Feminist Therapists in Swain County, NC
Sarah Mehta
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cherokee, NC 28719
“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.
“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.
Online Therapists
Dr. Sydney Alexandra Camargo
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
I do this by utilizing a person-centered, feminist-based, approach that allows the client to take the lead and advocate for their needs.
I have a special interest in working with the LGBTQ+ community, women's issues, and trauma survivors. Specifically, I enjoy working with identity and sexuality concerns, self-esteem concerns and empowerment, anxiety, adjustment, and trauma-related concerns. Meeting clients where they are at and working at their pace is of the upmost importance to me.
I do this by utilizing a person-centered, feminist-based, approach that allows the client to take the lead and advocate for their needs.
I have a special interest in working with the LGBTQ+ community, women's issues, and trauma survivors. Specifically, I enjoy working with identity and sexuality concerns, self-esteem concerns and empowerment, anxiety, adjustment, and trauma-related concerns. Meeting clients where they are at and working at their pace is of the upmost importance to me.
Joy S Whitman
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LCMHC, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28806 (Online Only)
I have been working with clients since 1991. Over the course of my training and experience, my style of therapy has evolved to an integrative approach combining humanistic, feminist, and psychodynamic theories of personality development with an approach that emphasizes the adaptive development of identity across the lifespan within broad interpersonal, social, and cultural contexts. I seek to find what is working well for you, help you understand the experiences that brought you to this place in your life, and use your strengths to help you grow and develop insight as well as create behavioral change.
I have been working with clients since 1991. Over the course of my training and experience, my style of therapy has evolved to an integrative approach combining humanistic, feminist, and psychodynamic theories of personality development with an approach that emphasizes the adaptive development of identity across the lifespan within broad interpersonal, social, and cultural contexts. I seek to find what is working well for you, help you understand the experiences that brought you to this place in your life, and use your strengths to help you grow and develop insight as well as create behavioral change.
Susannah Kuppers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sylva, NC 28779
I am certified in EMDR, trained in Level 1 of IFS and I work from a person-centered, attachment, feminist, and strengths-based approach.
Sometimes what we need most is to be seen, heard, and appreciated just as we are. Through my own personal counseling and my professional training, I’ve witnessed the power of healing through connection with another and this is the foundation of my work as a therapist. When we are able to be vulnerable with another person, to be truly seen and heard it can be liberating. I bring this approach to my work with a variety of concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, attachment wounds, emerging adulthood, and substance use.
I am certified in EMDR, trained in Level 1 of IFS and I work from a person-centered, attachment, feminist, and strengths-based approach.
Sometimes what we need most is to be seen, heard, and appreciated just as we are. Through my own personal counseling and my professional training, I’ve witnessed the power of healing through connection with another and this is the foundation of my work as a therapist. When we are able to be vulnerable with another person, to be truly seen and heard it can be liberating. I bring this approach to my work with a variety of concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, attachment wounds, emerging adulthood, and substance use.
Kelsey Reep
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
By offering a holistic, feminist, and reproductive wellness informed approach to overall well-being, my clients strengthen their relationship with self, gain more self-compassion, confidence, and direction, feeling better equipped to navigate life's transitions and challenges.
We are all faced with the task of aligning with our authentic selves, a journey that is especially challenging for women—we are pressured to fulfill many roles, our decisions are subjected to higher scrutiny, and our right to autonomy is not always in our own hands (i.e., abortion, reproductive rights). In trying to navigate all these moving pieces, we are often overcome by stress, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, frustrated, defeated, and inadequate. With all the noise, it becomes difficult to connect with our self and we find ourselves lost and disconnected.
By offering a holistic, feminist, and reproductive wellness informed approach to overall well-being, my clients strengthen their relationship with self, gain more self-compassion, confidence, and direction, feeling better equipped to navigate life's transitions and challenges.
We are all faced with the task of aligning with our authentic selves, a journey that is especially challenging for women—we are pressured to fulfill many roles, our decisions are subjected to higher scrutiny, and our right to autonomy is not always in our own hands (i.e., abortion, reproductive rights). In trying to navigate all these moving pieces, we are often overcome by stress, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, frustrated, defeated, and inadequate. With all the noise, it becomes difficult to connect with our self and we find ourselves lost and disconnected.
Arika Morrison
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
I have had extensive training in various therapy models and interventions over the years and find that my work is richly influenced by Feminist Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), and art-based interventions.
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.
I have had extensive training in various therapy models and interventions over the years and find that my work is richly influenced by Feminist Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), and art-based interventions.
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.
Kelly O’Connor
Counselor, NCC, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28804
With a social justice and feminist lens, I offer safety for any and all identities to share your experience and find allyship and healing.
Hi! Going to therapy can be an intimidating process, and my goal is to create an authentic and accepting environment to help you feel seen, understood, and give you the confidence to try things differently. Vulnerability can be one of the scariest, most liberating and empowering acts, and takes courage – so I commend you for being here, wherever you are in your process.
With a social justice and feminist lens, I offer safety for any and all identities to share your experience and find allyship and healing.
Hi! Going to therapy can be an intimidating process, and my goal is to create an authentic and accepting environment to help you feel seen, understood, and give you the confidence to try things differently. Vulnerability can be one of the scariest, most liberating and empowering acts, and takes courage – so I commend you for being here, wherever you are in your process.
William Marshall
Counselor, LMHC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28804
Each person comes to individual therapy for numerous and very honest reasons, despite how overwhelmed and powerless they are feeling. It is okay to not know what to do or know what is next. Deep down, I believe that each one of us has the innate wisdom to know themselves and to know what to do next, under optimal conditions. Couples caught in a criticize-withdraw cycle are often doing what their survival instincts tell them to do. I am also highly trained in couples counseling and marriage counseling through emotionally focused therapy (EFT). Marital therapy and individual counseling need guidance from an empathic but neutral party.
Each person comes to individual therapy for numerous and very honest reasons, despite how overwhelmed and powerless they are feeling. It is okay to not know what to do or know what is next. Deep down, I believe that each one of us has the innate wisdom to know themselves and to know what to do next, under optimal conditions. Couples caught in a criticize-withdraw cycle are often doing what their survival instincts tell them to do. I am also highly trained in couples counseling and marriage counseling through emotionally focused therapy (EFT). Marital therapy and individual counseling need guidance from an empathic but neutral party.
Hannah Smith Sex Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCMHCA, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brevard, NC 28712 (Online Only)
We don’t live in a society that allows you to be who you are. Editing conversations, holding back, closing yourself off to people because you don’t know if they’ll accept who you really are. The stakes are so high, so much to lose, that you’d rather suffer in silence than risk abandonment.
We don’t live in a society that allows you to be who you are. Editing conversations, holding back, closing yourself off to people because you don’t know if they’ll accept who you really are. The stakes are so high, so much to lose, that you’d rather suffer in silence than risk abandonment.
Lauren Graham
Counselor, MA, LCMHC-A
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
My clients are often skilled performers and are perceived by others as easy-going and confident. Internally, my clients often struggle to trust their various emotional experiences. “Why am I feeling this? I’m too emotional, this is irrational - there must be something wrong with me. Others don't seem to struggle like I do.” You may be experiencing feelings of disconnection from those around you, sometimes even friends. You may be exhausted from masking your difficulties, you may find yourself feeling very lonely. You really just want to feel "normal."
My clients are often skilled performers and are perceived by others as easy-going and confident. Internally, my clients often struggle to trust their various emotional experiences. “Why am I feeling this? I’m too emotional, this is irrational - there must be something wrong with me. Others don't seem to struggle like I do.” You may be experiencing feelings of disconnection from those around you, sometimes even friends. You may be exhausted from masking your difficulties, you may find yourself feeling very lonely. You really just want to feel "normal."
Julie Scroggs
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
Do you feel stuck, stalled, and overwhelmed? Do you feel shame, grief, or isolation? You might feel debilitating worry, have chronic sadness, or even struggle to get out of bed every day. You probably feel lost, unsteady, and lonely. Perhaps you don’t know why you feel so empty and dissatisfied, but nothing you try seems to produce long-term changes. Or, maybe you are aware of a particular issue causing you pain, such as an unfulfilling job or relationship, and carry deep self-doubt or shame. This discomfort is the part of you that is longing for something different. But another part feels unsure and uncomfortable with change.
Do you feel stuck, stalled, and overwhelmed? Do you feel shame, grief, or isolation? You might feel debilitating worry, have chronic sadness, or even struggle to get out of bed every day. You probably feel lost, unsteady, and lonely. Perhaps you don’t know why you feel so empty and dissatisfied, but nothing you try seems to produce long-term changes. Or, maybe you are aware of a particular issue causing you pain, such as an unfulfilling job or relationship, and carry deep self-doubt or shame. This discomfort is the part of you that is longing for something different. But another part feels unsure and uncomfortable with change.
Kaity Horseman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Therapy comes in many different flavors. So, it is important to find a therapist that has training and experience in addressing your goals, that can relate to you, and that you feel good about working with. I work with individuals seeking to let go of behavior that no longer serve them, those who are seeking greater self-awareness and the root cause of any pain or distress they are experiencing, and are motivated to learn and implement skills to improve their lives. Through collaboration, I offer an unbiased perspective, curiosity, and accountability. Change is the only constant and everyday is an opportunity to embrace it!
Therapy comes in many different flavors. So, it is important to find a therapist that has training and experience in addressing your goals, that can relate to you, and that you feel good about working with. I work with individuals seeking to let go of behavior that no longer serve them, those who are seeking greater self-awareness and the root cause of any pain or distress they are experiencing, and are motivated to learn and implement skills to improve their lives. Through collaboration, I offer an unbiased perspective, curiosity, and accountability. Change is the only constant and everyday is an opportunity to embrace it!
Charlotte Taylor
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, CPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28806
Worried that your therapist is going to give you a blank stare as soon as you start talking about your sex life? Want more than just a nod and a "hmmm" from your therapist? Let's do this! I am passionate about providing non-pathologizing care for queer, non-monogamous, kinky, and gender diverse individuals, relationships, and families. If you're ready to change something, and you're ready to start today- you've come to the right place.
Worried that your therapist is going to give you a blank stare as soon as you start talking about your sex life? Want more than just a nod and a "hmmm" from your therapist? Let's do this! I am passionate about providing non-pathologizing care for queer, non-monogamous, kinky, and gender diverse individuals, relationships, and families. If you're ready to change something, and you're ready to start today- you've come to the right place.
Deborah Whitley Van Wieren
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC , LCAS
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Waitlist for new clients
Life can present challenges, some we live with every day, and others seem to come out of nowhere. Maybe life doesn't follow along a path we've spent years creating and working toward. The business of living can begin to feel like a grind, and simple tasks may create exhaustion, fear, and uncertainty. Unresolved and painful childhood memories seem to revisit out of nowhere, and even though you've worked and wished, or prayed about the pain, the pain lingers. We often resign ourselves to perceiving life as a chore instead of a joyful experience, which can lead to a lack of fulfillment and even chronic illness.
Life can present challenges, some we live with every day, and others seem to come out of nowhere. Maybe life doesn't follow along a path we've spent years creating and working toward. The business of living can begin to feel like a grind, and simple tasks may create exhaustion, fear, and uncertainty. Unresolved and painful childhood memories seem to revisit out of nowhere, and even though you've worked and wished, or prayed about the pain, the pain lingers. We often resign ourselves to perceiving life as a chore instead of a joyful experience, which can lead to a lack of fulfillment and even chronic illness.
Alicia Kennedy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
My purpose and passion is to support couples and individuals dealing with relationship conflict and life stressors. As a therapist I take a relational/systemic approach and value utilizing evidence-based practices to support couples in decreasing conflict and increasing intimacy and connection. For individuals, I understand that every person’s experience is unique and therefore I integrate several therapeutic models and interventions to uniquely support each client.
My purpose and passion is to support couples and individuals dealing with relationship conflict and life stressors. As a therapist I take a relational/systemic approach and value utilizing evidence-based practices to support couples in decreasing conflict and increasing intimacy and connection. For individuals, I understand that every person’s experience is unique and therefore I integrate several therapeutic models and interventions to uniquely support each client.
Catherine Brooke Bohnsack
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Leicester, NC 28748
I believe that clarity regarding who you are, what you believe, and why you believe it are among the greatest predictors a good and joyful life. I also know that a "joyful life" can sound absurd when you're struggling with depression and anxiety. My clients and I talk about their ideals and underlying beliefs and joys as context for their struggles. Together we examine the presumptions and expectations that--when left unchecked--lead to *so* much heartache. We work together to create a narrative of what could and might be instead, along with a solid plan for how to bring new realities into being.
I believe that clarity regarding who you are, what you believe, and why you believe it are among the greatest predictors a good and joyful life. I also know that a "joyful life" can sound absurd when you're struggling with depression and anxiety. My clients and I talk about their ideals and underlying beliefs and joys as context for their struggles. Together we examine the presumptions and expectations that--when left unchecked--lead to *so* much heartache. We work together to create a narrative of what could and might be instead, along with a solid plan for how to bring new realities into being.
Holly Gillespie
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCA
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28806
I believe in meeting each individual where they are in their journey with acceptance and curiosity. I offer compassion, authenticity, and care to help you uncover and satisfy your unmet needs. Many of us are wounded, but we are not broken. When we discover and meet our needs, our nervous systems reset and offer up a whole new place from which to live life. Counseling can help you understand and undo patterns of thought and behavior that unconsciously keep you from truly connecting with yourself and others. You can find peace.
I believe in meeting each individual where they are in their journey with acceptance and curiosity. I offer compassion, authenticity, and care to help you uncover and satisfy your unmet needs. Many of us are wounded, but we are not broken. When we discover and meet our needs, our nervous systems reset and offer up a whole new place from which to live life. Counseling can help you understand and undo patterns of thought and behavior that unconsciously keep you from truly connecting with yourself and others. You can find peace.
Marsha Virginia Hammond
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28806
An “ideal client” does not exist. Our strengths & weaknesses ebb & flow & simply outline human existence. This being said, persistence & determination—-on the part of the client—— and trusting that the psychologist has their best interest at heart—- encourage sought-after changes to occur.
An “ideal client” does not exist. Our strengths & weaknesses ebb & flow & simply outline human existence. This being said, persistence & determination—-on the part of the client—— and trusting that the psychologist has their best interest at heart—- encourage sought-after changes to occur.
Kristin Gonitzke
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MMFT, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
You’ve tried everything to reconnect with your partner, save your relationship, or remind yourself of why you fell in love way back when. You’re feeling resentful, the emotional labor feels one sided, and it feels impossible to find each other through the chaos of work, kids, life. It’s terrifying and overwhelming to be fighting all the time, and you’re confused about how it all fell apart. You want to understand the recurring argument and the missed connections that you're having, and start to rebuild the love that you’re afraid to lose.
You’ve tried everything to reconnect with your partner, save your relationship, or remind yourself of why you fell in love way back when. You’re feeling resentful, the emotional labor feels one sided, and it feels impossible to find each other through the chaos of work, kids, life. It’s terrifying and overwhelming to be fighting all the time, and you’re confused about how it all fell apart. You want to understand the recurring argument and the missed connections that you're having, and start to rebuild the love that you’re afraid to lose.
Mark S Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
For over 30 years I have been helping people overcome life obstacles and interpersonal struggles. Clients report significant benefit when they seek help dealing with transforming ideas of self that result from trauma, relationship changes, chronic illness, grief & loss, gender dysphoria, and coming out as LGBTQ. I utilize a variety of approaches including narrative, DBT, ACT, attachment-focused therapy, internal family systems and trauma informed practices. I now am seeing clients in person as well as virtually.
For over 30 years I have been helping people overcome life obstacles and interpersonal struggles. Clients report significant benefit when they seek help dealing with transforming ideas of self that result from trauma, relationship changes, chronic illness, grief & loss, gender dysphoria, and coming out as LGBTQ. I utilize a variety of approaches including narrative, DBT, ACT, attachment-focused therapy, internal family systems and trauma informed practices. I now am seeing clients in person as well as virtually.
See more therapy options for Swain County
Feminist Therapists
How does feminist therapy work?
Feminist therapy sessions are not only personal but often cultural or political in nature, as the approach is based on the belief that people are affected by, and often struggle with, cultural and societal norms and biases, and need to move beyond those external pressures or stressors to tap their own confidence and engage more fully in their own identity. Sessions may therefore include discussions of sexism, diversity, and gender issues and talk of steps toward greater empowerment for patients who believe they have been silenced and seek to raise their voices.
What are examples of feminist therapy techniques?
Along with traditional talk therapy and analysis, a feminist therapist may employ techniques such as role-playing and assertiveness training to help clients build their self-esteem so that they feel they can act freely, and not based on cultural expectations or gender roles dictated by others. A feminist therapist may also engage in bibliotherapy, offering suggested readings on gender identity or social power inequities as they work toward viewing mental-health concerns through a broad cultural lens before focusing on how they affect the individual. Somatic therapy techniques, with an emphasis on body awareness, self-compassion, and mindfulness practices are also often part of feminist therapist practice.
How long does feminist therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for feminist therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. It may take some time to become comfortable discussing personal issues, but once a client feels they can do so, they could expect therapy to last for a number of months, typically including at least 12 sessions.
Does feminist therapy work?
As a relatively recent therapeutic technique, there is not yet a body of evidence proving the efficacy of feminist therapy. However, the approach is based on proven core principles of talk therapy, with a particular emphasis on developing a therapeutic relationship based on equality and authentic connection between therapist and client and discovering and building on clients’ personal strengths to help them gain a greater sense of personal power and agency.