PROVIDERS
Alice Zafiris, Psy.D.
Clinical Director
Licensed Clinical PsychologistL
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Dr. Zafiris provides evidence-based therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults addressing a wide range of issues related to psychological health and well-being. She specializes in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and body-focused repetitive behaviors. Dr. Zafiris has been intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) by Behavioral Tech/Linehan Institute and is a graduate of the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) through the International OCD Foundation where she obtained intensive training and certification in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
In her clinical work, Dr. Zafiris utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach which is primarily grounded in cognitive behavioral theory and guided by empirically supported interventions. She takes pride in her ability to personalize treatment to best meet each individual’s unique needs and values a collaborative therapeutic relationship with each client. Balancing acceptance based approaches with solution-focused strategies, Dr. Zafiris strives to create a warm and supportive environment from which to provide relief from clients’ suffering, as well as to foster personal growth and increase one’s sense of satisfaction and experience of happiness in life. ​
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Professional Affiliations
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American Psychological Association
International OCD Foundation
Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
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Paulina Menendez, M.S.
Clinical Therapist
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Paulina Menendez is a fourth-year doctoral candidate at the Chicago School located in Washington, DC. She is the the process of obtaining her doctoral degree (Psy.D.) and currently provides therapeutic services under the supervision Dr. Alice Zafiris, Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Paulina graduated with distinction from Mercy College where she obtained a Masters degree in Psychology. She has prior experience as a psychometrician working under neuropsychologists completing comprehensive neuropsychological and cognitive assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Paulina completed a year-long practicum training externship with Peak Wellness Group prior to her hire part-time. In her previous role as clinical extern, Paulina conducted clinical diagnostic intake interviews, provided individual psychotherapy utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities to children, adolescents and adults presenting with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, OCD, relationship challenges, and life transition difficulties. She looks forward to continuing this work in her new role with Peak Wellness Group.
Paulina’s unwavering passion for psychology has fueled her ambition to serve individuals of diverse populations. Her particular areas of specialty encompass a range of concerns, including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. Within clinical practice, she employs an integrative approach and draws from a wealth of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Given her innate desire to empower individuals, Paulina tailors each treatment to the unique needs of her clients, while providing them with the necessary tools and insights required to navigate life's challenges. She strives to establish a comfortable and supportive environment in which her clients can feel encouraged to create long-lasting positive change and become the healthiest versions of themselves. In essence, her therapeutic approach is built upon a foundation of trust, empathy, and collaboration.
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Allison Swartz, M.A.
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Extern
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Allison Swartz, M.S. is a third-year doctoral student at The Chicago School in Washington, D.C, currently working under the supervision of Dr. Zafiris. Allison is passionate about working with a wide range of individuals, including children, adolescents, and adults. Her clinical interests include eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Allison adopts an integrative approach to therapy, incorporating evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). By customizing her therapeutic techniques to fit the unique needs of each client, she aims to deliver effective and personalized care.
Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care. At The Chicago School, she is honing her skills and expanding her knowledge to better support her clients’ mental health and well-being. Allison has prior experience administering neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic assessments across a diverse population. These experiences have enhanced her clinical skills and deepened her understanding of brain-behavior relationships, enabling her to address concerns from a comprehensive perspective. Allison’s therapeutic philosophy is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and empowerment, aiming to create a nonjudgmental and supportive environment where clients can achieve their goals and create lasting change.
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