Bisexual Therapists in Sylva, NC

I believe growth occurs when we courageously stay along the edges of our comfort zone and gently press into that boundary widening it inch by inch. I believe healing occurs when we fully allow ourselves to feel our pain, to sit with it, to befriend it, and to find out that it has edges and boundaries ... a beginning and an end. If you've been struggling with life - that can be big and small things - we can work together to identify challenges and build your capacity to move in the direction of optimal healing and wellness.

My passion lies in working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma and those currently living with eating disorders or disordered eating. It is my goal to help my clients no longer feel alone, and to move from a place of shame and guilt to one of believing and knowing that all of their parts are good.

“You need to get your shit together!” Your inner critic sternly informs you as you prop yourself up on your work desk and sigh wearily. Your chest tightens as your phone reveals part of another lengthy, panicked text from your mom about your brother’s latest relapse. Seconds later, you remember that you got a tad defensive with your partner yesterday, forgot to answer an email, and have 20 more things to add to your to-do list- all before you’ve finished your coffee. Your brow furrows as you hastily wrack your brain for a solution to stifle the lingering dread you can’t shake, while also trying to remember if you left the stove on.

I believe that we are all on a similar journey in life....to be fully connected and authentic people, and to integrate the different parts of ourselves so that we can experience love and joy and meaningful relationships. In our work together it is my hope that we can explore the different parts of yourself that keeps you from these connections and explore what it means to feel safe. Through exploring shame and early childhood trauma, depression and anxiety, as well as body love and acceptance, we can work together to support a deepening of your self-awareness and find compassion and connection to heal and nurture your deepest self.

I specialize in working with adult individuals and couples/families providing mindfulness and skills based psychotherapy. Let’s find new ways to work with old problems. For over 15 years I have specialized in working with the mind and the body using both traditional therapy and mindfulness techniques. This skills based approach, using non-violent communication and relationship enhancement therapy, a skills based learning approach to improve communication and empathy interpersonally. Let’s collaborate to find practical solutions and reduce your life stressors.

I believe everyone has the capacity to heal. I also believe in the inevitable good naturedness in every human being. I am passionate about supporting others in discovering inner strength, passion, joy and meaning in life. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with training and experience in Family Systems Theory and understanding relationships from a Family Systems perspective. My expertise is in working with young children, adults, couples and families through a lens of unconditional acceptance, nonjudgement and a positive frame of mind.

Now more than ever, your mental health and well-being is important. I understand the thought of opening up to a stranger can be intimidating. My style of therapy is informal and relaxed. It is important to me that you feel comfortable. I won't push you to share if you're not ready. I will always take a nonjudgmental stance. I can assure you I will be comfortable with any subject you'd like to discuss. I am a sex positive/kink positive therapist with experience working with issues related to sexuality and gender, nontraditional relationship types (i.e., nonmonogamy), and nontraditional lifestyles in general.

Growing up I was always a good listener, but over the past 14 years as a therapist, I have dedicated myself to becoming a great listener. I know that asking for emotional help can be difficult, so when it happens, I want to be that person who can offer a platform for those who want to be heard. I work with adolescents and adults identifying barriers to success and then finding ways to knock them down. I will meet you where you are with empathy and kindness and support you on your journey to happiness and wholeness.

I have been a clinician for 18 years and have found it one of my life’s greatest honors to be with people as they learn to be with themselves. My experience has been, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and behavioral concerns. I am dedicated to creating a safe place to explore with clients the changes they wish to make to improve their overall functioning. Building a relationship with clients is the most important and finding a good fit is crucial! My theoretical orientation is based in Gestalt therapy and I also have training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and EMDR.

Founded on a person-centered approach, I believe that the professional relationship is a large part of the therapeutic work. Although I integrate several evidence-based modalities including cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, somatic, psycho-dynamic, & motivational interviewing interventions, I welcome any presentation for both adults as well as youth.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS (Telehealth - available) Discussing personal challenges can often be difficult. The fact is that "life can be difficult", and there are times we all requre help "aligning our compass". Finding a therapist can be an important step in one's search for a "life worth living". For 10 years I have worked to develop compassion and empathy in assisting individuals and the families that have solicited my support in meeting the challenges and stressful situations that seems to be an unavoidable part of life.

My ideal client is one who is interested in finding happiness in love, work and community. My reward during my 30 years in practice is to experience, with individuals and couples, their growth towards these goals. Years in private practice and a major medical setting in New York have given me a broad background in helping people cope with the many challenges life hands them and to help them regain their feelings of hope. Additional focus is placed on life transitions including divorce, retirement, and bereavement. Additionally, I offer guidance in helping your children and teens navigate those challenging years.

I am truly passionate about working with people who are ready to journey into counseling and invest in themselves. I know this can be unfamiliar terrain for many individuals, but my compassionate presence eases this discomfort. I have over 18 years of experience helping individuals suffering from stress, anxiety and depression, difficult life transitions, partner relational issues, interpersonal relationship difficulties, past trauma and abuse, perfectionism, shame, poor body image and low self-esteem. I value the therapeutic relationship where I cultivate a safe space for transformation, hope, and healing.

My approach is rooted in the experience and belief that we have the answers within. I want my clients to not only survive the challenges they are facing, but to thrive and live a life that they love. My clients are often incredibly intelligent, creative, and driven. I have seen my clients accomplish amazing things when they get clear on their goals and apply their gifts toward a fulfilling and meaningful life. My goal is to help you get beneath the layers (often thoughts, behaviors, and relationship patterns) and get down to your core. Much of our work focuses on aligning your decisions and actions with your own truth.

Thanks for taking the time to consider me for potential counseling. You must be experiencing a time of significant distress during this part of your life. I’d like to help if I am a good fit for you! Mental health counseling is an investment in the quality of your life. That’s what we are trained to do, assist persons who can’t seem to find a way out of their suffering and negative circumstances. It offers a combination of human support, professional guidance and evidence-based psychoeducation.

My approach to helping: I see life as a journey. Sometimes we get in a rut and have difficulty getting out, or sometimes we think we are on the right road and things turn out differently than expected, leaving us devastated and not knowing how or what to change. At times, we are unaware of our repeated patterns or how early life experiences have affected us. At the time, we usually do the best we can with what skills we have. Sometimes, we have to change our unhelpful coping skills and develop strategies and skills that will help us be happier and more functional people. Life is a journey, let's take it one step at a time.