Psychoanalytic Therapists in Wilkes County, NC

Life asks a lot from us. How can we thrive in our lives, work and relationships in fulfilling, whole-hearted ways? We all occasionally feel blocked or frustrated and benefit from support that can connect us with our potential. You are deserving of purpose, meaning and joy in your life and we will work together to discover what your unique needs are so that you can live in closer alignment with your goals and values. I specialize in serving adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, challenging life transitions, domestic and/or sexual violence as well as substance use and addiction.
Life asks a lot from us. How can we thrive in our lives, work and relationships in fulfilling, whole-hearted ways? We all occasionally feel blocked or frustrated and benefit from support that can connect us with our potential. You are deserving of purpose, meaning and joy in your life and we will work together to discover what your unique needs are so that you can live in closer alignment with your goals and values. I specialize in serving adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, challenging life transitions, domestic and/or sexual violence as well as substance use and addiction.

When you are feeling overwhelmed by life, a therapist can help you. You know that you want to feel better - and be better for yourself and others - but when you have been doing the things that have always worked in the past and find they are not working now, it may be time to enlist the support of a therapist. I love to work with people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, sad, anxious, indecisive, or have any other painful emotion. Instead of feeling stuck, I want to help you feel empowered to move forward and help manage those painful feelings.
When you are feeling overwhelmed by life, a therapist can help you. You know that you want to feel better - and be better for yourself and others - but when you have been doing the things that have always worked in the past and find they are not working now, it may be time to enlist the support of a therapist. I love to work with people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, sad, anxious, indecisive, or have any other painful emotion. Instead of feeling stuck, I want to help you feel empowered to move forward and help manage those painful feelings.
Online Therapists

Certificate in Intensive Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program from the William Alanson White Institute in 2024.
It can be intimidating and nerve-wracking to seek out therapy. But in doing so, you are already taking the first big step towards healing and taking good care of yourself. I believe that gaining insight about our past experiences and how they continue to influence our relationships, thinking, and emotional lives is an important aspect of the healing and growth process. I also strongly believe in the experiential and relational aspects of therapy where we work collaboratively to understand how our therapeutic relationship informs the work and what it can tell us about you.
Certificate in Intensive Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program from the William Alanson White Institute in 2024.
It can be intimidating and nerve-wracking to seek out therapy. But in doing so, you are already taking the first big step towards healing and taking good care of yourself. I believe that gaining insight about our past experiences and how they continue to influence our relationships, thinking, and emotional lives is an important aspect of the healing and growth process. I also strongly believe in the experiential and relational aspects of therapy where we work collaboratively to understand how our therapeutic relationship informs the work and what it can tell us about you.

A candidate at the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas in Chapel Hill, Dr.
In addition to individual therapy, Dr. Boyce offers intensive couples session (1.5 - 2 hours), which research suggests is more effective than briefer sessions. She is particularly interested in helping men address vocational, self-esteem, relational and anger issues. Other specialties include complex relational problems, parenting, ADHD, and anxiety.
A candidate at the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas in Chapel Hill, Dr.
In addition to individual therapy, Dr. Boyce offers intensive couples session (1.5 - 2 hours), which research suggests is more effective than briefer sessions. She is particularly interested in helping men address vocational, self-esteem, relational and anger issues. Other specialties include complex relational problems, parenting, ADHD, and anxiety.

Tom Adams
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Online Only
My therapeutic style is grounded in psychodynamic, modern psychoanalytic, and contemplative psychotherapy.
It's difficult, if not impossible, to really thrive in life when you are suffering. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or feeling abused, neglected, or misunderstood, having a regular time and place to talk about these issues in a safe and confidential space is essential to working through them. Those who commit to this process discover that, over time, their suffering is more manageable than they thought, and that living a more fulfilling life is well within their grasp.
My therapeutic style is grounded in psychodynamic, modern psychoanalytic, and contemplative psychotherapy.
It's difficult, if not impossible, to really thrive in life when you are suffering. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or feeling abused, neglected, or misunderstood, having a regular time and place to talk about these issues in a safe and confidential space is essential to working through them. Those who commit to this process discover that, over time, their suffering is more manageable than they thought, and that living a more fulfilling life is well within their grasp.

I use psychoanalytic theory, motivational interviewing, feminist theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
My clients need to be heard, have a connection, explore feelings, and make life decisions that feel right to them. They need someone who understands queerness in its many forms and to have their gender and sexual identities celebrated. They require non-judgment and compassion as they work through identity, grief/loss, life transitions, relationships, mood or anxiety disorders, and religious trauma. This is the crux of my work.
I use psychoanalytic theory, motivational interviewing, feminist theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
My clients need to be heard, have a connection, explore feelings, and make life decisions that feel right to them. They need someone who understands queerness in its many forms and to have their gender and sexual identities celebrated. They require non-judgment and compassion as they work through identity, grief/loss, life transitions, relationships, mood or anxiety disorders, and religious trauma. This is the crux of my work.

I offer psychoanalytic psychotherapy - a warm and supportive approach that accompanies people through a deeper exploration of unconscious thinking, including dreams and long-held relational patterns that are outside of one's awareness.
Good psychotherapy is much more than simply a reduction in daily symptoms. It's a transformative process that leaves us with a great appreciation for our lives and for the immensity and breadth of human suffering. It involves recognizing our unrecognized past, grieving painful limitations, exploring conflicted desire, and sustaining that which is real.
I offer psychoanalytic psychotherapy - a warm and supportive approach that accompanies people through a deeper exploration of unconscious thinking, including dreams and long-held relational patterns that are outside of one's awareness.
Good psychotherapy is much more than simply a reduction in daily symptoms. It's a transformative process that leaves us with a great appreciation for our lives and for the immensity and breadth of human suffering. It involves recognizing our unrecognized past, grieving painful limitations, exploring conflicted desire, and sustaining that which is real.

Dr. D.M. Franzen, LLC
Pastoral Counselor, MDiv, ThM, DMin
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burlington, NC 27215
I work with a variety of people and have an extensive psychodynamic and psychoanalytic background, advanced degrees in Psychology and Theology, and decades of clinical experience with persons and families in crisis.
I have many years' experience both providing and teaching psychotherapy. I work from a short-term, supportive approach and from family systems, psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy perspectives. I invite individuals and couples to explore their relationships to one another, to their families, friends and co-workers from a systems perspective.
I work with a variety of people and have an extensive psychodynamic and psychoanalytic background, advanced degrees in Psychology and Theology, and decades of clinical experience with persons and families in crisis.
I have many years' experience both providing and teaching psychotherapy. I work from a short-term, supportive approach and from family systems, psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy perspectives. I invite individuals and couples to explore their relationships to one another, to their families, friends and co-workers from a systems perspective.

Ailsa Bennett
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MS, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
I work with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, OCD, stress, grief, and (C)PTSD through an integrative approach using psychoanalytic, relational, and cognitive tools.
Life is simply too much to navigate alone. We all need the support of trusted others to witness and process the changing tides of our lives with us. You may find yourself lacking confidence, having a hard time making decisions, or longing for more closeness in relationships. Feelings weren't really a thing in your family growing up, so you tend to spend a lot of your time in your head thinking. Thoughts like "Why does this bother me so much?" or "Why can't I seem to get over this?" might leave you feeling lonely and defective. You have no trouble assessing, analyzing, or obsessing, but it doesn't seem to bring relief or change
I work with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, OCD, stress, grief, and (C)PTSD through an integrative approach using psychoanalytic, relational, and cognitive tools.
Life is simply too much to navigate alone. We all need the support of trusted others to witness and process the changing tides of our lives with us. You may find yourself lacking confidence, having a hard time making decisions, or longing for more closeness in relationships. Feelings weren't really a thing in your family growing up, so you tend to spend a lot of your time in your head thinking. Thoughts like "Why does this bother me so much?" or "Why can't I seem to get over this?" might leave you feeling lonely and defective. You have no trouble assessing, analyzing, or obsessing, but it doesn't seem to bring relief or change

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy and specialized training in Couples Therapy, DreamTending, Clinical Sex Therapy, Gender Variance, Ayurveda & Vedic Astrology; Depth Psychology & Jungian Analysis; NVC, Gottman, Hendrix, and Johnson couples dynamics.
With over 25 years in the mental health field and 18 years in private practice, I offer a multitude of personal and professional experience. Much of our suffering is due to dissatisfaction in relationships. Sadly, many relationships end prematurely when we are most hurt and emotionally vulnerable. However, this is when the intimacy we lacked prior has the potential to break through finally. I give you tools and insight to heal old wounds that hold you back from experiencing the love you seek within yourself and others. Together we address the intrapsychic conflicts and longings of the soul.
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy and specialized training in Couples Therapy, DreamTending, Clinical Sex Therapy, Gender Variance, Ayurveda & Vedic Astrology; Depth Psychology & Jungian Analysis; NVC, Gottman, Hendrix, and Johnson couples dynamics.
With over 25 years in the mental health field and 18 years in private practice, I offer a multitude of personal and professional experience. Much of our suffering is due to dissatisfaction in relationships. Sadly, many relationships end prematurely when we are most hurt and emotionally vulnerable. However, this is when the intimacy we lacked prior has the potential to break through finally. I give you tools and insight to heal old wounds that hold you back from experiencing the love you seek within yourself and others. Together we address the intrapsychic conflicts and longings of the soul.

I receive Modern Psychoanalytic supervision from Lara Doerrer, LCMHCS.
Life is relational. From our first breath to our last, we are in relation to someone or something. Oftentimes, our suffering can be traced back to feeling stuck in our ways of relating, finding that no matter who or what we’re relating to, we feel anxious, depressed, unheard, or unloved. It can be helpful to pause and observe how our relationships and general patterns of relating are constraining or frustrating our lives in some way. Themes that I enjoy working with are anxiety, depression, grief, developmental trauma, relationship issues, doubt, faith, meaninglessness, spirituality, family of origin issues, dreaming, and meditation
I receive Modern Psychoanalytic supervision from Lara Doerrer, LCMHCS.
Life is relational. From our first breath to our last, we are in relation to someone or something. Oftentimes, our suffering can be traced back to feeling stuck in our ways of relating, finding that no matter who or what we’re relating to, we feel anxious, depressed, unheard, or unloved. It can be helpful to pause and observe how our relationships and general patterns of relating are constraining or frustrating our lives in some way. Themes that I enjoy working with are anxiety, depression, grief, developmental trauma, relationship issues, doubt, faith, meaninglessness, spirituality, family of origin issues, dreaming, and meditation

Emma Scott
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28806
My approach is informed by psychodynamic and contemporary psychoanalytic practices which suggest that emotional and behavioral challenges often stem from wounds in our past, and they manifest throughout our lives in the form of distressing symptoms and patterns of painful experience.
Narratives that were instilled in us as children are often accepted as reality without question, but now they may be counterproductive, harmful, and can interfere with a healthy adult life. Putting thoughts to words in a safe space allows these messages to come to surface where they can be metabolized and rewritten.
My approach is informed by psychodynamic and contemporary psychoanalytic practices which suggest that emotional and behavioral challenges often stem from wounds in our past, and they manifest throughout our lives in the form of distressing symptoms and patterns of painful experience.
Narratives that were instilled in us as children are often accepted as reality without question, but now they may be counterproductive, harmful, and can interfere with a healthy adult life. Putting thoughts to words in a safe space allows these messages to come to surface where they can be metabolized and rewritten.

Karen Rogich
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHCA, MAC, MEd
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28204
Karen’s therapeutic approach is grounded in psychodynamic/ psychoanalytic therapy, which is insight-oriented.
Karen believes in the inherent dignity and value of all people. By building on strengths, Karen helps clients dealing with difficult life events, life transitions, and complex relationships. She works with adults, and couples, with issues such as anxiety, depression, marriage/premarital counseling, trauma, faith and spirituality, parenting, and identity.
Karen’s therapeutic approach is grounded in psychodynamic/ psychoanalytic therapy, which is insight-oriented.
Karen believes in the inherent dignity and value of all people. By building on strengths, Karen helps clients dealing with difficult life events, life transitions, and complex relationships. She works with adults, and couples, with issues such as anxiety, depression, marriage/premarital counseling, trauma, faith and spirituality, parenting, and identity.

Georgia L. Smith
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Many of us encounter challenges as we search for deeper self-understanding and endeavor to make meaningful sense of our lives. We may find ourselves struggling with feelings that are frightening or navigating painful patterns that we don't yet understand. I'm here to support you in putting words to and becoming compassionately acquainted with these complex inner experiences. The more of ourselves we put into words within a safe and nurturing relationship the more receptive we can become, both to our own depths and to the rich complexity of life.
Many of us encounter challenges as we search for deeper self-understanding and endeavor to make meaningful sense of our lives. We may find ourselves struggling with feelings that are frightening or navigating painful patterns that we don't yet understand. I'm here to support you in putting words to and becoming compassionately acquainted with these complex inner experiences. The more of ourselves we put into words within a safe and nurturing relationship the more receptive we can become, both to our own depths and to the rich complexity of life.

David Von Kohorn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT-S, C-EFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
My primary focus in therapy – with individuals, couples or families – is to support and facilitate my clients in their journey to a deeper understanding and awareness of themselves. This goal is best achieved, I believe, by encouraging self-acceptance and insight, and by forming with each client a safe and nonjudgmental relationship. It is within this alliance that, together, we can explore, understand, and begin to gently dismantle the obstacles and unproductive patterns of coping that, although once useful in dealing with painful life events or childhood relationships, may now be keeping them from enjoying a more fulfilling life.
My primary focus in therapy – with individuals, couples or families – is to support and facilitate my clients in their journey to a deeper understanding and awareness of themselves. This goal is best achieved, I believe, by encouraging self-acceptance and insight, and by forming with each client a safe and nonjudgmental relationship. It is within this alliance that, together, we can explore, understand, and begin to gently dismantle the obstacles and unproductive patterns of coping that, although once useful in dealing with painful life events or childhood relationships, may now be keeping them from enjoying a more fulfilling life.

Alexis Brightman
Psychological Associate, MA, LPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Hello there! I'm Alexis, your potential partner-in-growth on this exciting journey of self-discovery and healing. As a passionate therapist, I specialize in creating warm, open spaces where honesty thrives, vulnerability unfolds, and true self-reflection happens. My knack for helping others feel safe allows the magic of unraveling and discovery to take place. I respect the therapeutic process and am thrilled you're taking these initial steps to prioritize yourself and embark on a path of healing. Let's navigate this journey together with warmth, wit, and a sprinkle of humor. Welcome to a space where you can truly be you!
Hello there! I'm Alexis, your potential partner-in-growth on this exciting journey of self-discovery and healing. As a passionate therapist, I specialize in creating warm, open spaces where honesty thrives, vulnerability unfolds, and true self-reflection happens. My knack for helping others feel safe allows the magic of unraveling and discovery to take place. I respect the therapeutic process and am thrilled you're taking these initial steps to prioritize yourself and embark on a path of healing. Let's navigate this journey together with warmth, wit, and a sprinkle of humor. Welcome to a space where you can truly be you!

Thrive Mental Health Center PLLC
LCSW Associate , LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
We are a diverse group of therapists, trained in different theoretical models that aim to provide person centered quality care therapy services. We serve all age groups, all gender identities, different cultural backgrounds and a wide arrow of mental health problems.We are bio-psycho-social beings, and an imbalance in one area affects the others. Therapy is a process that can enable you to identify what is making you struggle in your relationships, in your physical body and with your mental health. It can help you find unique ways to make the changes that will empower you to become more resilient and capable of healthy copying.
We are a diverse group of therapists, trained in different theoretical models that aim to provide person centered quality care therapy services. We serve all age groups, all gender identities, different cultural backgrounds and a wide arrow of mental health problems.We are bio-psycho-social beings, and an imbalance in one area affects the others. Therapy is a process that can enable you to identify what is making you struggle in your relationships, in your physical body and with your mental health. It can help you find unique ways to make the changes that will empower you to become more resilient and capable of healthy copying.

At Sanctuary Counseling Group, we believe in creating therapeutic relationships with our clients to promote the healing of heart, mind & soul. I work with my clients at their own pace, and help them to establish therapy goals no matter what they may be. My approach to therapy is a mostly casual and accommodating style, moving with my clients as they grow and make personal discoveries.
I offer virtual and in-person sessions from Charlotte NC, Davidson NC, and Cornelius NC.
At Sanctuary Counseling Group, we believe in creating therapeutic relationships with our clients to promote the healing of heart, mind & soul. I work with my clients at their own pace, and help them to establish therapy goals no matter what they may be. My approach to therapy is a mostly casual and accommodating style, moving with my clients as they grow and make personal discoveries.
I offer virtual and in-person sessions from Charlotte NC, Davidson NC, and Cornelius NC.

Rossana L Magalhaes
MS, EdS, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27401
Waitlist for new clients
Rossana's special interests include adults, couples, and family counseling, adjustment concerns, depression, anxiety, spirituality, attachment, and self-esteem. Rossana graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and a M.S. EdS in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, UNC-G. Rossana also graduated with a B.A. in Education and Student Orientation from a university located in Southeast of Brazil.
Rossana's special interests include adults, couples, and family counseling, adjustment concerns, depression, anxiety, spirituality, attachment, and self-esteem. Rossana graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and a M.S. EdS in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, UNC-G. Rossana also graduated with a B.A. in Education and Student Orientation from a university located in Southeast of Brazil.

I believe working as a counselor is my calling, not just my profession. I feel strongly that everyone deserves a safe space where they may speak about their thoughts, examine their feelings, unburden their past, and gain assistance in navigating the perspectives and tendencies that will determine their future. I have dedicated an extensive education and my life’s work to providing that safe space and learning techniques that can be of assistance. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology, minor in Christian Counseling, and my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, VA.
I believe working as a counselor is my calling, not just my profession. I feel strongly that everyone deserves a safe space where they may speak about their thoughts, examine their feelings, unburden their past, and gain assistance in navigating the perspectives and tendencies that will determine their future. I have dedicated an extensive education and my life’s work to providing that safe space and learning techniques that can be of assistance. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology, minor in Christian Counseling, and my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, VA.
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Psychoanalytic Therapists
Does psychoanalytic therapy work?
Psychoanalytic therapy derives from the work of Sigmund Freud. In this type of therapy, discovering buried thoughts and emotions from the unconscious will help a person work through their difficulties and negative behaviors. Research shows that psychoanalytic therapy can be highly effective, with patients reporting improvement in mood, quality of life, and overall well-being.
How long are people typically in psychoanalytic therapy?
Traditional psychoanalysis is in-depth and is conducted in five sessions every week. Today, modern psychoanalytic therapy is less intense and normally incorporates as few as one or two sessions a week. In some cases, positive change can occur quickly. However, if the condition, difficulty, or behavior is deep-seated, improvement may require many months or years of therapy.
Is psychoanalytic therapy suitable for young people?
Children and adolescents can benefit from this type of therapy. Many kids and teens are often unable to form and communicate their thoughts and emotions. Psychoanalytic therapy uses specific techniques such as dream analysis, symbolism, and free association or word association; all of which can be useful tools for less-communicative young people. Through this therapy, a patient will hopefully make connections between what they feel inside and how the world works outside.
Can psychoanalytic therapy be done online?
Modern-day psychoanalytic therapy is very different from traditional psychoanalysis. While an individual can sit face-to-face with the psychoanalyst for multiple sessions a week, they do not have to. Today, psychoanalytic therapy can be effectively conducted online or by phone. The key is that the individual confronts what is repressed and avoided, and this can be done whether in person or over online video.