Therapists for college students near Duke University

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a National Certified Counselor with over 10 years of experience providing therapeutic services to individuals and families. I am dedicated to the field of psychotherapy and committed to the client/therapist relationship. As a therapist, I am non-judgmental, empathetic and eager to see you become your best self. I am open minded and value the art of listening. I believe in the power of gained insight and self awareness. I trust that you can succeed in whatever it is you set your mind to. As a therapist and client team- We got this! You will experience the growth you desire. As your therapist, I will commit myself to align with you and your desired outcomes. My hope is for you to experience healing, clarity and serenity. I sincerely believe in you. You will walk away from our sessions feeling empowered and capable.

Activated By Wellness is an individual and group therapy practice dedicated to creative, solution-focused, and integrative pathways to healing and recovery. We offers clients opportunities and approaches for creating mental and emotional breakthroughs in a supportive, approachable, inclusive and also positively challenging atmosphere. Activated By Wellness “walks the talk,” and speaks to the real world problems and everyday roadblocks that so many today are faced with. In that light, Activated By Wellness is committed to the health and well-being especially of marginalized people, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA individuals, young adults struggling with social and familial pressures, veterans suffering from PTSD and reintegration, anyone looking for strength breaking generational patterns that no longer serve them, and those who in some way have been left out, othered, or persecuted for their perceived difference. We are also a space that is committed to the health and well-being of our allies who have a desire to move through old patterns and blocks, and perhaps also wish to positively affect change in the world. Whether activists, veterans, college students, and more, we are all facing some very challenging and painful personal as well as societal issues, and yet what we share in common is an openness to try new ways of growing, sharing our gifts, and achieving our goals. Utilizing a unique and ever-evolving combination of expressive arts, creativity, hypnotherapy, counseling, relationship work, engaged group activities, and active goal setting, our practice encourages self-reliance and the realization of personal power while also teaching the irreducible importance of community by visibly creating collaborative opportunities for our clients. We are a people-centric, community-driven service, passionately seeking expansion around the themes of inclusivity, accessibility, real growth, breakthrough, and sustainable success for individuals.

Welcome to Comfort Counseling Café Inc., I am Raheem Forsythe (LCSW, LCASA) owner and licensed therapist. My therapeutic approach involves recognizing internal strengths and resourcefulness within each individual. My goal is to provide a comfortable environment to empower you and to guide you to improve your resiliency. Comfort Counseling Café Inc. will utilize an evidence-based theoretical framework to address dual diagnosis behavioral management, anger management, social withdrawals, anxiety, and life adjustments. I work with Ages 15-80 and specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ community, IDD, mens issues, trauma and relational issues. During the first session, we will review paperwork, discuss goals, strengths and needs, and get to know each other. Currently, I am only offering virtual sessions. In the near future, I will also offer in-person sessions. I look forward to working with you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Everyone Needs A Support System Perhaps you'd like to explore relationship dynamics, unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression or simply navigating the after affects of a global pandemic? I firmly believe that the connection you feel with your therapist is critical. You are the expert of your own story. I want to offer a guiding hand and empathetic ear, never defining your path but walking beside you.

Have you been feeling overwhelmed, unworthy, misunderstood? Do you find yourself questioning what’s next? Perhaps it feels like something is off course or missing from your life. We all go through periods of uncertainty and doubt, and sometimes we need help finding our way through. I offer a safe place to work through mental health and life issues. While I'm an expert on mental health I view you as the expert on you. We will combine our expertise to meet your goals. I'm a mental health counselor who guilds clients towards productive thinking, effective emotion regulation, and assertive communication. This will entail more than talking. Life is about action and so is therapy! I treat the whole person, using an eclectic approach rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I believe all dimensions of our health interconnect to form a complete picture. Whatever we do to our body affects our mind and our spirit. A similar relationship exists between our thoughts, emotions, and actions. A meaningful change in one of these areas will affect the others. This reciprocal relationship between our thoughts, emotions and actions is known as the cognitive triad. Example: Imagine you’re anxious about speaking in front of the class tomorrow. o You’re probably telling yourself all the reasons you can’t do it. That negative self-talk leads to anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. o As a result, you are actually more likely to perform poorly. o What if you talked to yourself differently? o Try encouraging yourself...listing all the reasons you can do it! o Your anxiety will likely decrease. Instead of feeling worthless, you’ll probably feel prepared and ready to present! o If you enter the classroom with the mindset that you can do it, then you’re actually more likely to succeed! I've been a counselor for over 8 years. Why did I become a counselor? Simple. I want to help people heal. I remember that feeling of helplessness as I watched people suffer throughout my childhood. I knew that when I grew up, I needed to do something to help. Accepting the call to become a counselor is the best decision I’ve ever made! As a counselor I am able to help others walk through life's challenges without feeling overcome by them. I began counseling clients of all ages in 2016. I transitioned to remote/telehealth counseling in 2020, and this year I launched my private practice. I currently counsel teens (ages 13-17), adults (18-100) and couples.

Come to terms with the past & change your life for the better. Whether the issue is depression, anxiety, failed relationships, work/school stress, or just life in general, we can help you sort it out. Working together, we will clarify goals, identify your strengths/challenges, and customize a strategy for lasting change. Don't let ongoing problems and unproductive approaches keep you from the life you envision & deserve!

We all have moments in our lives when we need support. Especially during these challenging times, meeting life’s demands is tough. Feeling stuck might be preventing you from moving forward and living your best life. You may be feeling overwhelmed, and it may seem like you’re facing more stress than you can handle. Therapy can give you the tools to get through life’s many challenges. It can offer you a way to let go of suffering, provide a sense of well-being, and allow you to learn, grow, and thrive despite what you’re facing. Making the decision to begin therapy is a healthy step toward making positive changes and moving toward creating the life you want for yourself. I have been trained in a variety of evidence-based practices, but since each person is unique, I will tailor my approach to your specific needs. My most important goal when we meet will be to create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to work toward healing, growth, improved self-awareness, and feeling good about yourself. Due to my background and experiences, I would especially enjoy the opportunity to work with nontraditional students, first-generation students, and international students. Please contact me today for your free initial 20-minute phone conversation. I look forward to hearing from you!

My clients describe me as: I believe it is important to leave the textbook at home and just focus on my clients and their specific needs. I meet the client where they are. Something to know about my approach is: I normally provide a mix of Person-centered therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I feel that it is best to allow you the opportunity to tell your story in an open environment with guidance on developing coping strategies or setting goals. Together, we will: If you are ready to tell your story, find errors in your thinking, and set on your path of healing, I am the person for you. I am excited to have the opportunity to assist you along this journey. My goal is to help you find your own path to wellness. Something that stands out about where I offer therapy is: I offer Virtual sessions that help people with a busy schedule to be able to easily connect from a variety of locations.

"""Rachael Spisak is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a decade of experience helping individuals manage anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders. She has worked across multiple clinical settings, supporting people through varying levels of emotional distress and guiding them toward lasting change. Rachael believes in a holistic, patient-centered approach that prioritizes autonomy, shared decision-making, and evidence-based care. She integrates medication management with therapeutic techniques to create individualized treatment plans that align with each client’s goals. Her passion for psychiatry stems from her dedication to walking alongside clients on their journey toward self-discovery and improved well-being. Outside of her practice, Rachael enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring new places."""

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Extensive Experience I have dedicated my career to working with a diverse clientele, encompassing children, adolescents, and adults. My experience spans individual and group settings, allowing me to tailor my approach to the unique needs of each client. While my primary focus has been on outpatient services, including leading psychoeducational groups, I have also gained experience in other therapeutic contexts. Areas of Specialization My therapeutic expertise encompasses a wide range of presenting concerns, including: Personal Difficulties: Addressing challenges related to self-esteem, identity, life transitions, and personal growth. Behavioral Difficulties: Assisting clients in managing and modifying problematic behaviors that impact their daily lives and relationships. Emotional Difficulties: Providing support and guidance in navigating a range of emotions, including anxiety, depression, anger, and grief. Relationship Difficulties: Helping individuals and couples improve communication, resolve conflict, and build healthier relationships. Trauma and Family Difficulties: Supporting clients in healing from trauma, addressing family dynamics, and fostering healthy family relationships. Substance Use Disorder and Treatment: Providing evidence-based interventions for substance use disorders, including individual and group therapy, relapse prevention, and support for family members. Core Counselor Role My fundamental role as a counselor is to create a therapeutic environment that is characterized by safety, trust, and mutual respect. Within this space, clients and I collaborate to explore their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. By working together, we can identify new perspectives, develop coping strategies, and empower clients to make informed choices that align with their personal goals. Integrative Theoretical Approach My therapeutic approach is grounded in an integrative framework that draws upon multiple evidence-based modalities, including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach focuses on identifying and modifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive coping patterns. Person-Centered Therapy: This approach emphasizes the importance of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness in fostering client self-awareness and growth. Motivational Interviewing: This approach utilizes a collaborative and client-centered style to elicit and strengthen motivation for change. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This approach is specifically designed to address trauma and PTSD by facilitating the reprocessing of traumatic memories. Gottman Method Couples Therapy: This approach is based on extensive research on successful relationships and focuses on enhancing communication, conflict resolution, and intimacy within couples. Emphasis on Cognitive and Person-Centered Principles While I integrate various therapeutic modalities, my approach is particularly influenced by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. I believe that our thoughts and perceptions significantly impact our emotions and behaviors. By helping clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, we can promote emotional well-being and adaptive coping. Additionally, I am committed to providing a therapeutic space where clients feel unconditionally accepted and valued, fostering self-exploration and personal growth. Collaborative and Empowering Therapeutic Relationship I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative partnership in which clients are empowered to take an active role in their healing and growth. I am committed to providing compassionate and individualized support to help clients achieve their desired outcomes and live more fulfilling lives.

There may come a time in life when you lose a person or pet and you recognize that the term, "My heart is broken" means so much more than emotional pain...it's a physical pain as well. You are lost, scared, lonely, and your world has been turned upside down. I can help. Maybe you have lost yourself in alcohol or drug abuse or wonder if you are drinking or using too much. You aren't a bad person but you are embarrassed or ashamed to discuss your alcohol or drug use. Let me help guide you back to the path that was meant for you. You have served your city, county, state, or country as a First Responder or Military member, but sometimes you struggle to feel your very best. Many people can't relate to what you've experienced or even done. At times, you may become stuck in your thoughts, memories, and experiences. Having been in Law Enforcement, I understand the typcial dark sense of humor often used that most people don't understand. I also recognize the need to focus on the task and I will work along side of you to resolve concerns as efficiently as possible. I also work well with those who experience anxiety/panic attacks, symptoms associated with ADHD, describe themselves as "perfectionists", and parents who seek parenting assistance. I am a survivor of suicide loss and frequently support others who have also experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide. I also work closely with the LGBTQIA+ community. I view each person and situation as unique. I am here to create a safe place for you to explore and process your feelings and experiences for which you are seeking services. I am not your “stereotypical” therapist. We can pray together, cuss like sailors, cry together, or share a good laugh. I believe that the use of appropriate self-disclosure can also strengthen the bond between the therapist and client. I am caring and compassionate, but I am also direct and will push you to confront what is holding you back from living your best life. It takes courage to ask for help, and I am beyond grateful to be the one to walk beside you in your journey of healing. I graduated from East Carolina, in 2000, with dual Masters Degrees: 1) Rehabilitation Counseling (vocational, emotional, physical, and behavioral concerns), and 2) Substance Abuse and Clinical Counseling. I started my career as an Addictions and Dual Diagnosis Therapist. After approximately 5 years as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), I started working with and advocating for families involved in the Juvenile Justice system. Nearly 16 years later, I decided to return to the counseling profession. Since returning, I have worked in a group setting as well as having opened my own private practice. I am currently seeing clients in person and via telehealth. I have available appointments throughout the week. No weekend appointments are available at this time.

Tired of the ache deep down in your soul preventing you from engaging in your relationships, work and life? Or are you needing support with improving your relationship with others? You have taken the first step, allow me to assist you in the next steps. I can support you in achieving healing to your mind, body and soul. With my holistic approach you will gain sustainable changes in your life. Which means therapeutic goals could include making positive changes in relationships, physical health, emotional health and spiritual fulfillment.

We are a diverse group of clinicians specializing in treatment of clients dealing with psychological and behavioral challenges. We offer individual, couple and family therapy. Our core values are quality of care, individualized approach, person centered & cultural competence.

Life is tough! I recognize and understand that sometimes life knocks us down or throws us a curve ball. Every now and then it can make it hard to get out of bed, ignoring our everyday responsibilities. Sometimes it can make us very anxious, worrying all the time if the decisions we’re making are the right ones. Making difficult transitions in life (i.e. what college to go to, what job to accept and am I in the right relationship) can be stressful. Therapy is a great opportunity to gain a new perspective, to increase self-esteem and to feel more confident in the decisions we are making, re-framing those automatic negative thoughts.

When you're struggling with an eating disorder, anxiety, or depression, the idea of opening up and trusting another person can be HARD. I know that you've likely heard so many messages throughout your life about what you should do and who you should be, but I don't think that "shoulds" have a place in therapy. Who do you WANT to be? How do you WANT to feel? That is way more important than any shoulds, and I would be honored to walk alongside you as you start to find answers to these questions over time. Together, we can unravel those expectations - what you've been told it means to be healthy or successful or fill in the blank - and get to the heart of what really matters to you and what you need. Being a human is messy, and as your therapist, I'll be right there in that space with you as a human first, therapist second. Let's explore what it means to be humans in a world that expects perfection (which doesn't exist!) and pushes you to grind until you're too burned out to do the things you actually want to do. Whether you realize it today or not, you deserve peace. I have many tools in my toolbox to support you, but to me the most important thing I can do is to provide you a safe space to explore your experience in its entirety at your own pace - to build a connection that is strong enough for you to know that I won't judge you or make you bad or wrong for how you are feeling or for using certain behaviors to cope. It's what you've known to do up to this point, so let's put our heads together and find the ways that this has made sense so we can look at it from a place of compassion instead of judgment. This is a shame-free space! I hold a special place in my heart for those who are working towards eating disorder recovery who feel like they aren't sick enough because their body size, race, sexuality, or gender identity don't match what they are seeing on social media under the eating disorder hashtags. All identities are welcome here, and no matter what your circumstances, your concerns are valid, you ARE sick enough, and you deserve compassionate, equitable care. If anything I've said here makes you think "I like her vibe," please don't hesitate to reach out. I would love to chat further about what it would look like for us to work together.

Do you find yourself walking through a tough time? Do you feel as though you are facing more than you can handle? Do you feel alone with nowhere to turn? It would be my honor to walk alongside you as you face trials, pain, change or isolation. To help you navigate through life with meaning and regain a sense of hope. To see you step into freedom from worry, unhealthy thoughts, shame, or self-doubt. Wherever you find yourself, I’d like to meet you there. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, I provide virtual therapy to residents across NC using a secure video platform that is both HIPAA-compliant and convenient. This format allows you to schedule appointments that fit your schedule, such as, in between classes.

As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in both Virginia and North Carolina, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based mental health care to individuals across the lifespan. My practice is grounded in a holistic, person-centered approach that emphasizes therapeutic alliance, trauma-informed care, and culturally sensitive interventions. I am committed to improving access to quality psychiatric services, particularly in underserved communities, through compassionate assessment, accurate diagnosis, and individualized treatment planning that may include psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and medication management.