Therapists for college students near Duke University

I welcome individuals from all backgrounds. I prioritize working with any and all women, girls, members of the Queer and Trans communities, and expecting parents, ages 15+. As a cisgender white woman I am aware of the privileges I hold and I honor the perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences of my clients. I believe in a collaborative therapeutic process and therefore will ask for your input in goal-setting and treatment planning conversations. I will at times offer clinical guidance, but not before hearing what it is you are seeking and hoping to gain from your therapy experience. My work is trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based, aimed at co-creating strong therapeutic rapport. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Mindfulness and Grounding, and Therapeutic Art. Through each of these interventions, I aim to strengthen and empower your voice and provide a safe space to be who you are, without judgment and without expectation.

Sometimes we reach points in life where we feel stuck. We might be trapped in loops of negative thoughts, or feel like we’ve hit a dead end in our career or intimate relationships. When we reach out for support and connection, we find that the technology that was supposed to connect us has left us more isolated than ever. Individually or as a couple, I will help you create a space to reflect and process difficult thoughts and emotions–cultivating hope and building a deeper sense of meaning in your life story. My work is informed by psychodynamic theory and existential therapy. Both are depth-oriented approaches that emphasize exploring unconscious behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. This exploration helps us better understand ourselves and integrate our difficult thoughts, emotions, and experiences to build more satisfying relationships with ourselves and others. Seeking help can feel very difficult, especially if we have been misunderstood or judged by others. If anything in my profile resonates with you I hope that you will reach out to schedule a free consult call! If you do, I promise to bring my authentic self to our work together.

With a background in school counseling, I have developed a passion for supporting children, adolescents, and young adults. Through this experience, I provided short- and long-term individual counseling services, career counseling, crisis intervention, and group psychotherapy. I am particularly equipped to help clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, academic and social stress, career exploration, adjustment issues, self-esteem, and emotional regulation, among other general mental health concerns. Drawing on a strengths-based approach, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to guide clients in identifying their strengths, setting goals, building resilience, and developing adaptive coping strategies. I am committed to integrating therapeutic approaches and techniques that best fit each client’s needs. I believe in cultivating a therapeutic relationship through a warm, non-judgmental, collaborative environment. I strive to have clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change in their lives toward their growth and well-being. I am committed to continuous learning and professional development to better serve my clients.

We offer a collaborative therapy approach that is both supportive and challenging. We utilize only research-based therapies in an approachable and flexible way, taking each client’s goals into account.

I want counseling to be a positive and collaborative experience for everyone who steps through my door. I primarily work with adults and young adults to address a variety of symptoms, including ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, intellectual disabilities, OCD, substance use, and more. Together, we will work toward embracing your differences and using your strengths to help accomplish your goals. I use an eclectic approach to counseling, meaning that I use methods from a variety of disciplines based on what will benefit each unique person. Some of the disciplines that I often draw from include CBT, DBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing. You are the expert in your own life, I am here to help you reach your full potential and achieve your goals. My ultimate goal is to make you feel safe, comfortable, and free from judgement during our sessions. Creating a space where you can be your true, authentic self is one of my top priorities. I believe that sessions should be a collaborative space full of honesty, genuineness, and even some humor at times.

“Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle” -Alice in Wonderland As humans, we often carry complex emotions around with us as we move through life. That can be exhausting, especially when you haven’t had the time or space to fully process what you’re feeling, what you’ve been through, and how those experiences impact your life today. My hope is that therapy with me can be a place where you can find some reprieve from life's stressors, make sense of your experiences, and regain a sense of control. I enjoy working with folks who are navigating trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, life changes, and interpersonal challenges. My background in social work influences how I approach therapy, including how identity, relationships, environment, and larger systems can impact overall well-being. In my practice, I tend to use an integrative approach, drawing from CBT, DBT, ACT, and motivational interviewing, while incorporating psychoeducation and strengths-focused interventions. In addition to these modalities, it’s important to me that our working relationship is built on trust, care, and mutual respect, so we can work together to figure out what works best for you. Being a pet parent of three rescue rabbits and a bearded dragon, I’m drawn to animals who are often misunderstood, have complex needs, and need patience and trust before they feel safe opening up. That experience has deepened my appreciation for patience, curiosity, and meeting others where they are. I especially enjoy working with folks who may feel “different” or “too much”. I’m here to help you better understand your patterns and explore your goals, understanding that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. If you think we might be a good fit, feel free to reach out!

You’re used to keeping it together, even when it’s hard. Maybe you're the overthinker, the perfectionist, the one who’s always there for everyone else. But lately, it’s been a lot: anxiety, life changes, big questions about who you are and where you’re headed. Therapy can be a place to slow down, feel understood, and find tools that actually help. I work with teens and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, identity, and life transitions. My style is warm, supportive, and grounded in trauma-informed CBT. Together, we’ll get curious about what’s going on beneath the surface and build skills to help you move forward. When you are ready to talk, call Gracefully Balanced Counseling at our office number or shoot me an email. We can schedule your free 15 minute consultation, where you can learn more about my approach and if we would make a good fit!

We believe that while pain is unavoidable in life, suffering is not. Everyone suffers in different ways and for different reasons. Suffering that comes as a result of trauma or mental illnesses can be changed. There is relief. We can help you find that relief. We have extensive experience working with individuals struggling with a wide range of disorders including depression, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD, and personality disorders. Our experience also includes work with high-risk behaviors, including substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.

When we can sit with our feelings and examine our thoughts we have an increased ability to understand our decisions and behaviors as well as the choices that are available to us. We utilize a non judgmental and warm approach to fully understand where clients are in their journey. We believe our clients present us with an enormous gift by sharing their vulnerabilities and strengths; we take therapy seriously and hope that each session is productive and our clients leave with a broader understanding of themselves and what they can do in the moment to feel better. We openly welcome clients of color, immigrants, queer and trans* clients, and clients of all genders. We provide individual counseling to help each person identify their own strengths and contributions to creating a life worth living. We have many years of experience providing trauma focused work, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and internal family systems therapy. We are comfortable treating a number of diagnoses, histories, and symptoms, including, but not limited to: life adjustments, trauma, sexual abuse, adoption issues, attachment disruptions, depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, difficulties with emotion regulation, issues of over control, self harming behaviors, and suicidal ideation.

As a Licensed School Counselor and Clinical Mental Health Counselor, I know each of us face challenges, life transitions, and pain. The bulk of my work is dedicated to helping clients with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and interpersonal challenges. Additionally, I have a passion for working with clients who are academically gifted or twice exceptional! I work with clients to bring meaning and understanding to how their thoughts, beliefs and life experiences impact their actions and related outcomes. I draw on Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Exposure Response Prevention principles and interventions to encourage insight and behavioral change. I know seeking therapy and finding a therapist is a risk that feels scary to many. My goal is to honor that bravery, hold space for anything you bring to the table, and help you move forward in a safe and comfortable environment.

My approach as a clinician focuses on the idea that each individual has their own innate and unique strengths that make them powerful, and capable, as the experts of their own lives. My goal as a therapist is to create a shared space in which a client can reflect on and engage with their preferred way of being, in order to take steps towards authenticity. Through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and mindfulness-based practices, I aim to assist clients in noticing, appreciating, and utilizing their own unique strengths to take steps towards goals or overcoming challenges in their everyday lives. If you are navigating the struggle of major life transitions like new jobs, moving from home, beginning higher education, ending a relationship, I can walk alongside you. With experience in working with the burnout and accumulated stress of students, I can provide individualized support and treatment. There is no need to take this journey alone. Together we can maneuver through the tough waters, embrace the joys we find, and Ride the Wave!

The clients I work best with are often the ones who appear “put together” on the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected on the inside. They’re typically reliable, high-functioning and used to being the person others depend on but privately, they may be dealing with anxiety, burnout, overthinking, or a sense that they’ve lost themselves in their roles. Many of my clients struggle with people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, or feeling responsible for others’ emotions. Some are navigating major life transitions like relationship changes, co-parenting, or figuring out their next steps in school or career. Others may not have a clear “reason” for therapy but know something feels off and want more clarity, balance, or a stronger sense of self. I work well with folks who are open to looking a little deeper, at patterns in relationships, how past experiences may still be showing up, and how stress or emotions live in the body. You don’t have to have it all figured out. If you’re willing to be curious about yourself and want practical tools alongside deeper understanding, this space can be a good fit.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a stress cycle of worry, sadness, or loneliness, you are not alone! These emotions can be natural responses to life circumstances. Sometimes it seems as though you can’t find your way out of these feelings. As a licensed clinical social worker, I am ready to join with you and offer support. Together we can identify your personal challenges, build upon your unique strengths, and develop healthier life patterns. Therapy offers the opportunity to work toward becoming unstuck. I have over 15 years of clinical experience. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, chronic illness and LGBTQIA+. My approach draws from relational, family systems, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioral therapies. I strive to provide a safe space where you can show up as your authentic self and feel heard, valued, and respected. I primarily meet via telehealth, with limited in-person availability. Give me a call to see if we are a good fit!

Our mission is to provide therapy services to adults, adolescents, and couples/people in all types of relationships that center around the needs of marginalized communities and provide a safe and inclusive environment for all folx. We celebrate all identities, abilities, and intersectionalities. Each of our therapists provides culturally responsive, 2SLGBTQ+ affirming, social justice-oriented care and specializes in different populations. We have locations in Durham, and Raleigh.

We specialize in evidence based counseling for individuals, couples, families & groups. Our areas of expertise include: childhood trauma, relationship building, intimate partner/family violence, parent-adult child relationships, gerontology, caregiver support including grief & loss.

Currently accepting new clients for in person and telehealth appointments. Hello and thanks for checking out more about me! Lets learn how we can work together. No matter where you are at in a life journey things can become difficult. In our work, we will integrate your knowledge, insight and expertise of your life with my perspective, to challenge - in a safe way - the thinking and automatic thoughts that so quickly come to your mind when faced with situations. The great thing is, those thoughts can be modified, but much like a muscle, it requires a consistent effort, and a willingness to try new approaches - it may be a little tough in the beginning. We will focus and learn to: Identify thinking patterns – developing an awareness of how you think about yourself, circumstances and outcomes and gain insight of where you may be critical and the unhelpful ways of how you relate to who you are Take the time to reflect – while hard to do in the busyness of life, looking inward helps build awareness of emotions and to explore what’s going on. Clarity in thinking and discovery of what really matters will result in those moments Become curious – life is a journey full of twists and turns; embrace what is presented and yet be mindful of the present moment Add self-care and compassion into your life – let’s work on increasing your ability for self-kindness and the process of acceptance Develop a growth mindset – no matter where you are emotionally, physically, or how old or young you are, we can expand in areas of life and improve in ways of relating and achieving what is possible or even ….what may seem impossible If this sounds and feels interesting to you, let’s begin with a complimentary 15-minute telephone conversation to determine how we can work together and the next steps.

That fake smile is exhausting, and you’re sick of pretending that everything’s fine. On the surface, it seems like you have it all together. But all too often, you’re counting the hours until you get to pull the covers back over your head. I’ve been there, and I get it. You might be coming to therapy because of anxiety, burnout, relationship strain, or a persistent feeling of working incredibly hard just to stay afloat. Or, you may be watching yourself engage in the same behaviors over and over again...even though you know you are digging yourself into a deeper hole. As a licensed psychologist, I am most known for my work in weight management and health psychology over the last 18 years, including my former role as the CEO of a small behavioral health hospital. While weight and eating concerns may bring my clients in, our work focuses on the deeper emotional and relational patterns driving those struggles. If you are looking for a practical, no-nonsense approach to therapy, we could be a fit. Although some of my clients have been with me for years (there are always new layers to uncover), my goal is to give you the confidence to continue independently once you’re taking more of those steps on your own. Vibe checks are great - just schedule a free consult!

If you’re looking for a safe, confidential space to talk or explore changes in your life, we’re here for you. We have several clinicians and are growing. Our work together will be guided by your unique needs, hopes, and experiences: combining your perspective with our expertise to help you become the person you want to be. We are especially skilled with navigating life changes such as college, career changes, and life transitions.

As you prepare to address problem areas in your life, finding the right person to work with to help and support you as you move forward toward your goals, is the first step. My therapy practice focuses primarily on children, families and young adults. I believe that better communication and understanding can be key in building better relationships. Typical sessions involve the basics of support, and building on the existing strengths of a person as well as developing better techniques in managing difficult emotional problems. Psychoeducation, which involves helping to understand the mental health symptoms that are being presented and learning how to manage them, as well as skills to build deficits with anger control, social interactions and stress relief, are also taught. Working together on ways to decrease difficult symptoms, such as clients providing better self care skills, building strong coping skills and having improved perspectives is essential to a healthier well being. My role as your therapist is that through the supportive and close therapeutic relationship, you will gain insight and motivation to work toward change. I am currently licensed in NC, GA and am a Certified Telehealth Practitioner in Florida. I am only able to see clients virtually in FL and NC.

Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or just having a hard time adjusting to our changing world or your own life transitions, I am here to help. I specialize in helping build healthy coping skills, positive self-worth, and emotional regulation to weather the stress and overwhelm life sometimes carries. Or, I can support you in building healthy relationships, setting boundaries, or improving your communication skills. I hope you seek the support you need!