Her Story Is Just Beginning L.L.C. was created and founded in 2020 by Dorothy J. Yarrington, LLMSW, (she/her/hers), a clinical social worker and therapist from Southeastern Michigan.
Moving through emotions that sometimes feel overwhelming is possible if you are open to change, growth, and trying something different. After all, old ways won’t open new doors. I care about meeting you where you are at, without judgment, with an open mind. Your safety is priority and I seek to create a space founded on trust. With uncertainty there may be fear, but there is also opportunity and possibility.
I offer compassion, flexibility, self-autonomy, and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship. It is the capacity of what makes us different, unique, and special that reminds me of our unsettling similarity and resolve to heal, grow, and change.
Each day I learn that my story continues to be written. It is just beginning. What about you? Are you ready for something different?
My PHILOSOPHY
The journey inwards can be the next step in moving forward. Being willing to ask yourself the tough questions, become accountable, and be vulnerable takes courage. I am an advocate, supporter of others, healer of sorts (through words), and I do my best to offer compassion, a listening ear, and be your partner in the healing process. I thrive on human connection, whether it be through exchanging stories, memories, hardships, successes, failures, and learning from life’s inevitable challenges and mistakes. I believe in human resilience during the presence of fear, human anger when faced with injustice, and the human capability to bounce back from adversity.
You have the power to rewrite your own narrative at any point and time.
To learn more about why I do what I do, click on HER STORY in the menu!
In my free time I am a cat momma, a singer, an empath, a Virgo, a crafter, a warrior, an over-organizer, a hair chameleon, an astrology-lover, a survivor, a laugher. I love learning new things, a good Netflix-&-chill, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, superheroes, mystery crime tv shows, decorating, repurposing, and finding new ways to express myself through style!
🌗🖤🌻✨🌙🌄🪴
Foundations
The foundations of my work are rooted in the concepts of resilience, mindfulness, gratitude, acceptance, compassion, self-awareness, hope, inner peace, courage, vulnerability, forgiveness, self-autonomy, diversity, and cultural awareness. I use the term recovery for all aspects of healing — whether it be from addiction to a substance, unhealthy coping mechanisms, or trauma — no longer benefiting your life goals or desires moving forward.
Resilience
Dedication & Persistence
The willingness to keep going in the face of adversity and alternative outcomes.
Mindfulness
Grounding & Relaxation Skills
Returning the present moment, the here-and-now, over and over again. When distracted, letting yourself settle back into a state of focusing on one thing at a time.
Gratitude
Acknowledging What We Have
Tuning in to what makes life worth living. What are you appreciative of that others may not have? What are the small things you enjoy?
Acceptance
Letting Go of What We Cannot Control
Accepting that we are who we are in this moment, and it is okay. Releasing persons, places, ideas, constructs (etc.) that may hold us hostage to any notion that we are not worthy as we are in this moment.
Compassion
Understanding & Perspective
The ability to see a situation through the lens or viewpoint of another person or group of individuals. Allowing yourself to imagine what it may be like to be another person.
Self-Awareness
Insight Into Your Thought Process, Behaviors, & Actions
Getting to know your conscious and subconscious behaviors based on your own upbringing, personal experiences, social culture, and what is considered normal in your environment.
Hope
Optimistic Outlook Moving Forward
Feelings of restored optimism that often emerge after a period of concern, doubt, or judgment. Hope may coexist with action steps and require stepping outside your comfort zone.
Inner Peace
Content With Yourself As You Are
Not having the desire to escape who you are, nor having the desire to be anyone but who you are. Okay with being imperfectly perfect humans.
Courage
Finding Your Voice In the Process
Speaking up for yourself, sharing your truth, and advocating for your needs or safety in a recovery or healing process. Seek out someone who will listen to you and support your best interests.
Vulnerability
Willingness to Admit Fears, Challenges, & Barriers
The bravery to seek support and open up to others. The ability to establish trust and identify what may interfere with the healing process in order to support ultimate recovery.
Forgiveness
Moving Forward
Forgiveness is for yourself so you can increase compassion towards yourself and others for what may hold you hostage (from the past) that prevents you from living your life fully (today). Forgiveness is not acceptance.
Self-Autonomy
Making Your Own Decisions
You are in control of your life, your healing, and the steps you want to take. You will be given options to choose and suggestions at many points in your life, but you are the decision maker.
Diversity & Cultural Awareness
The Right To be Different
Challenging the norms of society and exploring how bias, prejudice, discrimination, and judgment plays a role in our lives and may increase suffering or resilience. Opening our minds to diverse perspectives and leaning into discomfort on difficult topics that cause divide. Expression of opinions and navigating how oppression or privilege impacts our life circumstances.
Get In Touch
I am accepting new clients at this time.
I hope to be a partner in your journey to healing and recovery in the near future.
With blessings for continued Resilience, Connection, Acceptance, Vulnerability, and Self-Care.
-Dorothy Jean✨
🌻🌗🌙🪴🌄🧿💡🖤🔮☀️
Oakland Psychological Clinic
1800 N. Milford Road, Suite 100
Milford, MI 48381
(248) 684-6400