Therapy for Dissociation and Complex PTSD, Online in DC, MD, VA & PA
Jess Stern, LPC, EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist, licensed in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
You lose time. You watch your life from a few feet behind your own eyes. Parts of you want very different things, and you're tired of the fight. Therapy for dissociation and complex PTSD helps your system feel safe enough that it doesn't have to leave.
I work with adults whose trauma was long-term, often starting in childhood, and whose nervous system learned to cope by disconnecting. Sessions are online, 45 minutes, and paced to what your system can handle.
What does dissociation feel like?
Dissociation is the mind's way of getting distance from something too much to feel all at once. It can show up as:
Feeling numb, foggy, or unreal, like you're on autopilot
Gaps in memory, or losing track of time
Feeling like your body or surroundings aren't quite real
Hearing inner voices or sensing parts of you that act on their own
Shutting down or going blank when something reminds you of the past
None of this means you're broken. It means a part of you worked very hard to keep you safe.
What is complex PTSD?
Complex PTSD comes from repeated trauma, usually in relationships you couldn't leave, like a childhood home. Along with the usual trauma symptoms, it often brings a harsh inner critic, trouble trusting people, and emotions that swing from overwhelming to nothing at all.
Many people with complex PTSD have tried talk therapy and understand their story well. It still runs their life. That gap between knowing and feeling is where I focus.
How do I work with dissociation?
I don't rush toward trauma memories. Work with dissociation happens in phases:
Stabilization first. We build grounding skills, get to know your system, and make sure you have ways to come back when you drift.
Getting to know your parts. I use Internal Family Systems (IFS) to understand the protective parts that dissociate, numb, or take over, and to earn their trust.
Processing, when you're ready. Once your system agrees, we use EMDR or an offshoot called Flash, often in small, carefully contained pieces, to process what's still stuck.
Integration. We bring what's changed into your daily life and relationships.
We keep checking in on your window of tolerance throughout. If you leave a session feeling raw or far away, we slow down.
Is online therapy safe for dissociation?
For many people, yes. Being in your own space can help you feel more grounded. We'll plan together for what happens if you dissociate during a session, including grounding steps and how I'll check in with you on camera. If online work isn't a good fit for where you are right now, I'll tell you honestly and help you find another option.
Who is this not the right fit for?
I'm not the right therapist if you're currently in active psychosis, need a higher level of care like inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment, or are primarily seeking treatment for an eating disorder or active substance use. I'm glad to help you find the right referral.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a diagnosis to work with you?
No. Many people I work with have never had their dissociation named. We can figure out what's going on together.
Do you work with DID or OSDD?
Yes. I work with dissociative disorders, including DID and OSDD, using a phase-oriented approach with IFS and EMDR/Flash.
Will EMDR make my dissociation worse?
Not if it's paced correctly. EMDR for dissociation starts slowly, with extra preparation and grounding. We don't process trauma until your system is ready.
How long does therapy for complex PTSD take?
Usually longer than therapy for a single event, often a year or more. Many people notice changes in how they feel day to day well before then.
How much does it cost?
Sessions start at $199 for 45 minutes. I provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
Getting started
The first step is a free 15-minute consultation. You don't have to explain everything, just enough for us to see if we're a good fit.