DC Talk Therapy

Having participated in years of weekly clinical consultation, While I have always been struck by David’s clinical skills and knowledge, most notable to me is his ease of interaction – he is very straightforward, engaged, and caring – just easy to sit with. He consistently focuses on the needs of his clients, regularly discussing what may be best for different individuals. Over the years, I have made many referrals to David, and will enthusiastically continue to do so.

You are nothing but a walking dollar sign to these people. It makes me sick to think about the email correspondence I had with them. I had just gone through one of the most traumatic events of my life (which I described in detail when I contacted them) and was absolutely desperate for therapy. I was searching for a month, no one was taking new clients. I literally BEGGED them to give me the opportunity to have an appointment. I felt so relieved when I was emailed by Susan Doyle, she said «yes, we are taking new patients and can definitely help» she then asked me more about myself and when I’d want to be scheduled.
I regret telling her my personal issues, because as soon as I emailed back that due to their pricing I would only be able to afford to come once a month. This is the grave mistake I made about being honest about my budget. I had enough stress at the time, debt and overdraft fees were not an option.
Susan Doyle then emailed me back THIS in response.
” HI, due to your cost constraints and the fact that we’d really like to see oyu weekly, we suggest you try one of these places for some lower cost options.“
Which were psych hospitals, by the way, you would have to commit yourself in order to have a therapy session. I felt so incredibly insulted, it was like she had poured salt all over my fresh wounds. I was in despair over this false sense of hope this place had given me, only to have it crushed in a snooty «you’re too poor to even consider» way. I replied back with this,
«Is seeing clients weekly a requirement? I was still interested in an appointment to find the best fit for me, if I had no luck I’d go elsewhere. So is there no opportunity for me to see someone?»
NEVER WAS CONTACTED BY SUSAN DOYLE OR ANYONE EVER AGAIN.
If I had clicked with someone, and they were helping me make great strides in healing my trauma, I would have done whatever I had to do to pay. I get it, you need to make money, but don’t give insulting suggestions. They wouldn’t even give me an opportunity for one single session. Shame on this group of un empathetic, greedy elitists. If you have money to burn on people that don’t care about you, but only your wallet and the reassurance that you will pay them every single week, have at it. I’ve been to two different therapists and they didn’t care if I only needed a session once a year, they understood cost constraints and wanted to help in any way possible. Not Susan Doyle, or any one else at this pathetic group. DO NOT RECOMMEND.

I deeply admire David’s dedication not only to his clients, but to all the clients served by his group practice. David has a unique gift of creating an easy connection. He conveys a sense of warmth, and attends to what’s needed to resolve any problem at hand. David is not only a skilled and experienced therapist, but he is also immediately likable – certainly qualities anyone would want in a therapist!
When seeing him just recently in DC, I was struck by how, when you sit in a room with David, you know that he is listening not only to your words, but to the message beyond your words. DC is lucky to have a group therapy practice created and grown with David Sternberg’s direction and gentle guidance that prioritize the needs of all they serve.
THANK YOU David for your encouragement and support for me… I’m glad that I’m one of many who get to benefit from your generosity and kindness.

First let me say that I was a first timer in any type of counseling or therapy. To say I was skeptical would be an understatement. But there came a time, that I decided I could no longer internalize all of the tough decisions and conflicting feelings I was faced with at this point in my life.
I worked with David Sternberg, the director of DC Talk Therapy.
David is a kind, calm, steady voice of reason when your mind moves at a mile a minute. I immediately felt comfortable speaking about all of the areas of my life and David is a great listener and only inserted questions and advice when it was absolutely critical to point something out. Over the course of about 7 sessions, David guided me from feeling weighed down, confused and apathetic to feeling optimistic, positive and driven.
David was able to help me sort through my feelings and reactions to the influences in my life and helped to connect the dots and pinpoint the ways of thinking that were perpetuating my state of unhappiness.
On an administrative note, his administrator Susan is great. When I had to cancel an appointment with very late notice, they let it slide the one time to remind me of the 24 hour cancellation policy. I find that very professional and customer focused. Parking at their Woodley Park office is easier than you might imagine. I never paid for parking because there is ample street parking during the day as long as your appointment is not during rush hour. There are plenty of meters, which I never had to use, but are there in case you can’t get a free spot.
I would definitely recommend David to anyone needing a mentor to help pull you through a tough time. They are considered out-​of-​network for many insurance providers but they were very reasonably priced for the quality of guidance I felt I received.