About
About Wendy Zack
I’m Wendy Zack, a therapist whose career has been shaped by more than four decades in academic psychiatry. Throughout those years, I supervised psychiatric residents and trained clinical social workers in psychotherapy, and provided clinical services for adult individuals, couples, and families—work that continuously deepened my appreciation for the complexity of the human mind and the profound impact of a thoughtful therapeutic relationship.
My Approach
I work from an integrative framework—drawing primarily from psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), while incorporating other approaches as your needs evolve. I believe that the most effective therapy is not one-size-fits-all; it is a living, responsive process shaped by who you are, what you’re experiencing, and what you would like to accomplish.
At the heart of my practice is a conviction that healing occurs in relationship. When you feel genuinely heard, respected, and safe, something shifts. My role is to help create that experience with you—and to support you as you find your way forward.
When we work together, we’ll begin with a telephone call to talk about what brought you here. If it feels right, we’ll schedule a first appointment—either in person or virtually, depending on your preference. Some people find coming to therapy in person to be especially grounding; others prefer the ease and comfort of a virtual appointment. Either way, the choice is yours.
Who I Work With
I work with:
- Individuals navigating personal or professional transitions
- Couples working through conflict, disconnection, or major life changes
- High-achieving professionals managing stress, burnout, or questions of meaning
- Individuals facing anxiety, depression, or grief
- Adults grappling with the emotional, psychological, and physical dimensions of aging
- Those preparing for or adjusting to retirement
- People managing work-life balance
- Individuals navigating difficult relationships at work or at home
- Adult children of aging parents
- Those navigating complex healthcare systems
- Caregivers for a medically ill spouse or family member
Services
I offer a range of therapy services tailored to the individual, the couple, and the unique challenges that accompany each stage of life. All sessions are 45 minutes and are available in person or via secure telehealth.Â
- Individual Therapy
- Couples & Family Therapy
- Therapy for Aging & Later Life
â—¦ Â Specialized support for adults navigating the distinctive emotional and psychological challenges of later life. This work is offered with sensitivity, depth, and respect for the wisdom that comes with age.
Session Details
- Session length: 45 minutes
- Format: In-person or virtual (secure telehealth)
- Licensed in: Washington, DC • Maryland • Virginia
Therapy for Aging and Later Life: Why This Work Matters
Throughout my career in academic psychiatry, I worked closely with individuals and families navigating the full arc of life. I came to understand that later life is not simply a diminishment of what came before—it is its own chapter, with its own emotional terrain, its own feelings of loss, and its own possibilities for growth and meaning.
I bring that understanding to this work, along with a therapeutic presence that is patient, unhurried, and deeply respectful
of the life you have lived.
Who This Is For
This specialty is for adults in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond—as well as for the adult children, partners, and caregivers who love them and are navigating these years alongside them.
You have spent a lifetime showing up for others. This is a space to show up for yourself.