Emotionally Focused Therapists in Orange County, NC
I look forward to the opportunity to create a collaborative counseling approach to fit your needs and goals! I use an integrative approach that helps me to work towards creating a space where you feel safe and supported. I also like to involve a strengths-based approach, which can bring an angle of positivity to the counseling process. I work part time in a residential facility called Hopeway, and I bring many of those resources into my individual work to provide extra support to clients. I look forward to working together to meet your needs and goals!
I look forward to the opportunity to create a collaborative counseling approach to fit your needs and goals! I use an integrative approach that helps me to work towards creating a space where you feel safe and supported. I also like to involve a strengths-based approach, which can bring an angle of positivity to the counseling process. I work part time in a residential facility called Hopeway, and I bring many of those resources into my individual work to provide extra support to clients. I look forward to working together to meet your needs and goals!
Many of my clients have the coping skills to get through the day, but what they’re really longing for is deep, internal healing. If this is you, I’m so glad you’re here. One thing I’ve learned from this work is that real change doesn’t come from coping skills, logic, or just talking about it. It comes from the deeper, connected, inner work that helps you actually shift what’s happening inside.
Many of my clients have the coping skills to get through the day, but what they’re really longing for is deep, internal healing. If this is you, I’m so glad you’re here. One thing I’ve learned from this work is that real change doesn’t come from coping skills, logic, or just talking about it. It comes from the deeper, connected, inner work that helps you actually shift what’s happening inside.
I specialize in working with children and adolescents who are experiencing anxiety, depression and behavioral challenges. I am a Registered Play Therapist and provide age-appropriate play therapy that meets children where they're comfortable. I highly value working with the entire family and incorporate parents/caregivers to ensure that the entire system feels supported and can work towards improved family dynamics and relationships. I also specialize in working with high conflict divorce/separation.
I also work with all ages to provide EMDR therapy to heal from traumatic experiences, depression, anxiety and grief.
I specialize in working with children and adolescents who are experiencing anxiety, depression and behavioral challenges. I am a Registered Play Therapist and provide age-appropriate play therapy that meets children where they're comfortable. I highly value working with the entire family and incorporate parents/caregivers to ensure that the entire system feels supported and can work towards improved family dynamics and relationships. I also specialize in working with high conflict divorce/separation.
I also work with all ages to provide EMDR therapy to heal from traumatic experiences, depression, anxiety and grief.
Does your relationship feel like a constant source of worry and uncertainty? You’ve noticed a growing emotional distance with your partner, and you find yourself holding back your concerns—afraid of conflict, disappointing them, or making things worse. Every time you try to speak up, your mind goes blank and your heart races. Lately, you’ve been feeling unappreciated. You wonder if your partner even cares, or if there’s something deeper at play. You’re losing sleep and it feels like your heart is breaking. You want to move forward but feel lost and alone, wishing for someone who truly understands and can help.
Does your relationship feel like a constant source of worry and uncertainty? You’ve noticed a growing emotional distance with your partner, and you find yourself holding back your concerns—afraid of conflict, disappointing them, or making things worse. Every time you try to speak up, your mind goes blank and your heart races. Lately, you’ve been feeling unappreciated. You wonder if your partner even cares, or if there’s something deeper at play. You’re losing sleep and it feels like your heart is breaking. You want to move forward but feel lost and alone, wishing for someone who truly understands and can help.
Depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, worry, and other symptoms can take away the ability to enjoy life and make it difficult to remain socially connected and maintain rewarding interpersonal relationships. Life circumstances, mental or physical illness, trauma, coping with transitions, and unexpected events increase stress and contribute to feeling overwhelmed and helpless. I will work to help you find a way through these painful experiences, reduce unwanted symptoms, and improve quality of life. If you are struggling with painful symptoms or situation, call me today and we can begin working on the life you want to be living.
Depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, worry, and other symptoms can take away the ability to enjoy life and make it difficult to remain socially connected and maintain rewarding interpersonal relationships. Life circumstances, mental or physical illness, trauma, coping with transitions, and unexpected events increase stress and contribute to feeling overwhelmed and helpless. I will work to help you find a way through these painful experiences, reduce unwanted symptoms, and improve quality of life. If you are struggling with painful symptoms or situation, call me today and we can begin working on the life you want to be living.
As a therapist and life coach, my goal is to help you feel both empowered and at peace with yourself and your life and to guide you on a positive path to growth and well-being. Through our work together, I seek to help you uncover your true self, find your voice, & align your values & life choices. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. Simultaneously I will introduce you to tools and strategies that may help you better navigate the stress and anxiety of life and hopefully enable you to experience greater peace, joy, and well being.
As a therapist and life coach, my goal is to help you feel both empowered and at peace with yourself and your life and to guide you on a positive path to growth and well-being. Through our work together, I seek to help you uncover your true self, find your voice, & align your values & life choices. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. Simultaneously I will introduce you to tools and strategies that may help you better navigate the stress and anxiety of life and hopefully enable you to experience greater peace, joy, and well being.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 17 years of experience in providing therapeutic services to families, children, and adults. My approach is deeply rooted in person-centered care that emphasizes understanding and respecting each individual's unique experiences and perspectives.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 17 years of experience in providing therapeutic services to families, children, and adults. My approach is deeply rooted in person-centered care that emphasizes understanding and respecting each individual's unique experiences and perspectives.
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”-Anais Nin. Change and growth can be a scary but necessary endeavor, especially when we feel stuck and can’t seem to overcome mental and emotional obstacles, past trauma and/or unhealthy relational patterns. Simply being in our modern world can feel overwhelming and stifling at times. Sometimes we just don’t know how to navigate it on our own and need assistance from someone with the tools to help. It is a sign of strength when we acknowledge our need for guidance and realize that we do not need to be alone in our suffering
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”-Anais Nin. Change and growth can be a scary but necessary endeavor, especially when we feel stuck and can’t seem to overcome mental and emotional obstacles, past trauma and/or unhealthy relational patterns. Simply being in our modern world can feel overwhelming and stifling at times. Sometimes we just don’t know how to navigate it on our own and need assistance from someone with the tools to help. It is a sign of strength when we acknowledge our need for guidance and realize that we do not need to be alone in our suffering
I enjoy guiding my clients on their journey of self-discovery and to the realization that they are not stuck where they are. I find joy in helping my clients to begin to experience relief, and start living a happier, more fulfilled life by tapping into their inner strength and resilience. I specialize in helping clients navigate issues such as PTSD, trauma, self-esteem and self-worth, body image, adult ADHD, depression, bipolar, anxiety, life-transitions, relationship issues, first responders, military/veterans, and women’s issues.
I enjoy guiding my clients on their journey of self-discovery and to the realization that they are not stuck where they are. I find joy in helping my clients to begin to experience relief, and start living a happier, more fulfilled life by tapping into their inner strength and resilience. I specialize in helping clients navigate issues such as PTSD, trauma, self-esteem and self-worth, body image, adult ADHD, depression, bipolar, anxiety, life-transitions, relationship issues, first responders, military/veterans, and women’s issues.
Tired of coping? Feeling unseen in the relationships that matter most? Carrying old hurts or self-doubt? Longing for more balance, connection, meaning? When life feels smaller than it should, many turn to therapy for support. In my view, therapy is less about fixing what’s broken and more about getting honest, paying attention to what’s not working, and understanding the patterns, stories, and emotional truths that shape how you live and relate. I work with individuals and couples in a collaborative, depth-oriented approach, helping you live a life in deeper alignment with what matters most to you.
Tired of coping? Feeling unseen in the relationships that matter most? Carrying old hurts or self-doubt? Longing for more balance, connection, meaning? When life feels smaller than it should, many turn to therapy for support. In my view, therapy is less about fixing what’s broken and more about getting honest, paying attention to what’s not working, and understanding the patterns, stories, and emotional truths that shape how you live and relate. I work with individuals and couples in a collaborative, depth-oriented approach, helping you live a life in deeper alignment with what matters most to you.
Have you ever made a choice and immediately asked yourself: "Why in the world did I do that?" Imagine if you had talked with someone you trusted before you made that choice. What a difference some compassion and understanding can make. Lighten your burden with someone to walk with you through your difficult life choices. Whether you're wrestling with a work-related challenge or a situation in your intimate relationship, I can offer you a safe space, a ready ear, and help with the choices you're trying to make. Feel heard, understood, and confident in your decisions. That's what therapy offers.
Have you ever made a choice and immediately asked yourself: "Why in the world did I do that?" Imagine if you had talked with someone you trusted before you made that choice. What a difference some compassion and understanding can make. Lighten your burden with someone to walk with you through your difficult life choices. Whether you're wrestling with a work-related challenge or a situation in your intimate relationship, I can offer you a safe space, a ready ear, and help with the choices you're trying to make. Feel heard, understood, and confident in your decisions. That's what therapy offers.
I am trained in CBT, DBT, EMDR, ACT, and emotionally focused therapy.
I work well with anyone struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, processing trauma, processing grief, undergoing life or relationship transitions, exploring their gender or sexual identity, or processing gender violence. I also understand the emotional impact of online relationships, friendships, and community building, and enjoy working with folks immersed in online culture or who have online/long-distance support systems.
I am trained in CBT, DBT, EMDR, ACT, and emotionally focused therapy.
I work well with anyone struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, processing trauma, processing grief, undergoing life or relationship transitions, exploring their gender or sexual identity, or processing gender violence. I also understand the emotional impact of online relationships, friendships, and community building, and enjoy working with folks immersed in online culture or who have online/long-distance support systems.
I draw from psychodynamic and couples approaches ( EFT, Gottman, Imago), and I use CBT and mindfulness where they actually help.
I work with people who look accomplished on the outside but feel anxious, stuck, or worn down inside. Harvard-trained psychotherapist with over 20 years’ experience, I bring a thoughtful, collaborative, depth-oriented approach—less about quick fixes, more about changes that hold. Often, that starts with noticing this: the anxiety that once fueled your success now drains you. Relationships that look stable feel hollow. Grief you’ve been “handling well” lingers in the background. I offer therapy in Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and online across North Carolina.
I draw from psychodynamic and couples approaches ( EFT, Gottman, Imago), and I use CBT and mindfulness where they actually help.
I work with people who look accomplished on the outside but feel anxious, stuck, or worn down inside. Harvard-trained psychotherapist with over 20 years’ experience, I bring a thoughtful, collaborative, depth-oriented approach—less about quick fixes, more about changes that hold. Often, that starts with noticing this: the anxiety that once fueled your success now drains you. Relationships that look stable feel hollow. Grief you’ve been “handling well” lingers in the background. I offer therapy in Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and online across North Carolina.
I draw from Trauma-Informed practices and Evidence-Based techniques including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).
I support individuals and couples who are interested in practicing vulnerability, deep listening, reflection and generative communication. I offer clients space to safely explore their trauma, identify the ways it shows up and the ways they want to heal. I integrate somatic techniques throughout and can assist couples in learning to coregulate.
I draw from Trauma-Informed practices and Evidence-Based techniques including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).
I support individuals and couples who are interested in practicing vulnerability, deep listening, reflection and generative communication. I offer clients space to safely explore their trauma, identify the ways it shows up and the ways they want to heal. I integrate somatic techniques throughout and can assist couples in learning to coregulate.
Finding a therapist is daunting! It's hard to be vulnerable with a stranger (and hard to pick the right stranger amongst the vast sea of psychology today profiles). I'm glad you found my page! I work with individuals and couples on “general” concerns like anxiety, depression, and communication. I also specialize in sex therapy and help folks with pelvic pain, mismatched libidos, difficulty orgasming, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation.
Finding a therapist is daunting! It's hard to be vulnerable with a stranger (and hard to pick the right stranger amongst the vast sea of psychology today profiles). I'm glad you found my page! I work with individuals and couples on “general” concerns like anxiety, depression, and communication. I also specialize in sex therapy and help folks with pelvic pain, mismatched libidos, difficulty orgasming, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation.
Michael Gisser
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT-S
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I am certified in CPT for PTSD, Traumatic Event Management, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman levels 1 , 2 and 3, Solution Focused therapy and family systems.
I am a former US Army chaplain and ordained rabbi trained in Marriage and Family Therapy with additional training in trauma recovery, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD). My experience embodies an experiential integrative approach and I can individualize therapy to meet client goals. I work with individuals, couples, military personnel, veterans, and their families, and the LGBTQIA community. I am knowledgeable of world religions and diverse cultural backgrounds. I am currently accepting new clients in Pittsboro and Cary.
I am certified in CPT for PTSD, Traumatic Event Management, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman levels 1 , 2 and 3, Solution Focused therapy and family systems.
I am a former US Army chaplain and ordained rabbi trained in Marriage and Family Therapy with additional training in trauma recovery, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD). My experience embodies an experiential integrative approach and I can individualize therapy to meet client goals. I work with individuals, couples, military personnel, veterans, and their families, and the LGBTQIA community. I am knowledgeable of world religions and diverse cultural backgrounds. I am currently accepting new clients in Pittsboro and Cary.
Therapy is not always easy. But that doesn't mean it is without joy. In therapy, we get to come to an appreciation of both joy and sorrow that are the consequences of living a fully human life. Through appropriate challenge and support, we are able to expand the range of our humanity and our participation in the world.
Therapy is not always easy. But that doesn't mean it is without joy. In therapy, we get to come to an appreciation of both joy and sorrow that are the consequences of living a fully human life. Through appropriate challenge and support, we are able to expand the range of our humanity and our participation in the world.
Do you struggle with the image you see in the mirror? Perhaps you want to get some relief from the constant voice in your head that says you are not good enough. Maybe, like many of my clients, you want to be able to sit down for a second without immediately feeling like you need to be doing something else, something more. If any of these thoughts have crossed your mind, you are like many other clients I have supported to work with the over-achieving mind. Perfectionism comes in many forms; through body image, food, work, academics, athletics, even relationships and parenting.
Do you struggle with the image you see in the mirror? Perhaps you want to get some relief from the constant voice in your head that says you are not good enough. Maybe, like many of my clients, you want to be able to sit down for a second without immediately feeling like you need to be doing something else, something more. If any of these thoughts have crossed your mind, you are like many other clients I have supported to work with the over-achieving mind. Perfectionism comes in many forms; through body image, food, work, academics, athletics, even relationships and parenting.
I believe all parts of you hold wisdom. I am here to help you discover the resources you have within and around you, so that you may better move toward the life you want. This may look like learning to hear the wisdom and underlying needs that are communicated by your anxiety or body tensions. Or it may look like acknowledging, grieving, and moving past trauma responses that once served you but are now keeping you stuck. Maybe you seek more connectedness with yourself, your relationships, your work, your sense of purpose, or your spirituality.
I believe all parts of you hold wisdom. I am here to help you discover the resources you have within and around you, so that you may better move toward the life you want. This may look like learning to hear the wisdom and underlying needs that are communicated by your anxiety or body tensions. Or it may look like acknowledging, grieving, and moving past trauma responses that once served you but are now keeping you stuck. Maybe you seek more connectedness with yourself, your relationships, your work, your sense of purpose, or your spirituality.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but it’s an important step toward healing and inner peace. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can grow, develop healthy coping strategies, gain a deeper understanding of yourself, and build lasting self-esteem.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but it’s an important step toward healing and inner peace. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can grow, develop healthy coping strategies, gain a deeper understanding of yourself, and build lasting self-esteem.
