Trauma & Dissociation Therapist Virginia Beach

Trauma Therapy in Virginia Beach, VA Guided by Intuition, Safety, and Deep Presence

You have experienced childhood abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, and/or some other kind of frightening, devastating experience. These are the events that shocked you to your core, and the way you move through life has not been the same since then. It seems as if you’ve been programmed and frozen in time.

More recently, the shadows of the trauma and survival terror seem tightly wrapped around you like a heavy cloak. Now the flashbacks, powerlessness, and panic take control of you when you least expect it. Either you can’t sleep, or you’re sleeping too much. You’ve noticed you rapidly “switch” in your emotions and behaviors, and this happens automatically. Other times you feel it’s too easy to disconnect from your surroundings and what really matters to you. You typically isolate yourself, and you want to be able to trust someone and have close relationships. Sometimes you feel rage for not having been protected, and you are fed up with existence. You feel a lot of shame and guilt for not being able to deal with the madness anymore.

Maybe you’ve felt on edge for as long as you can remember… and over time, the original wound has evolved by a 1000. You know that something has to change, and you’re ready for support from a therapist in resolving your trauma so you can remember who you truly are.

Emily Bachardy, LCSW (she/her), specializing in severe dissociation, including dissociative identity disorder (DID, previously known as “multiple personality disorder”) and otherwise unspecified dissociative disorder (OSDD). I also specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, autism, ADHD, and poor self-image.

Let’s Honor the Pace Your Nervous System Needs

I help people with trauma and dissociative experiences learn how to be a good teammate in body and mind. I provide traditional talk therapy for long-term support or rapid recovery through Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Whether you want to talk in depth or not talk about your trauma at all, I’ve got cutting-edge techniques to help you finally heal.

I assist by giving life-saving information about dissociation and trauma, its causes, effects, debunk myths, and empower you with understanding of your system so you can work together as a team.

I teach breathing and grounding skills, how to safely step in and out of intolerable feelings, how to talk through to voices, how to build internal cooperation and co-consciousness with your system, art therapy exercises, and more so you can start to visualize a future. I give you plenty of resources so you can safely and gently step into the root and transform your traumatic experiences however way you want.

During talk therapy, homework is only recommended if I believe it is for your highest good, and it’s usually in the form of practice that is taught in session. After an Accelerated Resolution Therapy session, homework is not needed or necessary for you to heal the root of your distress.

Tending to Dissociation, Hypervigilance, and Inner Fragmentation

People who have experienced trauma typically come see me weekly so they have consistent support and can move out of feeling like they are in crisis. Therapy doesn’t have to feel scary and hard. It can feel like a relief, a breath of fresh air after you’ve been gasping for a long time.

I often use my training in Trauma Model Therapy which was created specifically for severe dissociation and traumatic experiences. After I have a good understanding of your dissociative and traumatic experiences, we will come up with a plan that reflects what you really want out of therapy.

I support you with strategies to make life worth living and increase your sense of stability. It’s important for you to know that reconnecting with yourself and the world around you is possible with hard work, dedication, and an absolute warrior of a therapist.

If you’re ready to feel more connected to yourself, your body, and your story I invite you to reach out. Healing begins with being truly seen.

Click here to schedule your free 15- minute phone consultation for dissociation counseling in Virginia Beach, VA. My other specialties include anxiety, depression, poor self-image, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, addiction, autism and ADHD, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trauma and Dissociation Therapy in Virginia Beach, VA

  • For trauma, you’ll want to seek a therapist specializing in trauma-informed care and who uses evidence-based therapies. You will want a therapist who understands the inner conflict and nuances of different types of trauma. Some therapists specialize in certain types of trauma.

    Whether you have experienced childhood trauma, sexual assault, combat-related trauma, or another traumatic experience, I tailor my approach to your specific needs. I often use Trauma Model Therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy to remedy inner conflicts and emotional challenges that are often born from trauma. I offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions and decide whether I am a good fit for you.

  • A therapist can provide mental health support for a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues and life transitions.

    A trauma therapist has specialized training and expertise in working with people who have experienced traumatic events. I am a trauma therapist who helps people process their traumatic memories, reduce their symptoms, and promote lasting healing for your life beyond therapy.

  • The best therapy for you depends on your individual needs and preferences, but there are several types of therapy that are effective for emotional trauma. One of these approaches is Accelerated Resolution Therapy which uses eye movements and visualization so that you can change how you see the traumatic event that caused your emotional distress. Finding a therapist who you feel comfortable and safe with is also essential for successful treatment regardless of the specific therapy type.

  • The cost of a trauma therapy session in the U.S. typically ranges from $100 to $250 per session. This can vary based on location, therapist experience, and whether you have insurance coverage.

    My fee for a 50-minute talk therapy session is $150. My fee for a 90-minute Accelerated Resolution Therapy session is $225.

    ART is more expensive per session than traditional talk therapy, but it may require fewer sessions to get results, potentially leading to a lower overall cost for some people. Talk therapy can be more affordable per session but may require a longer duration of treatment over months or years depending on your needs.