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Kassandra Barry, LCSW-C, LICSW, CTP
Relationship Trauma Therapist Specializing in EMDR Therapy
Maryland - Virginia - DC
You deserve to feel heard, not judged.
Also, you deserve to live well and that's where the services I offer can help.
For many of the people I see, therapy isn't about fixing something that's broken. It's about developing deeper understanding, fostering self-compassion, and making the changes that you want in your life.
What I Specialize In
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Emotional Abuse
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Physical Abuse
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Sexual Abuse
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Anxiety
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Hypervigilance
Learn More About My Specialities and Areas of Focus
My Approach
Healing isn't about changing who you are, it's about understanding how your experiences have shaped you and creating a space for lasting change. As a trauma therapist serving adults throughout Maryland, Virginia, and DC, I strive to provide compassionate, collaborative, and tailored therapy to your unique needs.
Trauma-Informed
Trauma affects the brain, nervous system, relationships, and your sense of self. With that, the focus of the therapy I provide is on how past experiences influence you without any shame or judgment.
Collaborative
Therapy should feel like a partnership where your voice is heard, your experiences are respected, and your preferences are honored. After all, you are the expert on your life. My role is to provide necessary guidance, education, and support.
Relationship-Focused
Many emotional struggles start with relationships and healing often happens there too. Whether you are recovering from childhood trauma, attachment wounds, emotional abuse, or patterns of people-pleasing, we'll explore how your experiences have affected you and others.
Lasting Growth
My goal is to help you build meaningful and sustainable change, not just temporary relief. I am a firm believer in addressing the root cause of the issue, as this approach yields the best results for people.
The Therapies I Use
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an evidence-based therapy that reduces the cognitive, emotional, and physical effects of past trauma and adverse experiences.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help you recognize unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that keep you stuck. Its focus is on developing healthier ways of thinking, managing emotions, and responding to life's challenges.
Psychodynamic
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy teaches practical skills to help you manage intense emotions, reduce stress, improve relationships, and respond to difficult situations with greater confidence and balance.
DBT
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy teaches practical skills to help you manage intense emotions, reduce stress, improve relationships, and respond to difficult situations with greater confidence and balance.
IFS
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy teaches practical skills to help you manage intense emotions, reduce stress, improve relationships, and respond to difficult situations with greater confidence and balance.
Choosing a therapist involves more than finding the right approach, it also means understanding the practical details.
Visit my Insurance & Payment page to learn about accepted insurance plans, session fees, and what to expect before getting started.
My Experience & Qualifications
Licensure
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LCSW-C in Maryland
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LICSW in Virginia & Washington, DC
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Certified Trauma Professional
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Trained EMDR Therapist
Education
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Master's in Social Work from Boise State University
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Bachelors of Science Human Services & Management from the University of Phoenix
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Associate of Science in Human Services with a concentration in Mental Health from the Community College of Rhode Island
Professional Experience
10 Years
Adult Residential Programs
Supporting adults with developmental & intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs.
8 Years
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team
Team leader of the ACT Team for community mental health centers in Rhode Island. I worked with people with complex trauma histories.
2021
Began practicing as a psychotherapist
Started working directly with adults healing from trauma, abandonment, and painful relationships.
2023
Founded Be Heard Live Well
A virtual trauma therapy practice serving adults in Maryland, Virginia, and DC
A Little Bit More About Me
A Therapist Who Has Sat on the Other Side of the Couch
What drives me to do this work comes from personal experience. I completed my own EMDR therapy to work through relationship trauma and attachment wounds, and without hyperbole, I can say that it was life-changing.
"EMDR gave me insight into how things unfolded throughout my life. I recognized the patterns in myself and others. And with that, I was able to make meaningful changes that made my life more enjoyable."
When I started EMDR, I knew what the issues were (somehow that's usually the easy part), but I had no idea how to make things better (always the hard part). It felt too overwhelming to figure it out on my own. EMDR led me to let go of what doesn't serve me and make room for what does.
I know how vulnerable if feels to reach out for help. It can be uncomfortable and even scary. I also know the relief that comes with being heard without judgment and being given the tools to start to live well.
That's why I founded Be Heard Live Well in 2023.
For Therapists Who Need Supervision or Consultations
I also offer supervision and consultation for therapists seeking thoughtful, trauma-informed support in their clinical work. Whether you’re pursuing licensure, expanding your EMDR skills, or navigating complex cases, our work together is collaborative, reflective, and grounded in ethical care.