About Therapy
I know why you’re here.
I wish it were for something else, but it’s not. It’s because you’re suffering – inside and out.
Anxiety and depression…
Relationship struggles like divorce or infidelity…
Losing someone or something dear to your heart…
Grief and trauma have turned your world upside down.
You don’t fit into a neat little box…
And that’s okay!
When you’re here, your diagnosis doesn’t define you.
And I believe you (indeed, everyone!) will benefit from warm, compassionate, research-informed care.
Let’s get you the treatment you need to stop suffering and get on with your life.
It’s not just in your head.
The pain is lodged in your body, too.
Even though there may be no current danger, your body acts like there is.
Your muscles tense, and you tire easily. It’s exhausting.
Some days, it’s hard to get out of bed or take a shower.
That’s why we’ll treat ALL of you.
It’s time for your mind, body, and spirit to heal.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR )
EMDR uses taps, lights, and sounds to access and reprocess traumatic memories, removing psychological barriers to healing.
Your memories and unhelpful negative beliefs like “I am damaged or broken” or “I am helpless” are targeted and desensitized, reducing your physical arousal to them.
New learning occurs, strengthening your adaptive skills and kick-starting your brain’s natural healing process.
What once held you emotionally hostage now empowers you.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Gradually, you’ll be exposed to things or situations that trigger your intense anxiety. You’ll go at your own pace, never forced to take a step before you’re ready.
Your anxious response will gradually reduce over time through a process called “habituation,” which is like watching a scary movie over and over until it no longer scares you.
You’ll learn coping skills to tolerate your anxiety without your usual unhelpful behaviors. No more avoiding, counting, hand washing, or relying on medication. You don’t need a lucky rabbit’s foot or talisman – you’ve got this!
Body work
You’ll practice simple, free relaxation techniques that you can do anywhere, anytime to help you manage stress, anger, or anxiety.
Your body is as important in therapy as your mind – you’ll work to calm your anxious nervous system and get grounded.
Through body work, you can reduce your physical arousal, and from a calm state, you can make emotional insights and skillful choices.
Get ready to work through it all.
Your hurt.
Your anger.
Your feelings of betrayal.
It’s what we have to do if you’re going to heal and become the trusting, compassionate person you know is inside of you.
I’ll teach you to set and maintain boundaries.
I’ll show you how to communicate assertively.
I’ll practice real-world scenarios with you so you can improve your skills in a safe environment.
Practice doesn’t make perfect, but…
Practice makes prepared.
Yes, I might ask you to have a conversation with a stuffed Baby Yoda doll!
What better way to practice telling your mother-in-law you’re not coming to Thanksgiving?
It’s time to start healing.
How you feel now doesn’t have to be how you feel forever.
If you’re ready to stop suffering and start healing, call (202) 753-9836 today for a free 15-minute consultation.
About Megan Carraco, MA, LCPC
How I got into therapy…
Originally from the Republic of Texas, I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Texas, where I worked in the anxiety disorders and phobias lab.
Yes, THAT lab. The one with snakes and tarantulas, and a coffin to help patients overcome claustrophobia. (See? Telehealth isn’t so scary, is it?)
I went on to complete my graduate studies in clinical and counseling psychology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where I worked in the couples lab, studying how stable and loving relationships can support people living with severe mental illness.
Before starting my private practice, I worked in research at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism at the NIH and the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, experiences that deepened my appreciation for both the science and the humanity behind healing.
When I’m not busy doing therapy…
I’m a mom in the DC suburbs to one ukulele-playing first grader and one black Labrador named Nolan Ryan Carraco. (We call him Ryan because in hindsight, naming a dog something that starts with “No” was… an interesting choice.)
Ryan is equal parts loyal companion and mild sociopath. He has chewed through 1 couch, 2 ottomans, 1 rug, 2 leashes, and one emotionally fragile houseplant. When he’s not redecorating my house with destruction, you can find us hiking Rock Creek Trail, or at the local dog park, where he has all the neighbors fooled.
When he’s a good boy, I sometimes invite Ryan to sit in my office during sessions. Don’t worry: He’s fully HIPAA-compliant, thoroughly nonjudgmental, and will take your secrets to the grave.