Lori McDuff
(she/her)
New to Grow
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a deep respect for the complexity of a client’s histories, identities, nervous system and family dynamics. I work from a psychodynamic and trauma-informed, psychodynamic lens, integrating skills associated with EMDR, CBT, acceptance-based, and emotion-focused work to help you process what’s happened to you while also building skills for the present. I specialize in working with adults including LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent clients. I pay close attention to creating space that feels actively affirming – not just “tolerant”. You’ll find that I’m transparent about the therapy process, that I name what I see with care, and that I hold your pain and resilience in mind at the same time.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, you can expect us to go over your goals for therapy as well as both of our expectations. I don't expect us to dive right into the hard/gritty stuff. It's important for us to build rapport and trust first. When we meet for your next session and after, you can expect me to be direct, empathetic, and collaborative space where you don’t have to perform, explain everything perfectly, or have it all “figured out” to be taken seriously. My style is person-centered and trauma-informed, which means I move at your pace, stay curious about your story, and work with you rather than on you. Together, we’ll make sense of how your past experiences and identities shape what you’re feeling now, and we’ll look for new ways of relating to yourself that are more compassionate, authentic, and sustainable.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I hold the belief that to truly understand ourselves in the present, we must explore where we've come from - our stories, relationships, and formative experiences. Through insight and self-acceptance, we can begin to release old patterns and move toward a more authentic and grounded sense of self. If this feels right to you, lets give it a try together!
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I prefer to work with clients in the age range of 25-65. Clients that are motivated, honest with themself and me who are willing and open to learn new ways of thinking/behaving/coping. I am open to helping clients with a wide variety of concerns. I think I'm best positioned to serve clients that are interested in doing the hard work to help themselves improve their own mental well-being.
Specialties
Top specialtiesAnxiety
LGBTQ
Personality Disorders
ADHD
Anger Management
Autism
I identify as
LGBTQ
White
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Licensed in
North Carolina
Accepts
Arlo
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use the basic principle when clients are struggling with anger, childhood issues, and interpersonal relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Anxiety, depression, ongoing relationship issues, emotion disregulation, low self-esteem, low self-worth and lack of confidence.
Compassion Focused
By providing my clients with compassion and understanding with where they are in the moment and meeting them there. Not directing the session or problem solving.
Couples Counseling
Communication, self-care and healthy boundaries within the relationship, insecurities, and trust.
Gender-affirming therapy
Providing a safe, nonjudgmental, respect, compassion, empathetic, supportive, and validating environment.