Staff Information

Colette de Marneffe, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist
Maryland License # 3390

District of Columbia License # 1848

To contact Dr. de Marneffe, please call 301-562-8448, extension 16.

Dr. de Marneffe has been in clinical practice for over fifteen years, working with adults, adolescents and children, in outpatient, inpatient and private practice settings. She is experienced in treating a broad range of difficulties, with particular focus on ADHD and relationship conflicts.

In her work at the Chesapeake ADHD Center, Dr. de Marneffe specializes in the evaluation and treatment of adults struggling with challenges related to ADHD. She helps her clients understand ADHD and its effects on their lives, learn strategies to decrease or “work around” difficulties, and identify and maximize strengths. As clients become more effective in their work, school and personal lives, they build self-confidence and develop a greater sense of satisfaction and well-being.

Evaluation: The first step is a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. de Marneffe gathers information from different relevant sources in order to gain a detailed understanding of problematic areas. The evaluation will clarify the ways ADHD hinders a client in reaching his or her goals and will identify whether there are other co-occurring problems or circumstances that need to be addressed. If she feels that neuropsychological testing is important as part of her evaluation, she will refer clients to one of the neuropsychologists on staff.

Treatment: Since ADHD presents itself in many different ways, treatment is individualized. It will often include the following components:

• Education about ADHD. Learning about the disorder and its specific consequences provides clients with a new lens through which to look at patterns, behaviors and experiences. This is an important first step in reducing self-blame and recognizing areas of strength.

• Learning new skills and strategies. Dr. de Marneffe focuses on practical ways to address challenges and compensate for areas of weakness, such as time management, organization of workspaces, prioritizing goals and responsibilities, communicating clearly, regulating emotions, and managing stress.

• Addressing emotional aspects of ADHD. Clients often come to treatment with longstanding frustration and feelings of ineffectiveness. Such experiences can take a toll on self-esteem and the ability to trust oneself and others. Dr. de Marneffe works with clients to help them modify emotional and cognitive patterns that may cause distress and hinder them in attaining their goals.

• Coordinating treatment with other professionals. Often, adjunctive therapies or services, including medication, tutoring or organizational coaching will increase the effectiveness of treatment. Dr. de Marneffe will refer clients for other services as indicated and will collaborate with other professionals.

Couples: Dr. de Marneffe has strong interest and expertise in working with couples. Difficulties associated with ADHD, such as disorganization, poor follow-through, impulsivity, difficulty controlling emotions or handling frustration, can take a heavy toll on close relationships. Dr. de Marneffe helps couples develop an understanding of their different temperamental and cognitive styles, enabling them to respond to each other with greater empathy and patience. She helps couples develop specific strategies for communicating more clearly, listening more effectively, resolving disagreements, and balancing household and family responsibilities. Equally important, Dr. de Marneffe helps couples recognize and maximize the strengths in their relationship so that it is more resilient in the face of challenges.

Educational Background

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, The George Washington University
• A.B. in Psychology, Smith College

Professional Experience

• Private Practice Psychologist, Bethesda, MD (1997-present), Philadelphia (1992-1997).
• Adjunct Clinical Supervisor, The George Washington University (2000-2005). Supervised doctoral students on psychological assessment.
• Co-Host, Raising Children Today (2002-2005). Co-hosted monthly radio program about parenting. Topics included: ADHD, sibling rivalry, divorce and blended families, postpartum depression, effective discipline.
• Director, Outpatient Services, the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA (1996-1997). Supervised all activities of the Outpatient Clinic, a training clinic for 18 psychiatric residents and pre-doctoral psychology interns serving 200 outpatients.
• Staff Psychologist, The Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA (1993-1996). Coordinated treatment and served as primary therapist for psychiatric inpatients on acute care unit. Supervised clinical psychology interns and graduate students in psychotherapy and psychological assessment.
• Staff Psychologist, Children’s Choice, Philadelphia, PA (1992-1993). Provided Psychotherapy and psychological testing at private foster care agency, treating and evaluating children with behavioral, emotional and cognitive difficulties.

Professional Affiliations

• American Psychological Association
• Maryland Psychological Association
• Mental Health Association of Montgomery County
• Association of Practicing Psychologists: Montgomery - Prince George's Counties
• Children and Adults with ADD (CHADD)
• Postpartum Support International
• The American Academy of Bereavement

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