Trauma Therapy Washington DC
Takeaway: Trauma can have a deep, lasting impact on a person’s mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Thankfully, it is possible to heal. We offer in-depth PTSD counseling in Washington, DC to help people like you embrace a brighter future. Get started today.
Our approach to trauma therapy in DC
Experiencing a traumatic event can shake you to your core. That's why our clinicians take an in-depth approach to trauma treatment. Instead of treating surface-level symptoms, we want to help you find the root of your suffering.
To facilitate this, we focus on building a trusting therapeutic relationship with each of our clients. We honor the vulnerability it takes to share your pain, and we strive to create a warm, safe environment where you can feel seen and supported through it all.
It's in this space that we can help you make sense of your traumatic experience and discover new ways of showing up in the world. Trauma changes you, but you still have the ability to draw on your resilience and live life to its fullest. And you don't have to do it alone.
Meet our DC trauma therapists
Nicole Moore, Psy.D.
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Dr. Nicole Moore is the clinical director and founder of Vital Therapy. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Dr. Moore has a diverse background and enjoys helping adolescents and adults work through a number of different challenges, including trauma. She believes in each person's innate ability to heal.
Paul Higgins, LGSW
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Paul is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in DC and a Licensed Masters Social Worker in Maryland. He approaches therapy with a warm, nonjudgmental attitude and enjoys collaborating with clients to figure out a path forward together.
Rebecca Ferrer, LPC
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Rebecca is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Behavior Analyst. She is passionate about helping people learn how to embrace and regulate their emotions, and she draws on her experience as a School Counselor in her work as a private practice clinician.
Claire Connolly, LCSW
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Claire is a board-certified psychotherapist. She is dedicated to cultivating a warm, accepting environment to help her clients heal from emotional trauma, relational trauma, and more. Claire enjoys helping people learn more about themselves and find new ways to make sense of their experiences.
Finn, Service Dog
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Finn is a Golden Retriever who sees patients with Dr. Nicole Moore. He is certified as a Service Dog and has earned his Canine Good Citizen Award Certificate.
Why choose Vital Therapy for PTSD counseling in DC
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We support trauma survivors of all ages.
Our clinicians provide trauma-informed treatment to children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. We recognize that no one is immune from traumatic experiences, so we welcome people of all ages for trauma counseling services.
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We take an in-depth approach to help you find true, lasting healing.
We believe that treating PTSD symptoms alone isn't enough. In order to help you find real, meaningful change, we support you in getting to the root of your issue. From here, we can help you process your experience and find your path forward.
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We meet you where you're at.
We recognize that having choice is an important part of empowering people who have experienced trauma. As a group practice, each of our clinicians has different specialties and approaches so you can find the right fit for you. We also offer both in-person and virtual trauma therapy to help make the process as seamless as possible.
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According to the American Psychological Association (APA), trauma is a person's emotional response to a terrible event. It can include mental and physical reactions as well.
There is no definitive "rule" saying which events are traumatic and which are not. However, some examples of traumatic experiences include:
• Emotional abuse
• Physical abuse
• Sexual assault
• Natural disasters
• Car accidents
• Death of a loved one
Know that your experience is valid regardless of whether or not you see it listed above. We're here to support you no matter what you've been through.
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can present differently from person to person. At the same time, there are many common symptoms. Here are some of the main ones to look out for.
• Feeling tense or on edge
• Being easily startled
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Trouble remembering parts of the event
• Social isolation
...and more. Keep in mind that some of these symptoms may overlap with those of other mental illnesses, such as anxiety disorders or mood disorders like depression.
It's also important to note that you don't need a formal PTSD diagnosis in order to benefit from trauma therapy. We encourage you to reach out if you're interested in getting support regardless of your specific symptoms.
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There are many forms of therapy for trauma. Our therapists use several different approaches to help you heal, including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and more.
Other therapists may use different approaches, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), or even family therapy. It's important to look into your various therapy options to determine which is the right fit for you.
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Yes, trauma therapy is absolutely worth it. Therapy provides a safe space for you to express your feelings, process your experience, learn coping skills for overwhelming emotions, and ultimately find healing.
The journey through therapy can feel difficult and vulnerable at times. However, the beauty of working with a therapist is that you don't have to go through the experience alone. You'll have our full support the entire time, and together, we can figure out how to build a life you love.
FAQs about getting PTSD help in DC
Reach out today to start the healing process.
Ready to get started? We provide therapy to people of all ages in the greater DC area. Contact us today for your free consultation to make sure that we're the right fit for you. We look forward to hearing from you.