Plant image. Mclean, fairfax, vienna, falls church, arlington therapist specializing in anxiety, grief, trauma, adult autism and family issues.

Empowering your growth one conversation at a time

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY FOR KIDS, TEENS AND ADULTS IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

This isn’t therapy that just nods along. It’s not all “how does that make you feel” with no follow-up. We make every session matter.

Welcome!

Is anxiety or worry making daily life feel overwhelming? Do you find yourself constantly people-pleasing, overthinking social situations, or struggling to set boundaries? Maybe you're navigating a difficult transition or loss and searching for solid ground. Or perhaps you're beginning to explore your neurodivergence and want a space where you don’t have to mask or explain yourself.

I created Empower and Grow because therapy should feel less like a clinical transaction and more like a genuine connection with someone who truly gets what it's like to live in a messy, beautiful, overwhelming world. We’re real people first. Empathetic, down-to-earth, and right there with you in the hard stuff.

Here, we listen deeply and we help you do something with what you’re feeling. Whether you’re sitting with grief, untangling trauma, or learning to understand and honor your neurodivergent self, we’re in it with you. Real change happens when you feel safe, seen, and supported. And when you leave each session not just heard, but with something to hold onto.

So settle in. Get comfortable. Let’s figure this out together.

Specializing In:

Neurodivergent Adults

Do you..

Struggle with unmasking?
Find relationships confusing or exhausting?
Feel overwhelmed by the demands of adulthood or parenting?
Experience shutdowns or meltdowns when things become too much?
Carry trauma from years of being misunderstood or misdiagnosed?

What we can work on

Unmasking and reconnecting with your authentic self
Managing burnout, shutdowns, and emotional dysregulation
Navigating personal and professional relationships
Exploring late-in-life or suspected autism and/or ADHD diagnoses
Supporting your parenting journey as a neurodivergent parent or caregiver

Why work with us

Always affirming and strengths-based
Sensory-friendly office environment
Fidgets, stimming, and movement are always welcome
Specialized tools and modalities that support your neurodivergent brain
Compassionate support for co-occurring experiences like anxiety, depression, and trauma. We make space for all of it

Anxiety

Do you..

Constantly overthink or expect the worst-case scenario?
Struggle to relax, even when everything seems “fine”?
Experience panic attacks or physical symptoms related to anxiety?
Avoid situations, places, or people to escape discomfort?
Feel exhausted just from getting through the day?

What we can work on

Understanding the root causes and triggers of your anxiety
Developing personalized coping strategies
Calming your anxious inner voice
Building self-trust and confidence
Feeling more in control of your body
Understanding what’s happening in your brain during moments of high anxiety and panic

Why work with us

We explore anxiety with curiosity, not judgement
No cookie-cutter advice here! We tailor our work to you
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities
We honor the courage it takes to reach out and make a change

Neurodivergent Kids & Teens

Does your child..

Struggle with intense emotions like anger, frustration, or perfectionism?
Feel like they’re “too much,” burned out, or never good enough?
Have meltdowns during transitions or when plans change?
Feel hyperaware of not fitting in, and comes home lonely after recess?
Worry constantly and refuses to sleep alone?

What we can work on

Unmasking and building self-compassion, so your child feels safe being their authentic self
Practicing flexible thinking when plans change or routines get disrupted
Understanding their neurodivergence as a natural part of who they are, not something to “fix”
Creating a personalized “calm-down toolbox” with strategies that actually work for them
Strengthening your parenting toolbox with skills that support emotional regulation, connection, and growth

Why work with us

We take a strengths-based, affirming approach that celebrates your child’s uniqueness
Our sensory-friendly space is calm, cozy, and welcoming
Fidgets, movement, and stimming are always accepted and encouraged
We use play and creative arts that match your child’s interests and comfort
Our integrative and holistic approach supports both parent and child growth

Grief & Loss

Do you..

Feel like getting out of bed is impossible after your loss?
Miss who your loved one was before their illness or decline?
Feel like everyone else has moved on, but to you it's like they just died?
Appear “functional” on the outside but feel stuck or disconnected inside?
Care for a child who’s acting out, withdrawing, or struggling emotionally after a loss?

What we can work on

Understanding what’s normal in grief and letting go of self-blame or pressure
Exploring new roles, identities, and relationships after your loss
Making space for painful emotions while creating grounding rituals for support
Honoring your loved one’s memory while building a life that still holds meaning
Reconnecting with hope, passion, and a renewed sense of purpose

Why work with us

We offer always-affirming, strengths-based support that honors your unique grief journey
You’ll find a non-judgmental, timeline-free space to grieve at your own pace
Our office is a calm refuge, without pressure or “motivational” quotes that don’t fit your feelings
For children, we provide wrap-around grief support that includes your child’s caregivers, teachers, and other important adults

You can view Justine's profile on the Grief Support Center National Directory, a resource connecting people to grief support professionals nationwide, here:

https://www.griefsupportcenter.com/virginia/fairfax/grief-support-provider/justine-jones

Stress & Burnout

Do you..

Feel guilty when taking breaks or slowing down?
Struggle with feeling like you’re not enough?
Find yourself snapping more often than usual?
Appear successful on the outside but feel overwhelmed on the inside?
Give your all to a stressful job and feel like there’s nothing left for you?

What we can work on

Setting healthy boundaries
Asking for help without guilt
Exploring and easing feelings of guilt around rest and slowing down
Helping you feel more connected to your life, rather than just going through the motions
Regulating your emotions when you’re at the end of your rope

Why work with us

We get to the root of why you feel stuck in survival mode
We provide tools tailored to fit your lifestyle
We understand how exhausting it is to keep holding it all together
We acknowledge that stress and burnout often require more than just coping skills, they need comprehensive support

Trauma & Complex PTSD

Do you..

Shut down when things feel too intense?
Cling to relationships, or push people away?
Struggle to believe you’re worthy of love or kindness?
Feel the need to control everything around you?
Have large gaps in your memory?

What we can work on

Emotional regulation and cultivating a sense of safety
Practical tools to improve your daily life
Healing attachment wounds and relationship patterns
Trauma processing, at your pace
Exploring and softening your inner critic
Rebuilding the life you want
Letting go of coping strategies that no longer serve you

Why work with us

We are certified trauma therapists
We understand that complex trauma, developmental trauma, and relational trauma each require a unique approach
We use evidence-based, trauma-informed methods
We create a safe, shame-free space and move at a pace that feels right for you
We go beyond surface-level coping skills to support meaningful, long-term healing

Life Transitions

Do you..

Struggle to define who you are in this new chapter?
Feel anxiety about the unknown and grief for what’s ending?
Experience heightened stress, mood swings, or self-doubt?
Miss the life you used to have?
Find yourself having emotional outbursts or shutting down?
Have a child who is avoiding school, having trouble eating or sleeping, or facing new social challenges?

What we can work on

Creating meaning and confidence in this new season of life
Expanding coping skills to manage difficult feelings around uncertainty
Recognizing and grieving hidden or overlooked losses
Giving yourself permission to feel all emotions without judgment or shame
Finding new ways to adjust while staying true to your values

Why work with us

We provide compassionate, non-judgmental support tailored to your unique journey.
Our approach honors your values and helps you build confidence in your new chapter.
We offer practical tools to manage uncertainty, stress, and emotional challenges.
You’ll find a safe space to explore all your feelings without pressure or shame.

Meet the Team

Olivia Yellen, LCSW

Practice Owner/ Therapist

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. My goal is to offer you a space rooted in genuine connection, warmth, and collaboration.

Meet Olivia

Justine Jones, MSW

Resident Therapist

Whether you’re five or fifty, I’m here to collaborate with you in finding a path toward healing that honors your authentic self.

Meet Justine

Our Mission

At Empower and Grow, we believe that great work happens in the presence of safety, trust, and genuine connection. Our mission is to offer a space where therapy feels like an exhale—relaxing, comforting, and free of judgment. We’re here to walk alongside you as you navigate life’s challenges, whether you’re working through trauma, grief, anxiety, or exploring what it means to be neurodivergent. We care deeply about the relationships we build with our clients and strive to create a space where you feel truly seen, supported, and empowered to grow in your own time and in your own way.

Change can be hard, let's make starting simple

Set up a free 15-min consultation call

Just a chat, not a commitment

We are dedicated to creating a therapeutic space where clients can feel comfortable, supported, and empowered. Part of that is making sure we are a good fit!

During the consultation call we will discuss:

What brings you to therapy
Goals you may have (it's ok if you don't know yet)
What to expect in sessions
Any questions you may have

Schedule a Consultation

I'm so glad you are here.

Let's get started!

Get Started