Trauma Psychotherapy

Treatment of trauma and its symptoms is a multi-phase process that is often fluid and always focused on maintaining the emotional and physical safety of the individual. Trauma work is never meant to re-traumatize an individual, and while difficult, should be manageable with the support of the therapist.  
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The phases of treatment include are not perfectly linear, but do generally follow a path that includes establishing safety, engaging in careful discussion of traumatic experiences, and integration of growth and healing in the therapeutic process.  These phases specifically include:

  1. Safety and Stabilization. Working on the trauma cannot begin until a person feels safe and secure.  I work with clients to explore safety needs, whether in their physical environment or related to emotions.  Clients spend time with me learning skills to self-soothe and relax when emotions become overwhelming. We may return to this phase repeatedly over the course of our work as necessary to ensure successful treatment.
  2. Trauma processing.  It is in this phase that we will work through the memories, feelings, and sensations associated with the trauma(s).  If memories are not available for recall, then we will work to identify difficult emotions, and triggers, and the contexts in which they arise.  The goal is to have these memories and feelings become a part of your past that you can control, not an intrusive part of your present experience.
  3. Self-exploration and growth.  In the final phase of treatment, we will seek to help you create a meaningful life in which you can experience joy and satisfaction.  We will uncover thoughts, behaviors, and feelings that do not serve you well in your current relationships and work to create new patterns.

"The struggle you're in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. Don't give up."

- Robert Tew

Appointment Request

Contact US

Harmony Psychotherapy
501 Church Street NE
Suite 208
​Vienna, VA 22180

Phone: (703) 592-4243
[email protected]

Hours:
By appointment, evening hours available
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​The building is ADA accessible and contains an elevator.  If you are differently-abled and are concerned about accommodations, please let me know during the phone consultation.

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