Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Washington, DC
Dr. Victor D. Kidd
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LMSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Online Only
My approach is centered on understanding your unique experience and guiding you through challenges like trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Whether you’re facing trauma, anxiety, depression, or life transitions, I provide a supportive space to help you navigate these challenges and achieve meaningful change. I use evidence-based therapies like Trauma-Focused CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, ACT, and Narrative Therapy to guide you through obstacles. Together, we’ll foster understanding and growth.
My approach is centered on understanding your unique experience and guiding you through challenges like trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Whether you’re facing trauma, anxiety, depression, or life transitions, I provide a supportive space to help you navigate these challenges and achieve meaningful change. I use evidence-based therapies like Trauma-Focused CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, ACT, and Narrative Therapy to guide you through obstacles. Together, we’ll foster understanding and growth.
Ryan Long
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, EMDR-C, IMGCA-C
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20008
I utilize a powerful brain-based therapy called EMDR, which has been empirically tested in the treatment of trauma, but also has been used extensively in the the treatment of non-traumatized individuals who are experiencing problems with anxiety, low mood, and relationship difficulties.
I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults. As a former high school coach and counselor, I provide a unique approach that is both authentic and encouraging in nature. I work best with clients that are open-minded and adaptable as well as introspective and contemplative. Sense of humor plays an essential role in developing the rapport I have with my clients. Once that is established, I make sure to carefully listen to each individual's unique story, assist in planning ahead for challenges, channel strengths, and collaboratively track progress together.
I utilize a powerful brain-based therapy called EMDR, which has been empirically tested in the treatment of trauma, but also has been used extensively in the the treatment of non-traumatized individuals who are experiencing problems with anxiety, low mood, and relationship difficulties.
I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults. As a former high school coach and counselor, I provide a unique approach that is both authentic and encouraging in nature. I work best with clients that are open-minded and adaptable as well as introspective and contemplative. Sense of humor plays an essential role in developing the rapport I have with my clients. Once that is established, I make sure to carefully listen to each individual's unique story, assist in planning ahead for challenges, channel strengths, and collaboratively track progress together.
Many of my clients struggle with childhood trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and/or disordered eating and body image concerns.
Many of us find ourselves struggling with persistent feelings, patterns, and reactions that hold us back. Perhaps you’ve tried psychotherapy before, and you have a good understanding of your problems but they haven’t changed. Or perhaps you 'know' that you are capable, worthy, and appreciated by others, but at your core, you don't feel this way. I believe that much of the time, symptoms develop from negative life experiences that have not been fully resolved.
Many of my clients struggle with childhood trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and/or disordered eating and body image concerns.
Many of us find ourselves struggling with persistent feelings, patterns, and reactions that hold us back. Perhaps you’ve tried psychotherapy before, and you have a good understanding of your problems but they haven’t changed. Or perhaps you 'know' that you are capable, worthy, and appreciated by others, but at your core, you don't feel this way. I believe that much of the time, symptoms develop from negative life experiences that have not been fully resolved.
I specialize in trauma-informed, somatic, and mindfulness-based approaches that help clients reconnect with themselves and cultivate a sense of inner safety.
In our sessions, all identities and emotions are welcomed with respect and curiosity. Through body awareness, grounding practices, and transpersonal exploration, we’ll gently build tools for resilience, clarity, and growth.
I specialize in trauma-informed, somatic, and mindfulness-based approaches that help clients reconnect with themselves and cultivate a sense of inner safety.
In our sessions, all identities and emotions are welcomed with respect and curiosity. Through body awareness, grounding practices, and transpersonal exploration, we’ll gently build tools for resilience, clarity, and growth.
My passion is in working together with my clients to help them overcome anxiety and panic, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD), depression, relationship problems, grief and loss, problems with motivation, medically unexplained symptoms, behavior issues, and inattention.
I practice several specialties. These include EMDR, which is a science-backed treatment to help lessen the impact of past traumatic events. I also teach mindfulness skills, which helps people to connect nonjudgmentally with themselves and with the present.
My passion is in working together with my clients to help them overcome anxiety and panic, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD), depression, relationship problems, grief and loss, problems with motivation, medically unexplained symptoms, behavior issues, and inattention.
I practice several specialties. These include EMDR, which is a science-backed treatment to help lessen the impact of past traumatic events. I also teach mindfulness skills, which helps people to connect nonjudgmentally with themselves and with the present.
I’m Lennie and I am passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ communities–particularly transgender and gender nonconforming–and those healing from trauma, who are experiencing grief and loss, and who are coping with cancer and chronic illnesses.
I will provide a secure and non-judgmental space, centering your voice and experiences. I will support you in fostering self-compassion, dismantling unhelpful or oppressive narratives, and making meaning. My practice is based on principles such as client-centered, trauma-informed care, body/weight neutrality, disability justice, and liberation for all.
I’m Lennie and I am passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ communities–particularly transgender and gender nonconforming–and those healing from trauma, who are experiencing grief and loss, and who are coping with cancer and chronic illnesses.
I will provide a secure and non-judgmental space, centering your voice and experiences. I will support you in fostering self-compassion, dismantling unhelpful or oppressive narratives, and making meaning. My practice is based on principles such as client-centered, trauma-informed care, body/weight neutrality, disability justice, and liberation for all.
I have a holistic and strength-based approach to healing utilizing mindfulness techniques in combination with trauma-focused healing and brain education.
Being supported with our mental health is something we shouldn't have to do alone. My life’s journey has led me to my passions in mental health and entertainment, allowing me to be an advocate and DC-based therapist. I guide my clients to tap into their power which does not lie in an ideal of perfection but self-compassion instead. I'm a first-Generation Ghanaian and Afro-Indigenous giving me a broad perspective on life. I believe that my role as a therapist is to be your cheerleader and guide you towards your individual goals in a space of warmth and support.
I have a holistic and strength-based approach to healing utilizing mindfulness techniques in combination with trauma-focused healing and brain education.
Being supported with our mental health is something we shouldn't have to do alone. My life’s journey has led me to my passions in mental health and entertainment, allowing me to be an advocate and DC-based therapist. I guide my clients to tap into their power which does not lie in an ideal of perfection but self-compassion instead. I'm a first-Generation Ghanaian and Afro-Indigenous giving me a broad perspective on life. I believe that my role as a therapist is to be your cheerleader and guide you towards your individual goals in a space of warmth and support.
Jessa Doeppner Llewellyn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
Jessa Llewellyn specializes in body-centered care for trauma recovery and wellness.
Jessa helps her clients build awareness of their mind-body connection, develop compassion for their distressing nervous system patterns, and work to find peace and resolution. Jessa engages collaboratively with her clients to build a warm therapeutic environment where healing can happen.
Jessa Llewellyn specializes in body-centered care for trauma recovery and wellness.
Jessa helps her clients build awareness of their mind-body connection, develop compassion for their distressing nervous system patterns, and work to find peace and resolution. Jessa engages collaboratively with her clients to build a warm therapeutic environment where healing can happen.
I specialize in using trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support you in building emotional insight and awareness, ultimately leading to a happier and healthier life.
My journey in community mental health has allowed me to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to support your unique mental health needs.
I specialize in using trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support you in building emotional insight and awareness, ultimately leading to a happier and healthier life.
My journey in community mental health has allowed me to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to support your unique mental health needs.
My main therapeutic approach is Solution-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, and CBT.
I am open to working with all clients. My experience has been working with pre-teens, teens, and women. I have worked with trauma clients, I also worked with clients with a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, GAD, and ADHD.
My main therapeutic approach is Solution-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, and CBT.
I am open to working with all clients. My experience has been working with pre-teens, teens, and women. I have worked with trauma clients, I also worked with clients with a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, GAD, and ADHD.
Sarah Holland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
Waitlist for new clients
We all have a multitude of "parts" of ourselves - self-critical parts, wounded parts, anxious parts, courageous parts - and Internal Family Systems is a type of therapy that helps us to explore and integrate those parts to treat trauma, anxiety, self-doubt, and more.
I specialize in working with adults struggling with recent and/or childhood traumas, anxiety, OCD, dating and relationship challenges, self-doubt, and harsh inner critics. Together we can help you to heal attachment wounds to improve your relationships, learn strategies for managing anxiety, shame and guilt, decision making, emotional regulation, feeling lost or purposeless, and building tangible coping skills. I utilize principles of Internal Family Systems (or "parts work"), psychodynamic, somatic, and mindfulness-based therapies, as well as ERP and Brainspotting.
We all have a multitude of "parts" of ourselves - self-critical parts, wounded parts, anxious parts, courageous parts - and Internal Family Systems is a type of therapy that helps us to explore and integrate those parts to treat trauma, anxiety, self-doubt, and more.
I specialize in working with adults struggling with recent and/or childhood traumas, anxiety, OCD, dating and relationship challenges, self-doubt, and harsh inner critics. Together we can help you to heal attachment wounds to improve your relationships, learn strategies for managing anxiety, shame and guilt, decision making, emotional regulation, feeling lost or purposeless, and building tangible coping skills. I utilize principles of Internal Family Systems (or "parts work"), psychodynamic, somatic, and mindfulness-based therapies, as well as ERP and Brainspotting.
Meet Our Trauma and PTSD Therapists
Are you an otherwise high-performing person who is struggling with anxiety, depression, the lasting effects of trauma, or the challenges of everyday life?
I work from a primarily cognitive-behavioral perspective and treat adults with posttraumatic stress disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and difficulties with sex and relationships. As a gay man, I enjoy working with the LGBTQ+ community and take pride in providing care that affirms both gender and sexuality.
Are you an otherwise high-performing person who is struggling with anxiety, depression, the lasting effects of trauma, or the challenges of everyday life?
I work from a primarily cognitive-behavioral perspective and treat adults with posttraumatic stress disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and difficulties with sex and relationships. As a gay man, I enjoy working with the LGBTQ+ community and take pride in providing care that affirms both gender and sexuality.
I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and stress stemming from relational challenges, grief, difficulties at work, and other life transitions.
I have a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. I use a systemic approach to explore and understand the concerns and needs of my clients. Additionally, I take a strengths-based (SBT) and collaborative approach, while integrating various treatment therapies to effectively support clients in achieving their goals.
I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and stress stemming from relational challenges, grief, difficulties at work, and other life transitions.
I have a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. I use a systemic approach to explore and understand the concerns and needs of my clients. Additionally, I take a strengths-based (SBT) and collaborative approach, while integrating various treatment therapies to effectively support clients in achieving their goals.
I have over ten years of experience working with adults, youth, and families in the community mental health setting, implementing various evidence-based treatment modalities to address issues such as trauma, family conflict, parenting, and much more.
I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
I have over ten years of experience working with adults, youth, and families in the community mental health setting, implementing various evidence-based treatment modalities to address issues such as trauma, family conflict, parenting, and much more.
I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
I am primarily a trauma and eating disorder therapist, and also work with those experiencing grief, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems.
My goal is to help create a space where you feel safe exploring and processing complex experiences and mental health symptoms causing distress and holding you back from living a meaningful life. Successful therapy involves a mix of trust, empathy, and gentle challenging of thoughts leading to maladaptive behaviors. I believe great change can be made when people are empowered to identify the sources of their pain and work through the thoughts and feelings contributing to unhealthy narratives they have used to help navigate the world around them.
I am primarily a trauma and eating disorder therapist, and also work with those experiencing grief, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems.
My goal is to help create a space where you feel safe exploring and processing complex experiences and mental health symptoms causing distress and holding you back from living a meaningful life. Successful therapy involves a mix of trust, empathy, and gentle challenging of thoughts leading to maladaptive behaviors. I believe great change can be made when people are empowered to identify the sources of their pain and work through the thoughts and feelings contributing to unhealthy narratives they have used to help navigate the world around them.
Erika Arnold-McEwan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
During the past 21 years, I have provided therapy for children, adolescents, and adults to facilitate their trauma healing, manage current stressors, and develop more helpful coping strategies.
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.
During the past 21 years, I have provided therapy for children, adolescents, and adults to facilitate their trauma healing, manage current stressors, and develop more helpful coping strategies.
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.
Linda R. Levine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in trauma, grief, relationships, self-esteem, anxiety, depression and performance issues.
“Life is slippery. Here, take my hand." Jackson Brown - In times of extraordinary stress, when old issues may be exacerbated, people need a place to feel heard and understood. They may be coping with the loss of a loved one, difficulty with their relationships, the loss of a job, or the isolation and fear of living through a pandemic. As a therapist, I lend an empathic ear and help clients explore and re-wire old issues, so they can become more resilient.
I specialize in trauma, grief, relationships, self-esteem, anxiety, depression and performance issues.
“Life is slippery. Here, take my hand." Jackson Brown - In times of extraordinary stress, when old issues may be exacerbated, people need a place to feel heard and understood. They may be coping with the loss of a loved one, difficulty with their relationships, the loss of a job, or the isolation and fear of living through a pandemic. As a therapist, I lend an empathic ear and help clients explore and re-wire old issues, so they can become more resilient.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or hopeless from a trauma or series of traumas in your life?
Through EMDR, a body-based therapy that addresses the inaccurate storage of traumatic memories, painful memories lose their emotional charge. I provide empathy, a non-judgmental listening ear, and mind/body connections. We collaborate to create a safe and trusting space. I am trained in intermediate EMDR, IFS-informed, and certified in Advanced Trauma.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or hopeless from a trauma or series of traumas in your life?
Through EMDR, a body-based therapy that addresses the inaccurate storage of traumatic memories, painful memories lose their emotional charge. I provide empathy, a non-judgmental listening ear, and mind/body connections. We collaborate to create a safe and trusting space. I am trained in intermediate EMDR, IFS-informed, and certified in Advanced Trauma.
I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma.
I'm skilled in helping clients who are dealing with but not limited to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship issues, anger and stress management. My theorectical approaches help my clients acquire new, necessary skills and ways of learning how to be more self aware in order to promote self actualization to help change behaviors that cause problems in their daily lives. My therapeutic practices help my clients look at their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I help my clients replace negative thoughts with more positive and realistic ones. Everyday is a second chance!
I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma.
I'm skilled in helping clients who are dealing with but not limited to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship issues, anger and stress management. My theorectical approaches help my clients acquire new, necessary skills and ways of learning how to be more self aware in order to promote self actualization to help change behaviors that cause problems in their daily lives. My therapeutic practices help my clients look at their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I help my clients replace negative thoughts with more positive and realistic ones. Everyday is a second chance!
John Hardenbergh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
When we experience trauma, memories of these events remain with us as unprocessed memories, affecting our moods, behaviors, sense of self, and our body.
In addition to EMDR, I also help clients overcome issues related to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and relationship conflict utilizing Mindfulness based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (mbCBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and attachment informed Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT). I have experience working with a highly diverse client base.
When we experience trauma, memories of these events remain with us as unprocessed memories, affecting our moods, behaviors, sense of self, and our body.
In addition to EMDR, I also help clients overcome issues related to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and relationship conflict utilizing Mindfulness based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (mbCBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and attachment informed Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT). I have experience working with a highly diverse client base.
See more therapy options for Washington
Trauma and PTSD Therapists
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.
How long does trauma therapy take?
Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.
What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.
Can PTSD come back after treatment?
It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.