Lida M. Sunderland, MA, LPC, PAT, LCPAT, ATR-BC

Prior to opening my own practice, I gained experience in a variety of settings, including area schools, community centers, outpatient day centers, in-home care, and most recently, The Center for Family Well-Being. CFWB is a group practice where I worked with children and adults of all ages for 5½ years, 3 of which were spent in the role of Clinical Director. 

I completed my clinical training in art therapy and counseling at The George Washington University; I’m honored to now be a member of the department’s adjunct faculty. I also served as an advocate for equity in mental health in public school systems as a representative of the American Art Therapy Association. My passion for education emerged from my first career in the arts; I came to the field of art therapy and counseling after nearly a decade pursuing art historical research and curatorial projects in museums and academic departments, including the Museum of Modern Art, NY, the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California, where I earned a master's degree in art history. This rich and varied background in the arts and education deeply informs my approach to the practice of therapy: I firmly believe that education and expression are not just gifts but rights, and I endeavor to help people assert these rights towards their own healing. 

As a visual and performing artist myself, I know well the profound effects that art and process can have on mental, emotional, and overall wellness. I am also a dedicated yogi, and my art and movement practices are essential to my sense of balance and attunement in daily life. I live in DC with my family.  

DC Counseling License: PRC15485

DC Art Therapy License: PAT2000013

MD License: ATC282

NPI #: 1467127407