Trauma-Informed & Affirming Therapy with Carolyn Hoffmann, LICSW, LCSW-C
Healthy relationships and strong communication skills are an essential part of a meaningful life and, as we all know, relationships also take work. Working with me will go beyond the surface & you will be supported every step of the way as we do the "deep work" together. You’ll be met with an inclusive, empathic, & nonjudgemental space to understand your emotions as we work to nurture your personal relationships. We’ll be the best fit if you have a willingness to deeply understand yourself, heal from past trauma, and work through the conflict patterns that may be playing out in your current relationships and/or romantic connections.
Specialized Support for Trauma & PTSD
After traumatic experiences, you might start to feel like other people in your life don’t understand what you have been through and those relationships become more challenging to navigate. There is often difficulty trusting your intuition again about what activities or people you can trust to keep you safe or to have vulnerable moments in their company. My role is to support you to work through trauma stuck points that recur in your memory. These stuck points might be telling you that you’re not good enough, you’re unworthy of taking up space in your own life, or that other people in your life are unable to handle your pain so you must continue on alone. I want to assure you that I am here for you and I’m able to hold some of that heaviness with you.
Areas of Focus
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Addressing relationship violence, PTSD, sexual trauma, and emotional healing.
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Understanding how your trauma and past impact your relationships
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Learning to prioritize personal needs and understand patterns.
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Learning to understand trauma, prioritize personal needs, and establish effective self-care routines.
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Managing anxious thoughts, emotional wellness, and developing coping strategies.
Therapeutic Approach
In our sessions, I will use a balance of listening & open-ended questions to really understand your life experiences. We will prioritize conversational connection & reasonable expectations as we identify together what sustainable change means for your relationship(s). I have expertise in supporting clients who identify as ethically nonmonogomous, poly, queer, or open. All relationship constellations and all parts of you are welcome in my practice.
If you’re a fellow social worker, I also offer Clinical Supervision for LGSWs and LGPCs in DC or LMSWs and LGPCs in Maryland.
Why Choose Carolyn
My passion is working with couples and survivors of sexual violence who want to deeply process their identities, relationships, & communication skills. I specialize in working with clients from historically marginalized groups to help you feel both seen and understood. I value setting clear & attainable goals so we can move towards growth & awareness in a way that is meaningful for you. My goal is always to help you have healthy and successful relationships in your life.
