Dr. Kyle Standiford, PsyD
Adolescent & Young Adult Psychologist in McLean, VA
Gender: Male | Office Location: McLean, Telehealth | States Licensed In: Virginia
Languages: English | Services Offered: Therapy, Testing | Credentials: Psychologist | Age Group: Ages 15-35
About Me
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with nearly 15 years of experience, working predominantly with adolescents, college students, young adults, and adults. My areas of expertise include complex trauma, suicidality and self-harm, anxiety, depression, and addiction. I also have extensive experience with ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, grief, relationship and family concerns, self-esteem, gender and sexual identity concerns, substance use, video game addiction, and a wide range of traumatic experiences.
I believe strongly in the importance of the relationship between a therapist and client, so I emphasize a more personal, laid-back, and casual dynamic while still using scientific and empirically supported approaches. Outside of therapy, I coach high school lacrosse in Northern Virginia and participate in tabletop gaming leagues and organizations.
My Approach to Therapy
My therapeutic style is conversational, collaborative, and focused on building rapport. That being said, I’ve coached sports for as long as I’ve done therapy, and that shows up in sessions at times through my directness and willingness to push and challenge beliefs, practices, or habits that may be getting in the way of how you want to manage stress or life events.
I use CBT, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), schema therapy, psychodynamic approaches, and Jungian theory and techniques. Much of our work involves understanding the motivations behind your actions and habits and exploring the expectations, rules, and beliefs you hold about yourself, your relationships, and the world around you. Together, we can identify patterns of thinking or behavior that may no longer be helping you in the ways they once did.
Sessions tend to involve a back-and-forth discussion rather than simply having you talk while I listen. I don’t routinely assign homework, but we’ll typically end each session by identifying one to three adjustments or interventions you can practice during the coming week.
What to Expect When Working With Me
Many of my clients come to therapy feeling stuck in cycles of rumination or negative self-talk about their self-worth, capabilities, direction in life, or perceived level of success and achievement. You may also have difficulty communicating your needs to others—or feel reluctant or guilty about doing so.
An important part of our work may involve developing compassion, love, and grace for yourself while still maintaining accountability and motivation for change. Therapy can help us understand why certain patterns exist, whether they are still serving you, and what you may want to do differently.
Your first appointment is also an opportunity to get a sense of who I am, how I work, and whether there is potential for a strong therapeutic connection. I encourage clients to talk about themselves as a whole person—not only the symptoms or clinical concerns that brought them through the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do you work with?
I work predominantly with adolescents, young adults, and adults ages 15–35, although I also work with many adults ages 50–65. My areas of expertise include complex trauma, suicidality and self-harm, anxiety, depression, and addiction, along with a range of other mental health and relationship concerns.
What is your therapy style?
My style is conversational and laid-back, with a strong emphasis on rapport. At the same time, I can be direct and willing to challenge beliefs, practices, or habits that may be getting in your way. I want therapy to involve forthright self-reflection and introspection while remaining professional, collaborative, and respectful.
What am I supposed to do in therapy? Do I need to come prepared with something to talk about?
You’re welcome to come into a session with or without specific talking points. I’ll always come prepared with two or three possible areas for discussion based on our previous sessions and treatment goals. But if something more pressing is on your mind that day, we aren’t obligated to follow my plan.
What if I’m nervous about opening up in therapy?
No one is obligated to share all the skeletons in their closet in any single session. You are always in charge of the pacing of what you disclose, and your boundaries should be respected. If there is something you aren’t comfortable discussing yet, that’s okay. My job is to help you better understand yourself and your habits—not tell you who I think you are based on our limited interactions.
How do I know if you’re the right psychologist for me?
We may be a good fit if you want to understand the motivations and drives behind habits or behavioral patterns that you’re interested in changing, improving, or adjusting. If you’re interested in honest self-reflection and are open to having your ideas examined, discussed, explored, or challenged in a professional and respectful way, my approach may work well for you.
Therapy Isn’t Only for a Crisis
Therapy does not have to be only about managing terrible or intensely negative feelings or circumstances. Whether you’re looking to find stability in chaotic times or engage in self-reflection and self-improvement to move from an already good place to a great one, therapy can be right for you.
I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you and see what we can do to help you meet your emotional, relationship, mental health, and life goals
Dr. Standiford provides in-person appointments at our McLean office, as well as telehealth services for clients who prefer to meet virtually.