Therapists in Orange County, NC

You may be educated, even outwardly successful, but struggle to feel good about yourself, have difficulties with close relationships or just want more out of life. I believe it's human to struggle and that we all can benefit from self exploration. You stand to gain, and so does your partner, children, friends, even co-workers when you're bringing more of your best self to the game. My style is active and I bring humor and compassion to help you develop solutions as well as grow from your struggles. A seasoned therapist, my approach is flexible and practical, tailored to meet your needs. I'm LGBTQIA sensitive and welcoming.

I know getting started can be hard. My goal is to help you feel as comfortable as possible so we can go at your pace. I specialize in working with clients with anxiety, ADHD, and trauma. Many of my clients have tried to cope with their situations by pushing their feelings away or using addictive behaviors to numb them. My job is to help people listen to and manage their emotions without feeling overwhelmed or ruled by them. Being personally in recovery from alcohol helps me understand and empathize with what you’re going through because I’ve probably been there too.

As a psychotherapist and social worker, I strive to meet you where you are, with warmth, openness and curiosity. While training in modalities such as Emotion Focused Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing inform my practice, I take an unstructured, "big picture" approach to practicing psychotherapy. Often the crisis, life transition, or symptoms that bring people therapy are the "tip of the iceberg." I believe the most meaningful and lasting change can be facilitated if together we can look, with compassion, at the iceberg, or (rather) the complexities of the whole person and their past and present contexts and relationships.

People often engage with therapy when life feels out of balance: there’s a sadness or disconnectedness they can’t shake, or a mind so active it seems impossible to slow down; there are problems with romantic or sexual desire; there are questions about who one is, what one wants, or even how to want in the first place. My approach to therapy is primarily psychoanalytic. I listen closely to language, helping people hear and understand themselves in radically new ways. I also work to help people discover more intentional and effective modes of relating — to thought, emotion, physiology, and other people.

It can be scary to be honest with oneself, let alone with others. Yet, most of us still desire to be seen, loved, and accepted. I work with people curious about how their childhood, cultural background(s), identities, and trauma influence how they relate to themselves, family, lovers, friends, and authority figures. My work centers on anti-racism and the lived experiences of folks who are Queer, Transgender, Polyamourous, or Kinky. I enjoy working with people outside of these identities as well. Modalities I utilize are Relationship Analysis, EMDR, Parts Work, Psychodynamic Techniques, and Sex Therapy.

I believe understanding how my client perceives the world is essential to successful treatment. For 25 years I have helped a multitude of individuals and family groupings to find peace, resolution and happiness in many areas of their lives. I am a dedicated therapist who is present in the session and highly committed to honoring and respecting the individuals who have allowed me to work with them. I draw inspiration from Pema Chodron, Virginia Satir and Esther Perel.

As a therapist and clinician, I am dedicated to supporting, accompanying, and empowering Triangle NC and surrounding area clients on their journeys through trying times. Within the therapeutic alliance, I employ goal centered, evidence based methods, usually centered in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to maximize quality of life and bring about a healthier, more peaceful existence, as well as maximize self-actualization. I consider myself highly compassionate, supportive, and believe strongly in the power of good active listening, we all deserve to be truly heard and understood.

Many individuals seeking therapy have had experiences feeling misunderstood, isolated, ignored, or even confused. Navigating mental health is not always easy or comfortable. Regardless of one's presenting issues, my goal as a counselor is to help clients gain a better understanding of their experiences, identity, and conflicts. I have extensive experience working with clients facing racial identity issues, anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, perinatal or new parenting issues, and issues related to athletics. Even if you don't fall within these categories, I'd be happy to get to know you and help you through your journey!

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 am a clinical social worker specializing in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. I'm also passionate about helping adult children and their parents recover from relational trauma, establish healthy boundaries, and develop effective communication skills. I enjoy supporting current parents as well as folks at all stages of the family planning process.

I am a psychodynamically-oriented psychotherapist that works with individuals experiencing relational difficulties and/or disruptions in their overall sense of self. Such concerns result in emerging or worsening psychological symptoms that are painful and difficult to manage. In addressing underlying mental conflicts and their associated compromises, I work with people to get behind their symptoms with the goal of developing more insight, self-agency, and a fuller life.

Do you want to become more satisfied with your life in ways that, so far, seem out of reach? You don't have to go through this process alone. I'd like to help. Perhaps talking to friends or trying to change by yourself hasn't worked, and you may be left wondering how to really make changes that last. What may feel overwhelming to you may become manageable with someone who understands what you're going through and how you may move forward to satisfying relationships to those around you, your life's work, and most importantly, to yourself.

As an LCSW, psychotherapist, and attorney, I bring a multi-dimensional philosophy to my clinical work, which has included providing crisis intervention, individual, and group psychotherapy in inpatient facilities, mobile crisis and detox units, PHP and IOP programs, community-based outpatient clinics, equine-assisted settings, and college counseling centers. My legal experience has included work, policy research, and advocacy in jails and DA’s offices. I enjoy guiding others through the complexities of mood disorders, psychosis, addiction, and trauma - often intertwined with navigating challenging relationship and family dynamics.

Are you consumed by worry and overwhelm? So much so that it is easier to just stay home. Feeling totally isolated and alone in your stress and unmotivated to do anything today? Wondering what happened to the person you used to know and want to rediscover yourself? Or, you may be experiencing immense shame and guilt nearly every day. Are you finding your relationships challenging to navigate? Not knowing how to say what you need and want to say? Or, you may be struggling to break addictive patterns and feeling desperate for change.

My name is Dr. Kendra A. Surmitis, and I provide a comfortable, private space for individuals seeking personalized counseling, mindfulness, dream work, and psychoanalysis. Do you wonder about the impact of your early relationships on your ability to enjoy your life and relationships today? Are you interested to learn more about your personality and avenues for greater life fulfillment? We will work together to find meaningful answers to your deepest questions while supporting your quality of life. I invite you to visit my private practice website for information and to contact me for a complimentary consultation.

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.

Online Only. M-W.Please check your insurance. I can help you unravel difficult experiences-past and present, work through bad feelings and cultivate positive change. As a process relational psychotherapist coupled with a somatic and PolyVagal Theory lens, I specialize in healing childhood abuse/neglect, and trauma related stress and symptoms: shame, depression, loss of self, numbing, anxiety, self-destructive behavior, chronic grief and pain, attachment and trust issues, feeling helpless and hopeless. Over time, you will relinquish old self-defeating internal messages, behaviors; gain confidence and skills and enjoy a fuller life.

When your thoughts or actions do not match your feelings, or you find that certain relationships are a problem, it could be time to explore what hidden patterns might be impacting your life. Because you are always in relationship to those in your world, whether family, work, or with a significant other; it is important to find ways to calm overwhelming emotions, overcome negative feelings, develop effective communication skills and discover the real issues in your life. In a non-invasive therapy environment, together we will build permanent resources to support you in being who you truly want to be.

Karen’s passion as a Social Worker is to uplift, inform, empower, and assist "All" clients with creating avenues for success, with a great desire to focus on lower socioeconomic and at-risk populations.