Trauma therapist in Washington, DC
Let’s understand and resolve the pain together
Hello, I’m Claire Connolly, LICSW. I create a nonjudgmental space to slowly address and heal from what you’ve been through, without re-traumatizing you.
I offer in-person individual trauma therapy in Dupont Circle, Washington, DC, and online therapy for residents of DC, Maryland and Virginia.
If you think you have experienced trauma, or want to explore what happened more deeply, you’re in the right place.
Here are some symptoms that indicate you might have experienced trauma:
“I feel like I’m bad or defective at my core, even though I don’t know why.”
“My reactions to things seem out of proportion to the circumstance.”
“I space out, where things don’t feel real, and I don’t feel attached to my body.”
“I can’t handle conflict or vulnerability. I work hard to avoid it.”
“I feel like I’m constantly scanning for danger, and it’s hard to relax.”
“I’m a total perfectionist about everything. I feel like I need to be in control.”
“It’s hard to tolerate positive emotions like joy and connection.”
“I have intrusive thoughts, memories, or images related to what happened.”
“I believe that the world is fundamentally unsafe, or I can’t trust people.”
“I find myself taking care of others at the expense of what I want or need.”
“My coping mechanisms aren’t good for me (substance use, drinking, disordered eating, self-harm).”
“I find myself avoiding places or situations that remind me of what happened.”
Trauma can occur from specific, obvious incidents, but it can also be subtle, or over a period of time.
An accident or life-threatening event
Betrayal by a partner
Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
The death of someone close to you
Witnessing violence in your job
On the other side of trauma
After working together, my clients find their inner lives are much more peaceful places:
✔ Fewer flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, panic, and other PTSD symptoms
✔ Getting your ability to trust other people back, leading to closer relationships
✔ Feeling safer in your body and while alone (or with other people — depending on what was most challenging for you)
✔ A sense of regained control over your life — and the optimism that comes with it!
“Claire is a gifted psychodynamic clinician with a rare combination of depth, warmth, and rigor. She has a genuine gift for helping clients slow down and understand the roots of their patterns rather than just managing symptoms. Clients come to trust her deeply and experience lasting change from working with her—she's the kind of colleague I'd send my own family to.”
Liza Chapkovsky, LICSW
Traumatic experiences don’t have to run your life
When you’re not wrestling with what happened on your own, it becomes less daunting to work through, until it no longer feels as big as it once did.
Questions about working with a PTSD and trauma therapist?
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Yes, I specialized in complex trauma in addition to trauma and PTSD. Complex trauma usually means trauma that occurs over time, rather than in one big incident, and it may have even felt “normal” to you because you didn’t know any other way.
Complex trauma can occur from being abused or neglected in childhood, and it’s not always obvious.
Because of this, complex trauma can be trickier to recognize as trauma. My clients who come in with trauma–like symptoms but feel like they haven’t had anything traumatic happen to them often turn out to have complex trauma.
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I do. A lot of my clients hold these types of positions and may have trauma related to their role, such as the trauma of constant high-stress, visibility, or witnessing violence.
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Yes, I have extensive experience in trauma-informed approaches, so that I can help you move through your pain without re-traumatization.
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Seeing a therapist who specializes in trauma is important because they are equipped to help in a safe, non-re-traumatizing way. Not every therapist has the specific skills and experience to work with traumatic experiences, and might inadvertently cause harm.
I recognize that reaching out to get help for trauma can be hard.
I’m here whenever you’re ready to take the next step and schedule a time to chat, and see if we’re a fit.