Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Wilmington, NC
See all therapists in Wilmington
Alexa Riley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA, LCASA
Verified
Verified
I specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and
trauma
work.
I am a therapist trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT); I embrace the belief that every individual’s life is worth living. In my practice, I provide a non-judgmental environment to process thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to balance the acceptance of life circumstances while moving towards desired change. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate with experience working with adults.

Diane M McKnight
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LMSW, LCSW, ATR
Verified
Verified
I am also a Certified Clinical
Trauma
Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP).
A safe, non-judgmental & relaxed space for you to be your authentic self. “Cookie Cutter" approaches do not work. Our work is set to your individual needs, and comfort level. I am an Integrative Art Therapist and I use Art Therapy,
Trauma
-Informed Expressive Art Therapy, Sandplay Therapy & Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Tapping-an energy therapy). Non-Traditional therapies provide less threatening ways to explore emotions and they make it easier to express feelings that are hard to communicate with words alone. You might think, "I can't draw” that's OK. No art skills/knowledge are needed. It’s about the PROCESS, not the product.

Lorraine Forris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Re-processing for
trauma
, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and other approaches tailored for each individual client.
For the past 25 years my interest and passion is working with adults and children, families and couples to reach their goals and make positive change in their lives. Whether you are experiencing an adjustment to a new and difficult situation or have been dealing with a more complex condition for which you need help, Ms. Forris helps define the issues and develop solutions. Ms. Forris has a wide breadth of knowledge and experience over a wide spectrum of mental health problems. She has trained, mentored and supervised many therapists in community mental health, home health and public health settings.

Lindsey Michelle Bradley
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Evidence-based treatment approaches utilized include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-focused therapy, and
trauma
-informed therapy.
Are you a human? Great! You can benefit from therapy. Only semi-joking. On a real note, if you are anxious, depressed, stressed, unable to sleep at night, scared, mentally absent, have low self-esteem, experience flashbacks, nightmares/terrors, misuse substances or have a loved one that missuses substances, have difficulty focusing and staying on task and/or have a child that has ADHD, experience anger outbursts and/or abrupt mood changes, carry around childhood wounds from which you have never healed, have difficulty adjusting from a life-changing event, or are riding out the waves of grief, then you are a good fit for therapy.

Ella Deaver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work with adults and am passionate about several areas, including addiction and recovery, helping people learn to manage their anxiety, adoption, healing from
Trauma
and the needs of our Nation's Veterans, Wounded Warriors and family members of our servicemembers.
*Now Accepting New Clients! One of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. Therapy is for all kinds of people, in different walks of life. It helps to address issues and problems you are facing, and can help with setting other life goals in the process and journey to improving your life. In other words, therapy is for everybody- even if you've never considered it before. I love helping people in addressing their needs, to help teach new skills for improved emotional functioning and ensure that therapy is a safe place and space for the client.

Charles Ogiba
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Ị NEW Clients Accepted! Welcome to the beginning of your journey through change and fulfillment. Clients often present with many challenges within their life. These can be longstanding emotional troubles from depression to anxiety and
trauma
. Life can sometimes be difficult to face with multiple obstacles presenting at the same time. Engaging in a thoughtful plan with guidance from a strong therapist can help you to create a life that is more satisfying and therefore naturally meet your personal goals. Let's begin.

Greg Hilgert
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified
Verified
Throughout the years, I've had the pleasure of supporting many clients as they address their interpersonal problems, mood disorders, and
trauma
histories.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, burdened by fears, and quite simply lost? I think we all have at one time or another. My life has brought me through a winding path and, along the way, I have met some amazing people... clients that are doing their best despite the burden they carry. Despite my two master's degrees and my 20+ years of counseling experience, I continue to get chills when clients have that "ah-ha" moment and start on a new path in their life.
Waitlist for new clients

Meredith Staley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work with adults and teens experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem &
PTSD
.
Do you ever feel so tangled up with anxiety, depression, anger or shame that it just starts to feel like “who you are”? I’ve found myself here too. Our lived experience can shape not only our belief system but also our nervous system. If our environments growing up– homes, schools or communities– were not able to meet our universal need for safety, love, nurture and belonging, we may find ourselves believing we are lacking in some way, that it’s unsafe to trust others, or a myriad of beliefs that keep us feeling stuck, disconnected, and emotionally dysregulated. This isn’t your fault and it doesn’t have to be this way forever.
Waitlist for new clients

Katherine Mullaney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I pair humor, warmth, and down to earth energy with multiple
trauma
-informed therapeutic approaches.
Hi, I'm Kat! It is my honor to walk beside you and tackle the hard things that you may be struggling with while providing a safe space to do so. Together we will explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors you may be experiencing, and gain a deeper understanding of how those elements interact to shape sense of self, make choices, and determine how you engage with the world. I believe that developing such insight can help with healing from past hurts, becoming un-stuck, and moving toward meaningful change. I work with children, teens, adults, and families as they navigate through various circumstances.

Nicole Murray
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am certified in
trauma
focused-cognitive behavioral therapy which is treatment program intended to help with the aftermath of a traumatic experience by using a
trauma
-sensitive approach.
Coping with the issues of life can be overwhelming, scary, and seemingly unendurable. You do not have to do this alone. I am dedicated to creating a safe, trusting, and nonjudgmental environment that allows you to freely share your struggles. I desire for those I serve to encounter wholeness as you navigate through your own life journey. The ability to change is embedded in every person, and I want to assist you in getting the healthy tools to make positive change. Don't wait...reach out , so we can start the journey together. It's time for you, to choose you.

Anna Elizabeth Respess
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
My experience and passion for supporting individuals dealing with addiction and
trauma
/
PTSD
are my greatest strengths.
I believe in the inherent ability of a person to heal and make changes that will help establish a full and meaningful life experience. It is often the messages we learn subtly and hold onto, about what our experiences mean, about ourselves and the world around us, that inhibit this natural process of self acceptance and positive growth. As part of the therapeutic relationship, my hope is to provide a supportive space, and a sense of unconditional positive regard, for one to explore the conflicts that keep us "stuck" today.

Maggie Vester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified
Verified
Do you feel like each day is a struggle? Maybe your anxiety, depression or past traumas make you feel like you are drowning? I know that anxiety, depression and
trauma
can make you feel like you are not in control of your own life. I am here to guide you through these challenges so that you can become the best version of yourself. I want to help you feel empowered to make the changes necessary to get there. I can help you in identifying the “why” or the root of your thoughts and behaviors. We can process your pain and move forward with your life
trauma
.

Evolution Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Are you anxious, depressed, or struggling in your relationships? Do you feel overwhelmed? Are you ready to make positive changes in your life? We have many therapists who specialize in many areas such as anxiety/depression,
trauma
, relationships, and more. Scheduling is easy and we have a care coordinator who will walk you through every step of the way. We also offer Clinical Supervision for qualifying LCSWAs!

Carol Horwath
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I have spent over 15 years developing my clinical skills with a focus on mood disorders, anxiety, and
trauma
.
I look forward to meeting clients who seek a calm, home-like environment in which to safely explore the various ways their lives may be improved. I can help anyone who is inspired to engage in self-exploration and insight-building in order to release what is old and not working and develop new habits that increase function and improve quality of life. My goal is to meet you where you are and help you to get where you would like to go.
Not accepting new clients

Rebecca Gellman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I utilize the following approaches uniquely tailored for each client: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR (for
trauma
), Mindfulness/MBSR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Somatic Body Based Therapies, and insight oriented therapy.
As your therapist, my sole purpose is to help you meet your goals in an open, supportive, and non-judgmental space so we can look at your experiences to unearth what is keeping you from living your valued life. By applying complementary therapeutic approaches unique to each person, we work to bring awareness to behavioral patterns and core beliefs that are interfering with your abilities to live a life meaningful to you.

Kasha Sears Howard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAMC, CDBT, CCTP
Verified
Verified
Trauma
treatment is near and dear to me, using TF-CBT along with DBT techniques to reduce
Trauma
regulating emotions.
Now offering Social Emotional Learning groups every Thursdays at 4pm for young adolescents starting on 9/7/2022 My groups will teach children how to regulate their emotions in any environment. The choice to begin therapy takes courage & purpose & I am committed to creating a safe & focused environment for exploration & insight. My practice is rooted in genuineness, desire and a core belief that the human life force is resilient and giving. To get the most out of your Tx I need you to approach therapy esp. if you're suffering from
trauma
, as a collective effort being open and honest about your treatment plan/goals.
Not accepting new clients

Regan Springs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
As a Certified EMDR therapist, I am highly skilled at treating
PTSD
, anxiety, and other stress-induced symptoms.
In my practice Whole HEART, PLLC, I welcome the opportunity to work with adolescents and adults who want to find healing of mind, body, and heart. Whole HEART stands for finding (H)ealing through (E)xposing, (A)ccepting, (R)ising and (T)hriving. Exposing: pain,
trauma
, and negative self-beliefs. Accepting: that these may be part of your story but they do not have to continue to define you. Rising: learning to stand back up and not letting these things hold you back from the life you want to live. Thriving: pursuing a life of fullness and creating the person you want to become.

My Reason Why Counseling Services PLLC
LCMHC, NCC
Verified
Verified
I specialize in diagnosing and treating clients who have anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (
PTSD
), personality disorders and other behavioral and emotional disorders.
Hi! My name is Sharon Dickey. I enjoy working with children and adults ages 12 and older helping them develop skills to increase their ability to manage their mental health symptoms and handle challenging situations they may encounter in life. I am a
trauma
trained therapist and I utilize
Trauma
Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness Based Therapy techniques. I am also trained in Grief Counseling, and I provide grief therapy for those who have experienced a loss.

Cayleigh Metcalf
Counselor, MS, LCMHC-A, NCC
Verified
Verified
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) specializing in
trauma
, depression, anxiety, and self-harm.
“When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels good!” -Carl Rogers
Waitlist for new clients

Jennifer M Hogan (Haskins)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My approach to therapy involves utilizing evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
Trauma
-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Behavioral Modification, Art Therapy techniques, Mindfulness, Strengths-based, Social Skills and Parent Management.
waitlist. I enjoy working with children, teens, adults, and families from all walks of life. I believe there is power in knowledge and I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to speak their mind while feeling heard in the process. I aim to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients to feel open to explore their personal goals and needs. I am passionate about working with concerns related to depression, anxiety, stress management,
trauma
/abuse/neglect, ADHD, codependency, low self-worth, conflict, setting boundaries, communication skills, relationship building, disorganized eating, and adjusting to life changes.
Wilmington, NC 28403
& Online
Waitlist for new clients
See more therapy options for Wilmington
Trauma and PTSD Therapists
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.
How long does trauma therapy take?
Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.
What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.
Can PTSD come back after treatment?
It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.