Compassion Focused Therapists in 28105

Patrick Balsley is a North Carolina Addiction Specialists Professional Practice Board Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Structured Family Recovery® Counselor who has dedicated his life to serving individuals and families struggling with addiction.

From social media to student loans, and everything else in between, navigating life as a 20- or 30-something in today’s world can be overwhelming. It can sometimes be difficult to manage the stresses, pressures, fears, and expectations that come with all of the changes and challenges of this time in life.

Anxiety, stress, and sadness are a normal part of life, but when these feelings start to take over and inhabit multiple area's of life in a profoundly negative way, something needs to change. You're tired of people telling you it will get better, but with no real support of how. You're afraid of expressing these thoughts to your friends or family because of them sticking a label or diagnosis on you, but you really want to talk to someone about it. You're worried it's something you've done and are not sure how to grow or change.

Are you having a tough time? You are not alone. Many people are struggling right now. They are experiencing anxiety and depression. They are feeling overwhelmed, stuck and hopeless. They are having difficulty at home, school or work. They are coping with grief and loss. They are feeling unwell in their body with one or more health related issues. They can't sleep. They are unhappy in their relationships. They don't have a close friend. They are feeling isolated and disconnected. They come seeking therapy to help address a specific symptom, problem or issue. Often, they are simply seeking to feel less alone.

You are one step closer to a new you! I enjoy helping adolescent and adult clients find solutions through a balance of support and challenge. When you're on my couch, I work as hard as you do. I believe in helping you change your thoughts to change your feelings to change your behaviors which will change your life! I have worked in a variety of settings: an inpatient psychiatric hospital, public schools, residential treatment, EAP and private practice. I can help you reach your potential!

We are a Group of Trauma Specialist working with a variety of ages (8-100+) who have experienced trauma & have mental health needs. Our team of 15 therapists have a variety of specialties, experience & methods along with life experiences that can address most challenges. We love to work with clients who are ready to take the healing journey, are open, motivated & committed. Therapy is work & it is something we are honored to help you do. If you are ready to improve your life- please reach out. Virtual (in NC) and In-Person Sessions Available in Matthews & Mint Hill.

It’s okay to ask for what you need. This is something I need to remind myself of on a daily basis. So many of us focus intently on making sure everyone else is taken care of and we completely abandon ourselves and ignore our own needs. This leaves us feeling exhausted, depleted, and quite frankly, resentful because we think to ourselves “why isn’t anyone taking care of me?” I teach my clients what a healthy relationship looks like because if this wasn’t modeled to you at some point throughout your life, no one can expect you to know what it means.

A person's natural tendency is to gravitate toward health and wholeness. Sometimes when trying to move toward goals and the most authentic expression of self, we get stuck by internal or external barriers. I enjoy working with clients who are willing to step into vulnerability even when it's scary and who are open to exploring creative approaches to healing. With curiosity, you can discover meaning within emotional pain and grow beyond limits you might have internalized.

Do you often feel overwhelmed by the world we currently live in? Do you have trouble regulating your emotions, feeling motivated, or feel "stuck" because of things that have happened to you in the past? I am trained in DBT and EMDR and work with individuals who are struggling with mood disorders, life transitions, and past trauma. I would love the opportunity to work alongside you on your healing journey. I want to give you the safe space needed to process what's going on and provide skills to help you become more adaptive.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate in the state of NC, and received my Masters of Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill. I have experience working at inpatient behavioral health settings, hospital systems, multidisciplinary collaborative care clinics, and in private practice. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR (trauma),and utilize other therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational Interviewing, talk-therapy, and solution-focused. I am proud to serve clients with a wide rage of ages (early adolescence through older adulthood), and from a wide range of backgrounds.

I have a passion for helping people learning to manage chronic mental or physical health conditions. I have 7 years of experience as a social worker, and 3 years of experience as a mental health therapist. I enjoy helping people with anxiety, depression, and OCD, as well as chronic health conditions. I have experience working with people with conditions. I want to help people experience life to the fullest despite any diagnoses they may have by learning coping skills and managing physical and mental symptoms.

There is an old saying: “The more you run from something, the more you run into it.” That is a scenario that can play out time and again for persons struggling with mental health issues. And avoidance is tempting. But the key to experiencing less pain and to living life with more enjoyment is in effectively confronting mental health challenges. This is where an ally is required—an ally trained in helping you find strengths within yourself and in aiding you in developing coping skills.

Do you ever find yourself saying "It is not supposed to be this way"? At times we have all felt lost in life, or found ourselves in a place we do not wish to be. Whether it be at the hands of trauma, loss of self-esteem, familial discord, or failed relationships, sometimes we all need some guidance getting back to our best version of ourselves.

You have a right to a better life, to live with less distress; to have a life with possibility, potential, and vitality. I have worked with people like you who have found that within the warm, accepting, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment of our therapeutic relationship that change becomes possible. I invite you to be courageous and to reach beyond your fears to claim the life that you want. Utilizing established, researched, and respected therapies, I treat many emotional and behavioral disorders by helping clients face their struggles and move towards a valued life.

Many people can be too hard and not kind enough to themselves. Life is difficult enough, and not being on their own side through their struggles makes it even more so. Whether you’re new to therapy or have some experience with it, starting with a new therapist can be overwhelming. I invite you to a warm, inviting space where you are able to show your full self. I tend to use a holistic and integrative approach. Your sessions are your time and I will meet you where you’re at while providing a therapist viewpoint.

Are you looking to strengthen and improve your relationships? I believe that the quality of our relationships directly impacts the quality of our lives. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients increase their awareness of themselves and their relationships while providing skills to help them improve areas of their life. Whether you are looking to learn coping skills, work on healthy communication, identify negative behavior patterns within yourself or a relationship, or just need a safe place and someone to talk to, I work with you to help you achieve your goals.

Life in general, can be challenging. I believe in the healing power of telling your story in a judgement-free environment where you feel safe. Research consistently shows it is the quality of the therapeutic relationship, more than any other factor including the method of therapy, predicting the clients’ ability to use therapy to help themselves and make positive life changes. Therapy does not always solve the problems brought to it, but the best chance for success is when there is a strong therapeutic relationship. To me, the critical foundation of our counseling relationship is a partnership based on mutual respect and honesty.

I enjoy working with people who are ready to make some necessary changes in life but are unsure of where to start. I am passionate about helping individuals find their strengths and increase their confidence in themselves. My philosophy is that we all have innate value and skills that often are overlooked, but, when fully utilized, can put us on a path to be our best and happiest selves. I use a combination of a few theories, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential Theory, & Solution Focused.

I help people with problems and passions. What are you looking for more of?? Love, joy, excitement, peace, connection, success?? A new job, new or improved relationship, better health? What are you looking for less of??? Stress, depression, anxiety, loneliness, frustration?? Bad habits? My clients typically feel stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated but are also ready and motivated to TRY SOMETHING NEW!!