Secular and Non-Religious Therapists in Orange County, NC
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe in practical and person-centered therapy, meaning you are in charge of the process while I guide and support you. I specialize in using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help manage big emotions and change unhelpful patterns. Dialectical work challenges us to understand seemingly opposing thoughts and feelings. In DBT, we focus on building skills in 4 areas: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotional Regulation, and Distress Tolerance to help achieve our goals.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe in practical and person-centered therapy, meaning you are in charge of the process while I guide and support you. I specialize in using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help manage big emotions and change unhelpful patterns. Dialectical work challenges us to understand seemingly opposing thoughts and feelings. In DBT, we focus on building skills in 4 areas: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotional Regulation, and Distress Tolerance to help achieve our goals.
People in helping professions are natural givers, but our empathy and compassion can’t keep us from becoming over-extended, unbalanced, and burned out. I help people dealing with these issues understand their challenges and rediscover fulfillment from their work and joy in their lives. My other passions include working with people to navigate a wide variety of transition and/or identity-related areas of life, including: aging, LGBTQIA+, relationships, career, and parenting.
People in helping professions are natural givers, but our empathy and compassion can’t keep us from becoming over-extended, unbalanced, and burned out. I help people dealing with these issues understand their challenges and rediscover fulfillment from their work and joy in their lives. My other passions include working with people to navigate a wide variety of transition and/or identity-related areas of life, including: aging, LGBTQIA+, relationships, career, and parenting.
In the context of an accepting, supportive, and trusting relationship, I can help you find solutions to your life's challenges and psychological issues. In my over twenty years of experience, I have worked primarily with adults and older adults on issues of anxiety, depression, and the stressors that can emerge with major life changes. Life can be overwhelming and sometimes even exhausting, but I’m here to guide you through any obstacles you may face. My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply and better cope with change.
In the context of an accepting, supportive, and trusting relationship, I can help you find solutions to your life's challenges and psychological issues. In my over twenty years of experience, I have worked primarily with adults and older adults on issues of anxiety, depression, and the stressors that can emerge with major life changes. Life can be overwhelming and sometimes even exhausting, but I’m here to guide you through any obstacles you may face. My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply and better cope with change.
I want to support you in being who you really are. This has led me to the very roots of suffering, from the perspective of the ancient sages and from the perspective of modern trauma therapy. I support my people in waking up out of the conditioned mind. I wield the wisdom of the body to facilitate deep transformation. I weave a nuanced understanding of the particular challenges modern minds face into what I offer to support my people in safely opening more and more fully to the freedom, love, and deep internal well-being available to us when we connect to who we truly are. I am an explicitly anti-authoritarian therapist.
I want to support you in being who you really are. This has led me to the very roots of suffering, from the perspective of the ancient sages and from the perspective of modern trauma therapy. I support my people in waking up out of the conditioned mind. I wield the wisdom of the body to facilitate deep transformation. I weave a nuanced understanding of the particular challenges modern minds face into what I offer to support my people in safely opening more and more fully to the freedom, love, and deep internal well-being available to us when we connect to who we truly are. I am an explicitly anti-authoritarian therapist.
I believe in the possibilities embedded within crisis for healing, connection, and transformation. And I believe in joy.
I work well with people who've been on both sides of trauma; and creative, sensitive, neurodivegent folks who may also be struggling with identity, meaning-making, and mood instability. Perhaps you are navigating the gap between your great insight and the depth of your suffering. I bring creativity, humor, and honesty to the process of bridging this gap while using an affirming, disability justice lens.
I believe in the possibilities embedded within crisis for healing, connection, and transformation. And I believe in joy.
I work well with people who've been on both sides of trauma; and creative, sensitive, neurodivegent folks who may also be struggling with identity, meaning-making, and mood instability. Perhaps you are navigating the gap between your great insight and the depth of your suffering. I bring creativity, humor, and honesty to the process of bridging this gap while using an affirming, disability justice lens.
When we ignore or deny the things that upset us most, the more power and control we attribute to them. How often do you suppress or push away painful feelings, intrusive thoughts, shame, or chronic suicidality? Rather than avoid what’s causing our pain, fear, and discomfort, it's crucial that we stop and ask ourselves why we’re avoiding the things that make us human. When we ignore the physical and cognitive messages our bodies communicate to us, we risk neglecting what our bodies need to heal and thrive, thus denying ourselves the chance to succeed and live a value-driven and purposeful life.
When we ignore or deny the things that upset us most, the more power and control we attribute to them. How often do you suppress or push away painful feelings, intrusive thoughts, shame, or chronic suicidality? Rather than avoid what’s causing our pain, fear, and discomfort, it's crucial that we stop and ask ourselves why we’re avoiding the things that make us human. When we ignore the physical and cognitive messages our bodies communicate to us, we risk neglecting what our bodies need to heal and thrive, thus denying ourselves the chance to succeed and live a value-driven and purposeful life.
Life can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re trying your best and still feel stuck. You might be dealing with anxiety that won’t quiet down, persistent low mood, relationship stress, or a major life transition that’s left you feeling uncertain about what comes next. Even with support from friends or family, it’s common to feel alone in these struggles. Therapy can offer a space to slow down, make sense of what you’re experiencing, and begin moving forward with clarity and support.
Life can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re trying your best and still feel stuck. You might be dealing with anxiety that won’t quiet down, persistent low mood, relationship stress, or a major life transition that’s left you feeling uncertain about what comes next. Even with support from friends or family, it’s common to feel alone in these struggles. Therapy can offer a space to slow down, make sense of what you’re experiencing, and begin moving forward with clarity and support.
To mindfully awaken is to become conscious in the here and now while integrating all of our experiences before this moment in time. This practice of living courageously, authentically, with non-judgmental awareness, while embracing our worthiness, helps us live a fuller life. Specializing in psychotherapy with adults & couples, my therapeutic approach draws from Somatic Experiencing, Attachment Theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, IFS- & DBT-informed therapy, as well as the research of Brené Brown. I am also a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator who works with couples at all stages of their relationship.
To mindfully awaken is to become conscious in the here and now while integrating all of our experiences before this moment in time. This practice of living courageously, authentically, with non-judgmental awareness, while embracing our worthiness, helps us live a fuller life. Specializing in psychotherapy with adults & couples, my therapeutic approach draws from Somatic Experiencing, Attachment Theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, IFS- & DBT-informed therapy, as well as the research of Brené Brown. I am also a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator who works with couples at all stages of their relationship.
For decades, I've helped people find new paths through their life challenges. By developing a deep client relationship, applying complementary therapeutic approaches, my goal is to help YOU uncover your true potential and power to live a life you enjoy. Do you doubt that is possible? Therapy may consist of practicing skills related to social and emotional learning and learning how your beliefs about life effect everything. Uncovering and navigating your life stories - telling those stories over and over - of depression, trauma, anxiety, loss, and stress helps YOU figure out YOUR path. Want to try?
For decades, I've helped people find new paths through their life challenges. By developing a deep client relationship, applying complementary therapeutic approaches, my goal is to help YOU uncover your true potential and power to live a life you enjoy. Do you doubt that is possible? Therapy may consist of practicing skills related to social and emotional learning and learning how your beliefs about life effect everything. Uncovering and navigating your life stories - telling those stories over and over - of depression, trauma, anxiety, loss, and stress helps YOU figure out YOUR path. Want to try?
Hello!
I offer a focused light-hearted environment from which we can explore your concerns and achieve lasting results.
My primary goal is to cultivate the safety and trust required for you to feel confident that you'll be supported, heard, and understood.
I utlilize an integrative approach that focuses on the techniques most relevent to your personal experience. I draw from psychodynamic, somatic, attachment, behavioral, and parts based work while priortizing the methods that fit your unique needs.
Hello!
I offer a focused light-hearted environment from which we can explore your concerns and achieve lasting results.
My primary goal is to cultivate the safety and trust required for you to feel confident that you'll be supported, heard, and understood.
I utlilize an integrative approach that focuses on the techniques most relevent to your personal experience. I draw from psychodynamic, somatic, attachment, behavioral, and parts based work while priortizing the methods that fit your unique needs.
You're a caregiver of an autistic child or teen and you're looking for strategies for yourself as well as someone who really "gets" your neurodivergent child. Maybe you need help with communication, toilet training, or managing behavior, perhaps your child is older and you want your child to develop self-advocacy skills, work on executive functioning, and learn coping skills so they can live their best life. Or, you have autism yourself and are looking for a therapist who values your strengths and interests and can help you with setting and achieving goals that are important to you.
You're a caregiver of an autistic child or teen and you're looking for strategies for yourself as well as someone who really "gets" your neurodivergent child. Maybe you need help with communication, toilet training, or managing behavior, perhaps your child is older and you want your child to develop self-advocacy skills, work on executive functioning, and learn coping skills so they can live their best life. Or, you have autism yourself and are looking for a therapist who values your strengths and interests and can help you with setting and achieving goals that are important to you.
You're anxious. 2025 sucked and now it's 2026. How will this year be any different? You're ready to change and stand up for yourself. You're determined now; you've made the decision to take care of yourself...AND you know you want some help doing it. What if you could connect to someone who could truly see how you're doing and not pass judgment? And what if having someone wisely walk with you will help your life improve?
You're anxious. 2025 sucked and now it's 2026. How will this year be any different? You're ready to change and stand up for yourself. You're determined now; you've made the decision to take care of yourself...AND you know you want some help doing it. What if you could connect to someone who could truly see how you're doing and not pass judgment? And what if having someone wisely walk with you will help your life improve?
Thank you for visiting my page. Choosing a therapist can be a big decision, so I'd love to talk with you to see if I can be a resource in your journey towards reaching your goals. I work with individuals seeking support for anxiety, depression, stress, career planning/development, and trauma. I also offer relationship therapy for both couples and various partnership agreements. I view my work through a social justice lens and practice cultural humility to create a space that is welcoming to all clients.
Thank you for visiting my page. Choosing a therapist can be a big decision, so I'd love to talk with you to see if I can be a resource in your journey towards reaching your goals. I work with individuals seeking support for anxiety, depression, stress, career planning/development, and trauma. I also offer relationship therapy for both couples and various partnership agreements. I view my work through a social justice lens and practice cultural humility to create a space that is welcoming to all clients.
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.
Life doesn’t come with a roadmap—and sometimes it feels overwhelming to try to figure it all out on your own. You don’t have to. In therapy, I offer a space that is safe, affirming, and collaborative. A space where you can be fully yourself without fear of judgment. Together, we’ll slow things down, sort through the hard stuff, and work toward clarity, healing, and growth.
Life doesn’t come with a roadmap—and sometimes it feels overwhelming to try to figure it all out on your own. You don’t have to. In therapy, I offer a space that is safe, affirming, and collaborative. A space where you can be fully yourself without fear of judgment. Together, we’ll slow things down, sort through the hard stuff, and work toward clarity, healing, and growth.
Hello Everyone,
I have been providing safe and quality care for close to twenty years.
I provide medication management in conjunction with brief psychotherapy and life-style enhancement strategies, using an integrative treatment plan model for mental and behavioral health management of clients across the lifespan. Working together to create life- long strategies to help the Client be the best version of themselves.
Hello Everyone,
I have been providing safe and quality care for close to twenty years.
I provide medication management in conjunction with brief psychotherapy and life-style enhancement strategies, using an integrative treatment plan model for mental and behavioral health management of clients across the lifespan. Working together to create life- long strategies to help the Client be the best version of themselves.
Take a second and think, "What brought me here?" Are life's demands causing you added stress? Are you feeling a lack of control over the direction your life is heading? Do you feel like you are walking through life without actually living it? If you answered yes to any of these questions, counseling can help address your concerns and provide you with the skills and resources needed to feel better and thrive.
Take a second and think, "What brought me here?" Are life's demands causing you added stress? Are you feeling a lack of control over the direction your life is heading? Do you feel like you are walking through life without actually living it? If you answered yes to any of these questions, counseling can help address your concerns and provide you with the skills and resources needed to feel better and thrive.
Are you seeking flexible, out-of-the-box support? I provide care for children, teens, adults, and families, with a passion for working with non-traditional and marginalized families. My approach is culturally responsive, identity-affirming, trauma-informed, and creative; treating you as the expert of your own experience, and walking alongside you on your healing journey. I have extensive experience supporting individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, OCD, and self-harm, as well as trauma related to intimate partner violence, immigration, religious experiences, racial and ethnic identity, and intergenerational dynamics.
Are you seeking flexible, out-of-the-box support? I provide care for children, teens, adults, and families, with a passion for working with non-traditional and marginalized families. My approach is culturally responsive, identity-affirming, trauma-informed, and creative; treating you as the expert of your own experience, and walking alongside you on your healing journey. I have extensive experience supporting individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, OCD, and self-harm, as well as trauma related to intimate partner violence, immigration, religious experiences, racial and ethnic identity, and intergenerational dynamics.
Welcome, and congratulations on taking the first step toward therapy! Therapy is a space where you get to be fully yourself; messy, tender, growing, and everything in between. I have experience working with preteens, adolescents, and adults who have endured major life stressors or traumatic experiences and as a result struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and other mental health concerns. My practice is affirming of LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent experiences, and grounded in deep respect, curiosity, and care.
Welcome, and congratulations on taking the first step toward therapy! Therapy is a space where you get to be fully yourself; messy, tender, growing, and everything in between. I have experience working with preteens, adolescents, and adults who have endured major life stressors or traumatic experiences and as a result struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and other mental health concerns. My practice is affirming of LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent experiences, and grounded in deep respect, curiosity, and care.
Maybe you feel like you don’t quite belong or struggle to trust your own worth. You might be carrying the weight of systemic oppression, intergenerational trauma, or the pressure to fit into a world that wasn’t built with you in mind. You want to heal, feel at home in yourself, and create a life that feels authentic and meaningful. I’m here to offer a space where you can show up fully and be met with care, empathy, and non-judgment. I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ and BIPoC folks, as well as individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers, from a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens.
Maybe you feel like you don’t quite belong or struggle to trust your own worth. You might be carrying the weight of systemic oppression, intergenerational trauma, or the pressure to fit into a world that wasn’t built with you in mind. You want to heal, feel at home in yourself, and create a life that feels authentic and meaningful. I’m here to offer a space where you can show up fully and be met with care, empathy, and non-judgment. I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ and BIPoC folks, as well as individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers, from a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens.
See more therapy options for Orange County
Secular and Non-Religious Therapists
What is a secular and non religious approach in therapy?
Secular or non-religious therapy is a theoretical orientation used by many therapists and describes a therapeutic approach that does not rely on any specific religious or faith-based beliefs in the therapeutic process. Secular counselors will often approach therapy with an emphasis on evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients, instead of relying on religious practices, such as prayer or belief in God.
Is secular therapy primarily for non-religious people?
Both religious and non-religious individuals can benefit from secular therapy. People exploring their religious or spiritual beliefs may find it especially useful to work with a secular therapist who is unbiased toward any specific religion. While religious individuals might value the connection and familiarity of seeing a counselor who shares their beliefs, secular counseling can offer them the chance to develop coping skills independent of their religious practice, which can be beneficial in various aspects of their lives.
Can a secular approach to therapy help with religious trauma?
One major reason clients may seek a secular therapist is to process previous religious experiences, including religious trauma. Secular therapists can help clients manage symptoms of the trauma through practices such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). They can also encourage clients through talk therapy or psychodynamic approaches to explore the roots of their religious trauma. Since secular therapists do not have any predetermined religious beliefs, they can be particularly helpful for clients looking to explore their own religious beliefs following a history of religious trauma.
What does non religious marriage and premarital counseling involve?
Marriage and premarital counseling typically involves a couple meeting with a therapist to discuss topics such as planning for marriage, navigating a new marriage, addressing relationship challenges, and developing better communication and conflict resolution skills. Non-religious therapists assist couples in achieving these goals without adhering to specific religious beliefs or frameworks, often emphasizing inclusivity and non-judgment, especially for "nontraditional" couples. However, seeking couples therapy from a non-religious counselor does not mean religious topics are off-limits. In fact, non-religious couples from different religious backgrounds may benefit from a secular therapist who remains neutral toward the beliefs of each partner.