Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists in Washington, DC
Life can be a storm, where moments of beauty and enjoyment are overcome by seasons of darkness and disarray. It can be difficult to put into words many kinds of pain, meaning, and lived experiences. You may have noticed various kinds of questions, affects, and problems compounding, gnawing on you in life, and developed a curiosity to explore them in the context of a helping professional relationship founded on trust, dedication, and non-judgment. Talk therapy can be that distinctive experience to unveil what ails you, what binds your desires, what complexities are at play, and how unconscious dynamics may be afoot.
Life can be a storm, where moments of beauty and enjoyment are overcome by seasons of darkness and disarray. It can be difficult to put into words many kinds of pain, meaning, and lived experiences. You may have noticed various kinds of questions, affects, and problems compounding, gnawing on you in life, and developed a curiosity to explore them in the context of a helping professional relationship founded on trust, dedication, and non-judgment. Talk therapy can be that distinctive experience to unveil what ails you, what binds your desires, what complexities are at play, and how unconscious dynamics may be afoot.
I view therapy as an invitation to bring awareness to the here and now. For many of us, we press forward, through, and over difficult feelings when they arise in our daily lives. Often they show up as unwanted thoughts or images. They not only fill us with dread, but we will go to great lengths to avoid them. On the other hand, what if moving toward our feelings actually reduces the influence they have over us, allowing us to attend to the very things we value, thereby creating meaning and purpose in our lives.
I view therapy as an invitation to bring awareness to the here and now. For many of us, we press forward, through, and over difficult feelings when they arise in our daily lives. Often they show up as unwanted thoughts or images. They not only fill us with dread, but we will go to great lengths to avoid them. On the other hand, what if moving toward our feelings actually reduces the influence they have over us, allowing us to attend to the very things we value, thereby creating meaning and purpose in our lives.
Now accepting new Aetna clients! Being a human can be really hard sometimes. Maybe it’s hard because there’s an area in our lives where we struggle, like in our careers or relationships. Perhaps, we’ve experienced some painful times that we haven’t fully healed from or find ourselves engaging in problematic behaviors. Whatever our struggles, I’ve found that psychotherapy can help reduce our suffering and help connect us to the joy of being alive.
Now accepting new Aetna clients! Being a human can be really hard sometimes. Maybe it’s hard because there’s an area in our lives where we struggle, like in our careers or relationships. Perhaps, we’ve experienced some painful times that we haven’t fully healed from or find ourselves engaging in problematic behaviors. Whatever our struggles, I’ve found that psychotherapy can help reduce our suffering and help connect us to the joy of being alive.
You wake up in the morning feeling heavy and thinking you do not want to face another day feeling like your mind is controlling you. Anxiety, panic attacks, no energy, feeling disconnected from the world and from yourself is exhausting. You wonder, “is something wrong with me?” “Am I crazy?” You feel like people around you do not really understand your suffering and sometimes, you are afraid to share how you really feel.
You wake up in the morning feeling heavy and thinking you do not want to face another day feeling like your mind is controlling you. Anxiety, panic attacks, no energy, feeling disconnected from the world and from yourself is exhausting. You wonder, “is something wrong with me?” “Am I crazy?” You feel like people around you do not really understand your suffering and sometimes, you are afraid to share how you really feel.
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.
Paws2Heal Mental Health Counseling/EMDR Intensives
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CCTP II, NCC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Exploring therapy is not an easy decision; therefore it is our mission to make therapy as open, comfortable, and effective as possible for each client. The first goal for each individual entering my practice is to establish an environment of comfort and safety. For those interested, therapy animals are available to provide additional support throughout the experience. Each person who enters my practice is embraced as an individual, and the therapeutic experience is tailored specifically to best meet each person's needs.
Exploring therapy is not an easy decision; therefore it is our mission to make therapy as open, comfortable, and effective as possible for each client. The first goal for each individual entering my practice is to establish an environment of comfort and safety. For those interested, therapy animals are available to provide additional support throughout the experience. Each person who enters my practice is embraced as an individual, and the therapeutic experience is tailored specifically to best meet each person's needs.
My goal as a therapist is to help you understand and resolve the things that block you from happiness and emotional well-being. I work in a collaborative, interactive style that is both compassionate and challenging, and I ensure a safe and respectful atmosphere. I will work with you on practical solutions to immediate crises and problems; as well as understanding and changing maladaptive patterns of thinking, behaving, or feeling that stem from past experiences.
My goal as a therapist is to help you understand and resolve the things that block you from happiness and emotional well-being. I work in a collaborative, interactive style that is both compassionate and challenging, and I ensure a safe and respectful atmosphere. I will work with you on practical solutions to immediate crises and problems; as well as understanding and changing maladaptive patterns of thinking, behaving, or feeling that stem from past experiences.
Stephanie Sullivan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006
I personally believe that as humans we have the innate capacity to heal, and an intrinsic ability for growth. My goal is to assist in providing compassionate and empathic support that will empower you to uncover your true potential. Searching for support is a brave step.
I personally believe that as humans we have the innate capacity to heal, and an intrinsic ability for growth. My goal is to assist in providing compassionate and empathic support that will empower you to uncover your true potential. Searching for support is a brave step.
I believe that even in the darkest seasons, we contain within ourselves the seeds of healing, change and growth. However, we often need someone to walk alongside us to ask good questions, offer perspective, and cheer us on. I love listening to people’s stories in order to help them untangle the different threads and consider the impact their past is having on their emotions and behavior in the present.
I believe that even in the darkest seasons, we contain within ourselves the seeds of healing, change and growth. However, we often need someone to walk alongside us to ask good questions, offer perspective, and cheer us on. I love listening to people’s stories in order to help them untangle the different threads and consider the impact their past is having on their emotions and behavior in the present.
Ann K Ewing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel like you're stuck in in any of your current relationships - spouse or partner, family, friends, or with work? Are you still seeking healthy relationships? Would you like to improve your relationship with yourself? Do you have sexual orientation or gender identity concerns, either for yourself or for someone you care about? Are you working to adjust to a significant change in your life - navigating a break-up, divorce, or move, grieving a loss, or becoming a parent? Do you strive to live authentically while struggling with the vulnerability needed to do so? Whatever your relational concerns or issues are, I can help.
Do you feel like you're stuck in in any of your current relationships - spouse or partner, family, friends, or with work? Are you still seeking healthy relationships? Would you like to improve your relationship with yourself? Do you have sexual orientation or gender identity concerns, either for yourself or for someone you care about? Are you working to adjust to a significant change in your life - navigating a break-up, divorce, or move, grieving a loss, or becoming a parent? Do you strive to live authentically while struggling with the vulnerability needed to do so? Whatever your relational concerns or issues are, I can help.
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with 35 years of experience in mental health. I primarily see patients experiencing anxiety disorders and depression and use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness. I'd like to hear from you; if you're having challenges and need help, I will hopefully be a good fit. I have a lot of empathy and compassion for anyone experiencing anxiety disorders and depression because I went through it in my twenties.
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with 35 years of experience in mental health. I primarily see patients experiencing anxiety disorders and depression and use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness. I'd like to hear from you; if you're having challenges and need help, I will hopefully be a good fit. I have a lot of empathy and compassion for anyone experiencing anxiety disorders and depression because I went through it in my twenties.
Meet Our Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists
Experienced Mental Health clinician with a strengths based, collaborative approach with patients. She has a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care industry, education, military, courts and medical (health) including international service. Skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)- EMDRIA certified therapist) Trauma-informed Yoga therapy, Prolonged Exposure (PET), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), strengths perspective, solution-focused brief therapy, and PolyVagal theory. She has years experience with the service delivery inpatient and outpatient including th
Experienced Mental Health clinician with a strengths based, collaborative approach with patients. She has a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care industry, education, military, courts and medical (health) including international service. Skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)- EMDRIA certified therapist) Trauma-informed Yoga therapy, Prolonged Exposure (PET), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), strengths perspective, solution-focused brief therapy, and PolyVagal theory. She has years experience with the service delivery inpatient and outpatient including th
Nancy L Lithgow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003
I believe that most people are striving to do the best they can. At certain points in life each of us may become stuck. I see my work as trying to help identify the barriers which are creating stumbling blocks so that they can be dealt with, removed or modified so that life's journey will proceed in a happier healthier way.
I believe that most people are striving to do the best they can. At certain points in life each of us may become stuck. I see my work as trying to help identify the barriers which are creating stumbling blocks so that they can be dealt with, removed or modified so that life's journey will proceed in a happier healthier way.
Georgiana Mora
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, EMDR-C, BSP-C
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
I believe that each person has an innate ability to heal from trauma and pain. Events from the past can impact our mind and body in the present- sometimes getting in the way of current relationships and goals. I offer a safe space to tap into transformative healing, self-exploration, and personal growth. My clients bring an array of issues to therapy including trauma, addiction, sexual difficulties, relationship challenges, self-injury, and dissociation. I work collaboratively, recognizing that each client brings their own unique strengths to the work.
I believe that each person has an innate ability to heal from trauma and pain. Events from the past can impact our mind and body in the present- sometimes getting in the way of current relationships and goals. I offer a safe space to tap into transformative healing, self-exploration, and personal growth. My clients bring an array of issues to therapy including trauma, addiction, sexual difficulties, relationship challenges, self-injury, and dissociation. I work collaboratively, recognizing that each client brings their own unique strengths to the work.
Julie Powell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20005
TeleMedicine/video conferencing now available. I specialize in adjustment to physical, psychiatric and developmental disabilities. Although I treat a range of issues including anxiety, depression and PTSD. I am a certified Trauma therapist. I do have specific expertise and experience providing counseling for those living with Spectrum Disorder across the lifespan and those struggling with the residuals of traumatic brain injuries. 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, psychiatric and developmental disabilities. Although I treat a range of issues including anxiety, depression and PTSD. I am a certified Trauma therapist. I do have specific expertise and experience providing counseling for those living with Spectrum Disorder across the lifespan and those struggling with the residuals of traumatic brain injuries. 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.
Hannah Braunstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, EMDR-C
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20037
Using the powerful tools of EMDR and Brainspotting to directly heal the nervous system and create new neural pathways in the brain, I will guide you from feeling stuck in old patterns to change with confidence and expansiveness. Together, we can free you from old traumas and habits to move past the past with renewed strength, real growth, and authenticity. It is possible to gain resilience and transform your life to live in the present moment and create meaningful relationships.
Using the powerful tools of EMDR and Brainspotting to directly heal the nervous system and create new neural pathways in the brain, I will guide you from feeling stuck in old patterns to change with confidence and expansiveness. Together, we can free you from old traumas and habits to move past the past with renewed strength, real growth, and authenticity. It is possible to gain resilience and transform your life to live in the present moment and create meaningful relationships.
I am a Couple and Family Therapist as well as a Sex Therapist specializing in with over 10 years of experience providing individual, couple, group and family psychotherapy. As a social justice driven therapist, I have expertise in working with the LGBTQ community, Heterosexual couples, non-monagamous individuals/couples, communities of color, health issues,grief & loss, trauma survivors, and couples dealing with a variety of issues from infidelity to sexual dysfunction.
I am a Couple and Family Therapist as well as a Sex Therapist specializing in with over 10 years of experience providing individual, couple, group and family psychotherapy. As a social justice driven therapist, I have expertise in working with the LGBTQ community, Heterosexual couples, non-monagamous individuals/couples, communities of color, health issues,grief & loss, trauma survivors, and couples dealing with a variety of issues from infidelity to sexual dysfunction.
I specialize in working with adults with eating disorders and disordered eating, and the conditions that often co-occur with eating concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and trauma. I also have an extensive research background in chronic fatigue syndrome (sometimes called myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS) and have worked on multiple NIH-funded studies; I am aware of the unique challenges faced by individuals living with ME/CFS and other poorly understood, stigmatized health conditions. I provide evidence-based interventions that are tailored to my client’s needs and progress.
I specialize in working with adults with eating disorders and disordered eating, and the conditions that often co-occur with eating concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and trauma. I also have an extensive research background in chronic fatigue syndrome (sometimes called myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS) and have worked on multiple NIH-funded studies; I am aware of the unique challenges faced by individuals living with ME/CFS and other poorly understood, stigmatized health conditions. I provide evidence-based interventions that are tailored to my client’s needs and progress.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, substance use problems, or difficulties related to past traumatic experiences, I would like to help you to improve your quality of life. My gentle, compassionate, nonjudgmental style will enable us to create a therapeutic alliance that feels attuned and engaged. Within the context of this safe, validating relationship you can explore important personal material, increase understanding, grow, and heal.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, substance use problems, or difficulties related to past traumatic experiences, I would like to help you to improve your quality of life. My gentle, compassionate, nonjudgmental style will enable us to create a therapeutic alliance that feels attuned and engaged. Within the context of this safe, validating relationship you can explore important personal material, increase understanding, grow, and heal.
I am licensed in both Washington DC and Maryland and can see clients in both locations, virtual only. I want for clients to have a safe and non-judgmental space to heal and explore their experiences to find meaning. My interest and experience is with queer topics and populations, trauma and trauma related disorders, substance abuse, psychosis and mood disorders. Every person has the internal structures to heal from trauma and stress. Together we can work towards your therapy goals (or define them) and promote emotional management and improved mental health and well-being.
I am licensed in both Washington DC and Maryland and can see clients in both locations, virtual only. I want for clients to have a safe and non-judgmental space to heal and explore their experiences to find meaning. My interest and experience is with queer topics and populations, trauma and trauma related disorders, substance abuse, psychosis and mood disorders. Every person has the internal structures to heal from trauma and stress. Together we can work towards your therapy goals (or define them) and promote emotional management and improved mental health and well-being.
See more therapy options for Washington
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.