Emotionally Focused Therapists in Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC
Shelly Hummel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27605
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in couples therapy and love what I do. Life circumstances facilitated my desire to become a couples therapist in early adolescence. I graduated from The University of Iowa with Honors in Psychology and completed my graduate degree from Northern Illinois University. My desire has always been working with couples and that passion remains today. I have been in practice for over 20 years, specializing in helping couples who are burdened by wanting to make their relationship work, but are uncertain of the tools and where to start.
I specialize in couples therapy and love what I do. Life circumstances facilitated my desire to become a couples therapist in early adolescence. I graduated from The University of Iowa with Honors in Psychology and completed my graduate degree from Northern Illinois University. My desire has always been working with couples and that passion remains today. I have been in practice for over 20 years, specializing in helping couples who are burdened by wanting to make their relationship work, but are uncertain of the tools and where to start.
When working with relationships (couples, friends, etc) I bring in Gottman and EFT concepts.
Do you find yourself struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings, unable to sleep at night and desperate for something to change? Maybe you find yourself struggling to manage your life and relationships, feeling stuck and beating yourself up about it. I understand how it feels to struggle in this messy and beautiful world, unsure if things will ever get better. If you’re still reading this then you’re ready to make a change. You’re ready to take a chance on therapy. Most of all, you’re ready to build a life that is full, rich and meaningful. I want to help you get there. If nothing changes, then nothing changes.
When working with relationships (couples, friends, etc) I bring in Gottman and EFT concepts.
Do you find yourself struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings, unable to sleep at night and desperate for something to change? Maybe you find yourself struggling to manage your life and relationships, feeling stuck and beating yourself up about it. I understand how it feels to struggle in this messy and beautiful world, unsure if things will ever get better. If you’re still reading this then you’re ready to make a change. You’re ready to take a chance on therapy. Most of all, you’re ready to build a life that is full, rich and meaningful. I want to help you get there. If nothing changes, then nothing changes.
Martha Hope Rollins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, PLLC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
I use a combination of Psychodynamic, Cognitive and EFT therapies.
As an experienced psychotherapist, I specialize in both brief and intensive therapies. I have expertise in working with individuals and couples with dysfunctional communication patterns. If you feel that you are caught in a loop of partners who do not meet your needs, we will work together to understand the areas where you feel stuck and uncared for in your relationships. I will help you do the hard work needed to make relationship changes and feel a greater sense of well-being. We will work through past traumatic experiences and promote compassion for self and others.
I use a combination of Psychodynamic, Cognitive and EFT therapies.
As an experienced psychotherapist, I specialize in both brief and intensive therapies. I have expertise in working with individuals and couples with dysfunctional communication patterns. If you feel that you are caught in a loop of partners who do not meet your needs, we will work together to understand the areas where you feel stuck and uncared for in your relationships. I will help you do the hard work needed to make relationship changes and feel a greater sense of well-being. We will work through past traumatic experiences and promote compassion for self and others.
I specialize in helping clients navigate relationship challenges, queer identities, difficulties with family members, acceptance of self, intimacy, chronic illnesses, and transitional life changes. Situating yourself as a unique person in a complex world is hard, especially when you try to do it alone, and asking for help takes courage. I’m here to help you figure out the hard stuff, cancel out the noise, and delight in the joy.
I specialize in helping clients navigate relationship challenges, queer identities, difficulties with family members, acceptance of self, intimacy, chronic illnesses, and transitional life changes. Situating yourself as a unique person in a complex world is hard, especially when you try to do it alone, and asking for help takes courage. I’m here to help you figure out the hard stuff, cancel out the noise, and delight in the joy.
Deciding to seek counseling is a courageous step. My aim is to establish a supportive relationship with you where we can work together to promote your wellbeing. We will use action-oriented techniques to practice more intentional, mindful living. I have worked with clients experiencing a range of issues and firmly believe that with self-compassion and dedicated effort we are all capable of charting new territory that is more consistent with our personal values. I strive to serve diverse clients and will work to meet you where you are, adapting counseling to suit your unique worldview and life situation.
Deciding to seek counseling is a courageous step. My aim is to establish a supportive relationship with you where we can work together to promote your wellbeing. We will use action-oriented techniques to practice more intentional, mindful living. I have worked with clients experiencing a range of issues and firmly believe that with self-compassion and dedicated effort we are all capable of charting new territory that is more consistent with our personal values. I strive to serve diverse clients and will work to meet you where you are, adapting counseling to suit your unique worldview and life situation.
Dr. Lucille Keenan
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27605
If you are feeling troubled, together we can sort out why you are having difficulty, develop clarity on the obstacles that stand in your way, and assist you in making the changes you want for yourself. Maybe you're ready to make big changes in your life, looking for support through a stressful time, and/or simply wanting a place to understand your feelings so you can know what decisions to make. I find joy in assisting clients to be more of who they are, to enjoy life fully, and to realize their true potential, as well as in helping couples reconnect and find a place of healing that allows a secure and loving connection.
If you are feeling troubled, together we can sort out why you are having difficulty, develop clarity on the obstacles that stand in your way, and assist you in making the changes you want for yourself. Maybe you're ready to make big changes in your life, looking for support through a stressful time, and/or simply wanting a place to understand your feelings so you can know what decisions to make. I find joy in assisting clients to be more of who they are, to enjoy life fully, and to realize their true potential, as well as in helping couples reconnect and find a place of healing that allows a secure and loving connection.
Krista Barringer
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MEd, NCC
Verified Verified
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
If postpartum feels hard, if pregnancy is harder than you thought, if you're trying to conceive, or if you feel distant from your partner now that you're parents- you are not alone. Relationships, the perinatal season, and parenting are hard- I know from personal and professional experience. Because of this, I believe that these parts of our life should not be done alone. I offer couples therapy, family therapy, and individual therapy. I support individuals and couples from preconception to postpartum to parenting. I intimately understand the complexities of the postpartum experience and I will be honored to hold your story closely.
If postpartum feels hard, if pregnancy is harder than you thought, if you're trying to conceive, or if you feel distant from your partner now that you're parents- you are not alone. Relationships, the perinatal season, and parenting are hard- I know from personal and professional experience. Because of this, I believe that these parts of our life should not be done alone. I offer couples therapy, family therapy, and individual therapy. I support individuals and couples from preconception to postpartum to parenting. I intimately understand the complexities of the postpartum experience and I will be honored to hold your story closely.
Shannon Draper, EMDR + Trauma Therapist
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, QS, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
Accepting new clients in NC + MA. More info at www.shannondraper.co - Therapy looks and feels differently now. That traditional head nodding, passive engagement, and ‘how does that make you feel?’ is a thing of the past. I enjoy actively supporting and challenging folks in their process of reflection, introspection and growth. My approach is compassionate and direct. I work best with people who are asking questions, shifting relationships with themselves or others, and who are committed to showing up and/or learning more about their authentic, vulnerable, and values focused self.
Accepting new clients in NC + MA. More info at www.shannondraper.co - Therapy looks and feels differently now. That traditional head nodding, passive engagement, and ‘how does that make you feel?’ is a thing of the past. I enjoy actively supporting and challenging folks in their process of reflection, introspection and growth. My approach is compassionate and direct. I work best with people who are asking questions, shifting relationships with themselves or others, and who are committed to showing up and/or learning more about their authentic, vulnerable, and values focused self.
Brittani Procknow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCASA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
Do you want to feel at understood in your relationships, but you struggle with communicating emotions? In your relationship, you want to deeply understand one another, break out of unhelpful patterns, and feel the energy you once had. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. One thing is for sure: you want to relate better. You’re ready to enjoy meaningful relationships without feeling the need to over-achieve. You’re ready to take the courageous step towards vulnerability. Most of all, you’re ready to go from complacent to passionate. Relationship therapy helps you relate deeper to yourself and others.
Do you want to feel at understood in your relationships, but you struggle with communicating emotions? In your relationship, you want to deeply understand one another, break out of unhelpful patterns, and feel the energy you once had. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. One thing is for sure: you want to relate better. You’re ready to enjoy meaningful relationships without feeling the need to over-achieve. You’re ready to take the courageous step towards vulnerability. Most of all, you’re ready to go from complacent to passionate. Relationship therapy helps you relate deeper to yourself and others.
Cassandra Calin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
Over the course of our lives, we are told stories about ourselves. Oftentimes those stories aren't true. Sometimes they're harmful. Usually they get in the way of us being able to truly understand ourselves and grow in the ways we want to. I work with clients to explore the stories they hold about themselves, their own definition of mental wellness, and the tools that might help them to move toward it. I am excited to offer individuals, partners, families, and friends a sacred, therapeutic space to sift through those stories, where they come from, and whether they serve you or block you from a fuller taste of joy.
Over the course of our lives, we are told stories about ourselves. Oftentimes those stories aren't true. Sometimes they're harmful. Usually they get in the way of us being able to truly understand ourselves and grow in the ways we want to. I work with clients to explore the stories they hold about themselves, their own definition of mental wellness, and the tools that might help them to move toward it. I am excited to offer individuals, partners, families, and friends a sacred, therapeutic space to sift through those stories, where they come from, and whether they serve you or block you from a fuller taste of joy.
I am currently accepting new Telehealth clients! - Any number of barriers could impede peak performance. Anxiety, burnout, injury, external pressures, and trauma are but a few of the challenges my clients regularly face. Any one of these factors can lead to feelings of disappointment, dissatisfaction, and/or diminished self-esteem. Sometimes, my clients are unaware of the underlying mechanisms contributing to performance breakdown, distress, or loss of enjoyment in sport/performance or life in general. This can lead to maladaptive behaviors and beliefs that perpetuate a debilitative cycle.
I am currently accepting new Telehealth clients! - Any number of barriers could impede peak performance. Anxiety, burnout, injury, external pressures, and trauma are but a few of the challenges my clients regularly face. Any one of these factors can lead to feelings of disappointment, dissatisfaction, and/or diminished self-esteem. Sometimes, my clients are unaware of the underlying mechanisms contributing to performance breakdown, distress, or loss of enjoyment in sport/performance or life in general. This can lead to maladaptive behaviors and beliefs that perpetuate a debilitative cycle.
Meet Our Emotionally Focused Therapists
My passion and drive comes from working with the queer community in navigating their identity, building confidence and self-esteem, and thriving in a world that is filled with oppression. I love to work with folx aged 13+, but I've also worked with younger kiddos as well. I work with couples in helping them better understand, communicate with, and love each other through an attachment lens. My work is deeply rooted in prioritizing and centering the needs of the LGBTQ+ community, whether you are a "late bloomer"coming out, exploring your gender identity, or processing religious trauma. I will meet you exactly where you're at.
My passion and drive comes from working with the queer community in navigating their identity, building confidence and self-esteem, and thriving in a world that is filled with oppression. I love to work with folx aged 13+, but I've also worked with younger kiddos as well. I work with couples in helping them better understand, communicate with, and love each other through an attachment lens. My work is deeply rooted in prioritizing and centering the needs of the LGBTQ+ community, whether you are a "late bloomer"coming out, exploring your gender identity, or processing religious trauma. I will meet you exactly where you're at.
Brianna Hicks
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, MA, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
Waitlist for new clients
For over a decade, I’ve helped clients build meaningful, fulfilling lives. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ adults exploring their gender, sexuality, or relationship structure later in life. As a late bloomer myself, I understand how identity shifts can reshape your sense of self, relationships, & the life you envisioned. I provide a supportive, affirming space to navigate these changes with clarity & confidence. I also work with anxiety, OCD, trauma, & body image concerns. My approach is collaborative - you are the expert on your life, & I’m here to guide you toward deeper understanding, healing, & alignment with your values.
For over a decade, I’ve helped clients build meaningful, fulfilling lives. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ adults exploring their gender, sexuality, or relationship structure later in life. As a late bloomer myself, I understand how identity shifts can reshape your sense of self, relationships, & the life you envisioned. I provide a supportive, affirming space to navigate these changes with clarity & confidence. I also work with anxiety, OCD, trauma, & body image concerns. My approach is collaborative - you are the expert on your life, & I’m here to guide you toward deeper understanding, healing, & alignment with your values.
Michael James
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MEd, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
Life’s curveballs can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Taking this step toward healing is brave, and I’m here to help. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and life adjustments. Let’s work together to find clarity and create a path forward. Reach out today—you deserve support!
Life’s curveballs can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Taking this step toward healing is brave, and I’m here to help. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and life adjustments. Let’s work together to find clarity and create a path forward. Reach out today—you deserve support!
Marley Toben
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
Life has a way of molding us into the person we had to be instead of the person we actually are. If you grew up with emotionally immature parents, you likely learned to shrink yourself or become the “reasonable one” while the adults acted like toddlers. Now, you're stuck in old patterns—choosing relationships that feel eerily familiar, doubting your needs, saddling yourself with responsibility for everyone else's joy while feeling chronically inadequate. It’s frustrating as hell, especially when you know what’s happening but can’t seem to shift it. Therapy with me is about dismantling the old M.O. and consciously choosing YOU.
Life has a way of molding us into the person we had to be instead of the person we actually are. If you grew up with emotionally immature parents, you likely learned to shrink yourself or become the “reasonable one” while the adults acted like toddlers. Now, you're stuck in old patterns—choosing relationships that feel eerily familiar, doubting your needs, saddling yourself with responsibility for everyone else's joy while feeling chronically inadequate. It’s frustrating as hell, especially when you know what’s happening but can’t seem to shift it. Therapy with me is about dismantling the old M.O. and consciously choosing YOU.
Richard Sladich
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC, ASDCS
Verified Verified
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27605
Hello, I am currently accepting new clients.
Need help with Social Anxiety, generalized anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), or Depression? I specialize in those issues, but I also focus on the issues of panic attacks, phobias, agoraphobia, and Autism spectrum. I also help with relationship issues, learning to advocate for yourself, and setting boundaries. I am available for in person or virtual sessions. I am a Certified TEAM-CBT Therapist with the Feeling Good Institute.
Hello, I am currently accepting new clients.
Need help with Social Anxiety, generalized anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), or Depression? I specialize in those issues, but I also focus on the issues of panic attacks, phobias, agoraphobia, and Autism spectrum. I also help with relationship issues, learning to advocate for yourself, and setting boundaries. I am available for in person or virtual sessions. I am a Certified TEAM-CBT Therapist with the Feeling Good Institute.
A.r. Ditesheim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
Are you navigating a life transition that has you exploring your values, relationships, or upbringing? Perhaps you’re feeling disconnected, whether it’s from yourself, your partner, or your family, and are searching for ways to reconnect. Whatever brings you here, I believe everyone deserves a space to reconcile, grow, and redefine what it means to live a fulfilling life that truly resonates with them. Working with many individuals and couples in the LGBTQ+ community, my passion lies in helping clients confront the complexities of being human in a world that often pushes us into rigid molds of how we should live, feel, and act.
Are you navigating a life transition that has you exploring your values, relationships, or upbringing? Perhaps you’re feeling disconnected, whether it’s from yourself, your partner, or your family, and are searching for ways to reconnect. Whatever brings you here, I believe everyone deserves a space to reconcile, grow, and redefine what it means to live a fulfilling life that truly resonates with them. Working with many individuals and couples in the LGBTQ+ community, my passion lies in helping clients confront the complexities of being human in a world that often pushes us into rigid molds of how we should live, feel, and act.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck in past struggles, or uncertain about how to navigate life’s challenges? Life's difficulties aren't always predictable, and it’s easy to feel like you're juggling everything while barely making time for yourself. If you're ready to step out of the cycle and into a place of healing, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll work to reclaim balance and create a path toward a happier, more emotionally stable life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck in past struggles, or uncertain about how to navigate life’s challenges? Life's difficulties aren't always predictable, and it’s easy to feel like you're juggling everything while barely making time for yourself. If you're ready to step out of the cycle and into a place of healing, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll work to reclaim balance and create a path toward a happier, more emotionally stable life.
Joel Allen Makin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC, LCAC, LPC, LPCC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
If you’ve tried short-term fixes but still feel stuck in anxiety, low self-worth, or recurring emotional patterns, you’re not alone. Many people reach a point where surface-level solutions no longer work—they want to understand the “why” behind their struggles. I help individuals who are ready to go deeper, uncovering the root causes of pain and making space for real change. Through long-term therapy, we work to build self-awareness, heal attachment wounds, and foster emotional resilience so you can move forward with clarity, purpose, and strength.
If you’ve tried short-term fixes but still feel stuck in anxiety, low self-worth, or recurring emotional patterns, you’re not alone. Many people reach a point where surface-level solutions no longer work—they want to understand the “why” behind their struggles. I help individuals who are ready to go deeper, uncovering the root causes of pain and making space for real change. Through long-term therapy, we work to build self-awareness, heal attachment wounds, and foster emotional resilience so you can move forward with clarity, purpose, and strength.
Welcome! My name is Stephaine Martin and I am a licensed clincial menteal health counselor in NC. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, and have been licensed since 2013. I provide individual and couples therapy to help people improve their mental health. My approach is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), electic and strength-based. I tailor my approach to each client's unique needs and preferences. I am passionate about helping people overcome their challenges and live more fulfilling lives. I look forward to working with you!
Welcome! My name is Stephaine Martin and I am a licensed clincial menteal health counselor in NC. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, and have been licensed since 2013. I provide individual and couples therapy to help people improve their mental health. My approach is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), electic and strength-based. I tailor my approach to each client's unique needs and preferences. I am passionate about helping people overcome their challenges and live more fulfilling lives. I look forward to working with you!
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for Hillsborough, Raleigh
- Central
- Five Points
- Glenwood
- Glenwood South
- Glenwood-Brooklyn
- Hayes Barton
- Moore Square
- South Central
- Wade
- West
Nearby Searches for Hillsborough, Raleigh
- Central
- Glenwood
- Glenwood South
- Glenwood Village
- Glenwood-Brooklyn
- Hayes Barton
- Moore Square
- Mordecai
- North Carolina State University
- University Park
- Wade
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.