Therapists in Banner Elk, NC

I have been working with families for over 10 years. My work has taken me from the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to as far as the California coast. Throughout my practice I have worked with children, adolescents and adult clients on a variety of issues including PTSD, depression, anxiety, adjustment to life changes, anger & behavior management, as well as development of parenting skills amongst others. I firmly believe that utilizing empathy, unconditional positive regard and genuineness, combined with effective coping skills is the best way to help my clients meet their goals.

If you're here, it's likely that you're concerned about your child's ability to handle big feelings and life situations. Maybe you've noticed that they are spending a lot of time worrying, having trouble with friends, or perhaps are acting out at school. As a counselor, I'm here to support your child in finding their own path towards self-discovery and growth. My approach is centered on the power of play, which I believe is one of the most important tools for supporting children in their journey towards emotional well-being.

I am a therapist that believes in change, that each individual has the ability to self-heal, but sometimes needs some support to do so. Navigating our world and lives can be hard, and you don’t have to go through it alone. My role as your therapist (or your child's) is to act as a supportive agent, where we work collaboratively to achieve the goals you set for yourself. You would be encouraged to express your own experience through activities, verbalizations, or a combination that feels best to you in a safe space. I do my best to make sure everyone who comes into my office feels accepted as themselves, with no judgement whatsoever.

I support individuals and families who are seeking change in their lives, whether this is to find safety and strength in a time of crisis or to delve into the challenging and rewarding process of self-exploration. I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of life-challenges, including childhood trauma, sexual abuse, grief & loss, and LBTGQIA issues. I also have a passion for perinatal mental health and enjoy working with new mothers and parents who may face any number of obstacles in new parenthood, including postpartum depression and anxiety.

If college is the best four years of your life, then why do you feel like this? Stressed and alone. Surrounded by people, but struggling to connect. Wanting love, but tired of the games and swiping. Scared of the real world, and still stuck with that vape habit and yoyo diet from high school. Or maybe you were so excited for parenthood, but not for this. This is so loud and hard and nothing like the pictures online. Life transitions - my favorites being college and parenthood - can shake you up and reveal cracks you never knew were there, but they can also shake you loose from your old habits so you can grow.

Although we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can move toward greater self understanding and more fulfilling relationships in the present. I engage with you based on a relationship of two people coming together as equals within the safety of the therapeutic container. My focus is on interpersonal relationship, however, I include art, music, movement, play, and guided imagery as another means to connect with each other and to free the imagination for self discovery.

My name is Julia Smith. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and full time a tele-health therapist who is dedicated to helping individuals enhance their emotional well-being. My areas of clinical expertise include, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I have a wealth of experience treating emotional and behavioral issues affecting teens, parents, and young adults. I possess specialized training in evidenced based practices including: Brainspotting Phase I, Trauma Focused-CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Not currently accepting new clients. Are you feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or simply stuck? Maybe your goal is to procrastinate less, to cope with feeling worried, or maybe you just want to do something differently. Part of being human is experiencing challenge, be it with mental health or life in general, and so is wanting to make a change to live to the fullest of your potential. Together, we will explore the challenges that you are experiencing and collaborate to ensure that you feel heard and are able to meaningfully meet your goals

Carl Rogers once said, "When I accept myself just as I am, then I change." When it comes to mental health, sometimes we just need a space that allows for that; a space to be - to express, to reflect, and to release. Counseling may be that space for you or someone you know. Whether you're struggling with a current state, a past experience, or are looking for new ways to encourage your well-being and growth, I would be honored to support you.

Supporting and empowering clients who are battling depression, trauma, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, relationship and interpersonal challenges is a deep passion and calling of mine. Too often, we feel like we are alone, inherently flawed or doing aspects of life wrong.

I have worked with people diagnosed with mental health illnesses, substance use disorders, PTSD, and trauma. I also have experience working with clients on the Autism spectrum. I am a creative, compassionate, and caring person ready to support you as you face any of life's challenges.

Currently Accepting New Clients! Are you feeling stuck, unsure how to move forward in life? Do you see yourself following the same unhealthy patterns with the same negative results? Are you ready to take the first step in creating a new, healthier life? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, I would like to have the opportunity to work with you.

I am a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (license #S3106) with more than 30 years of training and experience working with adults and adolescents in the fields of mental health, employee assistance, vocational and psychosocial rehabilitation, and workplace training and consultation. I have extensive experience working with medical, psychological/emotional, substance abuse/chemical dependency, relationship, and career issues. I have been in private practice for 20 years. I am also a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor.

Currently accepting new clients for office-based or nature-based therapy. Do you find hiking or just being outside, healing? Would you enjoy being in a peaceful place to learn more about yourself? Incorporate your love of the outdoors into your own wellness journey by discovering new ways to work through emotional challenges arising from life transitions, loss/grief, social connections, family dynamics, school/career and/or relationship conflicts. During your therapy session, you may choose to be in the office or you can relax by a pond, a creek or on top of a ridge. Find your own healing space at Bee Tree Ridge Farm.

Sometimes we can feel as if on a mountaintop with a sense of clarity and other times in a valley unable to see the next step. Life is a journey with experiences and seasons where we can all use some help along the way. Whether it be marriage, dating, work, friendships, or family dynamics, relationships can be complex. Through life's complexities we can learn and grow. I believe everyone deserves to experience joy and live an abundant life. By living authentically to ourselves and others we can become the best version of ourselves. My desire is to meet you where you are and collaboratively work with you to reach your full potential.

*Waitlist* If you're ready to make change in your life, you've come to the right place. If you want to do therapy online from the comfort of your home, we will be a great fit (just get ready for me to ask to meet your pets!) If you dislike sitting in an office and want to meet OUTDOORS for therapy, I'm your girl. My favorite therapy sessions are done in nature in the Boone, NC and surrounding areas - we can walk, hike, kayak, or even ski/board during your session! I believe the best therapy happens while moving your body in nature. I specialize in relationships, body-centered therapy, trauma-healing, LGBTQIA+, and goal-achievement.

Finding the right fit with a therapist is so important, but it can feel uncomfortable (sometimes scary) meeting for a first session with a stranger and not knowing if they're going to be a good fit. I'd love the opportunity to get to talk with you; it's my goal to create a safe, warm, and welcoming space where you feel heard, felt, and able to pursue change at your pace. If we meet and you end up feeling I’m not the right fit, I'll be happy to help you find a therapist who you feel is right for YOU. Therapy isn’t about me, it’s about you finding the space and tangible resources you need on your life journey.

Currently accepting new clients- I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families to develop an understanding of ourselves and how we are influenced by events, relationships, and expectations. With this knowledge, we can explore past experiences and current stressors to identify how they impact us directly. Together, we can develop an understanding of life that provides opportunities for change and growth.

I enjoy working with a wide range of individuals, and feel honored to be able to navigate with you through life's challenges. You are not alone, and being able to talk with you through your sensitive time in a trusting, safe environment is what we will be doing together.