Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists in Shaw, Washington, DC
Paws2Heal Mental Health Counseling/EMDR
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CCTP II, NCC
Serves Area
Choosing to begin therapy is a deeply personal and meaningful decision, and we are dedicated to making your experience warm, supportive, and effective. Our focus is creating a safe, welcoming space where healing can take root. We offer a variety of therapeutic approaches—including EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapies—carefully tailored to each client’s individual needs and goals. For those who benefit from animal-assisted therapy, our therapy animals are available to offer added comfort and support. Every person who comes to our practice is seen, heard, and valued, and we collaborate closely to identify the path that feels most aligned.
Choosing to begin therapy is a deeply personal and meaningful decision, and we are dedicated to making your experience warm, supportive, and effective. Our focus is creating a safe, welcoming space where healing can take root. We offer a variety of therapeutic approaches—including EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapies—carefully tailored to each client’s individual needs and goals. For those who benefit from animal-assisted therapy, our therapy animals are available to offer added comfort and support. Every person who comes to our practice is seen, heard, and valued, and we collaborate closely to identify the path that feels most aligned.
I began doing therapy as a masters-level clinician in the community with justice-involved youth in 2005. Over the last twenty years, I have worked with all kinds of people in communities, schools and in outpatient settings. The one common theme was always trauma.
If you are looking for someone to help you dig into your past trauma and finally get those demons out of you, I am here to help! My specialties are PTSD and DID, working with people with complex trauma and survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
I began doing therapy as a masters-level clinician in the community with justice-involved youth in 2005. Over the last twenty years, I have worked with all kinds of people in communities, schools and in outpatient settings. The one common theme was always trauma.
If you are looking for someone to help you dig into your past trauma and finally get those demons out of you, I am here to help! My specialties are PTSD and DID, working with people with complex trauma and survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the central component to successful psychotherapy and I bring special attention to the ongoing process of relational safety. I also believe that self-harmful behaviors always have roots in past experiences of threat and it can be life-changing to discover these connections. I work to help individuals establish goals, explore their experiences, gain self-awareness, develop resources and skills, cultivate self-compassion, and find greater self-empowerment so they can create a more fulfilling and meaningful life for themselves.
I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the central component to successful psychotherapy and I bring special attention to the ongoing process of relational safety. I also believe that self-harmful behaviors always have roots in past experiences of threat and it can be life-changing to discover these connections. I work to help individuals establish goals, explore their experiences, gain self-awareness, develop resources and skills, cultivate self-compassion, and find greater self-empowerment so they can create a more fulfilling and meaningful life for themselves.
Ashley Lauren Harrell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
1 Endorsed
Shaw, Washington, DC 20001
My ideal client is frustrated. A little stuck. A little wary. Longing for change, but a little bit afraid to hope that it's actually possible. And, ready enough to try something new.
There’s an old saying: if nothing changes, nothing changes. And frankly, change can be hard to make on our own. Even when we want it. When we feel stuck, we often can’t quite see the full picture anymore. We keep running into the same challenges and coming up with the same faulty solutions. It’s not that we’re not trying, it’s that our strategies have stopped working. That’s where a good therapist comes in. I hope to be that for you.
My ideal client is frustrated. A little stuck. A little wary. Longing for change, but a little bit afraid to hope that it's actually possible. And, ready enough to try something new.
There’s an old saying: if nothing changes, nothing changes. And frankly, change can be hard to make on our own. Even when we want it. When we feel stuck, we often can’t quite see the full picture anymore. We keep running into the same challenges and coming up with the same faulty solutions. It’s not that we’re not trying, it’s that our strategies have stopped working. That’s where a good therapist comes in. I hope to be that for you.
Our Ideal clients are everyday Legends that desire not only to heal themselves, but thru their healing, desire to change the very trajectory of their families and Legacies. The Legends House Counseling Center desires to serve as a safe space for clients that may not have clear goals for life, but know for sure that the goal is to deal with the most pressing issues in their life which are impacting their mental well-being. Our clients want safety and strategies for self-care and freedom.
Our Ideal clients are everyday Legends that desire not only to heal themselves, but thru their healing, desire to change the very trajectory of their families and Legacies. The Legends House Counseling Center desires to serve as a safe space for clients that may not have clear goals for life, but know for sure that the goal is to deal with the most pressing issues in their life which are impacting their mental well-being. Our clients want safety and strategies for self-care and freedom.
Accepting new clients virtually in TN, MA, OK, FL, DC, and ID. In person sessions in Hendersonville, TN.
I believe that all client's have it within themselves to heal. Many of my client's have spent much of their lives feeling truly misunderstood. I look forward to working with you- you are not alone, and you don't have to feel that way anymore.
Accepting new clients virtually in TN, MA, OK, FL, DC, and ID. In person sessions in Hendersonville, TN.
I believe that all client's have it within themselves to heal. Many of my client's have spent much of their lives feeling truly misunderstood. I look forward to working with you- you are not alone, and you don't have to feel that way anymore.
I am a trauma-informed, attachment-focused therapist in recovery with over 25 years of sobriety, integrating lived experience with clinical training. Now offering: EMDR/Brainspotting/Parts work, IFS informed and reiki healing intensives. Experience healing for personal and professional growth. Intensives allow you to work more intensely rather than using a week-to-week model. They are customized to meet your needs and can be anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. Intensives can be stand alone or adjunct to your weekly therapy. We also offer intensive retreats in Costa Rica for healers. EMAIL only to inquire about our retreats.
I am a trauma-informed, attachment-focused therapist in recovery with over 25 years of sobriety, integrating lived experience with clinical training. Now offering: EMDR/Brainspotting/Parts work, IFS informed and reiki healing intensives. Experience healing for personal and professional growth. Intensives allow you to work more intensely rather than using a week-to-week model. They are customized to meet your needs and can be anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. Intensives can be stand alone or adjunct to your weekly therapy. We also offer intensive retreats in Costa Rica for healers. EMAIL only to inquire about our retreats.
As your therapist, I can provide you with a dedicated space to explore and process your emotions, helping you gain clarity, understanding, and relief. By working through challenges, you can experience increased emotional resilience, improved self-regulation, and a greater sense of inner peace. Through therapy, I will help you develop and refine effective coping strategies to navigate life's stressors. Together, we will identify healthier ways of managing difficult emotions, handling conflicts, and responding to challenging situations
As your therapist, I can provide you with a dedicated space to explore and process your emotions, helping you gain clarity, understanding, and relief. By working through challenges, you can experience increased emotional resilience, improved self-regulation, and a greater sense of inner peace. Through therapy, I will help you develop and refine effective coping strategies to navigate life's stressors. Together, we will identify healthier ways of managing difficult emotions, handling conflicts, and responding to challenging situations
I work with families, individuals, couples, groups around the following issues: Stage of Life Adjustments; Depression; Anxiety; Elder Care Management; Military Family Life; Active Duty Issues;PTSD;Traumatic Brain Issues;Employee Assistance;Child and Family Issues; Family Conflicts;Adolescent Adjustments as well as Veteran and Retirement Concerns.
I work with families, individuals, couples, groups around the following issues: Stage of Life Adjustments; Depression; Anxiety; Elder Care Management; Military Family Life; Active Duty Issues;PTSD;Traumatic Brain Issues;Employee Assistance;Child and Family Issues; Family Conflicts;Adolescent Adjustments as well as Veteran and Retirement Concerns.
To deeply heal and grow it is necessary to be truly seen. I will work with you to explore the feelings and patterns that have developed in your life, and why. With greater understanding can come greater freedom and joy.
I have extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, couples and families; individuals who have experienced complex trauma; struggling with chronic illness; and individuals and families from diverse cultures. Focus on integrating mind, body and spirit.
To deeply heal and grow it is necessary to be truly seen. I will work with you to explore the feelings and patterns that have developed in your life, and why. With greater understanding can come greater freedom and joy.
I have extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, couples and families; individuals who have experienced complex trauma; struggling with chronic illness; and individuals and families from diverse cultures. Focus on integrating mind, body and spirit.
With over 30 years of experience to offer, I'm pleased to say that most of my clients have been referred by their friends who are or have been clients. When mutual respect develops, it ensures the trust and comfort needed to address and resolve most problems. I have always felt blessed and privileged to be a therapist and to sit with someone who is grappling with some of the most meaningful aspects of their lives. When you contact me, I'll be happy to honestly explore whether or not this will be a good therapeutic relationship.
With over 30 years of experience to offer, I'm pleased to say that most of my clients have been referred by their friends who are or have been clients. When mutual respect develops, it ensures the trust and comfort needed to address and resolve most problems. I have always felt blessed and privileged to be a therapist and to sit with someone who is grappling with some of the most meaningful aspects of their lives. When you contact me, I'll be happy to honestly explore whether or not this will be a good therapeutic relationship.
TeleMedicine/video conferencing now available. I specialize in adjustment to physical and developmental disabilities. I treat a range of issues including anxiety, depression and PTSD. I am a certified Trauma therapist with specific training for those that have survived terror. I have specific expertise and experience providing counseling for those living with Spectrum Disorder, Brain Injuries, and those with speech disorders. I am licensed to Practice in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and the State of New Jersey. I look forward to meeting you and seeing how I can help you or your family.
TeleMedicine/video conferencing now available. I specialize in adjustment to physical and developmental disabilities. I treat a range of issues including anxiety, depression and PTSD. I am a certified Trauma therapist with specific training for those that have survived terror. I have specific expertise and experience providing counseling for those living with Spectrum Disorder, Brain Injuries, and those with speech disorders. I am licensed to Practice in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and the State of New Jersey. I look forward to meeting you and seeing how I can help you or your family.
All psychological issues are ultimately existential in origin, entailing a confrontation with death, loss, meaning, purpose and value. All that we do (knowingly or unknowingly) is dedicated to deciphering these daunting and irrepressible demands of existence. Few are successful in resolving or even clearly conceptualizing these existential issues and their minds inevitably descend into despair, depression and anxiety. Some seek to assuage their suffering with psychoactive substances (illicit and licit) and this leads only to addiction and abdication of autonomy over one's authentic self. My System offers a solution.
All psychological issues are ultimately existential in origin, entailing a confrontation with death, loss, meaning, purpose and value. All that we do (knowingly or unknowingly) is dedicated to deciphering these daunting and irrepressible demands of existence. Few are successful in resolving or even clearly conceptualizing these existential issues and their minds inevitably descend into despair, depression and anxiety. Some seek to assuage their suffering with psychoactive substances (illicit and licit) and this leads only to addiction and abdication of autonomy over one's authentic self. My System offers a solution.
Looking for a new therapist can be daunting and time consuming. I aim to simplify this process for you. No one therapeutic approach comes close to approaching the complexity inside of you and the world around us.
I specialize & have published on the treatment of Trauma, utilize EMDR and provide a psychoanalytic relational frame. In my work, I have found the mind is often divided against itself. We are of many minds and contradictory motives. There is no one propriety therapy that has discovered this or treats our fundamental nature.
Looking for a new therapist can be daunting and time consuming. I aim to simplify this process for you. No one therapeutic approach comes close to approaching the complexity inside of you and the world around us.
I specialize & have published on the treatment of Trauma, utilize EMDR and provide a psychoanalytic relational frame. In my work, I have found the mind is often divided against itself. We are of many minds and contradictory motives. There is no one propriety therapy that has discovered this or treats our fundamental nature.
I am committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I am passionate about helping clients navigate through their anxiety, depression, and their life shifts. How the show up in relationships, dating, exploring their sexuality, their identity, gender, and working through/ healing from previous trauma wounds. I advocate for a sex-positive atmosphere, believing that sexuality is a vital part of human identity. Together, we will explore the stories that have shaped your life, allowing you to better understand yourself and the patterns that may be holding you back.
I am committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I am passionate about helping clients navigate through their anxiety, depression, and their life shifts. How the show up in relationships, dating, exploring their sexuality, their identity, gender, and working through/ healing from previous trauma wounds. I advocate for a sex-positive atmosphere, believing that sexuality is a vital part of human identity. Together, we will explore the stories that have shaped your life, allowing you to better understand yourself and the patterns that may be holding you back.
Now is the time to take up space. As your therapist, I welcome you to be all of who you are, while helping you explore all that you can be. You may be wondering if you are capable of taking this step, and the answer is YES! Sometimes we need additional support to reach our potential and navigate change, and it is my honor to be a helping hand in your life.
Now is the time to take up space. As your therapist, I welcome you to be all of who you are, while helping you explore all that you can be. You may be wondering if you are capable of taking this step, and the answer is YES! Sometimes we need additional support to reach our potential and navigate change, and it is my honor to be a helping hand in your life.
When you are looking for a therapist, that decision often comes during times of crisis. This loss of balance and connection makes it hard to make decisions or trust anyone. But as you take this first step, I will honor your trust with a relationship that is free of judgement and focused on finding your foundation. Whether you are coping with trauma, depression, stress, anxiety, life transition, relationship or marital issues, we can work together to make things better. I bring to the table a deep knowledge of a diverse set of treatment methods that allow me to tailor your therapy uniquely to your personality, challenges and life.
When you are looking for a therapist, that decision often comes during times of crisis. This loss of balance and connection makes it hard to make decisions or trust anyone. But as you take this first step, I will honor your trust with a relationship that is free of judgement and focused on finding your foundation. Whether you are coping with trauma, depression, stress, anxiety, life transition, relationship or marital issues, we can work together to make things better. I bring to the table a deep knowledge of a diverse set of treatment methods that allow me to tailor your therapy uniquely to your personality, challenges and life.
Welcome to the search for a sacred healing space with genuine safety and trust. In my 25+ years as a clinical psychologist, I have repeatedly witnessed this truth: taking the risk to begin a therapeutic relationship is an act of both bravery and self-compassion. Therapy can and should be empowering and transformative. In my work I seek a balance of gentleness, nurture and challenge with those who entrust me with their stories; my clients have shown me that deep change is possible. My specialties include complex trauma, women's sexuality, spirituality & anxiety disorders.
Welcome to the search for a sacred healing space with genuine safety and trust. In my 25+ years as a clinical psychologist, I have repeatedly witnessed this truth: taking the risk to begin a therapeutic relationship is an act of both bravery and self-compassion. Therapy can and should be empowering and transformative. In my work I seek a balance of gentleness, nurture and challenge with those who entrust me with their stories; my clients have shown me that deep change is possible. My specialties include complex trauma, women's sexuality, spirituality & anxiety disorders.
My ideal client is seeking more than traditional therapy. They want creative, playful ways to reconnect with joy and their authentic self. They may be navigating complex identities and need a supportive space to explore these. Often, they feel stuck or disconnected due to trauma, societal/familial expectations, or a desire for deeper self-awareness. Their goals may be about rediscovering their creativity, unlocking/understanding parts of their identity, and building deeper, more authentic connections in their relationships. They come to me ready for a dynamic, interactive approach that fosters growth and healing.
My ideal client is seeking more than traditional therapy. They want creative, playful ways to reconnect with joy and their authentic self. They may be navigating complex identities and need a supportive space to explore these. Often, they feel stuck or disconnected due to trauma, societal/familial expectations, or a desire for deeper self-awareness. Their goals may be about rediscovering their creativity, unlocking/understanding parts of their identity, and building deeper, more authentic connections in their relationships. They come to me ready for a dynamic, interactive approach that fosters growth and healing.
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, but it’s often the first toward meaningful insight and lasting personal growth. We understand that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. Our approach is tailored to you—whether you’re working through past experiences, navigating present challenges, or seeking greater balance in your life. You don’t have to do it alone.
Our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment where you feel comfortable sharing openly and working toward change.
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, but it’s often the first toward meaningful insight and lasting personal growth. We understand that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. Our approach is tailored to you—whether you’re working through past experiences, navigating present challenges, or seeking greater balance in your life. You don’t have to do it alone.
Our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment where you feel comfortable sharing openly and working toward change.
See more therapy options for Shaw, Washington
Nearby Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists Searches for Shaw, Washington
- Adams Morgan
- Capitol Hill
- Catholic University-Brookland
- Columbia Heights
- Downtown
- Dupont Circle
- Foggy Bottom
- Georgetown
- H Street Corridor
Nearby Searches for Shaw, Washington
- Chinatown
- Downtown
- Dupont Circle
- Eckington
- Ledroit Park
- Logan Circle
- Mount Vernon Square
- NoMa
- Penn Quarter
- Pleasant Plains
- U Street Corridor
Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists
How does therapy for dissociative disorders work?
Dissociation may be triggered by stress or other upsetting circumstances, and therapy can address the traumatic events at the core of an individual’s dissociation. Understanding why a person may dissociate can help the therapist and the individual come up with alternative methods of coping. A person with a dissociative disorder may get stuck on negative thinking, for example, and treatment like Cognitive behavioral therapy is a gold standard for breaking such thinking. And dialectical behavior therapy, for example, can help a person manage their anguish through better emotion regulation.
Which therapies are best for dissociative disorders?
Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, schema therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are two widely used therapies that can help individuals with painful memories and past traumas. These therapies work to integrate an individual's different identities into one person.
Are there specific medications for dissociation?
There are no specific medications prescribed for dissociative disorders. However, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and/or panic often co-occur in dissociative disorders. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications for any accompanying symptom—which may include antipsychotics like aripiprazole, antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines.
How often and how long are therapy sessions?
Like any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Patients may see improvement within 15 to 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, perhaps, a six-month period. There are still other patients, especially those who have co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, who may need to continue sessions for up to 12 to 18 months.