Patricia Parra Moreno, LCSW-C, LICSW

Hi, I’m Patricia — a mental health therapist with a passion for trauma-informed care.

Born in Mexico and raised in the U.S., I bring a bicultural lens to my work and a personal appreciation for identity, resilience, and the courage it takes to navigate between different worlds. My own journey led me to the field of social work, where I found my calling: supporting individuals—particularly immigrants, adult children of immigrants, and survivors of childhood trauma—reconnect with their inner strength and heal from the inside out.

My approach to therapy is grounded in presence, gentleness, and emotional attunement. I don’t believe healing needs to be fast or forceful to be transformative. Instead, I’ve found that slow, steady, and compassionate work creates the kind of deep healing that lasts. Colleagues have described my style as one of gentle therapy and “quiet wisdom”—calm, grounded, and supportive.

I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an eight-phase therapy that helps clients work through traumatic memories and triggers. We begin with a foundation: gathering background information and understanding your current emotional patterns. From there, we focus on stabilization—developing tools to manage symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. This might include grounding exercises, present-moment awareness, and containment strategies. Once you’re ready, we move into the reprocessing phase using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sound), followed by integration and future planning. EMDR is not a linear process, but we move through it at a pace that respects your window of tolerance.

I am also trained in Phase 1 of Ego State Therapy (DNMS), which focuses on stabilization and preparation for deeper trauma work. DNMS helps individuals meet the unmet needs of their inner child, often tied to early attachment wounds. This approach acknowledges the various “parts” within us—especially those that react in ways that feel misaligned with our adult selves. It’s a powerful modality for addressing issues like boundary-setting and enmeshment, and like EMDR, it emphasizes your own innate strengths as a foundation for healing. My role is to gently guide you back to yourself.

Consistency is essential for therapeutic progress. I meet with adult clients for virtual therapy once a week at the same day and time, with sessions lasting about 50 minutes. I currently offer virtual therapy for adults located in DC, Maryland, or Virginia. It’s important that you have a quiet, private space where you feel safe and supported during our time together. While therapy can bring comfort and insight, it may also involve discomfort as we explore beneath the surface. That’s a normal—and often necessary—part of the healing process.

I encourage potential clients to find a therapist who feels like the right fit. This work is deeply personal, and the relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important factors in successful treatment.

Therapy is sacred work, and I’m honored to walk alongside those who are ready to explore, heal, and grow. When you feel ready, I’d be glad to connect.

https://calendly.com/patricia-parra-therapy