Female Therapists in Durham County, NC
I specialize in working with women and genderqueer folx around stressful/traumatic childhoods, anxiety/depression, imposter syndrome, betrayal trauma, self compassion development, inner child/parts work, and those undergoing transitions in their life.
I use an intuitive and eclectic approach in therapy and incorporate talk therapy with mindfulness techniques and movements to assist clients in developing resilience and awareness of the mind and body connection. I often use humor in our therapy sessions as well. Our therapy sessions will be experiential at times.
I specialize in working with women and genderqueer folx around stressful/traumatic childhoods, anxiety/depression, imposter syndrome, betrayal trauma, self compassion development, inner child/parts work, and those undergoing transitions in their life.
I use an intuitive and eclectic approach in therapy and incorporate talk therapy with mindfulness techniques and movements to assist clients in developing resilience and awareness of the mind and body connection. I often use humor in our therapy sessions as well. Our therapy sessions will be experiential at times.
Also, passionate about helping clients through midlife and later-life transitions, Shannon also addresses ADHD, OCD, and women's issues.
She works with diverse populations, including men, women, and the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring an inclusive therapeutic space. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys family time, reading, painting, exercising, and music, which enriches her life and informs her practice.
Also, passionate about helping clients through midlife and later-life transitions, Shannon also addresses ADHD, OCD, and women's issues.
She works with diverse populations, including men, women, and the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring an inclusive therapeutic space. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys family time, reading, painting, exercising, and music, which enriches her life and informs her practice.
With over twenty-five years of experience in the mental health field and being one of the first providers in the country to earn certification in perinatal mental health, I've helped hundreds of women learn to manage negative thoughts, improve satisfaction in themselves and build confidence.
Are you not feeling like yourself since having your baby? Are you irritable, sad, anxious or feeling overwhelmed and guilty? Are you a mom of older kids and struggling with your moods and finding satisfaction in your relationship, family life, or career? Being a mom is exhausting, demanding, and sometimes emotionally confusing! Not sure why you are feeling a certain way? I can help you sort it all out. I specialize in treating mothers suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, infertility and loss, as well as moms struggling with guilt, shame, and anger.
With over twenty-five years of experience in the mental health field and being one of the first providers in the country to earn certification in perinatal mental health, I've helped hundreds of women learn to manage negative thoughts, improve satisfaction in themselves and build confidence.
Are you not feeling like yourself since having your baby? Are you irritable, sad, anxious or feeling overwhelmed and guilty? Are you a mom of older kids and struggling with your moods and finding satisfaction in your relationship, family life, or career? Being a mom is exhausting, demanding, and sometimes emotionally confusing! Not sure why you are feeling a certain way? I can help you sort it all out. I specialize in treating mothers suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, infertility and loss, as well as moms struggling with guilt, shame, and anger.
Sarah Weston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MTS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I’m a cis white female that is inclusive and affirming in outlook and am working against my own biases in many areas including race, gender and sexuality, and ableism.
I'm Sarah Weston, LCSW (she/her/hers). In my work, I set a rapport of trust and safety, and reflect what I’m hearing, seeing, and thinking without judgment. I am interactive, using my knowledge and skills and my authenticity and transparency to help your healing process. I believe in the work we do together, knowing that I hold the hope for people when they cannot hold it for themselves and we’ll find that over time you will have it back. I ask for you to be motivated to change and engage in the work so you can have a more therapeutic life and use therapy as a part of that life, along with whatever else makes life healthy for you.
I’m a cis white female that is inclusive and affirming in outlook and am working against my own biases in many areas including race, gender and sexuality, and ableism.
I'm Sarah Weston, LCSW (she/her/hers). In my work, I set a rapport of trust and safety, and reflect what I’m hearing, seeing, and thinking without judgment. I am interactive, using my knowledge and skills and my authenticity and transparency to help your healing process. I believe in the work we do together, knowing that I hold the hope for people when they cannot hold it for themselves and we’ll find that over time you will have it back. I ask for you to be motivated to change and engage in the work so you can have a more therapeutic life and use therapy as a part of that life, along with whatever else makes life healthy for you.
OIC Counseling and Wellness, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27701
With over seven years of experience in the educational setting and cultivating lifelong partnerships through empowering women, my areas of expertise include therapy for individuals transitioning into new careers, adulthood, relationships, or simply looking to find themselves.
**Practice has immediate openings for new clients**. When was the last time you checked in with you? I’m not talking about your children, partner, your friends, your colleagues, but I’m talking about you. How often do you evaluate your current place in life, then set realistic goals to accomplish life’s milestones? Are you constantly thinking that there has to be more, but you just need help trying to figure it all out? I am here to assist you. My job is to help move you away from the things that no longer work, perhaps they never did, and towards a more ideal way of being.
With over seven years of experience in the educational setting and cultivating lifelong partnerships through empowering women, my areas of expertise include therapy for individuals transitioning into new careers, adulthood, relationships, or simply looking to find themselves.
**Practice has immediate openings for new clients**. When was the last time you checked in with you? I’m not talking about your children, partner, your friends, your colleagues, but I’m talking about you. How often do you evaluate your current place in life, then set realistic goals to accomplish life’s milestones? Are you constantly thinking that there has to be more, but you just need help trying to figure it all out? I am here to assist you. My job is to help move you away from the things that no longer work, perhaps they never did, and towards a more ideal way of being.
Christina Hower
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27705
My specialty is helping young adult women navigate the changes and challenges of their 20's and 30's.
We are often unprepared for the unique challenges women face in adulthood. Demands of career, family of origin, partners, & parenting often leave little time for ourselves. Therapy is a place that's just for you. We will examine expectations, redefine success, discard perfectionism, advocate for needs, & set up systems that support & allow you to thrive.
My specialty is helping young adult women navigate the changes and challenges of their 20's and 30's.
We are often unprepared for the unique challenges women face in adulthood. Demands of career, family of origin, partners, & parenting often leave little time for ourselves. Therapy is a place that's just for you. We will examine expectations, redefine success, discard perfectionism, advocate for needs, & set up systems that support & allow you to thrive.
During that time, I led groups that focused on education for women who experienced anxiety on a daily basis.
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based out of North Carolina. I received my Masters degree from Arizona State University and have been practicing for 9 years. I believe that working together in a safe, non-judgmental environment can create space for the healing you deserve. In my early career I worked with Child Protective Services to support the reunification of children with their biological parents. I then moved to North Carolina to continue work with keeping families together that had suffered trauma and/or behavioral issues.
During that time, I led groups that focused on education for women who experienced anxiety on a daily basis.
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based out of North Carolina. I received my Masters degree from Arizona State University and have been practicing for 9 years. I believe that working together in a safe, non-judgmental environment can create space for the healing you deserve. In my early career I worked with Child Protective Services to support the reunification of children with their biological parents. I then moved to North Carolina to continue work with keeping families together that had suffered trauma and/or behavioral issues.
As a queer woman and North Carolina native, I understand the unique challenges and resiliency in recognizing and living your true identity.
I specialize in understanding and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, with a particular passion for working with trans and non-binary individuals. Additionally, I focus on treating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life transitions, and developing stronger coping skills for people from all walks of life.
As a queer woman and North Carolina native, I understand the unique challenges and resiliency in recognizing and living your true identity.
I specialize in understanding and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, with a particular passion for working with trans and non-binary individuals. Additionally, I focus on treating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life transitions, and developing stronger coping skills for people from all walks of life.
I am a queer, White, culturally Jewish (anti-Zionist), cisgender woman who specializes in working with adults on trauma processing.
I have been told that I have a calm, non-judgemental approach which allows for deep self-exploration, and a safe space for experimentation in skill building. I aim to create a space where clients will feel supported and accepted, while also aim to gently push clients out of their comfort zones so that you can learn new things about yourself and grow.
I am a queer, White, culturally Jewish (anti-Zionist), cisgender woman who specializes in working with adults on trauma processing.
I have been told that I have a calm, non-judgemental approach which allows for deep self-exploration, and a safe space for experimentation in skill building. I aim to create a space where clients will feel supported and accepted, while also aim to gently push clients out of their comfort zones so that you can learn new things about yourself and grow.
I specialize in working with women of all ages, addressing their unique mental health needs.
I am Toshanika M. Kennington, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with twenty years of practice. My unwavering commitment lies in empowering individuals, families, and adolescents, drawing from my experience working with military service men and their families. With an empathetic approach, I offer compassionate care, guiding clients through their mental health journey with resilience and strength.
I specialize in working with women of all ages, addressing their unique mental health needs.
I am Toshanika M. Kennington, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with twenty years of practice. My unwavering commitment lies in empowering individuals, families, and adolescents, drawing from my experience working with military service men and their families. With an empathetic approach, I offer compassionate care, guiding clients through their mental health journey with resilience and strength.
Wellness for Women: The Thriving Through Transitions Group begins Thursday April 17, 2025 at 6:30pm.
Drawing from over 25 years of dedicated clinical practice, I offer compassionate and professional support for individuals, children, adolescents, and families navigating life's complexities. From fostering healthy relationships to managing anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, trauma and more, I provide tailored solutions rooted in empathy, knowledge, and understanding.
Wellness for Women: The Thriving Through Transitions Group begins Thursday April 17, 2025 at 6:30pm.
Drawing from over 25 years of dedicated clinical practice, I offer compassionate and professional support for individuals, children, adolescents, and families navigating life's complexities. From fostering healthy relationships to managing anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, trauma and more, I provide tailored solutions rooted in empathy, knowledge, and understanding.
Meet Our Female Therapists
I utilize EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Psychotherapy to help women heal from trauma, navigate challenging relational issues, and cope with depression and anxiety.
You’ve been through a traumatic experience and you haven’t been functioning the same since then. You see yourself struggling more and more in your relationships, at your job, and in your day-to-day life. You feel alone. You’re scared that you might feel this way forever. You’re even more scared that things might get worse. You want to feel happy again, and you want to break free from the cycle you find yourself in over and over again. If this sounds familiar, I can tell you that you can heal from your trauma and the difficult experiences that you have gone through.
I utilize EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Psychotherapy to help women heal from trauma, navigate challenging relational issues, and cope with depression and anxiety.
You’ve been through a traumatic experience and you haven’t been functioning the same since then. You see yourself struggling more and more in your relationships, at your job, and in your day-to-day life. You feel alone. You’re scared that you might feel this way forever. You’re even more scared that things might get worse. You want to feel happy again, and you want to break free from the cycle you find yourself in over and over again. If this sounds familiar, I can tell you that you can heal from your trauma and the difficult experiences that you have gone through.
Irene offers empathetic support for midlife transitions, reproductive challenges, and postpartum depression, with a particular passion for helping women and the LGBTQ+ community.
She also offers Christian counseling for those wishing to incorporate faith into their therapy. Outside of work, Irene enjoys staying active, cooking, and reading, promoting a balanced lifestyle in both her personal and professional life.
Irene offers empathetic support for midlife transitions, reproductive challenges, and postpartum depression, with a particular passion for helping women and the LGBTQ+ community.
She also offers Christian counseling for those wishing to incorporate faith into their therapy. Outside of work, Irene enjoys staying active, cooking, and reading, promoting a balanced lifestyle in both her personal and professional life.
Lisa Stevens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27705
Waitlist for new clients
My experience as a therapist at Duke’s counseling center and on the front lines working with women in abusive relationships at a local agency has provided me with a deep understanding of these challenges and their impact.
Do you struggle to get your needs met in your relationships? Perhaps you try repeatedly and fail to achieve harmony? I have a special interest in working with individuals experiencing unhappiness in their important relationships. When my clients first come in, they may feel they are doing the heavy lifting and hope that things will change. Their relationship dissatisfaction gets in the way of the life they want in so many ways. They aren’t the person they strive to be according to their values. They feel like they are failing as a partner and in life. Greater self-confidence and fulfillment are attainable.
My experience as a therapist at Duke’s counseling center and on the front lines working with women in abusive relationships at a local agency has provided me with a deep understanding of these challenges and their impact.
Do you struggle to get your needs met in your relationships? Perhaps you try repeatedly and fail to achieve harmony? I have a special interest in working with individuals experiencing unhappiness in their important relationships. When my clients first come in, they may feel they are doing the heavy lifting and hope that things will change. Their relationship dissatisfaction gets in the way of the life they want in so many ways. They aren’t the person they strive to be according to their values. They feel like they are failing as a partner and in life. Greater self-confidence and fulfillment are attainable.
Alexa Adamo Valverde
Counselor, MS, MA, LPC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27713
Waitlist for new clients
I shifted careers into mental health counseling in 2016 after 20 years of community advocacy to address injustice and empower women, children, and communities.
I provide narrative and play therapy to safely process trauma (including child abuse, domestic violence, reproductive trauma, and more), cultivate self-compassion and a sense of agency. In therapy, I will listen for what you love, how you process (talk, play, creativity, other), and collaborate with you to pave a path forward to calm, clarity, and wellness.
I shifted careers into mental health counseling in 2016 after 20 years of community advocacy to address injustice and empower women, children, and communities.
I provide narrative and play therapy to safely process trauma (including child abuse, domestic violence, reproductive trauma, and more), cultivate self-compassion and a sense of agency. In therapy, I will listen for what you love, how you process (talk, play, creativity, other), and collaborate with you to pave a path forward to calm, clarity, and wellness.
As a queer black woman, my goal is to provide space for those like me and others who have felt silenced and marginalized a majority of their lives.
I have past experience working with clients facing life adjustments (moving, end of a relationship, career change, etc.), grief and loss, day-to-day stressors, depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns - romantic, platonic, familial, and professional.
As a queer black woman, my goal is to provide space for those like me and others who have felt silenced and marginalized a majority of their lives.
I have past experience working with clients facing life adjustments (moving, end of a relationship, career change, etc.), grief and loss, day-to-day stressors, depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns - romantic, platonic, familial, and professional.
Dr. Shanna A Jefferson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, CFSW, LCSW, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I specialize in helping men and women who are battling depression, grief, life stressors, or just feeling stuck.
I strive to enrich each individual and family through greater self-awareness, focus on strengths, and belief in a greater destiny. My belief is that all clients can transcend adversity and achieve greatness. I utilize a holistic, strengths-based approach focusing on multiple life domains including mental and physical health.
I specialize in helping men and women who are battling depression, grief, life stressors, or just feeling stuck.
I strive to enrich each individual and family through greater self-awareness, focus on strengths, and belief in a greater destiny. My belief is that all clients can transcend adversity and achieve greatness. I utilize a holistic, strengths-based approach focusing on multiple life domains including mental and physical health.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with more than 24 years of experience providing therapy to women, through my work at Duke.
My hope is to assist you in recognizing your strengths, finding a way to heal and move forward toward your goals, and finding a way to live a life that is consistent with your values. I do not use any one treatment protocol but take a more eclectic and holistic approach that draws from various theoretical backgrounds and is tailored to the individual.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with more than 24 years of experience providing therapy to women, through my work at Duke.
My hope is to assist you in recognizing your strengths, finding a way to heal and move forward toward your goals, and finding a way to live a life that is consistent with your values. I do not use any one treatment protocol but take a more eclectic and holistic approach that draws from various theoretical backgrounds and is tailored to the individual.
Tiana Sherrod
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC, CYT 500
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I help women who have experienced childhood trauma learn how to rediscover who they are and build compassion to become their best self.
Trauma and challenges are something we have all faced at some point in our lives. Everyone tells you to go to therapy and heal but sometimes " healing" doesn't feel all that easy. Sometimes you have no idea where to start but know you need to. Sometimes it feels like falling backwards when you’re trying to move forward. Sometimes it feels like needing support but not knowing how to ask for it. Have these thoughts crossed your mind? I know they have crossed mine. You deserve the peace of mind you are seeking. Are you ready to take that step today?
I help women who have experienced childhood trauma learn how to rediscover who they are and build compassion to become their best self.
Trauma and challenges are something we have all faced at some point in our lives. Everyone tells you to go to therapy and heal but sometimes " healing" doesn't feel all that easy. Sometimes you have no idea where to start but know you need to. Sometimes it feels like falling backwards when you’re trying to move forward. Sometimes it feels like needing support but not knowing how to ask for it. Have these thoughts crossed your mind? I know they have crossed mine. You deserve the peace of mind you are seeking. Are you ready to take that step today?
As a Black female clinician, I enjoy working with people from the BIPOC community.
My therapeutic approaches include Acceptance and Commitment, Cognitive-Behavioral, Dialectical-Behavior therapy. With these approaches, I will help clients develop goals that align with their values; monitor and reframe unhealthy thought processes; and empower them to conduct honest self-exploration and provide tools for self-development.
As a Black female clinician, I enjoy working with people from the BIPOC community.
My therapeutic approaches include Acceptance and Commitment, Cognitive-Behavioral, Dialectical-Behavior therapy. With these approaches, I will help clients develop goals that align with their values; monitor and reframe unhealthy thought processes; and empower them to conduct honest self-exploration and provide tools for self-development.
See more therapy options for Durham County
Female Therapists
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or because they feel more comfortable with a therapist of their own gender due to shared life experiences or perspectives. Considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender may matter or improve their therapeutic experience. The most important consideration is that a client is able to build a trusting relationship with their therapist.
Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist. For women, this could be because they believe that they will be able to better connect with a woman, and that a female therapist will be able to relate to their specific challenges and personal issues. It may be particularly beneficial for women to see a female therapist, for example, for gender-specific issues, such as sexism in the workplace, relationship issues, and gender roles. The most important factor in therapy is the client-therapist connection, and a therapist's gender as well as many other factors may play an important role in this.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.