Dorothy J. Yarrington, LMSW

Therapy Approach and Specialties

Dorothy J. Yarrington, LMSW, is an open-minded, nonjudgmental therapist who emphasizes client-centered, strengths-based, and collaborative therapy approaches. Her desire is to help clients develop meaningful self-identified goals that apply to every day challenges. Dorothy excels in her work with individuals age 14 and older, with a strong passion for working with young adults and those in recovery. She supports and inspires individuals to seek out their meaningful life through evidenced-based methods, including:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – To support emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness
• Mindfulness – To promote connection to the present moment and increase awareness of what is within our control
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – To help identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors
• Motivational Interviewing – To assist self-identification of individual needs, dreams, goals, and desires

Dorothy believes that the journey inwards can be the next step in moving forward. She is a recovery advocate, supporter of others, healer through words, and is committed to be a partner in the healing process. She believes in resilience during the presence of fear, anger when faced with injustice, and the capability to bounce back from adversity. Specialities include:

• Anxiety
• Body Image and Self-Esteem
• Borderline Personality (BPD)
• Depression
• Dissociative Disorders (DID)
• Gender and Sexuality
• Life Transitions
• Recovery Advocacy
• Self-Harming and Suicidal Ideation
• Sexual Abuse
• Substance Use
• Trauma/PTSD

Education & Work Experience

Dorothy completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) with a major in Women’s Studies. She graduated with her Masters of Social Work from Wayne State University with a special interest in substance abuse, LGBTQIA+ identities, trauma, and developmental disorders. Dorothy’s clinical experience began in community mental health, running an adapted DBT group for individuals with developmental disabilities in Ann Arbor, MI. She excelled at her internship with SOS Community Services, a homelessness nonprofit, providing emergency shelters to families in need in Ypsilanti, MI.
Dorothy continued her post-graduate career in Detroit, MI at Northeast Integrated Health as the lead case manager/therapist for the Youth In Transition program, serving young adults (age 18-25) and the Cornerstone program, serving teens (age 13-17). Dorothy later worked as a family therapist for families involved in the CPS system, developing reunification plans and supporting healthy family communication. She transitioned to private practice at Radical Wellbeing Center, working with the LGBTQIA+ community and oppressed populations. She later began her work with Oakland Psychological Clinic in Milford, MI, where she spent 3 years prior to joining our team.
Core Values
Dorothy believes healing comes from the soul, not just the surface. She cares about meeting clients where they are at, without judgment, with an open mind. Dorothy believes in a practice that incorporates the following core values:

• Empathy – Creating a nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported.
• Mutual Aid – Developing a sense of partnership, support, and unconditional positive regard.
• Cultural Diversity – Supporting others of diverse cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds, acknowledging the strength and beauty in all identities.
• Resilience – Assisting individuals in recognizing their inner strength and their capacity to adapt and grow through life’s challenges.
• Trust – Creating a safe space to promote vulnerability, resilience, and self-reflection.
• Empowerment – Promoting self-identification of positive qualities, understanding systemic oppression, and how it impacts our circumstances.
• Self-Awareness – Encouraging exploration of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to better understand the self.
• Positive Mindset – Supporting a collective shift in perspective, cultivating optimism, and developing healthier thought patterns.
• Improved Self-Esteem – Empowering increased confidence, self-worth, and a stronger sense of identity.

Personal Note

Outside of the therapy room, Dorothy lives on a goat and alpaca farm, with several other animals, including llamas, horses, a mule, chickens, and more! She has a very loving orange cat and four standard poodles. Dorothy enjoys staying busy and works part-time at Loft, a clothing store, so she is always wearing the latest trends. She loves live music, has a passion for singing, enjoys sushi, and is a true crime connoisseur.