Find a Therapist for Trauma in Chevy Chase: Compassionate, Evidence-Based Support for Healing

Trauma can leave deep marks—not just on the mind, but on the body, relationships, and sense of self. If you or someone you love is struggling with the lasting effects of trauma, you may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward. You are not alone. At Ballast Health and Wellness, we offer expert, compassionate care from a therapist for trauma in Chevy Chase, specializing in work with adolescents, young adults, and their families.

What Is Trauma, and How Does It Affect the Mind and Body?

Trauma is any experience that overwhelms your nervous system and exceeds your ability to cope. It might be a one-time event, like an accident or assault, or ongoing experiences such as emotional neglect, bullying, abuse, or chronic instability.

While trauma is often associated with major events, small, repeated experiences—like being constantly criticized, ignored, or unsafe—can have just as much of an impact.

Trauma affects both the mind and body. It can lead to:

• Emotional dysregulation (sudden anger, numbness, or fear)

• Hypervigilance or always feeling “on edge”

• Trouble sleeping or nightmares

• Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, or fatigue

• Flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, or dissociation

• Difficulty trusting others or forming healthy relationships

Because trauma impacts the nervous system, healing must involve more than just “talking it out.” Working with a trained therapist for trauma in Chevy Chase helps you reconnect with safety, rebuild trust in your body and mind, and begin to process what’s happened at your own pace.

How Do I Know If I Have Unresolved Trauma?

Unresolved trauma doesn’t always look dramatic. Many people carry trauma for years without realizing it. You might feel “off,” emotionally reactive, or chronically anxious and not know why. You might wonder why certain situations or people trigger strong reactions you can’t explain.

Some signs of unresolved trauma include:

• Emotional numbness or overreactions to stress

• Avoidance of certain people, places, or memories

• Feeling stuck in the past or like your life is on pause

• Difficulty connecting with others or maintaining boundaries

• Unexplained health issues or chronic pain

• Repeating the same relationship or behavior patterns

If any of these resonate with you, it may be time to work with a therapist for trauma in Chevy Chase who can help you uncover and heal the roots of your distress.

What Are the Symptoms of Trauma or PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a clinical diagnosis that describes a specific response to trauma. But even without meeting all the criteria for PTSD, trauma can deeply affect your life.

Common symptoms include:

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories

• Nightmares or sleep disturbances

• Startling easily or always feeling “on guard”

• Emotional numbness or avoidance

• Guilt, shame, or self-blame

• Difficulty concentrating or feeling disconnected from reality

If you’re wondering whether your symptoms could be linked to trauma, a skilled therapist for trauma in Chevy Chase can help assess your experience and guide you toward meaningful, tailored support.

Can Therapy Help with Trauma?

Yes—therapy is one of the most effective ways to heal from trauma.

Healing from trauma doesn’t mean forgetting what happened. It means learning how to live a full life without being hijacked by your past. Therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore painful experiences, regulate overwhelming emotions, and reconnect with your body and sense of self.

At Ballast Health and Wellness, our clinicians are trained in trauma-informed care and offer personalized therapy that honors your pace, your story, and your goals. Whether you’ve recently experienced trauma or are carrying pain from years ago, we are here to support your healing.

What Type of Therapy Is Best for Trauma?

Different people respond to different approaches—and at Ballast, we tailor our treatment to what works best for you. Some of the most effective trauma treatments include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe unhelpful thoughts and build coping strategies

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Supports emotional regulation and distress tolerance

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A structured method proven to reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories

• Psychodrama: Uses role-play and guided reenactment to safely process stuck emotional patterns

• Somatic and body-based therapies: Help release trauma stored in the body

• Mindfulness and grounding techniques: Build safety and awareness in the present moment

If you’re searching for a therapist for trauma in Chevy Chase, we will work with you to determine the best approach for your healing journey.

What Is EMDR and How Does It Work for Trauma?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful and evidence-based therapy for trauma. It helps people reprocess distressing memories so that they’re no longer as emotionally overwhelming.

Here’s how it works:

• You identify a specific traumatic memory or belief

• While recalling the memory, your therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds)

• This process helps the brain “re-file” the memory—removing its emotional intensity while preserving the facts

Many clients report feeling lighter, less reactive, and more in control after EMDR. At Ballast Health and Wellness, we’re proud to offer EMDR as part of our trauma treatment options with a certified therapist for trauma in Chevy Chase.

How Long Does It Take to Heal from Trauma?

Healing from trauma is not linear, and there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some clients see significant relief after just a few months of therapy; others need longer-term support, especially if the trauma was complex, repeated, or occurred in early life.

The good news is: healing is always possible. You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. The most important step is taking the first one—and a trauma-informed therapist will walk with you from there.

How Do I Find a Trauma Therapist Near Me?

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already struggling. Here are a few tips:

• Look for trauma-informed care: This means the therapist understands how trauma impacts the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

• Check for specialized training: EMDR, somatic therapy, or psychodrama certification are good signs of experience.

• Prioritize the relationship: Healing happens in the context of trust and connection.

• Consider age specialization: For adolescents and young adults, choose someone experienced in that developmental stage.

If you’re looking for a trusted therapist for trauma in Chevy Chase, our team at Ballast Health and Wellness is here and ready to support you.

What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy?

Trauma-informed therapy goes beyond just treating symptoms. It involves understanding the impact of trauma on the nervous system, emotions, behavior, and relationships—and creating a space where clients feel safe, empowered, and respected.

In trauma-informed therapy, we:

• Assume that challenging behaviors may be rooted in trauma

• Avoid re-traumatizing experiences

• Prioritize choice, collaboration, and transparency

• Help clients build internal and external resources before diving into trauma narratives

Every therapist for trauma in Chevy Chase at our practice works from this lens—because we believe that healing begins with feeling safe and seen.

Begin Your Healing Journey at Ballast Health and Wellness

At Ballast Health and Wellness, we specialize in trauma therapy for adolescents, young adults, and their families. We know how isolating trauma can feel—and we also know that healing is possible. Our approach is compassionate, flexible, and grounded in both evidence and empathy.

Our trauma-informed therapists use a blend of approaches, including:

• Psychodrama to access deep emotional material in a creative and powerful way

• EMDR to reprocess traumatic memories safely

• CBT and DBT to build practical skills and emotional stability

• Somatic and body-based modalities to help you reconnect with your body and feel safe again

Whether you’re navigating recent trauma or uncovering old wounds, we’ll meet you where you are—and walk alongside you toward healing.

Ready to Take the First Step?

You don’t have to carry the weight of trauma alone. If you’re looking for a therapist for trauma in Chevy Chase, reach out to Ballast Health and Wellness today. Schedule a consultation and discover how we can support you or your loved one on the path to recovery, resilience, and peace.