Trauma therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that helps individuals process and heal from the emotional and psychological impact of traumatic experiences. It focuses on reducing symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, and difficulty with relationships, helping you regain a sense of safety and control. We use modalities like Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and somatic approaches to gently process trauma and strengthen your self-trust and emotional stability.

If you're experiencing persistent distress, anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, relationship challenges, or feel a lack of safety and autonomy after difficult life experiences, trauma therapy may be beneficial. Many clients come to us feeling stuck or overwhelmed by past events, especially if their choices, voice, or boundaries were repeatedly undermined. A free consultation can help determine if our services are a good fit for you.

We specialize in treating PTSD and dissociation, with a particular focus on supporting women and queer-identifying individuals. Our expertise includes addressing childhood trauma, various forms of abuse and neglect, and the complex impacts of relationships where personal agency was undermined. We also support clients exploring gender identity and self-understanding.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We'll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your history, and your goals. It’s a space for you to ask questions and determine if you feel comfortable with our approach. We'll focus on creating a safe and non-judgmental environment, prioritizing your comfort and capacity.

The duration of therapy varies greatly depending on individual needs and goals. Some clients find resolution in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support. We will regularly review your progress and adjust your treatment plan to ensure it continues to meet your evolving needs.

We believe that each client's journey is unique. Treatment plans are highly individualized, taking into account your specific experiences, goals, and comfort levels. We work collaboratively to develop a pace and approach that prioritizes your safety and agency, ensuring therapy feels supportive and effective for you.

Absolutely. Trauma therapy isn’t about pushing or reliving everything at once. We move at a pace that prioritizes your safety and capacity. Our gentle approach focuses on building resources and stability before engaging directly with traumatic memories, ensuring you feel prepared and supported. It can also be helpful to know that trauma therapy can be productive even when little to no details of the trauma are shared with the therapist. Whether we work together for days or for years, you are always in charge of what you share and when.

We actually do everything we can to not relive trauma. While some aspects of processing may involve recalling memories (only if it feels helpful), the focus is on integrating the experience and reducing its emotional charge in a controlled and safe environment.

Jess Cooper is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with specialized training in trauma-informed care and modalities such as IFS and EMDR. They've worked in both clinical and community positions as a social worker since 2018. You can learn more about Jess's background and experience on the Meet Jess page.

Absolutely. It's important to feel you are a good fit with your therapist. All feedback on treatment is welcome at any point, and referrals to other trusted clinicians can/will be provided when requested, if needed.

Virginia Code § 8.01-400.2 establishes that communications between licensed mental health professionals and their clients are privileged, meaning they cannot be disclosed without the client's consent, except under legally mandated circumstances(Virginia General Assembly, 2025):

• Mandatory Reporting: Therapists are legally required to report suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or dependent adult abuse (Virginia Code § 63.2-1509; Virginia Department of Social Services, 2025).
•  Duty to Warn: If a client poses a serious threat of harm to themselves or others, therapists have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect potential victims, which may involve breaking confidentiality (Virginia Code § 54.1-2400.1; Virginia Board of Counseling, 2025).
• Court Orders and Legal Proceedings: Confidentiality may be overridden if a court subpoenas records or mandates disclosure as part of legal proceedings (Virginia General Assembly, 2025).