Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Arlington, VA

Michelle Swanson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience. She works with adults to address issues including bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders. She also assists with concerns such as grief and loss, relationship issues, chronic illness, and peripartum anxiety and depression. Michelle has spent time in community mental health, inpatient psychiatry, crisis intervention, disaster response, and medical social work. She has additional expertise working with veterans, seniors, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Michelle has a Master's in Social Work from the State University of New York at Albany. She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused brief therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and somatic experiencing. She tailors care to each client's needs.

Michelle is passionate about assisting clients in achieving growth and wellness. She will partner with you to build a therapeutic alliance and support you as you work toward your unique goals. Schedule an appointment with Michelle today!

Startasha Dillard is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and the District of Columbia. She has 16 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She has worked with individuals with both mental health and substance use disorders. She has worked with adults seeking help with addiction, anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, anger, and relationship issues. She creates a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to share, and she always maintains an open ear, flexibility, and awareness necessary to meet the unique needs of the individual.

Startasha has completed her Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision, and her Master of Art in Community Counseling from Argosy University. She utilizes collaborative, supportive, person-centered, strength-based, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused approaches to therapy.

Startasha seeks to provide a supportive space to assist you in navigating personal challenges and life transitions. Through collaborating and increasing your self-understanding, therapeutic work can assist you in reaching your goals and learning skills to prevent future distress.

Marion “Mimi” Scotchmer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LICSW) with over 16 years of experience working in behavioral health. Mimi supports clients who are experiencing a wide range of concerns including mental distress, anxiety, depression, grief, major life transitions, and relationship challenges.

Mimi completed her Master's degree at the University of Chicago, with concentrations in mental health, evidence-based practices, and family systems. Mimi’s counseling style is empathic, person-centered, and collaborative. She combines trauma-informed, strengths-based, solution-focused approaches.

Mimi honors the unique human experience each of us has and believes in the power of connectedness to promote healing. Today’s challenges may be great, but there is hope for a brighter tomorrow. If you are ready to work together toward recovery and restoration, schedule an appointment with her today.

John Vymetal-Taylor is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 30 years of experience helping adolescents and adults. Much of his work has been with children and young adults addressing trauma, loss, addiction, and sexual abuse. He is a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community and has extensive experience with foster care and child welfare issues.

John received his Master’s in Counseling from San Diego State University, where he participated in a program focused on multiculturalism and social justice. John uses a variety of person-centered approaches to help his clients, from meditation and mindfulness to cognitive behavioral therapy.

John believes that you are the expert in your experience. He welcomes the chance to help you without judgment to recognize and celebrate your uniqueness. If you are ready to move forward with your life, schedule an appointment today!