Trauma-informed, Sex therapist, and Couples therapist. Trained in Sensorimotor psychotherapy. Other services include LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, Therapy for Women, Supervision for LGPCs in Maryland, and Immigration Evaluations. 

Licensed in DC, MD, FL, VA & WV

Offers statewide virtual sessions and in-person sessions at our Gaithersburg, Maryland, office in the Kentlands.

Atar Stav, LCPC

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Schedule a Free consult with Atar
Schedule a Free consult with Atar

About Atar (she/her)

I am an experienced sex, trauma, and relationship therapist. Working from a strengths-based and holistic perspective, I create a warm, open space to help you resolve conflicts, increase intimacy, and build satisfying relationships. As a former international humanitarian aid worker who has lived and worked in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, I have a particular focus on working with individuals who have experienced stressors and trauma stemming from conflict-affected, high-risk, or disaster settings. 

Atar conducts sessions in English, Hebrew, and French and works with clients 16+

Focus Areas & Expertise

  • Working with couples where one or both partners have a history of trauma

  • Support for couples experiencing mismatched desire

  • Help for couples experiencing little to no sexual intimacy

  • Rebuilding or redefining a shared sexual identity that feels mutual and affirming

  • Developing the language to talk openly and effectively about sexual concerns

  • Building the skills needed to create a validating, connected relationship

  • Helping transgenerational holocaust survivors experience pleasure

  • Working with adults and teens around issues of trauma, religion, identity, and desire

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

LICENSES

Virginia LCPC 0701015689
Maryland LCPC 13642
DC LPC PRC200012789
WV LPC  2889

Selected Certifications & Professional Training

  • Integrative Couples Therapy

  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Level 1

  • Somatic Attachment

  • Trauma Treatment Certification with Janina Fisher

  • Ethical Non-Monogamy & Polyamory

  • 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)

Therapeutic Approach

My therapeutic approach is relational, experiential, and skills-based. I help couples strengthen both emotional and physical intimacy. In my sessions, I integrate sensate focus, Imago Therapy, somatic approaches, DBT skills, and mindfulness to support deeper connection, more effective communication, and greater emotional attunement.

I especially enjoy working with couples navigating trauma histories, mismatched desire, or little to no sexual intimacy. My work helps partners better understand one another, develop the language to talk openly about sexual concerns, and build the tools needed for a more validating and connected relationship.

I also support couples in redefining and recreating a shared sexual identity that feels authentic, mutual, and fulfilling for both partners.

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Inclusive Sex & Relationship Therapy

My approach is affirming of intersecting identities, relationship structures, and lived experiences, and I strive to create a space where you can explore intimacy, desire, communication, trauma, and connection without shame or judgment.

Whether you are navigating trauma, mismatched desire, disconnection, or questions about your sexual or relational identity, I support healing and growth in a way that is collaborative, compassionate, and deeply respectful of your unique experience.