About Dr. Anthony LoPresti

Since I was young, I wanted to be a Ninja Turtle. The first step was obvious – learn martial arts. For the past 20 years I’ve dedicated countless hours and effort into the discipline of Taekwondo. I progressed through the ranks slowly, dealt with several injuries, but ultimately fought collegiately and earned my 4th degree black belt. It is one of my greatest accomplishments.

How is this relevant to psychotherapy? Through ventures like Taekwondo, learning a new instrument, or completing graduate school, I’ve learned that any worthwhile endeavor is difficult, takes time, and requires a great deal of patience. Small incremental improvements are foundational in any meaningful, personal progress. Dedicated effort and patience are also necessary in psychotherapy.

Similarly, I realize the decision to begin psychotherapy is difficult. If you are a new client you may have questions and concerns about what therapy will be like. While no course of therapy looks the same, I will do my best to be as transparent as possible in the process and try to alleviate any anxiety or worry you may have about getting started.  I take the perspective that you are the expert of your life and your story. Together we will come to know your presenting concern, the history and background of the issue, and establish a therapeutic direction. My goal is to listen empathetically through your lens, help you identify patterns of behavior, clarify beliefs and values, and promote cognitive flexibility and insight. While therapy can be challenging, it does not have to be scary or overwhelming. I have seen time and time again how rewarding and transformative this experience can be.

Successful counseling also requires a compassionate professional who will understand your unique personal characteristics and work collaboratively to challenge, guide, and support you through the process. I’ve dedicated my professional career to helping others learn more about themselves, their interpersonal and intrapersonal patterns, and how they came to be the person they are today. Together in therapy you will come to better understand emotions, clarify personal values, and strive to act in accordance with them to lead a more fulfilling life.

Over the last decade I have provided counseling and conducted research for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, several university counseling centers, an outpatient community mental health clinic, and a group practice. These settings have afforded me the opportunity to treat clients with various backgrounds and presenting concerns.  In my free time I enjoy being outside (road cycling or fly-fishing), playing music with friends, catching up on television shows, and spending time with my nieces and nephews.

I’m not a Ninja Turtle yet, but who knows – maybe in a few more years…

 Training and clinical experience

  • Loyola University Maryland - Masters and Doctoral Education

  • United States Naval Academy - Midshipmen Development Center

  • University of South Carolina - Counseling and Psychiatry Services

Publications, presentations, & outreach

Who I work with:

LoPresti, A. (2019). The Sequelae of Torture: Psychological Symptomatology of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in the United States [doctoral dissertation]. Loyola University Maryland.

LoPresti, A. (2019, April). Defining a clinical scope of care. Presentation delivered to the university counseling staff, Columbia, SC.

LoPresti, A. (2017, April). Psychodynamic, interpersonal, and group therapy: A presentation of two theoretical orientations and a group modality. Academic presentation delivered to Loyola University Maryland’s undergraduate students, Baltimore, MD.

LoPresti, A. (2017, March). Off-season training. Psychoeducational presentation delivered at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD.

LoPresti, A. (2017, February). Optimizing your performance on the physical readiness test (PRT). Outreach presentation delivered at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD.

 LoPresti, A., Baldwin, R., Polston, V., & Raymond, C. (2017, January). Life skills for leaders: Finding light in the “dark ages.” Outreach presentation delivered at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD.

 LoPresti, A., & Mohler, J. (2016, October). Pre-performance routine and the performance mindset. Outreach presentation delivered at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD.

LoPresti, A., & Mohler, J. (2016, September). An introduction to sport psychology: Basics and goal setting. Psychoeducational presentation delivered at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD.

LoPresti, A. (2016, September). Psychodynamic psychotherapy: The chronological unfolding of Freud’s major concepts. Academic presentation delivered to Loyola University Maryland’s first year masters and doctoral students, Baltimore, MD.

LoPresti, A., & Higdon, A. (2015, April). The wealth of wellness: Coping with stress. Outreach presentation delivered at Notre Dame of Maryland University, Baltimore, MD.

Sullivan, A. B., Scheman, J., LoPresti, A., & Prayor-Patterson, H. (2012). Interdisciplinary treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis and chronic pain: A descriptive study. International Journal of MS Care, 14, 216-220.

LoPresti, A., & Zagar, C. (2011, July). B.A.T.M.A.N./UAV Interface. Poster presented at the Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) Collaboration Symposium, Air Force Research Laboratory, Dayton, OH.

LoPresti, A., Sutphin, C., & Essien, N. (2011, April). The effects of direction, duration, and focus of attention on monitoring tasks. Poster presented at the University of Dayton Stander Symposium, Dayton, OH.

Galaska, K., & LoPresti, A. (2010, April). The effects of task and feedback on confidence. Poster presented at the University of Dayton Stander Symposium, Dayton, OH.