About Lilian Gunawan, LMSW, PMH-C
Lilian Gunawan is a clinical social worker and therapist at WCWCW in Bethesda, Maryland, caring for women and birthing people throughout Montgomery County and the Greater Washington area. Lilian provides both telehealth and in-person appointments to clients.
Lilian is specialized in perinatal mental health working with individuals who are struggling in their transition to parenthood, during pregnancy, fertility treatment, and in the postpartum period as well as those who have experienced pregnancy loss. Many people feel challenged during these life events with finding their new roles as parents, partners, and the shift in identity that happens when becoming a parent. Lilian works with clients to manage and overcome symptoms of perinatal anxiety, depression, as well as other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and stressors that occur during this period.
She works in a compassionate and relational way with a focus on the client and where they are at, while also considering the unique social and cultural factors that have shaped the client’s life. She uses evidence-based modalities such as mindfulness techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and attachment-based approaches, depending on the need of the client. When working with clients, Lilian’s goal is to help relieve suffering, build coping skills, and gain acceptance for the things we are not in control of, while focusing on the things we can change based on personal values towards leading a meaningful life.
Lilian earned her degree in social work at the University of Baltimore, School of Social Work. She has received her PMH-C certification in Perinatal Mental Health from Postpartum Support International for which she has worked and volunteered extensively. Lilian has previously worked in international development and lived in several different countries both in Europe and Asia. Her international experience and multi-cultural background give her a unique cultural perspective which informs her work with clients and her own outlook on life.
