Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in Cape Fear, NC

I am an eclectic therapist, using best practice, evidence-based interventions; such as but not limited to CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, spiritual connection, and experiential art exercises. The underpinning of my approach is authentic person centered, conversational talk therapy. I don’t believe in a one size fits all approach. Purpose and meaning and how we get there is different for everyone.

Do you wish your partner understood you better? Do you feel like you can't connect with your kids? Do you want to manage relationships better? You can! I work with clients of all ages to make relationships healthy and strong. Clients see me individually, or with loved ones to learn how to communicate better and diffuse conflict. When working with couples and families, I utilize John Gottman’s Marital Principles, as well as Sue Johnson’s Attachment Marital Therapies. I treat mood disorders, navigating life transitions, issues related to sexual functioning and trauma, as well as interpersonal conflict within close relationships.

I enjoy helping college students, young adults, and teens navigate the overwhelming changes going on in their lives. I’m also passionate about providing neurodiversity-affirming therapy to the Gen-Z population, especially individuals with ADHD and Autism.

I work with people who feel stuck and desire freedom, healing and clarity. The people with whom I work may have mental health concerns like PTSD/trauma, anxiety, or depression, more general life concerns like transitions, relationship issues and loss, or difficulties in recovery from addiction or active substance use or other compulsive behavior(s).

I am committed to providing an authentic therapeutic connection with my clients' by creating a non-judgmental, compassionate space. Although I treat a variety of psychological problems, I specialize in eating disorders, trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, and women's issues. I incorporate evidence-based practices into my treatment including compassion-focused therapies, dialectical behavioral therapies (RO-DBT and DBT), and acceptance commitment therapy. You can expect for me to incorporate compassion, humor, and flexibility in my treatment approach.

If you are struggling with anxiety, compulsive behavior, wish to overcome the consequences of traumatic experiences, or feel stuck in your life journey, I invite you to contact me. As a therapist, I strive to provide a non-judgmental and supportive environment for individuals to gain greater self-awareness and self-regulation. In our work together, we will hold space for difficult emotions, identify patterns that have helped you in the past and may not be serving you now, and develop new skills so that you are able to gently move toward living a more fulfilling life aligned with your values.

Hi, welcome to my corner of understanding and growth. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I'm deeply committed to fostering healing and empowerment in the lives of my clients. Whether you're navigating life transitions, managing anxiety or depression, battling addiction, experiencing grief, or seeking to enhance your relationships, I'm here to offer guidance and support every step of the way. I also specialize in working with older adults and the unique challenges of this life stage.

I'm accepting NEW clients! I'm in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO, State Health Plan and Blue Value) and Aetna. I'm also currently offering self-pay rates of $135/intake and $110/individual tx. I also offer reduced rates of $100/intake and $85/follow-up session. I work with ADULTS ages 18+ and COUPLES who are experiencing struggles related to intimate relationships, anxiety, major and persistent depression, grief and loss, trauma, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and adjustment issues. I also offer premarital counseling. I provide care for neurodivergent individuals and the LGBTQIA+ communities specifically.

A chronic pain or illness diagnosis can feel like your whole life has shifted. Relationships change, hobbies are lost, and independence looks different. You may be feeling depressed and hopeless about the future, wondering if life will ever look the same. You may still be deep in the grieving process. You may even be discovering that your childhood trauma could be correlated with your diagnosis, leaving you to process two traumas at once. The good news? You can still create a life worth living - a life where you can follow your values, even with pain and illness present.

Clients who reach out to me are either their worst critic, ready and willing but may lack particular skills, or both. Self-acceptance is a needed foundation. It is important for people to learn to accept themselves and their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, making room for being uncomfortable; while also learning to regulate or change behaviors when it is needed to do so. Whether the issue is depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, emotion dysregulation, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, or substance use, I have a set of skills that will be helpful.

I have been working as a counselor since 2017 and have experience in multiple settings including higher education, private practice, and community nonprofit. My heart for survivors of interpersonal violence, including sexual assault, is what led me to counseling. However, I serve clients with many struggles and concerns. I do not want anyone's past experiences or negative core beliefs to hold them back from living a meaningful life.

When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. - I genuinely believe that every person is deserving of love, respect, and acceptance solely because they are human. By providing individuals with a safe, caring, and supportive environment, I believe that they can be empowered to become the best version of themselves. My heart is for individuals who feel like no one understands or listens to them, that can be crippling. But together, we can help you create a meaningful life even in the face of difficulties.

As humans, we sometimes find ourselves stuck. We might feel stuck in painful circumstances and relationships, in old and outdated patterns of behaviors, or with narratives that just don't feel true to us anymore. This is part of what it means to be human, and yet, being human also implies an innate potential for evolution and growth. Together, grounded and curious, I work with my clients to get in touch with the present moment, determine what really, truly matters to them, and identify how to move forward in life in a meaningful and intentional way.

I understand the importance of a collaborative relationship in therapy and believe it is the most important vehicle for change. I attempt to provide a warm, caring, and accepting atmosphere that will encourage clients to move towards their goals and improve their lives. My professionalism, authenticity, and sense of humor set me apart as a clinician. I specialize in working with individuals and couples that have been impacted by sexual trauma.

For as long as you can remember, you’ve felt different. You learned early on that to avoid ostracization and torment, you had to hide parts of yourself. Now, you’re an adult and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, but things still aren’t easy. You still have residual shame from years of concealing your true self. And the simple act of living authentically in a society dictated by heteronormative standards makes you feel like an outcast. Over the years, you’ve unwittingly internalized people’s judgments and have started harshly criticizing yourself. You wish there were a way to live free of this pain, but you don’t know how.

It is an honor for me to have the opportunity to help others work through personal, relationship and other life issues by way of developing a strong therapeutic relationship. My primary goal in therapy is to establish and maintain a safe, trusting and accepting environment. I work from primarily ACT and DBT frameworks. Both of these therapies use Mindfulness strategies and other skills to "get you out of your head" and into living life to the fullest. Mental health and physical health are intimately intertwined. I often incorporate mind-body connection practices into treatment. Combining these techniques can elicit powerful change.

Do you lack motivation? Or do you need help getting “unstuck”? Do you feel unsure of how to cope with your past trauma or current life stressors? If any of these questions resonate with you, I think it may be time to consider therapy. I enjoy collaborating with my clients by trying to find solutions to their depression and anxiety in the same way you connect the pieces of a puzzle. I want to support you in taking the reins to work towards your goals and find the light when many people would only see darkness.

I believe my background as a female of a minority race, and the daughter of immigrants helps me see individuals in a nonjudgmental space informed by a social justice lens. My upbringing, education, and work experience combine for a unique level of appreciation and understanding that helps me connect with people on a more intimate level. My clinical approach is client centered and strengths based, meaning I will meet you where you are at in terms of readiness for change, while also therapeutically challenging you by helping you access your unique strengths and abilities. I will tailor the therapy to what is most supportive to you.

I believe all humans have the potential to discover their inner strength and overcome difficulties. I help clients to understand the root of unhealthy behavior patterns and thoughts to break free from what is holding them back from living authentically. My approach includes mindfulness, compassion, and helping my clients to recognize their own inner resources. I look forward to working with you to create transformation, healing and strength from within despite the external challenges of the world, being "stuck" in past trauma or childhood narratives, and day to day stressors - EMDR/trauma based focus.