Domestic Abuse Therapists in Washington, DC
My clinical approach is always mindful of attachment needs, brain development, and how chronic stress impacts one's brain and body. If you have experienced traumatic stress you may be experiencing the following reactions: struggling with daily functioning; difficulty focusing; negative beliefs about self and others; difficulty feeling positive emotions; angry outbursts; flashbacks; feeling tense, on edge, or easily startled; physical pain; significant self-blame and shame; avoidance of traumatic memories, thoughts, feelings, and situations; nightmares; or difficulty falling and staying asleep.
My clinical approach is always mindful of attachment needs, brain development, and how chronic stress impacts one's brain and body. If you have experienced traumatic stress you may be experiencing the following reactions: struggling with daily functioning; difficulty focusing; negative beliefs about self and others; difficulty feeling positive emotions; angry outbursts; flashbacks; feeling tense, on edge, or easily startled; physical pain; significant self-blame and shame; avoidance of traumatic memories, thoughts, feelings, and situations; nightmares; or difficulty falling and staying asleep.
Her main focus areas include LGBTQ+ issues, interpersonal violence, trauma of all kinds including complex, couples, and grief.
Jessie Wedell (she/her) is passionate about working with individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds and identities who may face unique challenges with those intersections. With a strong foundation in social science, she recognizes the sociocultural influences that impact mental health. She also has an extensive background in dance and yoga and strongly believes in somatic interventions as a form of trauma recovery and to build a healthy connection with ones body. Her goal is to offer a validating space to guide clients through their journeys of healing, helping them reclaim their strength, resilience, and hope for the future.
Her main focus areas include LGBTQ+ issues, interpersonal violence, trauma of all kinds including complex, couples, and grief.
Jessie Wedell (she/her) is passionate about working with individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds and identities who may face unique challenges with those intersections. With a strong foundation in social science, she recognizes the sociocultural influences that impact mental health. She also has an extensive background in dance and yoga and strongly believes in somatic interventions as a form of trauma recovery and to build a healthy connection with ones body. Her goal is to offer a validating space to guide clients through their journeys of healing, helping them reclaim their strength, resilience, and hope for the future.
Iraina 'liz' Briganty-Vidal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, RPT
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensively worked with survivors of physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
As a bilingual therapist and founder of Healing Corazon Therapy and Consulting, I am dedicated to creating a safe space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and understood. I hold a Master’s in Social Work and bring over a decade of experience working with clients particularly those navigating the impact of trauma. I offer services in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility and cultural attunement. In addition to my clinical work, I provide trainings of various topics and clinical supervision. I am both approved by the Maryland Social Work and Professional Counseling Board.
I have extensively worked with survivors of physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
As a bilingual therapist and founder of Healing Corazon Therapy and Consulting, I am dedicated to creating a safe space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and understood. I hold a Master’s in Social Work and bring over a decade of experience working with clients particularly those navigating the impact of trauma. I offer services in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility and cultural attunement. In addition to my clinical work, I provide trainings of various topics and clinical supervision. I am both approved by the Maryland Social Work and Professional Counseling Board.
My specialties include abuse, sexual assault, and medical and healthcare trauma, and my role is to help you find “aha moments,” flashes of realization that what you already know can change your overall and daily life.
Openings & sliding fee available - Relationships with ourselves, our bodies, and with others may be complex, nuanced, and hard to explain. We may keep parts of us private and avoid invalidation. We may even feel like loving relationships are hard to come by. At times, our minds may be playing familiar tunes: I’m unlovable, I cause problems, I don’t matter, I can’t trust others/myself, or I’m not enough. Even with validation, change may feel elusive. Therapy can lead to hope and sustainable transformation. It can help with changing patterns, boundaries, self-compassion, ending power struggles, trust, and reimagining the future.
My specialties include abuse, sexual assault, and medical and healthcare trauma, and my role is to help you find “aha moments,” flashes of realization that what you already know can change your overall and daily life.
Openings & sliding fee available - Relationships with ourselves, our bodies, and with others may be complex, nuanced, and hard to explain. We may keep parts of us private and avoid invalidation. We may even feel like loving relationships are hard to come by. At times, our minds may be playing familiar tunes: I’m unlovable, I cause problems, I don’t matter, I can’t trust others/myself, or I’m not enough. Even with validation, change may feel elusive. Therapy can lead to hope and sustainable transformation. It can help with changing patterns, boundaries, self-compassion, ending power struggles, trust, and reimagining the future.
Accepting New Clients. Night and weekend appointment(s) available. Dr Herring was was raised on the North Shore of Oahu. It is her true belief that, with support, we are capable of creating the change that we wish to see in our lives. It takes courage to seek help during life's difficult moments. If you are feeling lost, confused, neglected, or overwhelmed with stress, addiction, loss/grief, trauma or fear of the unknown, it is my role is to walk along with you in this journey to guide and navigate through life stressors, reprocess distressing experiences, and increase self-awareness.
Accepting New Clients. Night and weekend appointment(s) available. Dr Herring was was raised on the North Shore of Oahu. It is her true belief that, with support, we are capable of creating the change that we wish to see in our lives. It takes courage to seek help during life's difficult moments. If you are feeling lost, confused, neglected, or overwhelmed with stress, addiction, loss/grief, trauma or fear of the unknown, it is my role is to walk along with you in this journey to guide and navigate through life stressors, reprocess distressing experiences, and increase self-awareness.
Sports psychology (equestrian sports in particular), infertility, anxiety, narcissistic abuse recovery, trauma, and executive or entrepreneur coaching are special interests.
Are you in an unhealthy relationship? Is it hard for you to set boundaries? Do you have difficulty making decisions? Doubting yourself or feeling like an imposter can make tough times (and decisions) even tougher. I can help you explore and develop a greater understanding and appreciation of your authentic self. Our bodies do keep the score, so it’s vital to connect mind and body. Unprocessed trauma can block that connection. Once our nervous system is regulated, everything seems to fall into place: Anxiety decreases, as does pain perception, while resilience is strengthened and cognitive and creative capabilities are enhanced.
Sports psychology (equestrian sports in particular), infertility, anxiety, narcissistic abuse recovery, trauma, and executive or entrepreneur coaching are special interests.
Are you in an unhealthy relationship? Is it hard for you to set boundaries? Do you have difficulty making decisions? Doubting yourself or feeling like an imposter can make tough times (and decisions) even tougher. I can help you explore and develop a greater understanding and appreciation of your authentic self. Our bodies do keep the score, so it’s vital to connect mind and body. Unprocessed trauma can block that connection. Once our nervous system is regulated, everything seems to fall into place: Anxiety decreases, as does pain perception, while resilience is strengthened and cognitive and creative capabilities are enhanced.
· Marginalized people who want to increase self-worth, self-esteem, and self-empowerment
· Women of color, indigenous populations, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community
· Survivors of trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment
· People living with medical conditions, grief and loss, ambiguous loss, and intergenerational trauma
I am a black, queer, cis woman who is passionate about working with the queer and BIPOC community through an intersectional lens to explore, process, and heal trauma.
I am a body neutral, harm reduction-focused, sex positive therapist. I approach therapy from a compassionate and nonjudgmental space that creates a trauma-informed, intersectional, and exploratory environment for clients dealing with depression, anxiety, complex trauma, intergenerational trauma, and feelings of ambiguous grief and loss.
I am licensed in MD, VA, and DC.
· Marginalized people who want to increase self-worth, self-esteem, and self-empowerment
· Women of color, indigenous populations, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community
· Survivors of trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment
· People living with medical conditions, grief and loss, ambiguous loss, and intergenerational trauma
I am a black, queer, cis woman who is passionate about working with the queer and BIPOC community through an intersectional lens to explore, process, and heal trauma.
I am a body neutral, harm reduction-focused, sex positive therapist. I approach therapy from a compassionate and nonjudgmental space that creates a trauma-informed, intersectional, and exploratory environment for clients dealing with depression, anxiety, complex trauma, intergenerational trauma, and feelings of ambiguous grief and loss.
I am licensed in MD, VA, and DC.
You may feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior, disconnected from your true self or unable to experience the sense of fulfillment you long for. My clients often come to therapy seeking relief from emotional distress, seek to gain better coping strategies, and a greater sense of control over their lives. Together, we will explore the deeper causes of your struggles in order to create lasting and positive change.
You may feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior, disconnected from your true self or unable to experience the sense of fulfillment you long for. My clients often come to therapy seeking relief from emotional distress, seek to gain better coping strategies, and a greater sense of control over their lives. Together, we will explore the deeper causes of your struggles in order to create lasting and positive change.
I believe that psychotherapy is very useful in connecting deeply with oneself and subsequently with others. Anxiety and depression are often related to faulty coping mechanisms developed in childhood that lead to painful relationships. Being happy in work and love are the pillars of a rewarding and fulfilled life and therapy makes this possible.
I believe that psychotherapy is very useful in connecting deeply with oneself and subsequently with others. Anxiety and depression are often related to faulty coping mechanisms developed in childhood that lead to painful relationships. Being happy in work and love are the pillars of a rewarding and fulfilled life and therapy makes this possible.
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.
My primary areas of interest are: anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, life transitions, trauma, stress management, career development, and recovery from emotional and/or narcissistic abuse.
Are you struggling with the pressure of managing a career and young family; trying to cope with anxiety or depression; facing relationship challenges; learning to manage difficult emotions; or trying to adjust to a life transition like marriage, divorce, or becoming a parent? If you are fighting any of these battles, or even another not named here - you do not have to do it alone. You and I can work together to get through what you are dealing with, and I can teach you strategies to manage these and other challenges that might come your way. Read a little further to learn about how we’ll do this.
My primary areas of interest are: anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, life transitions, trauma, stress management, career development, and recovery from emotional and/or narcissistic abuse.
Are you struggling with the pressure of managing a career and young family; trying to cope with anxiety or depression; facing relationship challenges; learning to manage difficult emotions; or trying to adjust to a life transition like marriage, divorce, or becoming a parent? If you are fighting any of these battles, or even another not named here - you do not have to do it alone. You and I can work together to get through what you are dealing with, and I can teach you strategies to manage these and other challenges that might come your way. Read a little further to learn about how we’ll do this.
My virtual practice hours continue on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays Fri 9 AM - 3PM ET, Fridays 9 am - 12 Noon ET.
Is the story you tell yourself about yourself hopeful? Energizing? Complete? Are you interested in understanding more about what influences your decisions, your strengths, your challenges? Your options? Life always has its ups and downs - but you do not have to navigate alone.
I look forward to partnering with you on your journey.
My virtual practice hours continue on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays Fri 9 AM - 3PM ET, Fridays 9 am - 12 Noon ET.
Is the story you tell yourself about yourself hopeful? Energizing? Complete? Are you interested in understanding more about what influences your decisions, your strengths, your challenges? Your options? Life always has its ups and downs - but you do not have to navigate alone.
I look forward to partnering with you on your journey.
Veronica Thornton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MS, LPC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I work with adults who need support with trauma connected to complex grief, divorce, disruptive family relationships/attachments, sexual trauma, childhood abuse, or other stressful life transitions.
EMDR therapy is a research-backed approach useful for many people. With EMDR I help clients reconnect with themselves to process big emotions and traumatic events that felt stuck for a long time. I utilize a holistic therapeutic approach, incorporating mindfulness and somatic interventions to tailor the therapy to the specific needs of each client.
I work with adults who need support with trauma connected to complex grief, divorce, disruptive family relationships/attachments, sexual trauma, childhood abuse, or other stressful life transitions.
EMDR therapy is a research-backed approach useful for many people. With EMDR I help clients reconnect with themselves to process big emotions and traumatic events that felt stuck for a long time. I utilize a holistic therapeutic approach, incorporating mindfulness and somatic interventions to tailor the therapy to the specific needs of each client.
My work is deeply rooted in trauma care, and I specialize in supporting survivors of sexual violence, childhood abuse, domestic violence, and military combat trauma.
Beyond trauma, I also have a special focus in the treatment of self-injury, sexuality and sex therapy, eating disorders, adolescent concerns, and the emotional impact of injustice and oppression. I care deeply about creating a safe, inclusive space where all parts of you are welcome.
My work is deeply rooted in trauma care, and I specialize in supporting survivors of sexual violence, childhood abuse, domestic violence, and military combat trauma.
Beyond trauma, I also have a special focus in the treatment of self-injury, sexuality and sex therapy, eating disorders, adolescent concerns, and the emotional impact of injustice and oppression. I care deeply about creating a safe, inclusive space where all parts of you are welcome.
I am a British Couples Psychotherapist specializing in relationship and sexual issues. If you want positive change in your communication, conflicts, sexual difficulties, an affair and its aftermath, divorce or separation or loss of intimacy, I can help you. I truly understand the need for a safe, confidential and empathic environment, to be able to trust your therapist, to be listened to and understood, so that together we are able to resolve or manage the problems and issues you are having with your partner. Take the first step to getting the relationship you deserve - call me to make an appointment.
I am a British Couples Psychotherapist specializing in relationship and sexual issues. If you want positive change in your communication, conflicts, sexual difficulties, an affair and its aftermath, divorce or separation or loss of intimacy, I can help you. I truly understand the need for a safe, confidential and empathic environment, to be able to trust your therapist, to be listened to and understood, so that together we are able to resolve or manage the problems and issues you are having with your partner. Take the first step to getting the relationship you deserve - call me to make an appointment.
My approach to therapy involves empowering persons to better understand themselves and acquire the tools to heal and make desired life changes. I utilize a combination of cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic therapeutic orientations in my practice. Consistent with an emphasis on empowerment is my wholistic focus on total well being. I promote balance across all personal dimensions (spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, and social).
My life coaching practice draws from a similar wealth of psychological knowledge, however, with more of an educational emphasis. I facilitate the acquisition of problem solving and success orientation skills, aimed at enhancing personal empowerment and life satisfaction.
My approach to therapy involves empowering persons to better understand themselves and acquire the tools to heal and make desired life changes. I utilize a combination of cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic therapeutic orientations in my practice. Consistent with an emphasis on empowerment is my wholistic focus on total well being. I promote balance across all personal dimensions (spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, and social).
My life coaching practice draws from a similar wealth of psychological knowledge, however, with more of an educational emphasis. I facilitate the acquisition of problem solving and success orientation skills, aimed at enhancing personal empowerment and life satisfaction.
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself or others? You don’t have to navigate it alone.
I help young professionals and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. Whether you’re feeling burned out, caught in old patterns, or navigating cultural or identity-based stress, therapy can be a space to slow down, gain clarity, and create meaningful change.
If you’re ready to feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself and the people in your life, I’d be honored to support you.
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself or others? You don’t have to navigate it alone.
I help young professionals and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. Whether you’re feeling burned out, caught in old patterns, or navigating cultural or identity-based stress, therapy can be a space to slow down, gain clarity, and create meaningful change.
If you’re ready to feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself and the people in your life, I’d be honored to support you.
Hey! I know finding a therapist—and actually deciding to start therapy—can feel like a lot. You might even be scrolling through profiles thinking, “How am I supposed to know who’s the right fit?” Either way, I’m glad you’re here!
I work with young adults and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and self-esteem concerns. I also enjoy supporting Asian and multicultural clients navigating cultural differences, family expectations, and belonging. Together, we’ll explore what may be keeping you stuck, build on your strengths, and find practical ways to help you move forward.
Hey! I know finding a therapist—and actually deciding to start therapy—can feel like a lot. You might even be scrolling through profiles thinking, “How am I supposed to know who’s the right fit?” Either way, I’m glad you’re here!
I work with young adults and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and self-esteem concerns. I also enjoy supporting Asian and multicultural clients navigating cultural differences, family expectations, and belonging. Together, we’ll explore what may be keeping you stuck, build on your strengths, and find practical ways to help you move forward.
As children, we are learning from interactions with our parents who we are and how to fit into the world around us. After we leave home, we become our own parents as we continue to learn about ourselves and how to find our own place in life. And when we have families of our own, we are now parents both for our children and for ourselves, as we continue to understand more about who we are. I provide a warm, empathic and accepting environment where you can explore your current life challenges, as well as address past issues that impact your everyday life.
As children, we are learning from interactions with our parents who we are and how to fit into the world around us. After we leave home, we become our own parents as we continue to learn about ourselves and how to find our own place in life. And when we have families of our own, we are now parents both for our children and for ourselves, as we continue to understand more about who we are. I provide a warm, empathic and accepting environment where you can explore your current life challenges, as well as address past issues that impact your everyday life.
I believe in our innate power to heal and grow from difficult life experiences. Whether you've experienced a trauma recently or many years ago, these experiences may continue to impact you in the present: physically, emotionally, psychologically and relationally. I offer a gentle, collaborative and affirming space to access and work through past events, however they show up, as well as for self-exploration and personal growth. I pay attention to the ways in which issues of identity may impact your experience. I am licensed in DC, CT, SC, DE, PA.
I believe in our innate power to heal and grow from difficult life experiences. Whether you've experienced a trauma recently or many years ago, these experiences may continue to impact you in the present: physically, emotionally, psychologically and relationally. I offer a gentle, collaborative and affirming space to access and work through past events, however they show up, as well as for self-exploration and personal growth. I pay attention to the ways in which issues of identity may impact your experience. I am licensed in DC, CT, SC, DE, PA.
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Domestic Abuse Therapists
What are the most effective ways to recover from domestic abuse?
Leaving an abusive relationship requires tremendous courage, so survivors in treatment should recognize that they have already completed the most important step. Still, the trauma of physical or emotional abuse can be difficult to process and overcome. Therapy can help survivors process trauma, grief, and difficult emotions, treat relevant mental health symptoms, and create a new framework for boundaries and relationships in the future. For some, support groups can also be an invaluable outlet for healing.
When should an individual seek help for domestic abuse?
Victims of intimate partner violence should seek help immediately. It can take substantial time, planning, energy, and courage to leave an abusive relationship, but starting the process—by seeking therapy, calling the domestic violence hotline, or simply confiding in a loved one—will help them get there. Those who have left abusive relationships but haven’t sought treatment can also greatly benefit from therapy to process and heal from the experience.
What are the consequences of staying in an abusive relationship?
Remaining in an abusive relationship has serious repercussions. In addition to the ongoing threat of physical danger and emotional abuse, research shows that intimate partner violence is associated with a range of mental health disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and substance abuse. Therefore it’s important for individuals in an abusive relationship to seek help as soon as possible.
How can you get domestic abuse treatment for someone else?
It can be very complicated to identify and leave an abusive relationship; barriers include the threat of violence, financial instability, and family pressures. Those concerned about a loved one in an abusive relationship should talk to them about the situation, provide them with resources such as the domestic violence hotline, and introduce the idea of seeing a therapist due to their concern for the person’s safety and well-being.