Education: MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University, MA in Human Rights & Humanitarian Action from the Paris School of International Affairs, and Sciences Po - Paris School of International Affairs

Certifications & Professional Training

• Integrative Couples Therapy

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy

• Imago Therapy

• Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Narrative Therapy

• Foundational & Advanced Trauma Techniques for forced migrants

• Trauma-Informed Stabilization Training: Working with fragmented selves of trauma survivors.

• Nationally Certified Counselor through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

Atar is licensed in Maryland , Florida, and West Virginia, and sees adults and adolescents 16+ via Telehealth and in person in our Kentlands office. Atar can conduct sessions in English, French & Hebrew.

About Atar

Atar is a compassionate, trauma-informed therapist. Working from a strengths-based & holistic perspective, she is skilled at creating a warm and open space to help you resolve conflicts, increase intimacy, and create satisfying relationships.

Atar enjoys working with couples on enhancing emotional and physical intimacy using a combination of sensate focus, Imago, somatic approaches, DBT skills and mindfulness. She also enjoys working with couples where one or both partners have a history of trauma and couples who have mismatched desire and/or almost no sexual intimacy. Atar can help you recreate a sexual identity that works for both you and your partner. She can also help you identify the language needed to discuss sexual issues with your partner, and teach you the skills needed to create a validating relationship.

Atar’s work with individuals includes helping you to navigate issues relating to your intersecting identities, understanding and healing from the impact of trauma on your life and relationships while also helping you to develop more flexible thinking patterns.

Atar has extensive experience working with adults and teens around issues of trauma, religion, identity, and desire. She has particular expertise and interest in working with how trauma impacts relationships and the ability to experience pleasure in transgenerational holocaust survivors. Originally from Israel, Atar has lived and worked in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.