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Meet Our Counselors

We give each client an opportunity to re-examine their path in life. Clients who work with our counselors come away satisfied and with an improved mindset in managing challenges and pursuing goals. We take pride in providing quality services to our clients and helping them change their outlook on life.

Check out the bios of our counselors to see who will be the best fit for your needs.

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Michelle Duke
Licensed Clinical Social Worker 

Are you worried, stressed or feeling stuck? My goal is to help women solve and/or cope with problems in their everyday lives.
I have spent the last few years working with women concerning a range of issues. I as a wife, mother and business owner, I understand the everyday struggles faced by women and I am able to help.
I offer a safe environment to allow us to explore any issues and concerns you may have and I help you develop the skills you need to learn to manage your concerns on your own.

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Barry Bowden
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I am a retired Army chaplain who served in the military 34 years. 

I believe life is all about relationships with those we love and intersect with--it can be the best of times or the worst of times.  Consequently, we need a safe place to pause, assess our situations, and consider options on how to move forward in life. 

I understand the pressures and stresses of life and believe that we get some things right, but there are other areas in which we need someone who will help--by listening to us, understanding our situation, and supporting us going forward. That is what I strive to be.

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Jason Pratscher
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

If you are tired of the same problem, feeling stuck, or looking at a challenge that seems too big, I can help you create something new.

I assist families, couples, and individuals navigate many types of challenges including conflict, communication, change, trust, trauma, and intimacy. I specialize in family therapy, couples counseling, and trauma treatment. I have extensive experience with military lifestyle and offer some evening and weekend availability.

Reaching out for help can be very difficult and it can be very rewarding. I encourage you to start moving towards your goals and get in touch today.

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Kathryn Boyette
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  I have worked in multiple settings to include Residential, Home Based, Office Based, Assisted Living Facilities, and Skilled Nursing Facilities. 

I utilize Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with children and adolescents.  I have worked with children and their families to increase overall functioning and positive communication. 

I am also trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and have worked with children and adolescents to address trauma.

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Rona Gooden
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Take your life back! I can help you create goals to conquer your issues.

Change is hard and doesn't happen overnight, but it's possible. You just need someone to believe in you until that someone IS you. Gain new perspectives on things by strategically and logically breaking down your issues into little pieces that you are better able to deal with. 

Your situation is unique and no one belongs in a box. Only you know what you've been through and you are the expert on your circumstances.

Together, we will increase awareness and create the treatment plan that works just for you.

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“The most important relationship is the one you will have with yourself”. You CANNOT take care of your daily responsibilities, if you are not well, physically, emotionally, or mentally. I am dedicated to empowering my clients on their journey to healing and overall wellness. 

As we all face obstacles in life, my role is to provide you with tools to help you overcome those obstacles. My hopes are that through the process, you will become a better version of yourself, one day at a time.

My experience includes outpatient treatment settings. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of mental and emotional issues, including anxiety, depression, adjustment/transition, conduct, self-esteem, women’s issues, relational problems, and parenting difficulties. 

I provide a non-judgmental holistic therapeutic space for my clients to support healing and empowerment.

 

Keishona Farmer
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

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Jessica Solar
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Over the course of nine years experience in the field, my professional focuses have included working hands on with adults with developmental disabilities, juvenile offenders, and those on the Autism Spectrum. I've worked with diverse populations including children, adults, senior citizens, couples, and military families.  

I employ a holistic, person-centered approach to therapy which allows clients to grow personally and realize their full potential in a safe and welcoming environment. 

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Shanna Bell

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. I provide individual, couple, family, child and adolescent counseling. During my seven years of counseling my main purpose has been to empower clients and assist them when they’re overwhelmed by circumstances in their lives. Working in mental health for the past 5 years, I have learned that mental health is a part of your personal growth and wellbeing. It’s a way to heal mentally, spiritually, and to learn to forgive.

Forgiveness and grace may be needed in yourself. You will learn how to be your better and greater self, one day at a time. I am skilled and trained in various aspects of mental health and coaching including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, PTSD, stress management; also adjustment to life circumstances. I also work with grief, stress, and self-esteem issues. Interventions implemented are CBT, ACT, DBT,

EMDR, self-motivation, inspire and accountability. I’m passionate about meeting individuals where they are and helping them to understand that they don’t have to do the work alone. I assist individuals in finding their weaknesses and gaining insight on their strengths. Together you and I can process your needs. If you are ready to do the work so am I.

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Joe Brazzle

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in North Carolina. I retired from the U.S. Army and bring my unique military experiences, injuries, and personal recovery into the counseling room to help address PTSD, anxiety, depression, family stress and military transition. .

"As a coach ,mentor, and counselor  I'm  committed to using my experiences and skills to help others embrace the challenges of everyday life."

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Kari Whirry

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

I strive to provide a therapeutic environment that helps you achieve your goals and become the best version of yourself. When you enter my room, you can expect a casual environment where you can explore every feeling and emotion you experience. I believe my role as a therapist is to help you through life’s toughest moments and facilitate your healing. I take a collaborative approach to therapy – you’re in the driver’s seat. Together we will use our combined expertise to help you achieve your personal growth goals.  

I have experience working with individuals from many backgrounds including military connected individuals, LGBTQ+, educators, and first responders. I typically rely on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Solution Focused approaches during my sessions.

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Eva Schildhause

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Hello!  I'm Eva.  I'm a clinical social worker and I specialize in using a psychodynamic and relational approach.  I work with adults who want to work deeply to know themselves.  Often in life, when we're in pain, there are things beneath the surface causing patterns that get us stuck.  I work with clients in a collaborative way to unravel those patterns and discover new ways to look at themselves and their relationships.  Through our work together, we explore your inner and outer worlds with endless curiosity.  I strive to honor and affirm clients of all racial, ethnic, gender, religious, cultural, and sexual identities and believe the systems in which we live affect our mental lives. I believe in the power of therapy to change lives.

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Kellsie Seabach

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

I am a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of North Carolina. I have earned my Master of Marriage and Family Therapy degree from the University of Houston. I have about 7 years of mental health experience including residential treatment, outpatient treatment, and private practice.

I have worked with couples, families, and individuals with a wide range of struggles including relationship struggles, stress, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, anger, and trauma.

My primary modality is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). However, I am also versed in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

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Dr. Richelle Jones

Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate

Are you tired? Tired of the same things you’ve allowed to keep you in bondage for years? Well, this is your time. You’re worth the fight.

If you’re interested in freedom, feel free to book with me.

You’ve completed your first step, of transitioning to light, by coming to this site. I specialize in helping you lift dark clouds of addictions, substance abuse; to include nicotine and opioid addictions. I have 18+ years of experience within the Behavioral Health/Mental Health field. Therefore, I’m accustomed to many diverse therapeutic approaches. Although my favorite approach tends to be Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the approach applied will be tailored  to fit your personal needs.

So, let’s maximize life together. My availability represents both face to face (office) or virtual sessions.  If freedom is calling your name, and you long for a glimpse of sunshine, answer the call by scheduling today. 

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Alina Doyle

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I pride myself on providing a non-judgmental environment for
processing difficult emotions and a safe space allowing clients to discuss the most vulnerable of topics.

I am here to meet you where you are at and help facilitate the positive change and growth that you desire. I provide evidenced based treatment both in person and via telehealth.

As an active-duty Soldier, wife, and mother, I have experience with related military life challenges. I am available to treat individuals, couples, and families and develop treatment plans to help you meet your treatment goals.

I am trained in Motivational Interviewing, CBT for Depression, for Suicide Prevention, and for Insomnia, DBT, ACT, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and EMDR. I have experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and insomnia related disorders.

I am here for you and look forward to working with you!

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Lindsay Trinidad

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

Reaching out for help can be a difficult first step. New things can be hard and sometimes a little scary. Maybe you have been battling your own mental health for years. Or maybe something recently has happened and you just aren’t sure what to do next. You just know that you want something to change.  

Time and personal experience has been my greatest teacher for understanding and deepening my empathy in ways that never would have happened without it. I utilize evidenced based interventions, including CBT, EMDR, DBT mindfulness skills, and solution-focused therapy.  I am an active listener who can assist you with validation, re-framing, boundaries and goal-setting. My job is to provide you with a safe space for reflection and processing with gentle guidance. I am honored by every client who takes the time in our busy world to show up for themselves.  

I am an Associate Clinical Licensed Social Worker specializing in neurodiversity in adults, anxiety, depression, compassion fatigue, and LGBTQIA and perinatal challenges.  Wherever you are in your journey, I will join you in exploring the possibilities.

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Denise Drew

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor 

My passion and motivation is helping individuals better manage the adverse symptoms of their

diagnoses by fostering development that promotes a better quality of life. A great quote by the

legendary Maya Angelou summarized the difference between simply existing and really living.

She stated, “ The best part of life is not just surviving, but thriving with passion and compassion

and humor and style and generosity and kindness.”

So, if you have been experiencing emotions that cause you to dislike yourself and/or

others or have been behaving in a manner that you would consider as out of the norm for you, you no longer need to suffer in silence. I am here to help and together we can begin enhancing the areas in your life that matter the most to you again. I have over twelve years of experience working with individuals with various mental health needs. I hold a state license as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I can help you become more aware of the unhelpful, negative thinking patterns. You can receive clarity and more understanding, so that you can respond in a more effective way during challenging situations. You will be able to improve relationships and become more satisfied with your overall life. You deserve to live your best life.

Together as a team, you will be able to improve your functionality and quality of life. I offer

therapy to NC residents exclusively online for your convenience. I operate with a HIPPA

compliant platform and secure client portal. You are one contact away from becoming the best

version of yourself. Connect with me today.

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Julia Downey 

Mental Health Counselor Intern

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change

the ending.” – C.S. Lewis

If you’ve found yourself here, you’ve already taken the first step in making a change! Even if

it may not seem monumental now, the foundation of change is often built upon small,

incremental shifts, usually within ourselves. I believe your mental health is invaluable, and

deserves as much consideration and care as your physical needs. When you begin to

prioritize your mental health, you will often find that other aspects of your life seem less

overwhelming or hopeless.

As a person-centered counselor, I offer my clients unconditional acceptance, empathetic

understanding, and genuineness on my part. I aim to provide a safe, supportive, and

accepting environment where clients can freely express themselves, without fear of

judgment. Depending on your specific goals, we can decide to incorporate research-based

counseling techniques that increase mindfulness, acceptance, and motivation, or reduce

symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Approaches that guide my counseling style include mindfulness therapy, which works to

increase self-awareness and reduce stress and anxiety, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). MI is useful for exploring and increasing one’s

motivation for change, or reducing fear or uncertainty in regard to change. CBT techniques

can bring to light negative or unhelpful thoughts and reframe them into positive thoughts

that promote mental well-being.

Come as you are, and we will collaborate in a way that promotes your unique strengths,

personal growth, and self-acceptance.

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Monica H. Bowens 

Licensed Clinician Social Worker 

Hello. My name is Monica and I am a native of New York City but have been a long time resident of North Carolina. I have worked with or on behalf of children and families for over 20 years through various military, non-profit and civilian careers. My work has positively impacted the lives of children and their families, individuals and couples. Serving vast populations, I always strive to make a difference in the lives of others. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and am often described as being easy to talk to, relatable, a good listener, open-minded and resourceful. I love to travel and I value self-care opportunities. Through counseling, I am excited to work along side of you on your journey.

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Stephanie Acosta

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate 

Stephanie Acosta is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate through the North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board. Stephanie earned her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pfeiffer University in 2021 and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from East Carolina University in 2016. 

Stephanie has experience providing individual, family, and group therapy to clients of all different backgrounds. She also has experience providing therapy to individuals who come from a Spanish-speaking background. When working with clients, Stephanie focuses on supporting, connecting, and building strong relationships with the clients to help them overcome obstacles in life. She is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and teens achieve a level of confidence to assist them in reaching their goals. Stephanie utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution Focus Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to assist in empowering individuals in navigating their journey through life.

Stephanie is a first-generation American-born daughter of an immigrant Mexican Family. She has experience navigating cultural norms from one’s own culture and the American culture.

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