Our counselors offer counseling for teens in McLean, VA

Elena Papathanassiou is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia who is practiced in providing therapeutic care to teens and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidality, and the LGBTQIA+ community. She strives to maintain a high level of cultural competency while working with diverse groups of people and sensitivity to the unique struggles of those with intersecting identities. She completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Elena utilizes strengths-based and person-in-environment theories while collaborating with the client to ensure their unique needs are met. These inform her usage of solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical-behavioral techniques to provide evidence-based therapy that is flexible, responsive, and tailored to the individual.

Elena seeks to provide a warm, supportive therapeutic relationship with her clients that invites openness and insight to achieve your goals. Through collaboration and building on your strengths, she will assist you in developing a meaningful life in accordance with your values.

My name is Jacquita White, and I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am currently working toward full licensure while providing compassionate, client-centered care under supervision. I work with preteens, adolescents, and adults who may be navigating stress, life transitions, anxiety, relationship challenges, or emotional overwhelm. My goal is to create a supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered as they work toward meaningful change and personal growth.

My approach to therapy is warm, supportive, and collaborative. I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavior therapy, and Person-Centered therapy to help clients manage anxiety, stress, and life transitions while building healthier coping skills, emotional balance, and greater self-awareness.

Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, but you do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you feel heard and understood. If you are ready to begin your healing journey, I would be honored to walk alongside you.

During his professional years as a clinical social work therapist, Graeme Biddle has had the privilege of working with several populations, including clients with terminal illnesses and their family members, as well as children and adolescents experiencing emotional and behavioral instability. Graeme enjoys helping clients identify tools to cope with anxiety, depression, and anger. He also has experience helping clients understand life transitions, as well as better understand periods of grief and loss.

Graeme completed his Master of Social Work (MSW) from Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as his Bachelor of Arts from Randolph-Macon College. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) through the state of Virginia. Graeme provides a calm, validating approach to therapy, while also remaining direct, and encouraging self-accountability. While using a strengths-based perspective, Graeme utilizes several clinical modalities including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

The process of beginning therapy can be scary and overwhelming. Graeme will strive at helping provide a safe space and facilitate a collaborative approach to help you feel valued and in control of your treatment. Schedule an appointment with Graeme to begin the steps of accomplishing your personal goals.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bridgewater College and a Master of Science in Counselor Education from Longwood University. I am dual-licensed in Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and School Counselor, an approved Clinical Supervisor through the Virginia Board of Counseling, and a Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Clinician. I provide counseling services to children, adolescents, and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, behavioral concerns, school-related issues, and life transitions.

My counseling approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to each client's needs. Drawing from evidence-based practices, including DBT, I help clients develop skills to manage emotions, cope with stress, improve relationships, and navigate challenges. My goal is to empower clients to recognize their strengths, overcome obstacles, and thrive.

I am committed to providing a compassionate and supportive space where growth, healing, and positive change can occur. I believe that every individual has the capacity for resilience and growth, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside clients as they work toward their goals. I welcome the opportunity to support you on your journey.

Emma Dowman is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has served clients at child advocacy centers, public schools, a university counseling center, and a psychiatric hospital. Emma has experience working with individuals with depression, anxiety, foster/adoption issues, trauma, and religious/spiritual issues. She enjoys working with clients of all ages: children, adolescents, and adults. 

Emma completed both her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Services with a concentration in Counseling and her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling at Johnson University. She has a passion for collaborating with each individual to meet their needs while using a cognitive-behavioral, narrative, and solution-focused approach to counseling.

Emma seeks to create an empathetic relationship with individuals to build upon their coping skills and strengths so they can reach the goals they set for themselves and live the life they desire. She hopes to provide each individual with a grace-filled holistic healing opportunity and feels honored at the prospect of doing so.