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

Hello, I am Kelley Arrowood, a Resident in Counseling and National Certified Counselor based in Virginia. I hold a Master’s in Education in CACREP-accredited School Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology with minors in Human Development and Women’s Studies from UNC Greensboro. For the last year and a half, I have served as a Resident in Counseling in outpatient settings; prior to that, I served seven years as lead school counselor in an elementary school. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation issues, grief, and family stress.

My therapeutic style is eclectic and person-centered. I draw from CBT, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), DBT, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing (MI), exposure therapy, play therapy, trauma-focused, and strengths-based approaches. My approach is compassionate, warm, practical, with a healthy dose of humor.

Life can be difficult, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. I would feel privileged to hear your story and walk alongside you as you begin or continue your healing journey. Taking the first step can feel intimidating, but you deserve a space where you feel heard, supported, and understood. I invite you to schedule an initial appointment.

Nessalyn Dearce is a Resident in Counseling who has experience providing mental health services to children and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, chronic illness, and stress management. Nessalyn is LGBTQIA+ affirming and works to maintain multicultural awareness in session. She completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology at Christopher Newport University and her Master of Science (MS) in Education in Counseling at Old Dominion University. 

Nessalyn utilizes person-centered, mindfulness-based, cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based, solution focused, and emotionally focused approaches to therapy. She encourages individuals to acknowledge their inner experiences in healthy ways and assists them in aligning with their goals and ideals. Nessalyn aims to meet the individual needs of each person by exploring the qualities and experiences that make them unique.

Nessalyn understands that getting help can be difficult and intimidating, so she aims to make the office a safe space for clients to be themselves and hopes to establish a therapeutic relationship that makes room for growth and healing.

Jerusha McClendon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has worked with many people experiencing mental health and addiction personally or in their family. Jerusha has 8 years of experience in the mental health field. She completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Ohio State University.

Jerusha believes there is a need to identify and understand where the seeds of doubt and fear come from, as well as how to connect with the seeds of hope and purpose in the present and the future. Her job is to facilitate the conversation and allow clients to gain insight into their condition and develop an action plan to change their lives.

Jerusha’s superpowers include listening empathetically, relating easily to others, and critical thinking. She believes that all people have purpose in life, and she wants to explore that purpose with clients. Additionally, she strives to create a safe place in therapy so vulnerability can be examined and gains made. Therapy is a change process. Join Jerusha in this change process so that you can be a changemaker in your life and spread that change to others in your inner circle.

I am a Resident in Counseling with 3 years of experience, supporting women and children navigating anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depression, and major life transitions. Whether adjusting to motherhood, shifting roles, or emotional overwhelm, I help clients feel grounded, confident, and connected to themselves again. My approach centers on creating a safe, compassionate space where healing feels manageable and growth feels possible, allowing clients to reconnect with clarity and balance in their everyday lives.

I have a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and integrate evidence-based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and behavioral activation. These approaches help me tailor support to each client’s unique experiences and goals, fostering emotional awareness, self-compassion, and lasting resilience.

I know how overwhelming life’s changes can feel, and I strive to help clients discover strength and confidence through practical coping tools and self-discovery. You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin therapy, just a willingness to start. I’m here to walk alongside you as you take that first step toward healing, growth, and renewed hope.

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.