Therapy for Misattunement
in Washington, DC

If you grew up feeling unseen, unheard, or misunderstood by your parents or caregivers, you may carry wounds of misattunement, a subtle but deeply impactful form of emotional trauma.

Misattunement can quietly shape the way you relate to yourself and others, leading to feelings of emptiness, shame, self-doubt, or a chronic sense that something is “off.”

But healing family of origin wounds and reclaiming your sense of self is possible.

Be Seen + Feel Whole

I’m Dr. Wayne Bullock, a licensed psychologist offering in-person psychotherapy in downtown Washington, DC. I help individuals, particularly gay men and LGBTQ+ individuals heal from trauma like misattunement and family of origin wounds.

When your needs weren’t fully recognized or responded to in childhood, it can leave behind a quiet ache, or a persistent sense of being unseen, misunderstood, or disconnected from yourself and others. These experiences can cause ripples in adulthood, affecting your confidence, relationships, and overall sense of safety.

Together, we’ll gently explore how these early dynamics shaped you, uncover patterns that no longer serve you, and create space for new ways of relating. Therapy can help you feel understood, supported, and whole in ways you may not have experienced before.

Reach out for a free consultation or schedule an appointment to begin therapy for misattunement today.

What Is Misattunement?

Misattunement occurs when caregivers fail to consistently recognize, validate, or respond to a child’s emotional needs. Unlike overt abuse or neglect, misattunement is often more subtle and unintentional. However, it can leave lasting impressions on your nervous system, sense of safety, and self-worth.

Examples of misattunement in childhood may include:

Parents dismissing or minimizing your feelings (“You’re too sensitive”)
Caregivers unable to comfort you when you were distressed
Feeling unseen or misunderstood even when your basic needs were met
Growing up in an environment where emotions weren’t discussed or welcomed
Parents projecting their own fears, shame, or expectations onto you

While these moments may not always appear overtly traumatic on the surface, repeated misattunement over time can contribute to long-term challenges with trust, intimacy, and self-esteem.

Parental Misattunement + Family of Origin Issues

Your family of origin shapes your earliest understanding of yourself and the world. Parental misattunement, in particular, can plant the seeds of self-doubt and relational struggles.

Adults who experienced misattunement trauma in childhood often report:

A persistent inner critic or fear of not being good enough
Difficulty identifying or trusting their own emotions
Poor communication patterns and difficulty setting boundaries
Feeling anxious, depressed, or disconnected without knowing why
A vague sense of emptiness or something missing
Challenges building or sustaining close relationships
Anxious or avoidant attachment styles

Therapy can help uncover these root causes and create space for healing from tricky family dynamics. You can break free from old patterns and step into a more authentic and grounded self.

How Therapy Helps Repair Misattunement

Working through misattunement wounds takes compassion, patience, and safety. In therapy, we will work together to:

Understand

We’ll explore how misattunement shaped your sense of self and how it continues to impact your current relationships and emotional life. Gaining awareness is the first step toward change.

Process

Through our conversations, you will have a chance to re-experience what it feels like to be deeply listened to and understood. We’ll gently revisit past experiences, making sense of them in ways that reduce shame and increase self-acceptance.

Repair

The therapeutic relationship itself can serve as a corrective emotional experience. By being attuned and responsive in our sessions, you can begin to internalize what it feels like to be seen and validated—something you may not have received consistently as a child.

Transform

Over time, you’ll cultivate healthier ways of relating to yourself and others. You’ll learn to trust your emotions, honor your needs, and create more meaningful connections.

Misattunement Therapist in Washington DC

I specialize in helping adults navigate trauma, misattunement, and family of origin issues. My psychoanalytic and relational approach emphasizes curiosity, compassion, and deep understanding.

Trauma therapy with me is not about quick fixes—it’s about building lasting change. I will provide a safe and engaging space to unpack your story, relieve emotional pain, and discover the freedom to live more fully.

If you’ve struggled with feeling unseen, invalidated, or misunderstood, therapy can help you reconnect with yourself and heal old wounds.