creeping into so many parts of your life.
Making time to address a complex situation when you already have so much to do can feel like a major undertaking.
Although starting therapy can seem daunting, it can be an opportunity to finally sort through everything you’ve been pushing down and tolerating. While it can mean a lot of hard work, therapy can also be the best way to help you find that part of yourself that has felt out of reach. It can mean finally feeling at peace with yourself even when you’re alone with your own thoughts.
Let me help you discover hope and resilience
I find great satisfaction in helping people change from tolerating the same old worries, doubts, and stresses day after day to THRIVING with newly found hope and resilience. Learning why thoughts and feelings work the way that they do. Learning how to recognize and effectively respond to cues your body give you. Noticing the positive impact on how you feel. Realizing that you have more choices than you knew, learning that small adjustments can add up to a big difference.
Sometimes uncomfortable things need to be discussed for change and healing to happen. But there’s nothing quite as amazing as getting back choices that worry took away from you.
The hard work is so worth it.
What you can expect
Compassion
Welcome to a kind and non-judgmental space where you can feel seen, heard, and respected.
Trust
I maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and remain current with research and evidence-based recommendations.
Empowerment
Learn to understand your options and make confident, meaningful choices in your lives.
Confidentiality
Your privacy is protected on a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform.
Growth
Experience encouragement and insights to help you build resilience and support your long-term well-being.
Convenience
Enjoy flexible scheduling options and the privacy and comfort of your own space .