Discover your Authentic Self

Virtual culturally affirming therapy for stress, anxiety, and life changes

Affirming, identity-centered telehealth therapy for life transitions and substance recovery in Virginia and North Carolina.

Know your therapist

Black Male Therapist Black Owned Business

Hey! I’m Dylan, but most people call me DJ. I was born and raised in a small town in North Carolina and spent five years in Charlotte, where I met my partner before we moved to Richmond, Virginia in 2023. I’m an avid concertgoer, vinyl record collector, and all-around music lover.

As a millennial born in the early ’90s, I understand the unique pressures and shifts that come with growing up in a rapidly changing world; trying to make sense of who you are while everything around you is evolving. Many of the clients I work with are looking to:

  • Find clarity in self/identity

  • Reduce anxiety and overwhelm

  • Maintain substance-free life

  • Build resilience & confidence

I know that asking for help is hard, especially when you’re not even sure what kind of help you need. But if you haven’t been feeling like yourself, I encourage you to reach out. Let’s have a conversation, ask questions, and explore what support looks like for you. You don’t have to do this alone. Take a chance on yourself, you deserve it, and I’m here to help.

Specialties and Focus

Empowering LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals navigating major life changes

Barriers to Authenticity

  • Social media platforms, while offering connection and inspiration, often cultivate a culture of comparison. People may feel pressured to present a curated version of themselves, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Constant exposure to others' highlight reels can distort reality, making individuals question their worth and suppress their true selves in pursuit of approval or validation.

  • Societal norms and cultural expectations can impose rigid definitions of success, beauty, relationships, and achievement. These pressures can leave individuals feeling confined, forcing them to align with roles or ideals that may not resonate with their true identity. This dissonance can create anxiety, low self-esteem, and a persistent feeling of being "not enough."

  • Negative beliefs, often stemming from past experiences such as trauma, rejection, or failure, can create barriers to authenticity. The inner critic may constantly challenge one’s sense of worth, making it difficult to embrace and celebrate one’s true self.

  • Major life changes such as career shifts, relationship transitions, becoming a parent, or entering new life stages can challenge a person’s sense of identity. These moments often bring uncertainty and a re-evaluation of priorities, leaving individuals questioning who they are and how they fit into the world.

Safe, inclusive counseling for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC mental wellness

Person-Centered

  • Let’s take the time to unpack the unique layers of your identity your race, gender, sexuality, cultural background and explore how these intersect to shape your experiences and worldview.

  • I want to create a safe space where we can acknowledge and validate the challenges you face, whether they involve microaggressions, systemic inequalities, or cultural conflicts. Your feelings and experiences matter.

  • Tailor interventions to respect and integrate cultural and personal values, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.

  • My goal is to tailor our work together in a way that honors and integrates your cultural and personal values, helping you feel truly seen, heard, and understood.

Support for alcohol and drug use in a safe, judgment-free space

Substance Recovery Maintenance

  • Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to identify your triggers and develop strategies to navigate challenging situations. You’ll have tools to handle cravings and avoid setbacks.

  • This is a place where you can talk openly about your feelings, struggles, and successes without fear of judgment. We’ll celebrate your progress and address challenges with compassion.

  • We’ll explore ways to connect with supportive people in your life or recovery community.

  • Recovery is about more than avoiding substances it’s about rediscovering your purpose and passions. I’ll help you identify goals, rebuild your confidence, and embrace a fulfilling, substance-free life.

The Authentic Experience

  • Clients often say sessions feel easy and natural; a space where they can be serious, laugh a little, and still walk away with practical insights they can use in everyday life.

  • Many clients share that our work together leads to “aha” moments, especially when they’re gently challenged to look at situations from a new angle in a way that feels respectful and supportive.

  • Clients frequently mention appreciating the down-to-earth, genuine feel of sessions, describing them as more like a real conversation than “therapy talk,” while still being meaningful and growth-focused.

  • When clients face insurance or provider changes, they often share feeling supported through the transition, noting the care taken to help them find appropriate in-network resources.

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Hours

Availability includes select weekdays and evenings. Weekend appointments may be available upon special request. Current openings can be viewed when requesting a consultation.

We are not an emergency mental health provider. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or one of the options below. Mental Health Emergency Hotline: 988 NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI or text HELPLINE to 62640 National Substance Abuse Hotline: 866-210-1303 LGBTQ Hotline: 1-888-843-4564