Celine Bongaerts
Welcome! I have been a therapist for over 15 years, I work with adults 18+, and I specialize in chronic pain/illness, anxiety, and am trained in providing ERP for OCD. If the following sounds like you, lets chat: Having thoughts loop over and over again and running through worst case scenarios? Coping skills not working and struggling with mental or physical compulsions trying to ease that high fear and distress, only to find it's not really working? Suffering from chronic illness or pain and feeling depressed/anxious, and wondering how you’re going to adapt to your new life?
First session
In our first session, we’ll focus on helping you feel comfortable, heard, and understood. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, what has been feeling difficult, and what you hope to gain from our work together. I may ask about your history, relationships, strengths, and current support system so I can better understand the full picture. You’ll also have space to ask questions and share at your own pace. Together, we’ll begin identifying meaningful goals and creating a plan that fits your needs, values, and life. And if it turns out we’re not the right match, I’ll support you by offering referrals to other therapists who may be a better fit for your goals and comfort.
Strengths
I bring an authentic, warm, and grounded presence to our work together. I’m comfortable using humor when it helps ease tension or deepen connection, and I’m able to be direct while still holding deep respect for your experience. My goal is to create a space where you feel supported, understood, and able to explore openly.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who values authenticity, connection, and a therapeutic relationship that feels human. They appreciate a mix of warmth, humor, and directness, and they’re motivated to make lasting change — not just quick fixes. They’re willing to do the hard emotional work required for growth, even when it feels uncomfortable. They may be navigating OCD, anxiety, medical challenges, or major life transitions, and they’re looking for a therapist who can offer grounding, clarity, and respectful challenge. Most importantly, they want a space where they can show up fully and be met with compassion, honesty, and support.
Treatment methods
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
I am trained in Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention, the gold standard treatment for OCD, as well as Inference Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT). This is approximately a 12-15 week commitment. Interested in getting started? I'm happy to explain it further and answer any questions.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I've been using CBT therapy for 16 years, particulary in the treatment for chronic pain/illness. More recently I've expanded my training to include Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention therapy and Inference Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), both specialized approaches for OCD.
Eclectic
I enjoy blending together different treatment modalities when appropriate that would fit you best.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Woman
Top specialties
Anxiety
Chronic Illness
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Individual Therapy
Doesn't specialize in
Couples Counseling
Family Therapy
Licensed in
North CarolinaLicense 10088