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

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.

Brittany Spak is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 4 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, and relationship issues. 

Brittany completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from King’s College, PA, and received her Master's degree in Counselor Education from East Carolina University. She utilizes a combination of dialectical behavior, person-centered, strengths-based, and collaborative approaches to therapy while finding creative ways to meet an individual’s unique needs.

Brittany seeks to create a caring and validating relationship with you to help assist you in fostering a relationship with yourself and others, building upon your strengths and coping skills, to help you reach your goals while living a fulfilled and meaningful life.

Sarajayne Vanover is a Supervisee in Social Work with 5 years of experience in case management. She has worked with children, adolescents, teenagers, and adults from diverse backgrounds. Sarajayne has treated trauma histories and family instability. She enjoys helping clients develop coping skills for depression, anxiety, life transitions, and daily struggles. Sarajayne understands the impact that positive support can have and seeks to help clients meet their goals. She seeks to provide validation and support to clients by understanding who they are and what they’ve experienced.

Sarajayne completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) in Clinical Practice as well as her Master of Science in Conflict Analysis & Resolution from George Mason University. Sarajayne has received training in Motivational Interviewing and approaches conflict with a Narrative Practice lens.

We have all experienced the highs and lows of life. Sarajayne strives to provide a safe space and a welcoming environment for individuals as they talk through whatever is on their minds and process what life has brought their way. If you are ready to start your journey, schedule an appointment with her today! She is looking forward to meeting you!

Annette Young is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 34 years of experience helping individuals, couples, families, and seniors navigate life’s challenges. She specializes in supporting those facing grief, end-of-life issues, chronic medical conditions, and mental health concerns. With decades of professional and personal experience, Annette offers compassionate guidance and a safe space for growth, healing, and hope.

Annette earned her Master’s in Social Work from Florida State University. She integrates her clinical expertise with empathy, focusing on client-centered approaches that foster resilience, reflection, and meaningful connections. Her background equips her to guide clients through change with clarity and care.

Annette believes every person deserves support during life’s transitions. Her passion lies in helping clients find strength through struggle and rediscover purpose. Whether you are coping with pain, seeking clarity, or ready to fine-tune your life and relationships, Annette is here to walk alongside you on your journey.

Allie Wright is a Resident in Counseling with 1 year of experience helping teens and adults from diverse backgrounds. Allie specializes in treating clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and life adjustments. She is passionate about working with individuals from marginalized backgrounds, survivors of trauma and abuse, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Allie individualizes her treatment methods to meet each client's needs.

Allie has a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling from Teachers College at Columbia University. Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, affirming, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. Allie uses cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and narrative therapy.

Allie cultivates a compassionate, accepting, and empowering therapeutic space where she strives to meet clients where they are and work together to reach their personal goals. Schedule an appointment with Allie today!

Paula O’Leary is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked in the mental health field for 15 years in a variety of settings, including outpatient, school, community-based, residential, hospital, and correctional settings. Paula specializes in treating depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, substance use, and other issues. She completed her master's degree at Cardinal Stritch University. Paula has also completed additional training in trauma and has obtained certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).

Paula uses an integrated approach, which may incorporate the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, person-centered, solution-focused, and mindfulness, with a focus on each individual’s specific needs and goals. She believes in creating a safe, supportive space for individuals to express themselves without fear of judgment. Paula will assist individuals in building insight, in exploring past experiences and the impact they may be having on their current functioning, and in developing healthy ways to manage stressors. She recognizes that seeking services can feel overwhelming, but welcomes the opportunity to support you in this process.