Prolonged Exposure Therapy in Raleigh, NC
I work with adults and teens who need help with anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma & PTSD, relationship issues, grief, self-esteem, and life transitions. Often when people come to see me, they’ve been struggling for a long time on their own and have been through really painful and difficult experiences in their lives. Many times there is a lot of shame and guilt involved in their situations. People feel stuck or that they’re unable to move forward in life. They are looking for an objective, caring person who can help them understand the underlying causes of their symptoms and give them the tools they need to heal and move forward.
I work with adults and teens who need help with anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma & PTSD, relationship issues, grief, self-esteem, and life transitions. Often when people come to see me, they’ve been struggling for a long time on their own and have been through really painful and difficult experiences in their lives. Many times there is a lot of shame and guilt involved in their situations. People feel stuck or that they’re unable to move forward in life. They are looking for an objective, caring person who can help them understand the underlying causes of their symptoms and give them the tools they need to heal and move forward.
As a therapist, I utilize person centered therapy to ensure my clients are getting what they want out of therapy and do not have to go on their journey alone. I seek to provide a warm, nurturing, and safe environment for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I work well with clients of all ages and provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals. I have experience working with many different disorders through my time in Intensive In-Home therapy and working at a psychiatric hospital. I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with my BA in Psychology, and NCSU with my Master of Social Work.
As a therapist, I utilize person centered therapy to ensure my clients are getting what they want out of therapy and do not have to go on their journey alone. I seek to provide a warm, nurturing, and safe environment for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I work well with clients of all ages and provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals. I have experience working with many different disorders through my time in Intensive In-Home therapy and working at a psychiatric hospital. I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with my BA in Psychology, and NCSU with my Master of Social Work.
Are you feeling stuck — overwhelmed by anxiety, caught in a cycle of disordered eating, or weighed down by painful memories? You don’t need to navigate these challenges alone. At Oak Psychology, I provide a warm, nonjudgmental space for you to explore what’s truly going on, understand the roots of your struggle, and begin building a life that feels more grounded, balanced, and hopeful.
Are you feeling stuck — overwhelmed by anxiety, caught in a cycle of disordered eating, or weighed down by painful memories? You don’t need to navigate these challenges alone. At Oak Psychology, I provide a warm, nonjudgmental space for you to explore what’s truly going on, understand the roots of your struggle, and begin building a life that feels more grounded, balanced, and hopeful.
I have also completed certifications in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, CPT (Cognitive Reprocessing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (often utilized in treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders).
I specialize in the treatment of issues related to Trauma and Couples Counseling. I am also experienced in treating a wide range of adult mental health issues including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Recognizing that every illness has an impact on others, I also do marriage counseling.
I have also completed certifications in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, CPT (Cognitive Reprocessing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (often utilized in treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders).
I specialize in the treatment of issues related to Trauma and Couples Counseling. I am also experienced in treating a wide range of adult mental health issues including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Recognizing that every illness has an impact on others, I also do marriage counseling.
The deepest wounds aren't always the easiest to recognize because they were woven into everyday life. They reveal themselves years later; in the relationships you choose, the standards you hold yourself to, and the belief that love is something you have to earn. These patterns often come from trauma, especially early or relational experiences that shaped how you learned to attach, cope, and protect yourself. Trauma may have shaped you, but it doesn’t have to define you. Healing begins by understanding its roots so you can grow beyond its branches.
The deepest wounds aren't always the easiest to recognize because they were woven into everyday life. They reveal themselves years later; in the relationships you choose, the standards you hold yourself to, and the belief that love is something you have to earn. These patterns often come from trauma, especially early or relational experiences that shaped how you learned to attach, cope, and protect yourself. Trauma may have shaped you, but it doesn’t have to define you. Healing begins by understanding its roots so you can grow beyond its branches.
If you’ve been carrying the weight of a difficult past—struggling with family issues, trauma, or feeling stuck—you’re not alone. Whether it’s navigating strained relationships, unresolved childhood stress, or feeling like your past is holding you back, therapy can help you move forward. Many of my clients are millennials who’ve experienced tough family dynamics, emotional abuse, or a sense of disconnection from their true selves. You deserve a space where you can heal, grow, and start living more intentionally.
If you’ve been carrying the weight of a difficult past—struggling with family issues, trauma, or feeling stuck—you’re not alone. Whether it’s navigating strained relationships, unresolved childhood stress, or feeling like your past is holding you back, therapy can help you move forward. Many of my clients are millennials who’ve experienced tough family dynamics, emotional abuse, or a sense of disconnection from their true selves. You deserve a space where you can heal, grow, and start living more intentionally.
I offer therapy over telehealth, specializing in trauma-focused therapies.
I am licensed in North Carolina and New York, plus have licensure mobility through PSYPACT, so can work with clients in any PSYPACT state.
I offer therapy over telehealth, specializing in trauma-focused therapies.
I am licensed in North Carolina and New York, plus have licensure mobility through PSYPACT, so can work with clients in any PSYPACT state.
Welcome! I am a board certified LCSW with over 15 years of practice experience with military personnel and their families. I retired from the U.S. Army in 2022 and my first experience with behavioral health was as a client following my first combat deployment. Therapy gave me an opportunity to heal in a non-judgmental environment and helped me return mentally and emotionally. Needless to say, I became a convert to the process and aim to help others find that safe environment to sort their stuff out.
Welcome! I am a board certified LCSW with over 15 years of practice experience with military personnel and their families. I retired from the U.S. Army in 2022 and my first experience with behavioral health was as a client following my first combat deployment. Therapy gave me an opportunity to heal in a non-judgmental environment and helped me return mentally and emotionally. Needless to say, I became a convert to the process and aim to help others find that safe environment to sort their stuff out.
I see people of all ages and challenges, from children to seniors, to couples and families. I have assisted a broad array of clientele: couples struggling in their marriage, teens suffering from social anxiety and bullying, individuals of all ages overwhelmed with anxiety and depression, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, to name a few. Across all, my approach is person-centered- around the universal human need to be seen for who we are and to be helped in the way we seek to be helped. In my role, I endeavor to provide partnership and guidance- someone to walk with hand in hand.
I see people of all ages and challenges, from children to seniors, to couples and families. I have assisted a broad array of clientele: couples struggling in their marriage, teens suffering from social anxiety and bullying, individuals of all ages overwhelmed with anxiety and depression, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, to name a few. Across all, my approach is person-centered- around the universal human need to be seen for who we are and to be helped in the way we seek to be helped. In my role, I endeavor to provide partnership and guidance- someone to walk with hand in hand.
Have you experienced something difficult in your past that still affects the way you think, feel, or relate to yourself and others? Maybe you know what happened wasn’t your fault, but you still struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationships, or feeling stuck. You don’t have to navigate that alone. I’m John Paul Kretkowski, a LMHC in NY & LCMHC in NC. I specialize in helping adults with trauma who are ready to actively work through what they’ve experienced. I believe therapy is a place where you should feel understood, but also where you can grow. My style is compassionate, direct, nonjudgmental, and practical.
Have you experienced something difficult in your past that still affects the way you think, feel, or relate to yourself and others? Maybe you know what happened wasn’t your fault, but you still struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationships, or feeling stuck. You don’t have to navigate that alone. I’m John Paul Kretkowski, a LMHC in NY & LCMHC in NC. I specialize in helping adults with trauma who are ready to actively work through what they’ve experienced. I believe therapy is a place where you should feel understood, but also where you can grow. My style is compassionate, direct, nonjudgmental, and practical.
During graduate school I developed a strong interest in early childhood behavior problems and gained advanced training in evidence-based treatments for children and families. I have a particular interest in models that reflect the complex and transactional systems within which children develop. I have experience working with individuals at various developmental stages, including working with infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and parents. I greatly enjoy working with neurodivergent individuals, including children with autism spectrum disorder.
During graduate school I developed a strong interest in early childhood behavior problems and gained advanced training in evidence-based treatments for children and families. I have a particular interest in models that reflect the complex and transactional systems within which children develop. I have experience working with individuals at various developmental stages, including working with infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and parents. I greatly enjoy working with neurodivergent individuals, including children with autism spectrum disorder.
If you're struggling with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, trauma, or relationship conflict, you're not alone. Many people who come to therapy feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. I provide a supportive environment where clients can explore difficult experiences while learning practical strategies that improve emotional well-being and relationships.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples experiencing trauma, OCD, anxiety, and relationship challenges.
If you're struggling with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, trauma, or relationship conflict, you're not alone. Many people who come to therapy feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. I provide a supportive environment where clients can explore difficult experiences while learning practical strategies that improve emotional well-being and relationships.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples experiencing trauma, OCD, anxiety, and relationship challenges.
Are you feeling anxious? Overwhelmed? Stuck? Have you been feeling depressed? Irritable? Unsure of how to feel better or move forward? Are you turning to coping skills that may work in the short-run but offer no long-term potential to help you develop confidence and resilience? If you are struggling with these issues, our work together can help you cultivate a more meaningful life when it comes to love, work, and play. Our work together will focus on developing the tools and the practical "know-how" so that you can meet the challenges of life with calmness and confidence and sustain this growth.
Are you feeling anxious? Overwhelmed? Stuck? Have you been feeling depressed? Irritable? Unsure of how to feel better or move forward? Are you turning to coping skills that may work in the short-run but offer no long-term potential to help you develop confidence and resilience? If you are struggling with these issues, our work together can help you cultivate a more meaningful life when it comes to love, work, and play. Our work together will focus on developing the tools and the practical "know-how" so that you can meet the challenges of life with calmness and confidence and sustain this growth.
Calling all women! We’re having "The Talk" you never had. Bring your book clubs, mom groups, and inner circles—we need to talk about intimacy, pleasure, and the female experience. Health class, culture, media, and our parents have shaped how we view and understand ourselves leaving most of us still carry a combination of:
Inaccurate info
Unspoken shame
Quiet disappointment
or A desire for deeper fulfillment or new adventures
Let’s come together in a safe, pressure-free space to normalize our experiences. It’s time to reclaim our bodies, spark honest conversations, and discover everything we didn't know we didn't know.
Calling all women! We’re having "The Talk" you never had. Bring your book clubs, mom groups, and inner circles—we need to talk about intimacy, pleasure, and the female experience. Health class, culture, media, and our parents have shaped how we view and understand ourselves leaving most of us still carry a combination of:
Inaccurate info
Unspoken shame
Quiet disappointment
or A desire for deeper fulfillment or new adventures
Let’s come together in a safe, pressure-free space to normalize our experiences. It’s time to reclaim our bodies, spark honest conversations, and discover everything we didn't know we didn't know.
Video on Website Link - Not Accepting New Clients at this time - I believe life should be a lot easier then it is. We all get pushed past our limits that challenge who we think we are. The pressure changes us into different people. How do we get past reacting to life and get on to living life intentionally? The answer is not easy, because there are many factors that fracture our attention, steal our resources, and prevent progress. My job is to help change these factors to set you up for success and aid in defining what success means for you.
Video on Website Link - Not Accepting New Clients at this time - I believe life should be a lot easier then it is. We all get pushed past our limits that challenge who we think we are. The pressure changes us into different people. How do we get past reacting to life and get on to living life intentionally? The answer is not easy, because there are many factors that fracture our attention, steal our resources, and prevent progress. My job is to help change these factors to set you up for success and aid in defining what success means for you.
I believe that therapy works best when it functions as collaboration between my knowledge and yours. This collaboration, along with your feeling truly understood, is essential to lasting change. You are the expert in your own life, my job is to provide information, insight, and tools to assist you in making the lasting changes you want in your life. I enjoy working with teens who may have anxiety, depression or self-harm, as well as adults and moving through major life transitions.
I believe that therapy works best when it functions as collaboration between my knowledge and yours. This collaboration, along with your feeling truly understood, is essential to lasting change. You are the expert in your own life, my job is to provide information, insight, and tools to assist you in making the lasting changes you want in your life. I enjoy working with teens who may have anxiety, depression or self-harm, as well as adults and moving through major life transitions.
I deliver evidence-based interventions with compassion, genuineness, humor, empathy, and professionalism. You can’t surprise me and I won’t judge you. My goal is to help you heal and develop self-compassion with the skills you need to cope. Every individual is unique and I believe there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to psychological care because you are not your diagnosis. I will draw on your strengths to decrease distress, improve resilience, and work through barriers to experiencing whole-hearted well-being.
I deliver evidence-based interventions with compassion, genuineness, humor, empathy, and professionalism. You can’t surprise me and I won’t judge you. My goal is to help you heal and develop self-compassion with the skills you need to cope. Every individual is unique and I believe there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to psychological care because you are not your diagnosis. I will draw on your strengths to decrease distress, improve resilience, and work through barriers to experiencing whole-hearted well-being.
I graduated from UNC Wilmington with a Bachelor of Social Work degree and worked in the human services field with children and families for several years before receiving a Master of Social Work with a concentration in direct clinical practice from UNC Chapel Hill. I provide both traditional mental health therapy with options for movement like walk and talk therapy. My hope is for therapy to be a little corner of the world where you feel wholly seen and supported how you need it most in each life season.
I graduated from UNC Wilmington with a Bachelor of Social Work degree and worked in the human services field with children and families for several years before receiving a Master of Social Work with a concentration in direct clinical practice from UNC Chapel Hill. I provide both traditional mental health therapy with options for movement like walk and talk therapy. My hope is for therapy to be a little corner of the world where you feel wholly seen and supported how you need it most in each life season.
I began my career in Guilford County School systems and is now focused on supporting individuals and families through outpatient therapy. I am a very passionate about working with individuals with disabilities and other intellectual and physical restrictions. As a mental health clinician, I specializes in Play-therapy, CBT, and emotional CPR. As a minority herself, she desires to assist marginalized communities, especially African-Americans, to navigate and combat the stigmas around mental health.
I began my career in Guilford County School systems and is now focused on supporting individuals and families through outpatient therapy. I am a very passionate about working with individuals with disabilities and other intellectual and physical restrictions. As a mental health clinician, I specializes in Play-therapy, CBT, and emotional CPR. As a minority herself, she desires to assist marginalized communities, especially African-Americans, to navigate and combat the stigmas around mental health.
If you're looking for a therapist who is direct and will challenge you, I might be a good fit. I'm not a therapist to just sit, listen, and provide head nods. My approach is straight forward and transparent. I'm able to probe if needed and provide honest and direct feedback when necessary. While I'm here to listen, my priority is to help people improve their lives. I enjoy working with Trauma, Anxiety and OCD especially.
While I am new to it, I welcome couples :)
In these uncertain times, I can assure you that I operate from a feminist lens and am LGBTQIA affirming
If you're looking for a therapist who is direct and will challenge you, I might be a good fit. I'm not a therapist to just sit, listen, and provide head nods. My approach is straight forward and transparent. I'm able to probe if needed and provide honest and direct feedback when necessary. While I'm here to listen, my priority is to help people improve their lives. I enjoy working with Trauma, Anxiety and OCD especially.
While I am new to it, I welcome couples :)
In these uncertain times, I can assure you that I operate from a feminist lens and am LGBTQIA affirming
