Emotionally Focused Therapists in Orange County, NC
Cortlin Polo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. Cortlin offers a safe therapeutic environment, open, and judgment-free, and will bring a compassionate, results-oriented approach to help you experience a higher quality of life. She applies a person-centered approach to her style of therapy.
Cortlin Polo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. Cortlin offers a safe therapeutic environment, open, and judgment-free, and will bring a compassionate, results-oriented approach to help you experience a higher quality of life. She applies a person-centered approach to her style of therapy.
An Awakened Heart, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACHT, PSEP
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
An Awakened Heart is the result of love and dedication in wanting to therapeutically serve others in their desire toward psychological well-being. Utilizing cognitive & transpersonal approaches specific to individual needs, the work lends toward a more whole and integrated sense of self. Through purposeful focus on self-recovery, the vision is to bring forth the best of whom we are, despite challenges, traumas & the emotional pain we are so often identifying. By reconnecting to ourselves we can begin to understand the themes roles & behavioral patterns that interfere and sabotage the changes we are trying to engage.
An Awakened Heart is the result of love and dedication in wanting to therapeutically serve others in their desire toward psychological well-being. Utilizing cognitive & transpersonal approaches specific to individual needs, the work lends toward a more whole and integrated sense of self. Through purposeful focus on self-recovery, the vision is to bring forth the best of whom we are, despite challenges, traumas & the emotional pain we are so often identifying. By reconnecting to ourselves we can begin to understand the themes roles & behavioral patterns that interfere and sabotage the changes we are trying to engage.
I help high functioning Christian adults navigate family struggles, anxiety, depression, and grief finding peace, clarity, and healing without guilt.
As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), I specialize in helping adults ages 18 and up who are balancing careers, faith, and family responsibilities while managing emotional challenges.
I help high functioning Christian adults navigate family struggles, anxiety, depression, and grief finding peace, clarity, and healing without guilt.
As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), I specialize in helping adults ages 18 and up who are balancing careers, faith, and family responsibilities while managing emotional challenges.
Molly J. McDonald
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, MBA, CDM, CSAT-C
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I provide Psychotherapy, Life & Clinical Coaching, Divorce Coaching & Mediation, Financial psychology counseling & expatriate counseling for individuals, couples and families; treatment and intervention for those affected by mood disorders (depression and anxiety), trauma, grief, loss and professional & personal transition. I have lived abroad, experienced numerous cultural, personal, and professional transitions myself which I draw on in my work. My combined background in mental health & business gives me a unique perspective that allows me to work with individuals who are facing challenges in their personal and professional lives.
I provide Psychotherapy, Life & Clinical Coaching, Divorce Coaching & Mediation, Financial psychology counseling & expatriate counseling for individuals, couples and families; treatment and intervention for those affected by mood disorders (depression and anxiety), trauma, grief, loss and professional & personal transition. I have lived abroad, experienced numerous cultural, personal, and professional transitions myself which I draw on in my work. My combined background in mental health & business gives me a unique perspective that allows me to work with individuals who are facing challenges in their personal and professional lives.
Hi Thanks for taking a look at my profile- Reach out if it seems we might be able to work together in a way that would be helpful to you...I'm working only via telehealth which reduces your commute time. My clients tend to be working on being awake and aware of and attuned to and stressed by the complexity of our culture today. I work with issues of alternative sexuality, gender dysphoria, relationships in all forms including relationships that are kink friendly and/or poly. I come from an eclectic training background but use RLT and IFS more often than other modalities.
Hi Thanks for taking a look at my profile- Reach out if it seems we might be able to work together in a way that would be helpful to you...I'm working only via telehealth which reduces your commute time. My clients tend to be working on being awake and aware of and attuned to and stressed by the complexity of our culture today. I work with issues of alternative sexuality, gender dysphoria, relationships in all forms including relationships that are kink friendly and/or poly. I come from an eclectic training background but use RLT and IFS more often than other modalities.
Melissa Gray Kennedy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Waitlist for new clients
**I AM UNABLE TO ACCEPT NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME. IF YOU ARE A FORMER CLIENT, PLEASE REACH OUT VIA EMAIL**. I believe that we are designed dynamic and multi-faceted, thus we must honor and take notice of each important piece of ourselves. By using a Bio-Psych-Social-Spiritual model of therapy we can move toward a more comprehensive understanding of your needs and a more full experience of recovery, wellness and joy. While my treatment approach is guided by my own training and experience, my goal is always to tailor therapy to your specific needs and concerns not just a symptom or diagnosis.
**I AM UNABLE TO ACCEPT NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME. IF YOU ARE A FORMER CLIENT, PLEASE REACH OUT VIA EMAIL**. I believe that we are designed dynamic and multi-faceted, thus we must honor and take notice of each important piece of ourselves. By using a Bio-Psych-Social-Spiritual model of therapy we can move toward a more comprehensive understanding of your needs and a more full experience of recovery, wellness and joy. While my treatment approach is guided by my own training and experience, my goal is always to tailor therapy to your specific needs and concerns not just a symptom or diagnosis.
Elisa Klein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MPH, LCSW
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Waitlist for new clients
As your therapist, I will utilize warmth, humor, and empathy to help you identify barriers to being your best self. Together, we will work on establishing goals and drafting a treatment plan that is unique to you, not just your diagnosis. My work is holistic in nature and mindfully tailored to you as an individual.
As your therapist, I will utilize warmth, humor, and empathy to help you identify barriers to being your best self. Together, we will work on establishing goals and drafting a treatment plan that is unique to you, not just your diagnosis. My work is holistic in nature and mindfully tailored to you as an individual.
Seeking greater self-awareness and healing can be one of the most courageous steps you'll ever take. Facing life’s challenges isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. My role is to walk beside you as you navigate experiences such as trauma, depression, anxiety, family dynamics, life transitions, and the everyday stressors that can feel overwhelming. Together, we’ll create a space that feels safe, supportive, and grounded in compassion — a space where you can reconnect with your values, build coping skills, and strengthen your sense of self-worth and self-compassion.
Seeking greater self-awareness and healing can be one of the most courageous steps you'll ever take. Facing life’s challenges isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. My role is to walk beside you as you navigate experiences such as trauma, depression, anxiety, family dynamics, life transitions, and the everyday stressors that can feel overwhelming. Together, we’ll create a space that feels safe, supportive, and grounded in compassion — a space where you can reconnect with your values, build coping skills, and strengthen your sense of self-worth and self-compassion.
Clare R Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Waitlist for new clients
What is it that brings you vitality? What gets you stuck? The key to well being is our relationship with self, and with what is actually happening, not what we think should happen. As we learn to mindfully attune to ourselves and trust what is arising, and we learn to value and process emotions and experiences - whatever they are - we start to relate to our self and to life differently. Setting limits, making bold choices, experiencing passion and clarity become possible and natural. And so we find: our suffering, our symptoms turn out not to be a problem to be fixed, but a gateway to our freedom.
What is it that brings you vitality? What gets you stuck? The key to well being is our relationship with self, and with what is actually happening, not what we think should happen. As we learn to mindfully attune to ourselves and trust what is arising, and we learn to value and process emotions and experiences - whatever they are - we start to relate to our self and to life differently. Setting limits, making bold choices, experiencing passion and clarity become possible and natural. And so we find: our suffering, our symptoms turn out not to be a problem to be fixed, but a gateway to our freedom.
As Hemmingway said “The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.” We begin wherever you are… you might be in the process of fracturing or maybe you are trying to make sense of the pieces of your self, or you might be letting the fear of breaking hold you back from life. I am here to walk alongside you on this journey. Along the way we can work to make sense of the broken pieces, figure out how to put them back together and learn to accept that which will be forever changed in you. I see growth and healing as an active process that is not linear or quick, but rather a journey we must embark on.
As Hemmingway said “The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.” We begin wherever you are… you might be in the process of fracturing or maybe you are trying to make sense of the pieces of your self, or you might be letting the fear of breaking hold you back from life. I am here to walk alongside you on this journey. Along the way we can work to make sense of the broken pieces, figure out how to put them back together and learn to accept that which will be forever changed in you. I see growth and healing as an active process that is not linear or quick, but rather a journey we must embark on.
Are you looking for a safe place to discuss what matters most to you? Family, work, relationships, health, transitions, grief, loss, children, trauma, life purpose, letting go of past hurts. I love assisting individuals and couples with relationship skills, communication issues, changing self defeating patterns, healing pain (physical and emotional), and learning to be one's best self across settings. I work with children and families in our ever changing world to improve relationships, performance, self awareness, mood, behavior. I bring my many years of experience working with young and old alike to this passionate pursuit of balanced living.
Are you looking for a safe place to discuss what matters most to you? Family, work, relationships, health, transitions, grief, loss, children, trauma, life purpose, letting go of past hurts. I love assisting individuals and couples with relationship skills, communication issues, changing self defeating patterns, healing pain (physical and emotional), and learning to be one's best self across settings. I work with children and families in our ever changing world to improve relationships, performance, self awareness, mood, behavior. I bring my many years of experience working with young and old alike to this passionate pursuit of balanced living.
I’m a therapist who creates a space grounded in empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regard. My integrative approach is tailored to your unique needs, experiences, and identity. I draw from tools like CBT, Nurture Play Structure, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and psychoeducation to help you explore your story, embrace your strengths, and work toward goals that feel authentic, empowering, and meaningful. Together, we build a collaborative path toward growth, insight, and lasting positive change.
I’m a therapist who creates a space grounded in empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regard. My integrative approach is tailored to your unique needs, experiences, and identity. I draw from tools like CBT, Nurture Play Structure, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and psychoeducation to help you explore your story, embrace your strengths, and work toward goals that feel authentic, empowering, and meaningful. Together, we build a collaborative path toward growth, insight, and lasting positive change.
With expertise in trauma healing, I integrate various modalities into the therapeutic process: EMDR for trauma reprocessing, Internal Family Systems (IFS) parts work, Emotionally Focused Therapy for relationship dynamics, and Polyvagal Theory for body and nervous system awareness.
I enjoy working with individuals who are seeking lasting healing or therapeutic change. You may be experiencing depression or anxiety that is signaling the need for a different way of approaching your life. You may have past trauma and need a safe space to work through and integrate this. Old patterns, wounding and trauma live in our bodies and show up in our relationships, feelings, thoughts, beliefs and body sensations. We will work together to heal and integrate these through an approach that is relational, somatic-focused & embodied, spirit-oriented, and attentive to the interplay between identity and our larger systems.
With expertise in trauma healing, I integrate various modalities into the therapeutic process: EMDR for trauma reprocessing, Internal Family Systems (IFS) parts work, Emotionally Focused Therapy for relationship dynamics, and Polyvagal Theory for body and nervous system awareness.
I enjoy working with individuals who are seeking lasting healing or therapeutic change. You may be experiencing depression or anxiety that is signaling the need for a different way of approaching your life. You may have past trauma and need a safe space to work through and integrate this. Old patterns, wounding and trauma live in our bodies and show up in our relationships, feelings, thoughts, beliefs and body sensations. We will work together to heal and integrate these through an approach that is relational, somatic-focused & embodied, spirit-oriented, and attentive to the interplay between identity and our larger systems.
I have advanced training in Internal Family Systems Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals.
Are you looking for a way to live more fully in the present and want help letting go of past experiences or self-defeating beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors? Are you in pain because of a damaged relationship, past trauma, chronic self-doubt, or all three? I have unique skills and experience that can help. Clients say I am patient, down-to-earth, direct, and collaborative. I am ready to walk with you on the path towards the changes you long to see and experience.
I have advanced training in Internal Family Systems Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals.
Are you looking for a way to live more fully in the present and want help letting go of past experiences or self-defeating beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors? Are you in pain because of a damaged relationship, past trauma, chronic self-doubt, or all three? I have unique skills and experience that can help. Clients say I am patient, down-to-earth, direct, and collaborative. I am ready to walk with you on the path towards the changes you long to see and experience.
Investing in your mental well-being is an act of self-love and empowerment. I am committed to supporting individuals in fostering personal growth and navigating life's challenges, with care and awareness. Each person's unique experiences shape their journey and everyone has the potential to lead a healthy, balanced life. I am committed to empowering individuals of diverse identities to enhance self-awareness, navigate and transcend the obstacles they face, understand the impact of trauma, cultivate healthy relationships, and break free from generational patterns that may be barriers to the life they desire.
Investing in your mental well-being is an act of self-love and empowerment. I am committed to supporting individuals in fostering personal growth and navigating life's challenges, with care and awareness. Each person's unique experiences shape their journey and everyone has the potential to lead a healthy, balanced life. I am committed to empowering individuals of diverse identities to enhance self-awareness, navigate and transcend the obstacles they face, understand the impact of trauma, cultivate healthy relationships, and break free from generational patterns that may be barriers to the life they desire.
I have concentrated training in the Satir Model, Emotionally Focused Couples & Individual Therapy Model, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Integration.
I have room for a few new clients this summer. Please reach out through my website- - - - I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist serving the Chapel Hill, Durham and surrounding areas. I have 20 years experience working with adolescents, adults and families. My work includes a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach. We will explore your relationships, environment, recent life events and stressors to gain perspective of how you are affected emotionally, physically and spiritually.
I have concentrated training in the Satir Model, Emotionally Focused Couples & Individual Therapy Model, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Integration.
I have room for a few new clients this summer. Please reach out through my website- - - - I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist serving the Chapel Hill, Durham and surrounding areas. I have 20 years experience working with adolescents, adults and families. My work includes a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach. We will explore your relationships, environment, recent life events and stressors to gain perspective of how you are affected emotionally, physically and spiritually.
A healing connection, at its core, is a place of safety and possibility. I believe healing begins when we feel truly seen and accepted, which is why I strive to hold a non-judgmental space where every part of you is welcome.
In our work together, I meet clients where they are and walk beside them as they navigate challenges, discover resilience, and connect with their own inner resources. My role is to listen deeply, hold space for your story, and gently empower you to imagine and create new possibilities for yourself and your relationships.
A healing connection, at its core, is a place of safety and possibility. I believe healing begins when we feel truly seen and accepted, which is why I strive to hold a non-judgmental space where every part of you is welcome.
In our work together, I meet clients where they are and walk beside them as they navigate challenges, discover resilience, and connect with their own inner resources. My role is to listen deeply, hold space for your story, and gently empower you to imagine and create new possibilities for yourself and your relationships.
I offer tailor made counseling services, including traditional & psychedelic therapy as well as coaching, to those experiencing life's difficulties. My compassionate and non-judgmental approach is predicated on offering helpful direction towards specific, realistic, client determined goals. I am very comfortable working with individuals or couples of all ages, veterans and business executives. My approaches based on individual client expectations and needs. Each approach is customized and personal. Phone and video and sessions are available for added convenience. I offer a Christian worldview approach upon request.
I offer tailor made counseling services, including traditional & psychedelic therapy as well as coaching, to those experiencing life's difficulties. My compassionate and non-judgmental approach is predicated on offering helpful direction towards specific, realistic, client determined goals. I am very comfortable working with individuals or couples of all ages, veterans and business executives. My approaches based on individual client expectations and needs. Each approach is customized and personal. Phone and video and sessions are available for added convenience. I offer a Christian worldview approach upon request.
I also have training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for working with couples, families, or individuals.
Whether you feel like you have some things together or whether it feels like all the wheels of your bus have fallen off, I am interested in meeting you there. I walk with people of all ages who are in the process of discovering or recovering the gift of being themselves.
With all my clients, I have a deep trust in the transformative power of being known, of sharing one’s story in a relationally safe and genuinely empathetic environment. With an eye to developmental needs and whole life context, I seek to collaborate with my clients as they process their lives so that they and their loved ones can thrive.
I also have training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for working with couples, families, or individuals.
Whether you feel like you have some things together or whether it feels like all the wheels of your bus have fallen off, I am interested in meeting you there. I walk with people of all ages who are in the process of discovering or recovering the gift of being themselves.
With all my clients, I have a deep trust in the transformative power of being known, of sharing one’s story in a relationally safe and genuinely empathetic environment. With an eye to developmental needs and whole life context, I seek to collaborate with my clients as they process their lives so that they and their loved ones can thrive.
I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist.
Specialties include:
• Individual, Couples, Family Therapy.
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Medical Family Therapy
• Separation and Divorce Issues.
• Grief Counseling
• Young Adults
• Relationships in the context of family owned and small businesses.
• Transitions
• Stress management
• Work and career issues
I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist.
Specialties include:
• Individual, Couples, Family Therapy.
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Medical Family Therapy
• Separation and Divorce Issues.
• Grief Counseling
• Young Adults
• Relationships in the context of family owned and small businesses.
• Transitions
• Stress management
• Work and career issues
See more therapy options for Orange County
Emotionally Focused Therapists
Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.