Whitney Vairin, LMSW
Associate Therapist
Specialties: Self-Worth, Burnout, Identity Exploration, Perfectionism & People-Pleasing, Life Transitions, Relationship Dynamics
Clients: Teenagers (13+), college students, and adults
Hi, I’m Whitney.
You’re insightful, thoughtful, and the friend everyone turns to for advice.
On paper, your life looks great—but internally, it can feel like a different story.
You might find yourself:
Overthinking conversations and replaying moments in your head
Feeling disconnected from who you really are beneath that “together” exterior
Navigating burnout, dating fatigue, a shift in identity, or a deep sense that something just feels off
I work with clients who are ready to go deeper—beyond surface-level fixes—to understand themselves more fully. Whether you're dealing with perfectionism, people-pleasing, or emotional overwhelm, our work is about slowing down, getting curious, and making space for the parts of you that need attention—not judgment.
Together, we’ll blend reflection with real tools so you can start feeling more grounded, more connected, and more like you again.
My Approach
I combine psychodynamic insight with relational depth, mindfulness, and practical tools. My work is grounded in exploring how your inner world, early experiences, and relationship dynamics shape the way you show up in your life today to help you move forward with more clarity and self-trust.
I also integrate:
Somatic Therapy – To bring awareness to what your body might be holding—whether it’s tension, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm—and support nervous system regulation.
Parts-Work (IFS-Informed Parts Work) – To help you understand and connect with your inner parts—like the inner critic, overachiever, or people-pleaser—with compassion and curiosity rather than frustration or judgment.
Mindfulness Practices – To help you pause, notice, and respond rather than react—especially in moments of stress, conflict, or emotional intensity.
This is therapy for people who want more than just coping skills. You’re self-aware and ready to go deeper—to unpack old wounds, unlearn patterns, and reconnect with who you are beneath the “together” exterior.
I bring a warm, collaborative presence and move at your pace—not mine. Therapy with me is a partnership, not a prescription.
What Working With Me Feels Like
I bring a steady, grounded presence to therapy. I’ll sit with you in the grief, confusion, or “stuck-ness” without rushing to fix it.
In a city that never stops, our 45 minutes together become a practice in slowing down, deep reflection, and reconnecting with yourself.
What We Work On Together
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Emotional Overwhelm + Burnout
Feeling overwhelmed by emotions and unsure what to do with them
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Perfectionism
The urge to be “perfect” even when it’s exhausting
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Identity Shifts + Personal Growth
Navigating changes that feel like they won’t step messing with your sense of self
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Trust + Vulnerability
Struggles with emotional closeness and opening up even when you really wish you could
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Communication + Boundary-Setting
Learning how to say what you need without apologizing for it
Credentials
Education
Master of Social Work—Columbia University School of Social Work
B.S. in Journalism—University of Tennessee, Knoxville
My Toolkit
Psychodynamic and Relational therapy
Trauma-Informed Care
Motivational Interviewing
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Current Roles
Associate Therapist—Gluck Psychology Collective
LMSW—Mobilization for Social Justice
Let’s Work Together
If you're ready to explore your story with compassion + curiosity and begin making space for the version of you that’s been waiting underneath—I’d be honored to walk with you. Click the link below to get started.
