Domestic Abuse Therapists in Washington, DC

Available for in-person and telehealth appointments. Relationships with ourselves and others can be tough, and they often affect our daily lives. Recent or past traumas may intensify challenging feelings, and can lead to feeling stuck, confused, or overwhelmed. You are not alone! Collaborative therapy can help establish a sense of clarity, balance, joy, and hope. Our work together is meant to carry over into your daily life, and help you feel more secure, connected, and assertive. We will process and practice applying new skills into your life. I provide a safe space and support as you navigate your life journey.

I provide therapy to adults 18yrs+. My practice is trauma-informed, and I have particular experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals. I’m a generalist, and therefore can help those who are dealing with a variety of concerns, such as constant worry, difficulty in relationships, struggles with instances of violence or discrimination, self-critical thinking, emptiness, panic attacks, low mood, disconnection, identity development, life transitions, etc. While there are many methods of healing, therapy can be an important piece of your wellbeing, and I can help guide you towards a more self-aware, satisfying, and meaningful life.

Welcome! Recognizing that something in your life isn't working is a great sign of hope & resilience and those who find their way to my practice are usually looking for something to change in their lives. The reasons why you are seeking therapy are my top priorities and helping you have the life you want is my job. I am often described as compassionate, intuitive, empathetic, open and honest. Seeking out a therapist you connect with and trust it critical. Please come in and decide if you feel that I'm the right therapist for you! I have Tuesday-Saturday hours available.

Brenda Edmonds is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in DC that specializes in Addiction, Adoption, Alcohol Use, Alzheimer’s, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Career Counseling, Child & Parenting Needs, Coping Skills, Depression, Domestic Violence & Abuse, Dual Diagnosis, Intellectual & Learning Disabilities, Medication Management, Self-Harming, Stress, Trauma & PTSD, Mental Health, Mood Disorders, and many other areas. Brenda’s 20 years of clinical experience has been widely dedicated to working with children and adults experiencing low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse.

Life often places obstacles on our path, which can leave us feeling stuck, in pain, uncertain of how to move forward. I specialize in guiding those who arrive here by creating a nurturing and curious space to help you explore, unearth, and effectively heal untended internal wounds. My passion and expertise lie in supporting people in healing from childhood abuse and neglect, sexual violence, complex loss, and ancestral and identity-based trauma. Many also turn to me to better understand with who they truly are, their roles within relationships, and their unique purpose, or to prepare for and integrate psychedelic healing journeys.

*Now Accepting Tele-therapy Clients* Do you find yourself feeling sad, anxious, unhappy with life circumstances? Are you having relationship difficulties, feel stress from work, or have a child experiencing difficulties? I offer comprehensive assistance to change and work through many of life's challenges. If you find yourself suffering from any of these situations, or if you do not feel quite like yourself, let us help you begin on the road to improvement by addressing patient concerns, including but not limited to the following:

Ms. Paknejad has been practicing in the Washington, D.C. area for a decade, focusing on supportive services that integrate cultural sensitivity, and physical, and psychological support. Ms. Paknejad has extensive experience working with domestic and international families living and working in the DC MD VA area, including addressing changes in mood and overall functioning and focusing on issues and stresses around assimilation and acculturation due to changes in one's personal and professional settings. Through the use of solution focused techniques, Ms. Paknejad's clients are able to achieve measurable improvements.

Have you ever experienced a scary situation that turned your world upside down? Do you ever feel as if you’re reliving the event all of the sudden? Or perhaps you find yourself feeling intense fear, anxiety, shame, sadness, or disconnected from yourself, or maybe you are just numb to all feelings. Trauma can come in many different forms. It can result from experiencing abuse as a child, racism or homophobia, witnessing violence at home or in your community, or other situations where you felt powerless and afraid. Many people who have experienced trauma are left to deal with the difficult emotions that seem to come out of nowhere.

Beginning therapy can be a difficult step. But if you find yourself stuck, repeating the same ineffective, undermining coping mechanisms and unable to manage your emotions, then it might be time to start working together to help you identify more effective and constructive approaches to achieve your goals.

I have specialized training and experience helping individuals with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, life transitions, and racial issues. I guide my clients through healing by gaining insight and knowledge as well as learning to cope and effectively handle challenges. I have experience working with clients with diverse backgrounds.

CONGRATULATIONS! You have taken the first step in taking the journey toward self-discovery. At some point, most people need assistance in their lives to deal with unresolved issues, to process feelings, or to make changes in their lives that stifle their personal growth and limit their potential growth. It is during these stressful times, a supportive therapist working in a safe, honest, and open environment would help you to address unresolved issues, to process feelings and to work on maximizing your potential in all aspects of your life.

Are you living your best life? Or are you experiencing the stress/anxiety, anger, lack of motivation, sadness, grief/loss, or low self-esteem/confidence that affects us all at some point? You are not alone. Now is the time for living up to your full potential. It takes courage to seek help but no one can truly live their best life without support. I am passionate about helping you to empower yourself and create "true" happiness in your life! I believe that we have the inherent capacity to heal ourselves. Let me show you how. Contact me today.

Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, biploar disorder, or have experienced trauma? Have you self-medicated in an attempt to manage your emotions? You can expect supportive, practical help in overcoming trauma, the treatment of mood disorders, and recovery from substance abuse and behavioral addictions. Therapy will be tailored to your needs, using the tools that work best for you, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Restructuring (a core technique from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and learning stress reduction skills. In therapy, you can build lasting alternatives to unhealthy family dynamics.

I work with adults who have experienced childhood trauma and abuse. It's OK if you don't resonate with that word. Maybe you've said that you had a "dysfunctional family" or a "complicated childhood." However you see it, it is what we experienced and learned in childhood that influences how we show up in relationships with others and with ourselves. My clients want to heal their inner child, want to improve their relationships, what to feel safe and secure in who they are. They want to rewrite the stories they've held on to, and unlearn the painful negative beliefs about who they are and what they deserve.

**ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS NOW VIA TELEHEALTH ONLY*** Safety and trust are key components to the working alliance between my clients and me. By creating a space of nonjudgement, compassion, empathy and unconditional positive regard, we work together to develop a safe and trusting environment to explore life's struggles and victories.

Whether you are conflicted about a relationship, are adjusting to a life change, or are working to heal from past pain or trauma, it can be a challenge to know where to begin. Together, we will work to explore your concerns and harness your strengths to identify solutions to your stressors. My goal is that you will leave therapy with a range of skills to use in the future. I believe that you are the expert of your own experience, and I am passionate about helping you to build upon your already existing strengths.

If you're grappling with the aftermath of sexual or domestic violence, facing challenges in processing a traumatic childhood, or finding it hard to cope with daily life because of PTSD, know that you're not alone. Moving forward as a survivor can feel daunting, overwhelming, confusing, and immobilizing. But it can and does get better. With a background of nearly 20 years advocating and providing clinical support to victims of sexual violence and other violent crimes, Kourtney DeBoer, LMFT, is committed to walking with you every step of the way on your path to healing and reclaiming your voice, mind, body, and spirit.

As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist I am passionate about the mental health of individuals struggling with Posttraumatic Stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. I have successfully helped children, families, and adults with adjustment difficulties, traumatic stress exposure, and other concerns that impact their daily functioning. I am also passionate about men's health and helping men learn how to express and cope with mental health.

Every client I work with is multifaceted and has many identities. I adapt my approach to meet people where they are, and honor the differences between us. People often come to therapy looking for change. I aim to provide a supportive space where change can safely occur. I have training in Somatic Experiencing, and believe that supporting the mind-body connection can be a fundamental part of a full healing and growth process. I believe every person has an innate capacity to heal, adapt, and thrive, once genuine support and safety are in place. Whether you reach out to me or another therapist, I hope you find what you need.