Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists in Richmond, VA
My practice offers a safe and supportive environment in which to work through life's challenging issues, shift thoughts, feelings, behaviors and resolve relationship difficulties. It can be difficult to reach out for help, whether for anxiety, depression, relationships, addictions, sexual issues/trauma, and difficult life transitions. I will help you gain the knowledge, insight and tools you need to reclaim your life, your relationships and reach your full potential. Our work together will facilitate your personal growth, increase your self-esteem, and set you on a path to reach your personal goals, deepen relationships, and come into the fullness of your life.
My practice offers a safe and supportive environment in which to work through life's challenging issues, shift thoughts, feelings, behaviors and resolve relationship difficulties. It can be difficult to reach out for help, whether for anxiety, depression, relationships, addictions, sexual issues/trauma, and difficult life transitions. I will help you gain the knowledge, insight and tools you need to reclaim your life, your relationships and reach your full potential. Our work together will facilitate your personal growth, increase your self-esteem, and set you on a path to reach your personal goals, deepen relationships, and come into the fullness of your life.
I am passionate about supporting clients experiencing life transitions and serious mental health challenges in understanding their inner experience, navigating and processing trauma, and celebrating and reinforcing their strengths with a collaborative approach. I particularly enjoy working with those with histories of complex trauma and dissociative symptoms, young adults, folks with expansive experiences of gender and sexuality, and neurodiversity.
I am passionate about supporting clients experiencing life transitions and serious mental health challenges in understanding their inner experience, navigating and processing trauma, and celebrating and reinforcing their strengths with a collaborative approach. I particularly enjoy working with those with histories of complex trauma and dissociative symptoms, young adults, folks with expansive experiences of gender and sexuality, and neurodiversity.
My ideal client is someone struggling with the emotional aftermath of past trauma, feeling stuck in distress and unable to move forward. They seek a compassionate, safe space to process their experiences and release the weight of unresolved pain. Their goal is to heal, regain control, and embrace a future free from the constraints of their past. They want to feel lighter, more at peace, and empowered to live a fulfilling life, free from the emotional burden of past wounds.
My ideal client is someone struggling with the emotional aftermath of past trauma, feeling stuck in distress and unable to move forward. They seek a compassionate, safe space to process their experiences and release the weight of unresolved pain. Their goal is to heal, regain control, and embrace a future free from the constraints of their past. They want to feel lighter, more at peace, and empowered to live a fulfilling life, free from the emotional burden of past wounds.
You have a vision for your life, and despite your best efforts it hasn't yet materialized. You may want more fulfilling relationships, to feel worthy, to feel calmer in your mind and emotions, to focus more on the positive aspects of your life or to make decisions more easily. You may find that long ago or recent experiences continue to bother you even though you think they shouldn't. Maybe you didn't receive the care you needed growing up, were sexually assaulted, experienced medical trauma, or have experienced a loss. You want to heal, grow, and thrive. You may be worried it won't help and you are ready to try therapy.
You have a vision for your life, and despite your best efforts it hasn't yet materialized. You may want more fulfilling relationships, to feel worthy, to feel calmer in your mind and emotions, to focus more on the positive aspects of your life or to make decisions more easily. You may find that long ago or recent experiences continue to bother you even though you think they shouldn't. Maybe you didn't receive the care you needed growing up, were sexually assaulted, experienced medical trauma, or have experienced a loss. You want to heal, grow, and thrive. You may be worried it won't help and you are ready to try therapy.
Have you found yourself overwhelmed by the weight of past trauma either from childhood abuse, intergenerational trauma, or sexual assault & feeling stuck with the memories playing out in your head? Or maybe you’ve been saying “I need to get back to my old self,” or “I’ve been dealing with a lot lately” & hoping for the insight or tools to change that? I work with adults, veterans & LGBTQIA folks just like you: ones that have it within them to thrive again after trauma & life challenges, but just need the support to tap into their strengths to get there or support gathering & sorting pieces of life to make sense of everything.
Have you found yourself overwhelmed by the weight of past trauma either from childhood abuse, intergenerational trauma, or sexual assault & feeling stuck with the memories playing out in your head? Or maybe you’ve been saying “I need to get back to my old self,” or “I’ve been dealing with a lot lately” & hoping for the insight or tools to change that? I work with adults, veterans & LGBTQIA folks just like you: ones that have it within them to thrive again after trauma & life challenges, but just need the support to tap into their strengths to get there or support gathering & sorting pieces of life to make sense of everything.
If therapy hasn’t worked for you before you’re not alone & it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Opening up can feel overwhelming. Trust, vulnerability, & meaningful change are not easy, especially when past therapy experiences have been discouraging. Effective therapy requires the right approach, applied with skill and intention.
My work focuses on identifying and moving through the barriers that keep clients stuck, creating meaningful and lasting change. With advanced training in a wide range of evidence-based and holistic modalities, treatment is precisely tailored, so you feel understood & supported with steady progress.
If therapy hasn’t worked for you before you’re not alone & it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Opening up can feel overwhelming. Trust, vulnerability, & meaningful change are not easy, especially when past therapy experiences have been discouraging. Effective therapy requires the right approach, applied with skill and intention.
My work focuses on identifying and moving through the barriers that keep clients stuck, creating meaningful and lasting change. With advanced training in a wide range of evidence-based and holistic modalities, treatment is precisely tailored, so you feel understood & supported with steady progress.
Insta: therapybydenise Tiktok: therapybydenise - My practice focuses on the economic and systemic influences of generational trauma within disenfranchised communities. Addressing trauma within cultural norms and family structures provides for a 360º vantage point of an individual’s world view. This is especially important when I am working with people of color, women, individuals of the LBGTQIA+ community, and any persons that comes from a minority status. Trauma and pain can be considered as muscle memory. This type of emotional memory can be passed down through generations and if left unexplored, can lead to emotional issues.
Insta: therapybydenise Tiktok: therapybydenise - My practice focuses on the economic and systemic influences of generational trauma within disenfranchised communities. Addressing trauma within cultural norms and family structures provides for a 360º vantage point of an individual’s world view. This is especially important when I am working with people of color, women, individuals of the LBGTQIA+ community, and any persons that comes from a minority status. Trauma and pain can be considered as muscle memory. This type of emotional memory can be passed down through generations and if left unexplored, can lead to emotional issues.
I am dedicated to collaborating with those who have experienced complex developmental trauma and educating other providers about its impacts. I have a lived understanding of how experiences from childhood can shape your outlook, behaviors, and access to resources. I view the “symptoms” that arose from these experiences as adaptations that helped you survive. It is a privilege to help you resolve patterns passed down to you so that you can heal and move forward on your own terms.
I am dedicated to collaborating with those who have experienced complex developmental trauma and educating other providers about its impacts. I have a lived understanding of how experiences from childhood can shape your outlook, behaviors, and access to resources. I view the “symptoms” that arose from these experiences as adaptations that helped you survive. It is a privilege to help you resolve patterns passed down to you so that you can heal and move forward on your own terms.
Trauma leaves you feeling scared, powerless and alone. One moment you’ve got your guard up, pushing people away. The next, you’re making yourself small and taking the blame. It's hard to trust that anyone could understand or love you. These are normal trauma responses that helped you survive when you had no better options. - -> (But it’s not you, it’s what happened to you.) <- - What protected you then often keeps you stuck now. You aren't powerless anymore. As a certified trauma specialist, I help you feel safe being yourself and build healthy relationships where you are loved for who you are.
Trauma leaves you feeling scared, powerless and alone. One moment you’ve got your guard up, pushing people away. The next, you’re making yourself small and taking the blame. It's hard to trust that anyone could understand or love you. These are normal trauma responses that helped you survive when you had no better options. - -> (But it’s not you, it’s what happened to you.) <- - What protected you then often keeps you stuck now. You aren't powerless anymore. As a certified trauma specialist, I help you feel safe being yourself and build healthy relationships where you are loved for who you are.
Something has tipped the balance for you from managing your pain and coping with your stresses, to "I can’t do this alone.” It is a scary place to be in, and it says a lot about your character that you’re willing to reach out. My clients have reached that point in a number of issues. Religious trauma, dissociation, anxiety, depression and LGBTQ issues factor big among my clients.
Something has tipped the balance for you from managing your pain and coping with your stresses, to "I can’t do this alone.” It is a scary place to be in, and it says a lot about your character that you’re willing to reach out. My clients have reached that point in a number of issues. Religious trauma, dissociation, anxiety, depression and LGBTQ issues factor big among my clients.
Jimmy Christmas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAC, MYT, ADS, 200 RYT
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23294
"Are you feeling stressed out about your relationships, employment, finances, addiction, your future? Is your stress causing anxiety, tension and depression? Trouble sleeping due to stress, anxiety and past/current trauma? I am interested in helping people live their best life. I am concerned with how stress affects us and I am trained and skilled to assist people in learning skills and strategies to reduce their stress and find more happiness in their lives. I have experience treating individuals with mood and thought disorders, substance abuse, trauma, stress and anxiety and a host of life issues.
"Are you feeling stressed out about your relationships, employment, finances, addiction, your future? Is your stress causing anxiety, tension and depression? Trouble sleeping due to stress, anxiety and past/current trauma? I am interested in helping people live their best life. I am concerned with how stress affects us and I am trained and skilled to assist people in learning skills and strategies to reduce their stress and find more happiness in their lives. I have experience treating individuals with mood and thought disorders, substance abuse, trauma, stress and anxiety and a host of life issues.
I work adults age 25+ who are navigating trauma, attachment wounds, identity shifts, and relationship patterns that are no longer working. Many of my clients find they have spent years being the “strong one” for others, often while feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected on the inside. I have extensive experience supporting clients in the perinatal and postpartum period, as well as those who may have tried therapy before and are now ready to slow down, go deeper, and understand not just what they’re feeling, but why—and how to heal it on a body and nervous system level.
I work adults age 25+ who are navigating trauma, attachment wounds, identity shifts, and relationship patterns that are no longer working. Many of my clients find they have spent years being the “strong one” for others, often while feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected on the inside. I have extensive experience supporting clients in the perinatal and postpartum period, as well as those who may have tried therapy before and are now ready to slow down, go deeper, and understand not just what they’re feeling, but why—and how to heal it on a body and nervous system level.
My ideal client is someone who may feel overwhelmed by challenges of daily life. They may be experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, or struggles with self-esteem. These clients come with a deep need for compassion and understanding, wanting to feel heard and understood. Their goals typically revolve around gaining insight into their behavior and thought patterns while working toward emotional stability. Ultimately, my ideal client is someone yearning for change and willing to invest in their personal journey. They desire not just to cope but to thrive.
My ideal client is someone who may feel overwhelmed by challenges of daily life. They may be experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, or struggles with self-esteem. These clients come with a deep need for compassion and understanding, wanting to feel heard and understood. Their goals typically revolve around gaining insight into their behavior and thought patterns while working toward emotional stability. Ultimately, my ideal client is someone yearning for change and willing to invest in their personal journey. They desire not just to cope but to thrive.
Alison has been the Chief Clinical Officer responsible for operations of community-based programs (Intensive In-home, Mental Health Skill-Building, and Crisis Stabilization) at our sister company, River City Comprehensive Counseling, since 2010. She has experience providing individual and group outpatient therapy in the mental health and substance use fields with older adolescents and adult populations.
Alison has been the Chief Clinical Officer responsible for operations of community-based programs (Intensive In-home, Mental Health Skill-Building, and Crisis Stabilization) at our sister company, River City Comprehensive Counseling, since 2010. She has experience providing individual and group outpatient therapy in the mental health and substance use fields with older adolescents and adult populations.
People enter into a counseling relationship when nothing else seems to be working. Although most people soon make comments such as, “(Counseling) was a lot better than I thought it would be”, few people seek counseling as a first option. More often we seek out techniques that either help us to temporarily avoid (e.g., media, social networking) our anxiety, or we seek temporary shots of pleasure (e.g., alcohol, food, pornography) that make us feel good for a short time. Soon enough we realize that all of these things leave us feeling more hollow and lonely, and that is when we start thinking about counseling.
People enter into a counseling relationship when nothing else seems to be working. Although most people soon make comments such as, “(Counseling) was a lot better than I thought it would be”, few people seek counseling as a first option. More often we seek out techniques that either help us to temporarily avoid (e.g., media, social networking) our anxiety, or we seek temporary shots of pleasure (e.g., alcohol, food, pornography) that make us feel good for a short time. Soon enough we realize that all of these things leave us feeling more hollow and lonely, and that is when we start thinking about counseling.
I work with couples who want to improve the quality of their relationships. They often come to therapy feeling chronically stuck and unhappy together, having trouble communicating, and desperately longing to feel connected again. They are in need of a supportive space to slow things down and get to the "heart of the matter" so that they can build a relationship that provides mutual support, companionship, enjoyment.
Although I specialize in couples, I do also see families (all members must be 14+ years) and individuals; please feel free to reach out if you are interested in either of those modalities.
I work with couples who want to improve the quality of their relationships. They often come to therapy feeling chronically stuck and unhappy together, having trouble communicating, and desperately longing to feel connected again. They are in need of a supportive space to slow things down and get to the "heart of the matter" so that they can build a relationship that provides mutual support, companionship, enjoyment.
Although I specialize in couples, I do also see families (all members must be 14+ years) and individuals; please feel free to reach out if you are interested in either of those modalities.
I work with individuals who are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that don’t feel aligned anymore. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or life transitions, therapy with me is a space where you can slow down, feel supported, and begin to understand yourself in a deeper way.
I believe healing happens when you feel safe enough to be real. In our work together, I show up as collaborative, grounded, and honest. I’m here to support you in reconnecting with yourself, building awareness, and creating meaningful change in a way that actually feels sustainable.
I work with individuals who are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that don’t feel aligned anymore. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or life transitions, therapy with me is a space where you can slow down, feel supported, and begin to understand yourself in a deeper way.
I believe healing happens when you feel safe enough to be real. In our work together, I show up as collaborative, grounded, and honest. I’m here to support you in reconnecting with yourself, building awareness, and creating meaningful change in a way that actually feels sustainable.
Beginning your therapy journey can be frightening, there may be a lot of fear surrounding sharing your feelings and struggles with a complete stranger. That is normal and natural. My goal is to create a caring and safe space where you will feel at ease to work on your difficulties. Working with a therapist is a special relationship. There must be trust and compatibility, being open and honest with how your are feeling is the key to working collaboratively with your therapist.
Beginning your therapy journey can be frightening, there may be a lot of fear surrounding sharing your feelings and struggles with a complete stranger. That is normal and natural. My goal is to create a caring and safe space where you will feel at ease to work on your difficulties. Working with a therapist is a special relationship. There must be trust and compatibility, being open and honest with how your are feeling is the key to working collaboratively with your therapist.
My ideal clients are individuals navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, stress, self-esteem challenges, behavioral concerns, trauma-related stress, life transitions, or relationship difficulties. Many clients come to therapy feeling stuck, emotionally drained, disconnected from themselves, or overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities. My goal is to help clients feel emotionally supported while building healthier coping skills, confidence, emotional awareness, balance, and overall personal growth in a safe and collaborative environment.
My ideal clients are individuals navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, stress, self-esteem challenges, behavioral concerns, trauma-related stress, life transitions, or relationship difficulties. Many clients come to therapy feeling stuck, emotionally drained, disconnected from themselves, or overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities. My goal is to help clients feel emotionally supported while building healthier coping skills, confidence, emotional awareness, balance, and overall personal growth in a safe and collaborative environment.
I work with people that feel that no one can help, and often feel that the harder they try the less progress they make. This can leave people feeling overwhelmed and isolated. I focus on helping people understand their underlying motivations and identify emotions that are being suppressed. The purpose of this is to help people develop a stronger sense of self, identify what motivates destructive patterns in their life, and help resolve interpersonal struggles. I work with couples and individuals and specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of personality disorders.
I work with people that feel that no one can help, and often feel that the harder they try the less progress they make. This can leave people feeling overwhelmed and isolated. I focus on helping people understand their underlying motivations and identify emotions that are being suppressed. The purpose of this is to help people develop a stronger sense of self, identify what motivates destructive patterns in their life, and help resolve interpersonal struggles. I work with couples and individuals and specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of personality disorders.
See more therapy options for Richmond
Nearby Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists Searches for Richmond
- Bellevue
- Chesterfield
- Glen Allen
- Henrico
- Mechanicsville
- Midlothian
- North Chesterfield
- Petersburg
- West End
- Williamsburg
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.