Carrie Watkins
Hi, I'm Carrie! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I work with teens, young adults, and adults navigating trauma, ADHD, anxiety, mood concerns, emotional regulation, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions. Many of my clients are thoughtful and self-aware people who understand what they *should* be doing but still find themselves struggling to change patterns that aren't working for them. My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. I believe therapy should give you a safe place to be heard and understood, while also helping you gain new perspectives and develop tools you can actually use in your everyday life. Sometimes you need space to process; other times, you need someone who can gently challenge you or help you see something differently. I believe there is room for both. I believe that you are the expert on your life, and my role is to help you better understand yourself, recognize the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and build the skills and confidence to move toward the life you want. I hope to meet you soon!
First session
Starting therapy can feel uncomfortable, especially if you're not sure what to expect. My goal for our first session is to make the process feel approachable and collaborative, not like an interrogation or a test. We'll talk about what brought you to therapy, what has been difficult lately, and what you would like to be different. I'll also learn more about your experiences, strengths, relationships, and the things that have or haven't worked for you in the past. From there, we'll begin identifying goals and developing a plan that feels realistic and meaningful to you. You don't need to have everything figured out before we meet. You simply need to be willing to start the conversation. Our first session is also an opportunity for you to decide whether I'm the right therapist for you. Finding the right fit matters, and I want you to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing what you need from therapy. If you're unsure whether we're a good fit, I'm happy to offer a brief 15-minute consultation before you schedule your first session!
Strengths
I bring warmth, honesty, and collaboration into my work with clients. I believe therapy should be a place where you can be completely yourself without feeling judged, but I also believe meaningful growth sometimes requires a new perspective or a gentle challenge. There will be times when you simply need someone to listen and help you process what you're experiencing. Other times, we'll work together to identify patterns, challenge unhelpful thinking, and develop practical strategies for moving forward. I won't tell you what you should do with your life. You are the expert on yourself. My role is to help you understand yourself more deeply, recognize what's keeping you stuck, and support you as you create meaningful change.
Ideal clients
I work best with teens, young adults, and adults who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or frustrated by patterns they can't seem to change on their own. My clients may be navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, mood concerns, emotional regulation difficulties, relationship challenges, chronic stress, or major life transitions. Many are capable, thoughtful people who may look like they have everything together on the outside while feeling very different internally. I especially enjoy working with clients who want to better understand themselves and not just manage symptoms. Together, we'll explore the thoughts, emotions, experiences, and patterns that may be contributing to what you're experiencing and develop practical tools to help you respond differently. You don't have to be "good at therapy" or know exactly what you need before starting. Curiosity, openness, and a willingness to try something new are enough.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT can help us understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. We'll identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck and practice practical strategies for responding differently. We'll focus on skills you can use outside of therapy, not just things you talk about during the session.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT can help you stop spending so much energy fighting difficult thoughts and emotions. We'll work on understanding what matters most to you and building the flexibility to move toward those values, even when anxiety, self-doubt, or difficult emotions show up.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness can help you slow down and become more aware of what's happening internally before reacting. We'll explore practical ways to recognize thoughts, emotions, and physical responses so you can respond more intentionally, manage stress, and strengthen emotional regulation.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Licensed in
- North CarolinaLicense C020098