About
Dr. Ariel Beckerman
Therapy is deeply personal, and choosing a therapist is an important decision. I hope this page gives you a sense of who I am, what shaped my path to psychology, and what it's like to work with me.
My path to becoming a psychologist was not a straight line, which is one reason I enjoy working with people who are navigating periods of uncertainty, transition, or reinvention.
Before entering psychology, I worked in international development, commercial construction, technology, and digital marketing. I also competed as a Division I student-athlete, experiences that gave me firsthand insight into the pressures of high achievement and the ways those demands can affect identity, relationships, and mental health.
Those experiences continue to shape the way I work today. I understand that success on the outside doesn’t always reflect how someone feels on the inside, and I appreciate the complexity of balancing ambition, expectations, and personal well-being.
Professional Background
I earned my Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University Bloomington, my Master of Science in Psychological Sciences from University College London, and my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) from The George Washington University.
My clinical training includes university counseling centers, community mental health, and psychological assessment across the lifespan. I completed my predoctoral internship at the University of Virginia Counseling and Psychological Services, where I provided individual and couples therapy, crisis intervention, and supervision.
I currently practice as a Psychology Associate in Washington, D.C., and provide psychological assessments in Virginia as a Resident in Clinical Psychology. I work under the supervision of licensed clinical psychologists while completing the requirements for independent licensure.
Education
PsyD (2026)
MSc (2021)
BA (2015)
My Approach
Therapeutic philosophy
I believe lasting change comes from understanding not only what’s happening in your life today, but also the experiences and relationships that have shaped you over time. My role is not to tell you how to live your life, but to help you better understand yourself so you can make choices that feel intentional and authentic.
Multicultural perspective
I approach every client through a multicultural lens, recognizing that our identities, relationships, cultures, and communities shape how we experience the world. Therapy begins with curiosity about your unique story and respect for the contexts that have influenced your life.
Psychodynamic Orientation
My work is primarily informed by psychodynamic, relational, and attachment-based perspectives. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, I’m interested in understanding the patterns that shape how you relate to yourself and others. By recognizing those patterns, we create opportunities for meaningful and lasting change
What therapy with me feels like
Clients often describe me as warm, thoughtful, collaborative, and gently direct.
I provide a space where you can feel understood, but I also take an active role in therapy. I’ll ask thoughtful questions, offer observations, challenge you when it feels helpful, and support you in making sense of experiences that may have previously felt confusing or overwhelming.
Therapy is a collaborative process. We’ll work together to better understand what’s happening, strengthen your relationships, and move toward the life you want to build.