Pete Cianci
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Pete Cianci, LCSW, a licensed psychotherapist based in North Carolina. I work with adults who are ready to feel better and make meaningful changes in their lives. I believe therapy should be practical, clear, and focused on real results. I use proven approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. In simple terms, that means we’ll look at how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors connect—and I’ll teach you skills you can use right away. I strongly believe therapy doesn’t have to feel like a mystery. When you understand how your mind works and learn tools that fit your life, change becomes much more possible. My goal is to help you feel better as efficiently as possible while still feeling supported and understood along the way.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I take a direct but down-to-earth approach to therapy. In our first session, I’ll spend time getting to know you—your background, what’s bringing you in, and what you want to be different in your life. From there, we’ll set clear goals and create a plan together. Therapy is a partnership. We’ll check in often about what’s working and what’s not, and we’ll adjust as needed. You can expect honesty, collaboration, and practical next steps.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I’ve worked with people from many different backgrounds and life situations. I bring transparency, genuineness, and a strong commitment to using methods backed by research. At the same time, I’m not robotic. I aim to create a space where you can be real, ask questions, and even have moments of humor along the way. I believe the best outcomes happen when we both show up with effort and openness.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work well with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, trauma and PTSD, OCD, relationship challenges, gambling, and substance use. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, we can work together to build practical tools that help. Most people don’t want to be in therapy forever. My goal is to help you “become your own therapist.” That means learning skills, gaining insight, and building confidence so you can handle life’s challenges long after our work together ends.
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Addiction
Anger Management
Bipolar Disorder
Man
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
North Carolina
Anthem
Location
VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) extensively in my therapeutic work. I’m highly experienced in this model and focus on helping my clients build psychological flexibility — the ability to handle difficult thoughts and emotions without being controlled by them. My approach emphasizes practical skill-building while honoring each person’s values, personality, and goals. I customize ACT to each client. We work on changing your relationship with anxious or depressive thoughts (rather than fighting them), developing mindfulness skills, and clarifying what truly matters to you.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I integrate DBT skills into my work with clients who experience intense emotions, anxiety, mood swings, or difficulty coping with stress. I’m well-versed in DBT and use it in a structured but flexible way, adapting the skills to fit each person’s needs and daily life. I teach practical DBT tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. We'll tailor the therapy for your individual needs. That might mean focusing on reducing avoidance, managing emotional regulation, or coping in crisis.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a core part of my practice, and I use it regularly to treat a range of issues. I’m experienced in identifying patterns between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and I apply CBT in a collaborative, practical way that fits each client’s style and goals. Together, we identify unhelpful thought patterns, avoidance behaviors, and habits that keep pain and suffering going. I customize CBT tools (such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and exposure-based strategies) so they feel manageable and relevant to your life.