Make an Appointment: 202-318-1931 | marina@counselingindc.com

marina@counselingindc.com | 202-318-1931

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Offering online services in Washington, DC
marina@counselingindc.com | 202-318-1931

Trauma Therapy in Washington DC: Getting Unstuck from the Past

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If you are looking for trauma therapy in Washington DC or specialized counseling in DC, you are likely a professional woman or a parent who is tired of feeling "stuck." On the outside, you’re hitting your targets and managing the house in the DMV. On the inside, you’re exhausted, reactive, and wondering why the life you worked so hard for doesn't actually feel good.

At Marina Barbosa PsychHealth, I help women, children, and professionals address the deeply rooted issues that keep them in survival mode. Whether you are dealing with the fallout of family abuse or the lingering "buzz" of relational trauma, I provide the expert support you need to finally feel like yourself again.

Advanced Tools for Real Change: Brainspotting & IFS

Sometimes, you can’t just "talk" your way out of trauma. Your brain and body remember things your logical mind tries to forget. That’s why I use specialized methods that go deeper than traditional talk therapy:

  • Brainspotting: Often called the "cousin" to EMDR, this is a powerful tool that helps us find where trauma is physically stored in your brain. It’s highly effective for getting past the "stuck" points that talk therapy can't always reach.
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS): This is my primary tool for relational trauma. We look at the different "parts" of you—the part that’s a perfectionist, the part that’s angry, and the part that’s hurt—to help them stop fighting each other and start healing.

Why Seek Trauma Therapy?

Trauma is often the "silent driver" behind the stress and anxiety you feel every day. It often shows up as:

  • Relationships at work or home that feel draining or high-conflict.
  • An unrealistic need to "get it right" every single time.
  • Feeling disconnected from your spouse or children.
  • The "carrying the weight of the world" tiredness that sleep can’t fix.

High-Quality Counseling for Washington DC Professionals

I have spent over 25 years as a mental health therapist because I believe you were meant to live a satisfied, rich, and engaged life. You’ve already proven you can work hard; now it’s time to work on the things that actually bring you peace.

I’m honored to serve as a trusted trauma therapist in Washington DC, offering a safe, professional space to process your past so it stops controlling your future.

Ready to see what’s possible?

Marina Barbosa PsychHealth offers in-person therapy in DC on K Street and in Virginia on King St, Arlington.

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202-318-1931
marina@counselingindc.com

Offering online services in 
Washington, DC

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Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma & Recovery

How do I know if I need trauma therapy?

Trauma doesn't always look like a single major life event. If you feel stuck in certain behaviors—like extreme perfectionism, constant irritability with your family, or a feeling of emptiness despite your professional success—it may be a sign of unresolved trauma. If your past is impacting your current relationships or your ability to enjoy the life you’ve built in Washington DC, specialized trauma therapy can help you find relief. 

What is Brainspotting, and how does it help with trauma?

Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment that identifies, processes, and releases the physical and emotional spots where trauma is stored in the brain. Think of it as a cousin to EMDR. It allows us to access the deeper part of the brain where traditional talk therapy can't always reach. By finding a specific eye position, a brainspot, we can help your brain self-scan and heal the root cause of your symptoms. 

What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) and how does it help with relational trauma?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative tool I use for healing relational trauma and abuse. It works on the idea that we all have different parts within us—like a part that feels the need to be a perfect professional, or a part that carries deep hurt from the past. Often, these parts are at war with each other, causing the stress and anxiety you feel today. In our sessions, we work to understand and harmonize these parts so you can lead your life from a place of calm, confident Self rather than being driven by old survival instincts. 

What is relational trauma?

Relational trauma happens when there is a consistent breakdown of safety or trust within a primary relationship, such as with a parent, spouse, or partner. In my practice, I help women and children identify how these past patterns of abuse or neglect are causing issues in their lives today. By combining IFS and Brainspotting, we work to heal these wounds so you can finally foster healthy, secure connections at home and at work. 

Can I do trauma therapy while working a high-stress job?

Absolutely. In fact, many professionals in the DMV find that therapy is what finally makes their high-pressure career sustainable. My approach to counseling in DC focuses on giving you practical behavioral tools you can use immediately, while we simultaneously work on the deeper trauma. We work at a pace that feels safe and manageable for your lifestyle.