It is always my goal to create a warm, safe, and judgment-free therapeutic space for my clients to feel comfortable sharing.

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.

You are worthy of healing, even when your inner-critic says otherwise. If you are experiencing anxiety, you know that it is much more complex than excessive worrying. Often negative self-talk, guilt, self-doubt, and fear also run rampant, making it difficult to get through your day. On the outside, your loved ones or colleagues may think you have it together, but internally you are struggling. Trying to control everything around you - while at the same time feeling out of control leaves you exhausted and on edge. I help clients heal by reducing anxiety and restoring self-worth. When you work with me, we will uncover your strengths, process past wounds, and enhance your coping skills. I empower all clients’ growth by using a culturally-affirming, strengths-based approach. Modalities include CBT, DBT, and Psychodynamic Therapy. With me, you will get an inclusive space to grow, heal, and practice self-compassion. You don’t have to deal with anxiety on your own. I’m here to help.

If we could think our way into the life we wanted, we would already be there. But healing and growth is not simply about thinking. It is about attending to our feelings, accepting ourselves where we are, and believing in possibilities. The Four Corners Counseling & Well-being way of therapy, practiced by the founder, Hetty Barnett, and all associates: For Thinking Women (and Men, too): Are you struggling to feel better about yourself and your life? If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, if your relationships are causing pain or confusion, we can help. We know from hard-earned experience that being an intelligent "over-functioner" does not mean we can easily soothe our emotional pain and create a balanced life. My associates and I can help you tap into your inner wisdom and strength to create the life you desire. For couples on the brink: At Four Corners Counseling & Well-being, we believe that couples deserve a safe space and a competent therapist to help them navigate their relationship, and move beyond problems to possibilities. This work is sacred, and couples who seek our help are doing so not only for themselves, but for the benefit of their children (if there are any), for their families, and for future generations. We have no pre-determined expectation of how a relationship will unfold. We do firmly believe that any work the members of a couple do to speak for their feelings (not from them) and listen to their partner from a grounded sense of self can reap many benefits in the future, no matter what the outcome. People can grow; people DO grow as they work with me. It takes a village to raise a relationship, and we want to be part of that village. Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of therapy: We are trained in IFS, the fastest growing therapy model today. As a clinical treatment, IFS has been rated effective for improving general functioning and well-being. In addition, it has been rated promising for improving phobia, panic, and generalized anxiety disorders; trauma resolution; physical health conditions; personal resilienceself-concept; and depression and depressive symptoms. Internal Family Systems can help clients learn ways to better relate to themselves, and move toward the 8 C’s of Self-Leadership: calmness, curiosity, clarity, compassion, confidence, creativity, courage, and connectedness.

Taking the step to find the right therapist is a powerful act of self-care. Whether you’re dealing with everyday stress, adjusting to life changes, or working through anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges, you don’t have to face it alone. At Dynamic Health Partners, we believe mental health care should reflect the uniqueness of each individual. Serving adults across the District of Columbia metropolitan area and Arizona, our diverse team of highly trained clinicians provides compassionate, culturally responsive care tailored to your needs and experiences. We offer individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, and specialized treatment for more complex mental health conditions, such as mood-related challenges and posttraumatic stress (PTSD). With flexible in-person and virtual options, we aim to make high-quality care both accessible and convenient, wherever you are in your journey. Your story matters. Your healing matters. And you’re not alone. Let’s take the next step together.

Are you stuck in a painful relationship? Are you suffering from anxiety? Or do you feel your life isn't going the way you want it to? With cognitive behavorial therapy you can learn to have more meaningful relationships, manage anxiety and enjoy a more fullfillng life. I use a psychoeducational format in which I teach you skills to become your own best emotional coach. I will help you learn to understand and feel better about yourself, better about your life. With this self-awareness and skills developed in therapy you will be able to implement healthier behaviors and realize more positive ways of living.

I provide individual therapy (in person andor virtually) for late adolescents and adults in the greater Washington, DC area and I am PsyPact licensed so can see people in participating PsyPact states. I also provide comprehensive ADHD assessments. I have a particular passion for working with young adults who are figuring out and navigating their next "chapter" of life. I aim to help individuals capitalize on their strengths and work with their limitations, change their responses to interpersonal problems, and help them form new and improved healthy relationships and ways of relating to their world that does not repeat previously unhealthy patterns. By bringing support, encouragement, humor, and a nonjudgmental perspective to our work together, I meet clients where they are, whether they have been to therapy before or are exploring therapy for the first time. Knowing how important the therapy relationship is, my primary goal is to make my clients feel heard, understood, and hopeful. I adapt my approach and style, as needed, to work with my clients' unique needs. I am always happy to jump on the phone for a brief consultation to determine if we may be a good fit to work together.

Psychotherapy can help you claim and enjoy more in your life. We can all use help in finding our way at different times in our lives. You may be ready for more happiness in your life, more satisfaction, creativity, success, confidence, peace, friendships - or greater depth to your relationships. You may not have been able to find it on your own. I have experience, training, compassion and a mindful approach that can help you develop traction on the path that is truly yours. My focus is on helping you develop your ability to see yourself, your circumstances and your challenges with a fresh eye, allowing your to create the changes in your life that you really want. To the work that we can do together, I bring over fifteen years of experience as a psychotherapist, plus a depth of understanding from my experience as a husband and father and from my experience as a firefighter and paramedic. The work that I do is not about being broken or ill; it is about being more alive: * Shifting away from negative anticipation and belief in powerlessness, toward actualizing your own authentic power and vitality * Increasing creativity in your life * Living a life infused with clarity as to the abundance available to you, on place of an expectation of scarcity * Discovering the relief and pleasure in living authentically, honestly, as the "real you" * Feeling your feelings, all of them, more fully and with less fear * Finding the pleasure of taking relationships to a deeper level; enlivening friendships and reinvigorating relationships gone stale * Moving beyond the pain of the past - physical, emotional, spiritual or otherwise; letting go of outdated, limiting ideas or beliefs about yourself and finding joy in being alive. You can do this. We'll work to get you there.

Do you ever feel like happiness eludes you while those around you seem to have it all together? Do you find yourself questioning if others are simply pretending to be happy, as you struggle with overwhelming emotions? Rest assured, experiencing seasons of anxiety and depression is a normal part of life. As a therapist, my mission is to provide unwavering support and guide you out of this challenging season. With a focus on anxiety, depression, eating disorders, couples, and families, my practice caters to individuals of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults. I also specialize in addressing relationship issues and offer valuable dating assistance for singles. During our collaborative journey, we will incorporate a range of evidence-based treatment modalities, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and the renowned Gottman Method. My utmost priority is to cultivate a calm, safe space where you can freely express yourself without fear of judgment. Together, we will explore all aspects of your life, identifying areas that are no longer serving you while building new coping skills and adopting healthier thought patterns. Your healing journey starts today, and I am here to guide you every step of the way. Let's embark on a path of transformation and rediscover the joy and fulfillment that await you. Reach out today, and let's begin this empowering and transformative process together. I am accepting new clients: in-person and virtual!

**I have a limited number of in-person and telehealth sessions available. Please contact me to see if I am a good match and our schedules align.** My initial goal in therapy is to deeply understand the unique individual sitting across from me. I take a holistic approach to this task. I understand that the mind, body, spirit, and relationships are all connected and impacted by one another. I think of my clients as more than just a collection of problems and diagnoses. I want to understand your strengths and talents as well as your struggles and areas for growth. I also want to understand where you have come from and where you would like to go. As we better understand how your life story impacts your current feelings, motivations, and relationships, you will likely experience increased self-acceptance and the ability to make to make better decisions about your future. Intellectual insight alone, although useful, is often not enough to allow clients to fully make the kinds of life changes that they desire. Consequently, I also utilize methods from more action-oriented approaches to therapy that focus on obtaining new skills and practicing new behaviors. These skills are often focused on learning new ways of managing difficult feelings and improving communication and intimacy in relationships. I believe that a therapist and client should work together as a team. I will bring my energy, experience, and compassion to the therapeutic relationship. I ask you for openness, honesty, curiosity, and a willingness to experiment with new ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. My goal is to work with you to help you achieve a greater sense of happiness, peace, integrity, and satisfaction in your life.

Feeling overwhelmed by life? Stress feels unmanageable, relationships are strained, and moving forward seems impossible. The constant weight of overwhelm can leave you physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. You long to make peace with a painful past but feel stuck. Unmanaged stress affects every aspect of your life—work, health, and relationships. You recognize the need for change, and starting therapy is a courageous, proactive step toward well-being. I'm here to provide a compassionate, validating space where your thoughts and feelings are heard. Together, we'll work toward healing and a more balanced, fulfilling life. I help individuals and couples navigate emotional regulation, stress, and relationship challenges through evidence-based methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and somatic therapy. Specializing in mood conditions, trauma, and attachment, I focus on fostering resilience and balance. Using biofeedback, I strengthen the mind-body connection to support lasting healing. Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you’re seeking emotional balance, healing from past wounds, or strengthening your relationships, I’m here to support you. Together, we’ll create a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore your goals and build the life you deserve. Reach out—I’m ready to help.

Are you hoping to deepen your relationships? Wondering where your “person” is? Feeling anxious or confused, or having a hard time imagining your future? Do you want to feel more authentic? Together, we can work toward understanding and growth. Through the relationship between us, we’ll explore how you communicate with others, consider the past experiences that informed who you are, and help you define who you want to become. Through collaborative, interactive sessions in an affirming, nurturing environment, you’ll learn more about yourself and how to implement strategies that enable you to live your life more fully and joyfully. My goal is to help you uncover your potential and establish positive lifestyle changes. With my support, you’ll examine your behavioral patterns, better understand and manage your feelings, and develop skills so that you can enhance your relationships and quality of life. I have over 15 years of experience as a psychotherapist who works with individuals and groups in the DC metro area. I’m psychodynamically trained, but my practice is far from Freudian psychoanalysis. My approach is eclectic - the most important thing to me is our working relationship, so I customize my work to serve you. Working with me, we’ll incorporate techniques from a variety of theories and methods including Relational Psychotherapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.