Therapists in Durham, NC

Grief, trauma and systemic oppression have increasingly become visible and universal experiences affecting individuals, couples, families and communities. I began my career working with the survivors of intimate partner violence and individuals/families grappling with cancer and death. These experiences have informed my practice working with individuals, couples and families dealing with loss, grief, trauma, anxiety/depression, major life changes, chronic illness, abuse and relational distress.

Struggling with depression or anxiety? Breaking patterns is hard, but you know you want change and meaningful redirection. Painful memories and recurrent conflict can strain relationships. Work stress gets in the way of being present and feeling fulfilled. People often work with me to get things moving when they feel blocked or stuck, to develop calm where uncertainty has them off balance. Our work will reveal insight to restore stability, address trauma, and change outlook towards realizing an improved sense of self. Together we can work to identify and harness strength, addressing challenges with new clarity and inspiration.

My highest priority is to respect the integrity, faith and values of each person. I work with a variety of people and have an extensive psychodynamic and psychoanalytic background, advanced degrees in Psychology and Theology, and decades of clinical experience with persons and families in crisis. I welcome clients from any (or no) faith tradition. I have decades of experience working with people struggling with loss, grief, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. Visit me at www.drdavidfranzen.com. I'd be honored to walk alongside you as you journey toward greater wholeness, and health.

I am an experienced therapist and have a lot of skills working with people that confront challenges in their lives. I have worked with both adolescents and adults as well as older adults and there is nothing better for me as a clinician to see people overcome their challenges and return to a higher quality of life, connected to their families and support networks. I have experience working with people from all walks of life and circumstances.

Being autistic means existing in a sometimes perplexing and frustrating world that largely caters much more to the neurotypical brain. Over time this can manifest in a host of issues, ranging from depression and anxiety to social isolation and loneliness. The good news is that your brain possesses hidden strengths and abilities that can more than make up for these supposed deficits. To this end, I use creative approaches to draw these skills out and teach my clients how to apply their strengths in the areas where they are struggling.

I welcome and work with adults from all backgrounds and stages of life. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming, engaged in anti-racist work, and approach my clients with empathy, nonjudgement, and respect for their strengths. As a former professor who left academia, I value supporting clients through big decisions, school or career stress, and life transitions. I view mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, burnout, and trauma as responses to individual, social, and environmental factors, rather than 'personal' issues. Consequently, I help clients make changes in their own habits, their relationships, and their wider contexts.

I provide both outpatient mental health therapy and substance abuse/use assessments and therapy to all members of the community. Clients experiencing such issues as depression/anxiety, PTSD/trauma, life changes, gender identity concerns, and substance use will benefit from the services I offer. I utilize a person centered approach and work collaboratively with clients to address their needs. I meet clients 'where they are' and work with them to identify positive interventions and change. The comprehensive clinical assessments and substance abuse assessments I provide meet criteria for court ordered and school referred clients and can be completed in office or at your location.

Psychoanalysis provides the most in-depth, long-lasting treatment. Ideal for the person who has tried medications and briefer therapies unsuccessfully. Like exercise and the violin, concentrated​ long work is required for lifelong growth in the ability to love, work and play, while containing suffering, loss and uncertainty. Quick fixes limited to a pill or briefer therapy, only if insurance pays, tend to be quite expensive long run. Psychoanalysis seeks to get at the underlying roots and meanings beginning in infancy and childhood that become recurrent problematic adult relationship patterns, internal conflicts and body issues.

People come to therapy because they want to feel better. Maybe it's relationship problems or anxiety/depression, but whatever the reason, life has become uncomfortable or painfull. Most people want more understanding of themselves and their situation. That being said change is what we all seek in therapy.Making your life work better is the goal. My therapy will help you alter self-defeating ways, get a more realistic and accurate perspective, gain insight that leads to improving the quality of your life.

I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families on a range of things, from family and relationship issues to life transitions, depression and anxiety, grief, larger existential questions, and other things. A particular focus is helping people in crisis manage and make meaning from difficulties. My approach to therapy is supportive, relational, and client-centered, with a focus on how things manifest themselves in the here and now. More than anything, I try to create a safe space for tuning in to feelings, finding balance, healing, and working on change.

As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) I provide individual psychotherapy, viewing each individual within the context of their environment & their inner sources. I have worked at all levels of care. I appreciate collaborating with other treatment providers to provide the best care possible. In the midst of a struggle, we can often lose sight of our strengths, and I work alongside clients to re-connect to their inherent resilience/resources. I meet clients where they are and strive to create a therapeutic environment that is affirming, accepting and inclusive

The clinicians at Essential are committed to helping people overcome obstacles and move forward with their lives with clarity, vision and confidence. Because we recognize that traditional talk therapy is not for everyone, we offer a wide array of groups and therapies to increase practical therapeutic skill building and techniques learned in 1:1 sessions.

I’ve found that the most effective counseling takes a team approach: I am knowledgeable about mental health treatment, but you are the expert on you. We’ll explore your concern together to find a solution you are comfortable with.

My ideal therapy client is open to self-discovery and committed to personal growth. This client might be facing a range of issues, including issues anxiety. They may struggle with constant worry, fear, and stress, affecting their daily lives. Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation may be prevalent. Relationship Challenges: They might struggle to maintain healthy relationships, whether with partners, family, or friends. Self-Esteem: They could deal with low self-worth, self-doubt, and negative self-talk. Trauma: They may have past experiences that continue to impact their present life and well-being.

Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety and depression. Maybe you have been diagnosed with a mood or personality disorder. I have answers for these clinical presentations. I also have particular competence working with couples in distress, trauma survivors, and people who would like additional support with their interpersonal relationship style and self-esteem. Those experiencing negative life events, such as divorce, job loss, and those wanting to repair prior ruptures in relationships will also find my experience useful. Another aspect of my work involves athletes who are looking to remove obstacles to peak performance.

I strive to provide a compassionate and supportive space for individuals and couples to explore their thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Many of my clients have a deep yearning to understand themselves better, to explore the roots of their struggles, and to gain insight into their patterns. Through a therapeutic relationship built on trust and collaboration, my aim is to provide the support, guidance, and therapeutic tools necessary for them to achieve their goals and lead a more meaningful and satisfying life.

Tom is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience in the mental health field. He has worked with a diverse range of clients experiencing an equally expansive range of mental health concerns. Tom is committed to learning about each client and working side by side with that individual from where they're at to help address any challenges that they may be facing. Tom understands that each person is unique and has their own story. Whether their concerns are related to anxiety, depression, relationships, adjustments, addictions, or other major life issues, Tom is eager and ready to help.

Therapy can be tough. Feel intimidating. Be empowering. Feel validating. It can be anything a client needs it to be, because therapy is also adaptable. I welcome all of it, and I welcome anyone who’s in need of guidance, help, and empathy. While I may have extensive training and experience in the field of mental health, I will never have expertise in a life that is entirely your own. Rather, I am here to learn, shape, and adapt therapy to the needs of every individual. I am here to help in every capacity I can offer; therefore, I invite any and all looking for help, insight, and a willingness to work toward an improved well-being.

As a licensed Clinical Psychologist my goal is provide a safe and caring place where you can talk about your thoughts and feelings. My focus is on helping you build on your own strengths to better cope with the challenges you may be facing. I can help you discover the necessary skills to become more effective in getting what you really. I am especially interested in helping people create meaningful relationships in which they feel respected and deeply valued. I am the author of How To Stop Feeling So Damn Depressed: A No B.S. Guide For Men. (New Harbinger, 2018)