Trauma Therapy in Washington D.C.
At Seasons of Strength, I provide online trauma therapy for adults in Washington D.C. experiencing the lasting effects of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other difficult life experiences. As an EMDR therapist, I use evidence-based trauma treatment to help clients process distressing memories and move toward lasting healing through secure virtual sessions.
Is trauma therapy right for me?
Have you experienced something horrific, disturbing, or life-threatening? Do you feel unsafe, unhinged, or unloved? Do painful reminders of the past keep you from living your best life?
There is hope.
If you or someone you love are struggling, let me help.
My name is Laureen DiMattia, and I founded Seasons of Strength to help survivors of trauma just like you. I’m proud to offer remote EMDR therapy, which is a specialized treatment option for people with post-traumatic stress.
What is trauma?
When we talk about “trauma,” many people think about PTSD, military veterans, or survivors of horrific events. But trauma can happen to anyone.
Sometimes, it’s caused by severe experiences, such as witnessing or surviving:
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
Violence or criminal acts
Death
Life-threatening illness or disease
Terrorism or war
These are all examples of what therapists call “big T” Trauma. Experiences that cause big T Trauma present significant risk for developing symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
However, even less acute trauma, or “little t” trauma, can impact your life, such as:
Childhood bullying
Public humiliation
Divorce or breaking up with a partner
Losing a job
Sexism or racism
Trauma, big or small, overwhelms the mind with a flood of intense, confusing, scary emotions. When this happens, we try to make sense of the experience and heal on its own – but unfortunately, the mind often struggles to recover properly.
What happens when trauma is not processed?
Traumatic memories are often stored in ways that create pain and suffering long afterward for months or even years. Think of it like an improperly healed injury, like a bone that isn’t properly set or a cut that wasn’t properly bandaged. It might still hurt for months, even years after the event that caused it.
When these symptoms cause distress or dysfunction, therapists will often provide a diagnosis of PTSD, or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Left untreated, post-traumatic stress can ruin your sense of safety, quality of life, and hopes for the future.
That’s where therapy comes in.
How can trauma therapy help?
You don’t have to do this alone.
Psychotherapy (also called therapy or counseling) is the first line of treatment for trauma because it truly works. Therapy is all about giving you and your mind a chance to properly heal and reprocess the trauma, all held in the safety and privacy of the therapy office:
You and your therapist work together as a team to address the underlying hurt as you make progress on your healing journey. Trauma therapists (like me!) are specially trained to help you work through painful memories at your own pace; that way, you don’t feel overwhelmed along the way.
With the right support and care, you can move forward from the past. Seasons of Strength is proud to offer therapy survivors of trauma in the DC area– people just like you. If you or a loved one are suffering and would like help, don’t wait.
My approach to trauma therapy
Let’s work together!
As an EMDR therapist, I can provide a specialized treatment option for trauma. EMDR is perfect for anyone who is looking for rapid results or who may have already tried other therapies.
Each session is completely confidential and specifically designed to meet your goals. Our first meeting is all about helping us get to know each other. I’ll ask lots of questions about your story to get a sense of what might be contributing to the problem, and you get the chance to learn more about how I work and what to expect from treatment.
I provide an individually tailored, evidence-based approach to trauma therapy. I believe that, with the right support and guidance, you can finally move forward from the past. In addition to using EMDR in treatment, I also draw from effective psychotherapy techniques such as psychodynamic, CBT, and DBT.
Trauma Therapy in Washington, DC, can help you learn to:
Become “unstuck” and find freedom from trauma
Relax your body and sleep well
Reduce frequency of nightmares
Feel confident and have self-control
Manage and reduce flashbacks
Think positively and understand your emotions
Let go of old pain and move forward with wellness
I call my practice Seasons of Strength for a reason.
All of us experience hardship. All of us go through times where we feel helpless, defeated, and broken. All of us live through ups and downs, through misery and joy. I believe that, no matter what life has thrown your way, you have the power to make things better. You can find your source of strength, freedom, and control.
Together, we can make that happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Online trauma therapy allows you to meet with your therapist through secure video sessions from the comfort and privacy of your home. Research shows that virtual therapy can be highly effective for many people recovering from trauma.
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If painful experiences continue to affect your relationships, sleep, emotions, or daily life, trauma therapy may help. You do not need a PTSD diagnosis to benefit from treatment.
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Trauma therapy can help with both major traumatic events, such as abuse, violence, or accidents, as well as experiences like bullying, grief, relationship trauma, or other distressing life events that continue to impact your well-being.
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Yes. Studies have shown that online trauma therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many people. Many clients also appreciate being able to participate from a familiar, comfortable environment.
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Your therapist will help you explore your experiences at a pace that feels manageable while teaching skills to support healing and emotional regulation. Sessions are tailored to your individual needs and goals.
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No. You never have to share more than you feel ready to discuss. Trauma therapy is designed to help you process difficult experiences safely and at a pace that feels comfortable.
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The best therapy depends on your needs and experiences. Evidence-based approaches such as EMDR and other trauma-informed therapies are all effective options for treating trauma. Seasons of Strength specializes in remote EMDR therapy.
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Yes. Trauma can continue to affect your thoughts, emotions, and body long after an event has occurred. Many people begin therapy years later and still experience meaningful healing and relief.
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Yes. If you are physically located in Washington D.C. or anywhere in Maryland during your appointment, you can participate in secure online trauma therapy.
Find Your Season of Strength
Interested in hearing more about my practice?
Want to learn more about how I can help?
I would love to hear from you.