Integrative Psychotherapy|Oriental Medicine
Dr. Sally Novak is an Integrative Psychotherapist, a licensed clinical social worker and doctor of oriental medicine whose clinical orientation stems from an integrative and strengths-based approach.
Experience and training
Sally has 20 years of mental health experience. She spent a decade working for the Department of Defense, where she specialized in the evaluation and treatment of trauma and addictions. Her career has also included extensive work with children and families and private practice with adults and adolescents. As an integrative psychotherapist and Oriental Medicine doctor, Sally encourages her clients to uncover their resources and resiliency as they develop strategies for managing life’s difficulties, transitions, and transformations. Sally often tells clients, “I’m not here to fix you because you are not broken. I’m just here to help you turn the light on so that you can more clearly see the way
forward.”
Through her extensive clinical experience, Sally has developed a deep understanding of how closely connected the physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences of pain can be. She recognizes that no single approach is right for every individual, and she draws from her training in a range of modalities including somatic and narrative approaches, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). In addition to her work as a psychotherapist, Sally also practices acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in Columbia, Maryland, and is a registered Yoga teacher.
At GWCIM
At GWCIM, Dr. Sally provides Integrative Psychotherapy to a variety of patients. With a special interest in caring for people with cognitive decline, Sally has become a key provider for patients in the ReCODE (Reversal of Cognitive Decline) program at GWCIM. She offers individual psychotherapy and leads two weekly online Support Groups: one – for patients with mild cognitive impairment, and the second – for their family members and caregivers. Sally collaborates with Dr, Kogan, Ajowa Infateyo, and Hannah Fine in the ReCODE program, and with all Integrative Medicine specialists at GWCIM on Mental Health services.
Summary of Training:
The University of Alabama, Master of Social Work – 2006
Milton H. Erickson Foundation, Intensive Training Program in Hypnosis – 2011
Hazelden, Professionals in Residence Program – 2012
The Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy Training and Education, Level I and II Certificates in Advanced Trauma Treatment – 2014-2015
Life Power Yoga, Certified 200 Hour Yoga Teacher – 2016
Department of Behavioral Health Sciences U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston, EMDR Certification – 2018
Kaufmann Cancer Center, Doctoral Externship – 2022
Maryland University of Integrative Health, Doctor of Oriental Medicine – 2023
Dr. Misha Kogan YouTube channel: Recording of GWCIM Open House on ReCODE program, featuring Dr. Sally Novak
