Attachment-based Therapists in Orange County, NC
Rumi wrote, “Don’t turn away. Keep your gaze on the bandaged place. That’s where the light enters you.” We spend a lot of time running from our pain, trying to drown it out or stuff it down with distractions--work, relationships, media, alcohol. When we stop running, stop hiding, we are able to face our pain head on. Only then, are we able to be fully present and aware, which is the first step to acceptance and later, transformation. Partnering with a therapist can make this feel less daunting. I can teach you skills to manage your emotions so that they won’t overwhelm you. Together, we can help you find where the light enters you.
Rumi wrote, “Don’t turn away. Keep your gaze on the bandaged place. That’s where the light enters you.” We spend a lot of time running from our pain, trying to drown it out or stuff it down with distractions--work, relationships, media, alcohol. When we stop running, stop hiding, we are able to face our pain head on. Only then, are we able to be fully present and aware, which is the first step to acceptance and later, transformation. Partnering with a therapist can make this feel less daunting. I can teach you skills to manage your emotions so that they won’t overwhelm you. Together, we can help you find where the light enters you.
I am a caring, non-judgmental therapist who offers a space where you can access your inner wisdom and curiosity. I work with adults who want to better understand themselves, explore long-standing patterns, heal old wounds, and create meaningful, lasting change. Many clients come to me feeling anxious, stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in difficult relationship patterns, including those navigating caregiving roles or later-life transitions. These experiences often have roots that reach back much earlier in life, sometimes to childhood or early relational experiences.
I am a caring, non-judgmental therapist who offers a space where you can access your inner wisdom and curiosity. I work with adults who want to better understand themselves, explore long-standing patterns, heal old wounds, and create meaningful, lasting change. Many clients come to me feeling anxious, stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in difficult relationship patterns, including those navigating caregiving roles or later-life transitions. These experiences often have roots that reach back much earlier in life, sometimes to childhood or early relational experiences.
I have over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and couples with complex issues and diagnoses to include: ADHD, Bipolar D/O, PTSD/CPTSD, depression, anxiety, complex relationship dynamics, family of origin issues, grief/loss issues, abuse, trauma, attachment injury, identity development, self-esteem issues, intense emotions and addictions and the effects on family members. I work collaboratively to not only decrease uncomfortable symptoms, but to also work toward resolving longstanding issues that prevent you from achieving your desires and goals for a fulfilling life.
I have over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and couples with complex issues and diagnoses to include: ADHD, Bipolar D/O, PTSD/CPTSD, depression, anxiety, complex relationship dynamics, family of origin issues, grief/loss issues, abuse, trauma, attachment injury, identity development, self-esteem issues, intense emotions and addictions and the effects on family members. I work collaboratively to not only decrease uncomfortable symptoms, but to also work toward resolving longstanding issues that prevent you from achieving your desires and goals for a fulfilling life.
I believe that the foundation of effective therapy is built on the trust and collaborative relationship between myself and client. I approach the client with respect, empathy, and a genuine commitment to understanding who they are. I recognize that every person is shaped by their experiences, and I honor the inherent value and dignity of each individual who walks through my office door. I embrace a humanistic approach, where the core belief is that all individuals possess the potential for growth and personal fulfillment. This allows for a safe, nonjudgmental space in which insight and healing occurs.
I believe that the foundation of effective therapy is built on the trust and collaborative relationship between myself and client. I approach the client with respect, empathy, and a genuine commitment to understanding who they are. I recognize that every person is shaped by their experiences, and I honor the inherent value and dignity of each individual who walks through my office door. I embrace a humanistic approach, where the core belief is that all individuals possess the potential for growth and personal fulfillment. This allows for a safe, nonjudgmental space in which insight and healing occurs.
You don’t have to hit rock bottom to want something to change. Therapy is a collaborative space where we identify patterns, try new strategies, and help life feel more manageable—at your pace.
Life can feel exhausting when the same struggles keep showing up, especially when you’ve already tried to make things better. I work primarily with adults and adolescents who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected and want to feel more like themselves again.
You don’t have to hit rock bottom to want something to change. Therapy is a collaborative space where we identify patterns, try new strategies, and help life feel more manageable—at your pace.
Life can feel exhausting when the same struggles keep showing up, especially when you’ve already tried to make things better. I work primarily with adults and adolescents who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected and want to feel more like themselves again.
I feel privileged to help clients become more connected with themselves and others, experience symptom reduction, and develop more satisfying relationships. A caring, understanding, and empathetic therapeutic relationship is the foundation of my work with clients, and I am proud that past clients have expressed feeling safe, cared for, and accepted when working with me. I have extensive experience working with clients who have or are currently experiencing, anxiety, depression, relationship distress, loneliness, trauma, academic or career distress, identity development, and/or difficult life transitions.
I feel privileged to help clients become more connected with themselves and others, experience symptom reduction, and develop more satisfying relationships. A caring, understanding, and empathetic therapeutic relationship is the foundation of my work with clients, and I am proud that past clients have expressed feeling safe, cared for, and accepted when working with me. I have extensive experience working with clients who have or are currently experiencing, anxiety, depression, relationship distress, loneliness, trauma, academic or career distress, identity development, and/or difficult life transitions.
I specialize in relationships, trauma and anxiety. I do individual psychotherapy and coaching work. My intention is to provide a safe, warm, nonjudgmental relationship in which people can change. I help people understand their feelings, needs, beliefs, perceptual frames and behavior to make significant and lasting change. Specific areas of expertise: Anxiety, Narcissistic abuse, ADHD, PTSD, NEVER feeing good enough, and those that have had difficult and less than nurturing relationships with parents and family members. I am a great fit for people who want a supportive, collaborative partner who will help them do the work.
I specialize in relationships, trauma and anxiety. I do individual psychotherapy and coaching work. My intention is to provide a safe, warm, nonjudgmental relationship in which people can change. I help people understand their feelings, needs, beliefs, perceptual frames and behavior to make significant and lasting change. Specific areas of expertise: Anxiety, Narcissistic abuse, ADHD, PTSD, NEVER feeing good enough, and those that have had difficult and less than nurturing relationships with parents and family members. I am a great fit for people who want a supportive, collaborative partner who will help them do the work.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself? Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, or life transitions, you're not alone—and healing is possible. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults ready to understand themselves more deeply and create meaningful change.
My approach is integrative and trauma-informed, blending traditional talk therapy with powerful mind-body modalities like EMDR, Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). These evidence-based methods help clients process unresolved experiences.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself? Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, or life transitions, you're not alone—and healing is possible. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults ready to understand themselves more deeply and create meaningful change.
My approach is integrative and trauma-informed, blending traditional talk therapy with powerful mind-body modalities like EMDR, Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). These evidence-based methods help clients process unresolved experiences.
Starting your therapeutic journey can feel overwhelming, and I'd be honored to accompany you on your path toward well-being. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, gaining a better understanding of self, or processing trauma, I'm passionate about fostering space for folks to heal. I enjoy working with individuals from an array of backgrounds and specialize in neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+, and perinatal mental health. My therapeutic approach is non-judgmental, strengths-based, and rooted in unconditional positive regard. Our sessions will be an hour dedicated to you and your needs.
Starting your therapeutic journey can feel overwhelming, and I'd be honored to accompany you on your path toward well-being. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, gaining a better understanding of self, or processing trauma, I'm passionate about fostering space for folks to heal. I enjoy working with individuals from an array of backgrounds and specialize in neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+, and perinatal mental health. My therapeutic approach is non-judgmental, strengths-based, and rooted in unconditional positive regard. Our sessions will be an hour dedicated to you and your needs.
Jennie Dickson-Mills
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, SEP, E-RYT
3 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Seeking support can be a difficult yet rewarding step toward change and growth. I strive to understand your suffering in the context of your whole life and identity, using a warm and non-judgmental approach. I work with people to decrease distress, improve mood, process grief and traumatic experiences, explore identity, improve confidence, address eating and body image concerns, make life decisions, navigate transitions, enhance relationships, and develop a deeper awareness of emotions and connection to the body. I welcome clients from all sexual orientations and gender identities, including transgender people, as well as all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
Seeking support can be a difficult yet rewarding step toward change and growth. I strive to understand your suffering in the context of your whole life and identity, using a warm and non-judgmental approach. I work with people to decrease distress, improve mood, process grief and traumatic experiences, explore identity, improve confidence, address eating and body image concerns, make life decisions, navigate transitions, enhance relationships, and develop a deeper awareness of emotions and connection to the body. I welcome clients from all sexual orientations and gender identities, including transgender people, as well as all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
Lysandra Penn-Bartoo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you're going through a difficult time at this moment or if you've been feeling this way for awhile, I can offer support and positive coping mechanisms for the stressors you're experiencing. I empower clients to have the capability to use self-compassion and combat damaging thinking and behavioral patterns using evidence-based therapeutic modalities. Every client is unique and I like to employ an individualized, emotionally-centered approach that implements humor, support, and warmth.
Whether you're going through a difficult time at this moment or if you've been feeling this way for awhile, I can offer support and positive coping mechanisms for the stressors you're experiencing. I empower clients to have the capability to use self-compassion and combat damaging thinking and behavioral patterns using evidence-based therapeutic modalities. Every client is unique and I like to employ an individualized, emotionally-centered approach that implements humor, support, and warmth.
I whole-heartedly believe that you are the expert on you! I hold the framework in our work together that you contain the inner wisdom around what you need for healing and growth. My role is to help you identify, strengthen, and listen to that inner guidance. At times this inner-knowing can become muted or distorted.
I whole-heartedly believe that you are the expert on you! I hold the framework in our work together that you contain the inner wisdom around what you need for healing and growth. My role is to help you identify, strengthen, and listen to that inner guidance. At times this inner-knowing can become muted or distorted.
You may be motivated for change but still feel stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained. On the outside you may function well, yet internally you’re carrying anxiety, chronic stress, mood symptoms, or worry. You might notice emotional swings, people-pleasing, or that old coping strategies no longer work. You want a safe, nonjudgmental space to understand the links between thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and body sensations, and a collaborative plan that builds self-compassion, boundaries, and tools. Your goals may include reducing stress, improving emotional balance and relationships, and living more in line with your values.
You may be motivated for change but still feel stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained. On the outside you may function well, yet internally you’re carrying anxiety, chronic stress, mood symptoms, or worry. You might notice emotional swings, people-pleasing, or that old coping strategies no longer work. You want a safe, nonjudgmental space to understand the links between thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and body sensations, and a collaborative plan that builds self-compassion, boundaries, and tools. Your goals may include reducing stress, improving emotional balance and relationships, and living more in line with your values.
If you are a high-functioning professional navigating anxiety, life transitions, career stress, faulty coping mechanisms, or relationship challenges- you're in the right place. Serving North Carolina and Texas, I offer individual and couples therapy for adults, group therapy, intensives, and workshops. My clients are typically achieving some level of success externally, but dealing with internal struggles other people may not be aware of. I'm passionate about making space for those silent internal challenges and helping my clients move towards a satisfying, meaningful existence.
If you are a high-functioning professional navigating anxiety, life transitions, career stress, faulty coping mechanisms, or relationship challenges- you're in the right place. Serving North Carolina and Texas, I offer individual and couples therapy for adults, group therapy, intensives, and workshops. My clients are typically achieving some level of success externally, but dealing with internal struggles other people may not be aware of. I'm passionate about making space for those silent internal challenges and helping my clients move towards a satisfying, meaningful existence.
Sometimes we experience difficulties that we can't seem to solve on our own. It may be a life transition that creates unexpected challenges, such as graduating, changing jobs, becoming a parent, or losing a loved one. It may be a relationship problem or a difficult situation at work. Or it may be more of an internal struggle, in which we find ourselves feeling anxious, lonely, or stuck. Sometimes we just have a vague sense that something isn't right, that we're not as happy or as fulfilled as we could be.
Sometimes we experience difficulties that we can't seem to solve on our own. It may be a life transition that creates unexpected challenges, such as graduating, changing jobs, becoming a parent, or losing a loved one. It may be a relationship problem or a difficult situation at work. Or it may be more of an internal struggle, in which we find ourselves feeling anxious, lonely, or stuck. Sometimes we just have a vague sense that something isn't right, that we're not as happy or as fulfilled as we could be.
Reaching out for help can be a daunting experience, and an important step towards growth and healing. It is an honor to be invited into your journey. I have experience working with adults in individual and relationship therapy. My approach is relational, psychodynamic, and collaborative and rooted in the possibility of transformation. Together we can be curious about how your past experiences and relationships shape the present, and help you move into greater aliveness and deeper connection to self and others.
Reaching out for help can be a daunting experience, and an important step towards growth and healing. It is an honor to be invited into your journey. I have experience working with adults in individual and relationship therapy. My approach is relational, psychodynamic, and collaborative and rooted in the possibility of transformation. Together we can be curious about how your past experiences and relationships shape the present, and help you move into greater aliveness and deeper connection to self and others.
I would be honored to connect with you. I am passionate about working with adults (23+) on concerns related to anxiety, rumination, repetitive thoughts or worries, self-esteem, perfectionism, grief, life transitions, family of origin, and relationship issues. I also have experience supporting folks in care-giving roles with loved ones living with dementia. I aim to hold safe and supportive space to explore emotions, experiences, and patterns; to see ourselves and our relationships more clearly; and to envision and engage in meaningful and vibrant ways of moving through whatever we may be experiencing at any stage of life.
I would be honored to connect with you. I am passionate about working with adults (23+) on concerns related to anxiety, rumination, repetitive thoughts or worries, self-esteem, perfectionism, grief, life transitions, family of origin, and relationship issues. I also have experience supporting folks in care-giving roles with loved ones living with dementia. I aim to hold safe and supportive space to explore emotions, experiences, and patterns; to see ourselves and our relationships more clearly; and to envision and engage in meaningful and vibrant ways of moving through whatever we may be experiencing at any stage of life.
If you struggle with self-worth, feel disconnected from your values, or overwhelmed by stress and emotion, I'm here to help. Together, we’ll work on regulating your nervous system, building confidence, and connecting what's important to you.
I also work with couples who want to feel closer, move from conflict to connection, and develop more compassionate ways of relating. I provide a calm and collaborative space to rebuild trust and intimacy. I am an LGBTQ+ affirming provider, and can work with all relationship iterations.
If you struggle with self-worth, feel disconnected from your values, or overwhelmed by stress and emotion, I'm here to help. Together, we’ll work on regulating your nervous system, building confidence, and connecting what's important to you.
I also work with couples who want to feel closer, move from conflict to connection, and develop more compassionate ways of relating. I provide a calm and collaborative space to rebuild trust and intimacy. I am an LGBTQ+ affirming provider, and can work with all relationship iterations.
I believe pleasure and intimacy are key components to realizing your own worth. Whether you are looking to connect more deeply to yourself, a partner, or a community, I am here to reflect your own capacity for joy and fulfillment back to you. Therapy is about connection, and I bring my openness, curiosity, and sense of humor into my sessions. I use a blend of techniques from emotionally-focused therapy, somatic psychotherapy, sex therapy, and yoga to work with both individuals and partners.
I believe pleasure and intimacy are key components to realizing your own worth. Whether you are looking to connect more deeply to yourself, a partner, or a community, I am here to reflect your own capacity for joy and fulfillment back to you. Therapy is about connection, and I bring my openness, curiosity, and sense of humor into my sessions. I use a blend of techniques from emotionally-focused therapy, somatic psychotherapy, sex therapy, and yoga to work with both individuals and partners.
Taking the first step for therapy should not be minimized. We will work together from start to finish, to uncover the best version of yourself. The foundation of my work is client-centered and trauma-focused, which concentrates on establishing trust and respect in order for change to occur. I have experience working with individuals who have endured trauma and as a result struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and other mental health concerns. I also have a passion for working with individuals from the LGBTQ community and struggle with the unfortunate anxieties of marginalization.
Taking the first step for therapy should not be minimized. We will work together from start to finish, to uncover the best version of yourself. The foundation of my work is client-centered and trauma-focused, which concentrates on establishing trust and respect in order for change to occur. I have experience working with individuals who have endured trauma and as a result struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and other mental health concerns. I also have a passion for working with individuals from the LGBTQ community and struggle with the unfortunate anxieties of marginalization.
