Business Details
Trauma-Informed Therapy in Washington, DC
With over two decades of experience in mental health counseling, I provide a safe and compassionate space for individuals, couples, and families to navigate life's challenges. My practice integrates evidence-based modalities like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and Emotionally Focused Therapy to address trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. Having worked with diverse populations including Peace Corps volunteers and at-risk families, I bring both clinical expertise and personal insight to therapy. My background in high-tech sales and athletics informs my understanding of performance pressures and resilience-building. I specialize in helping clients transform emotional pain into personal growth through somatic and cognitive techniques.My approach emphasizes collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and empowering clients to develop sustainable coping strategies. I hold advanced certifications in trauma treatment and couples therapy from leading institutions. While not in-network with insurance providers, my services qualify for out-of-network reimbursement. I offer free initial consultations to help clients determine if my practice aligns with their needs. My Washington, DC-based practice serves clients dealing with life transitions, intercultural relationships, and complex trauma.
Services
Individual Therapy
Couples Counseling
Trauma Resolution
Anxiety Treatment
Depression Management
Cultural Transition Support
Relationship Coaching
Stress Management
Substance Abuse Counseling
Family Therapy
Highlights and features
- 20 years of clinical experience with trauma and relationship issues
- Advanced training in somatic and cognitive therapeutic modalities
- Cultural competence through international living and work experience
- Combines athletic discipline with therapeutic expertise
- Offers free initial consultation for treatment assessment
Associations and certifications
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 2
- Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) Level 1
What people say
Life-changing decisions
Emotional intelligence
Successful outcomes
Safe space
Top-notch skills
Services
Individual Therapy
Tailored mental health treatment addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Combines somatic awareness with cognitive techniques to develop emotional regulation skills. Helps clients transform painful experiences into personal growth through evidence-based modalities like Internal Family Systems and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
Couples Counseling
Specialized relationship therapy using Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) and Imago techniques. Addresses communication issues, infidelity recovery, and premarital preparation. Focuses on creating secure attachments and improving conflict resolution patterns through experiential exercises and somatic awareness.
Trauma Resolution
Advanced trauma therapy utilizing Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Ego-State techniques to process traumatic memories. Addresses complex PTSD symptoms through body-based interventions and nervous system regulation. Helps clients develop safety and stability while transforming traumatic imprints into empowering narratives.
Anxiety Management
Comprehensive anxiety treatment combining mindfulness practices with cognitive restructuring. Teaches nervous system regulation techniques to transform anxiety from overwhelming reactions to useful information. Addresses both generalized anxiety and specific panic disorders through somatic and cognitive interventions.
Cultural Transition Support
Specialized support for intercultural relationships and international transitions. Addresses identity navigation, acculturation stress, and cross-cultural communication challenges. Draws on personal experience living abroad to help clients build cultural competence and maintain mental wellness during transitions.
People
Tessa Suppes
Licensed Professional Counselor
Trauma-trained therapist with 20 years of experience in Washington, DC. Combines somatic and cognitive therapies to treat anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. Former high-tech executive with athletic hall of fame recognition. Certified in multiple trauma modalities and couples therapy approaches.
Questions
Do you accept insurance for therapy sessions?
I am not in-network with insurance providers, but my services qualify for out-of-network reimbursement under most plans. Clients should verify their specific coverage.
Can first-time therapy clients work with you?
Absolutely. Many clients begin their therapy journey with me. My collaborative approach creates a comfortable environment for those new to counseling.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I integrate Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and PACT for couples, adapting techniques to each client's needs.
How do you handle cultural transition challenges?
My international experience informs work with clients navigating intercultural relationships, immigration adjustments, and cross-cultural identity issues.
What options exist for initial consultations?
I offer free 20-minute consultations in-person or by phone to discuss your needs and determine if my practice would be a good fit for your therapy goals.
