Empowering Change Through Cognitive Therapy

Discover the tools to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and achieve lasting emotional well-being.

ABOUT ME

Lili Daoud, LCSW

I am a passionate/compassionate therapist who understands the great responsibility I have in guiding the healing of suffering people I have been treating OCD and spectrum disorders with E/RP and Cognitive Restructuring for over 20 years. I completed the BTTI at UPenn through the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Foundation, and followed up with many OCD Conventions, as well as the Master Clinicians 4 day Intensive 2020. As of February 2025, I will have completed the Intensive Workshop for Exposure and Response Prevention at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine!


Cognitive restructuring or changing your thinking is a core part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Rigid thinking and behaviors are often the cause of mental illness. CBT is one of the most effective psychological treatments for common problems like depression, anxiety disorders, family conflict and eating disorders. My training in cognitive restructuring is called REBT and comes through the Albert Ellis Institute in New York. What a privilege it was to begin my training in 2001 with Dr. Ellis himself. Dr Ellis was the first to develop Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the 1950’s. I have attained the highest level of training as Supervisor/ Training Faculty, one of about 460 people in the USA. This training spanned four years.


I am also a Certified ADHD Professional (ADHD-CCSP) having completed a 30 hour Intensive Training Course called Evidence-Based Strategies for Managing ADHD Across the Lifespan.


I have been treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, family conflict and various psychological issues for 30 years. My practice consists of all ages. For OCD, I employ ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) techniques , which have demonstrated a high efficacy rate in reducing symptoms. I complement this with cognitive restructuring techniques to address any ancillary issues. that might impact the OCD treatment. Most of my clients are surprised at how quickly they are able to get better with REBT/CBT.


Patients with anxiety disorders often experience significant improvement within just a few sessions. In treating eating disorders, I carefully consider the impact of comorbid conditions Typically, therapy concludes within a few months, allowing patients to return to their daily lives with improved coping mechanisms and reduced symptoms.


Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders:

Eating disorders and OCD often present together. My treatment structure would involve E/RP for the OCD aspects of both disorders and REBT for any ancillary irrational thoughts that may be impacting the client’s life in a negative way. I assess their BMI and what foods they are avoiding and we begin to integrate those foods into their diet. The cognitive restructuring is essential in eating disorders on both spectrums. Depression treatment focuses on thinking and behaviors. We cannot change the life and people around you. But we can help you better adapt and survive life’s challenges.


Diversity Statement:

I work successfully with many cultures.

MY SPECIALTIES

My expertise focuses on the following core areas to address a variety of emotional and mental health needs

Helping clients identify and manage thought patterns that contribute to excessive worry or fear.

Providing tools to combat feelings of hopelessness and rediscover joy and purpose.

Supporting clients in developing healthier coping mechanisms and interpersonal skills.

Lili Daoud, LCSW serves as a Supervisor and member of the Training Faculty at the prestigious Albert Ellis Institute, a world-renowned center for Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). With extensive expertise in REBT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Lili is dedicated to training professionals and empowering clients to achieve meaningful change.

TESTIMONIALS

Absolutely phenomenal!! Helped my daughter through her severe anxiety and depression. I’d recommend Dr. Lili to ANYONE suffering from mental illness’s. If only all doctors were as educated and helpful as Dr. Lili.

“The beauty of being human and not a rat or a monkey is that you don’t have to listen to your brain every time.”

– Schwartz, UCLA

“People are disturbed not by things, but by the views they take of them.”

– Epictetus

The mind is its own place and in itself can make a Heav’n of Hell and a Hell of Heav’n”

– Milton