Emotionally Focused Therapists in Raleigh, NC

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.

Adriene provides therapy to those experiencing conflict in romantic relationships, specifically BIPOC and queer-identifying couples. She has extensive experience working with both individuals and families as they navigate and reflect on the caregiver-child relationship. As a clinician, Adriene is committed to maintaining a safe space for her clients to give voice to their experience as they explore the areas of racial, societal, intergenerational, and religious traumas.

Do you spend your time scrolling through Instagram thinking you're not (insert judgey word) enough? Are you constantly on edge or worried? Do your mind and body feel stuck in past pain? Maybe you're unsettled with where you are in life? The human struggle is real! AND you don't have to go it alone. Hey there! I'm Sara, a licensed clinical social worker + certified trauma professional with an additional Masters in Gender Studies. I enjoy working with millennial and emerging adult women and gender expansive folks navigating the uncertainty of adulthood in 2023. I specialize in treating complex/relational trauma and anxiety disorders.

I have expertise helping those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict & marital discord. My work with clients helps them reclaim their lives and bounce forward from pain and difficulties. I take a practical, evidence-based approach to assist clients in learning effective coping, communication & conflict resolution skills. I aim to help couples and families develop stronger relational bonds and restore peace in their lives. In my individual work with teens & adults, I provide a non-judgmental space to gain insight and offer the skills to successfully navigate struggles, find purpose, and increase happiness.

I see people of all identities and backgrounds. Those who struggle with anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, stress, and self-esteem. I use an emotionally-focused, psychotherapeutic approach. Psychotherapy is a form of treatment in which self-exploration leads to self-insight. Through the therapy process, it is my mission to promote emotional well-being, positive interpersonal relationships, and a better awareness to one’s inner world. I am registered as a yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance and like to incorporate a mind-body approach in therapy. Mindful movement and meditation is a great way to soothe the nervous system.

In my part time private practice I offer counseling/therapy to adults, children (ages 4 and above), and parents. My areas of special interest include anxiety, depression, and parent education. I enjoy working with adults who are dealing with life challenges and seeking personal growth. When seeing children I typically use a child centered play therapy approach. I also have experience with cognitive behavioral interventions Theraplay, and EFT . These techniques are helpful in treating individuals who are experiencing anxiety, regulation of attention and impulse control, trauma, and attachment difficulties.

My primary specialty is attachment theory. Attachment based modalities include Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT ), Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals (EFIT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy for Families (EFFT). Other areas of speciality include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is effective in treating trauma, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). I am also growing in my ability to apply Internal Family Systems (IFS) in my practice with clients.