Golden Rule Therapists in North Carolina

Do you feel persistently overwhelmed, as if you're fighting an uphill battle with your mental health? Is it becoming increasingly difficult to navigate life's ups and downs with serenity? Are you striving for a harmonious balance between personal life, career, and self-care? Have you ever felt like "something's wrong" but can't quite ever identify what it is, or where that feeling is coming from? I am dedicated to helping people from all walks of life better cope with stress and anxiety without compromising their drive for success. I believe in the importance of holistic wellness and integrate various therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, and hypnosis to help you find a path to inner peace while staying productive and motivated. Whether you're grappling with stress, anxiety, grief, or unprocessed trauma, remember it's brave to reach out for help. Our collaboration will offer a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your feelings, identify your triggers, and cultivate effective coping mechanisms. Together, we will navigate the ebb and flow of your life, aiming for personal growth, tranquility, and a balanced lifestyle.

Hello there! I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with thirteen years of experience. I completed my Master's degree at Stony Brook University on Long Island, New York. Recently, I relocated to North Carolina, and I am honored to help adults of all ages who are facing various challenges with anxiety, depression, addiction, and individuals and couples who are struggling in their relationships.

Hi, I'm Dr. Shamanda Burston, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist with more than 15 years of experience helping people navigate life's challenges. I work with teens (13+), adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, stress, burnout, life transitions, career concerns, relationship challenges, and financial stress. Life can feel overwhelming when you're trying to meet expectations at school, work, or home while carrying the weight of anxiety, self-doubt, or constant pressure to "hold it all together." Whether you're a teenager navigating school and identity, a college student adjusting to adulthood, or a professional feeling burned out by work and life's responsibilities, therapy can provide a space to slow down, gain perspective, and develop practical strategies for lasting change. My approach is warm, collaborative, and goal-oriented. I strive to create an environment where clients feel comfortable being honest about what they're experiencing while also leaving sessions with tools they can begin applying in everyday life.

I am a fully licensed clinical social worker. I live helping individuals identify their Wirth and strengths they possess to achieve their goals. I have successfully helped women, especially, to work through relationship and parenting issues. I enjoy assisting individuals in settling healthy boundaries and in developing skills needed to effectively and productively be present in their lives. I believe it is impotant to listen to what clients need and want. My clients report feeling comfortable and heard in mu sesions. Some were in counseling prior to working with me and state I have been very beneifical.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience helping others cope with day-to-day stressors and past troubling events. Coping may involve identifying and reframing long-standing negative thoughts and assumptions or identifying our core values and goals, which can make frustrating or uncomfortable situations more manageable or put them into perspective. Seeing ourselves and our thoughts, issues or non-ideal behaviors for what they are can lead to greater self-awareness and the ability to offer ourselves the same compassion and understanding we give others. Our stuff is just that- stuff. Stuff we have accumulated along the road of life. Those things may impact us, but they do not need to control or define us. Learning to see ourselves in this more neutral and accepting way leads to greater self-esteem and decreased self-doubt and negative judgement. This in turn makes change more possible.

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 30 years of experience in the mental health field and 14 years of experience operating my private practice. I support adults and couples experiencing anxiety, relationship distress, communication difficulties, parenting concerns, life transitions, diminished self-esteem, trauma-related concerns, and patterns that may be interfering with emotional well-being and healthier relationships. In couples counseling, I provide a balanced and respectful environment where each partner has an opportunity to feel heard. I help couples recognize recurring patterns, improve communication, navigate conflict more constructively, rebuild emotional safety and trust, and strengthen their connection. My role is not to take sides, but to help both partners understand the relationship dynamic and take meaningful responsibility for the changes within their control. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients understand the connections among their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify beliefs and thinking patterns that may contribute to anxiety, depressed mood, diminished self-esteem, relationship distress, or ineffective coping. Depending on the client’s needs, we may use guided reflection, thought records, structured exercises, role-playing, and between-session practice. With couples, CBT-informed strategies can also help partners examine assumptions, interpretations, expectations, and behavioral responses that contribute to recurring conflict. The goal is to develop greater awareness and practice healthier, more intentional responses. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices with carefully selected holistic strategies to support insight, emotional regulation, personal growth, and sustainable behavioral change. I meet each client with compassion, curiosity, and respect, helping them identify the underlying beliefs and patterns connected to their current concerns.

Hi there, I'm Jenni! Feeling stuck and frustrated? Struggling to deal with the loss of a loved one? Trying to find balance in your life while coping with chronic illness? Expecting an upcoming change? Not able to sleep or stay on top of things in your life? I am here to help! Therapy cannot be effective if we are not meeting your specific needs and goals. I want to meet you where you are and together identify a path forward. I want to understand you, your values, and your background while also giving you solution-focused interventions you can utilize to make changes. If talking it through without homework is the way you want to go, that is fine too! We are all capable of change and moving forward but sometimes it is the dialogues in our head, relationships, or other factors that are getting in our way. Therapy is a great place to work through those and be more connected with what you value in your life. Let's work together!

Hi, my name is Jonathon Payne and I am a practicing Licensed Clinical Mental Health Clinician, LCMHC, with the State of North Carolina with over 18 years of experience. Most of my work experience has come from working with individuals in crisis settings and or situations. The work has always been challenging, humbling, and rewarding. It has taught me the value of true genuineness and the importance of being able to connect with people and build working relationships. I love therapy. I respect the therapeutic process and value the hard work and introspection it requires. Therapy is something that I am passionate about. Everyday it provides me an opportunity to help others and learn from others. I am proud of the things I have learned, but even more humbled and optimistic of things that I continue to learn. One thing I would tell you is that a have a real passion and commitment to counseling and the therapeutic process. It is and has been what I love to do. I put tremendous value on the importance communication, language, and building a good therapeutic relationship or rapport. Its important to me that you, the patient feel safe, heard, and valued. My counseling style is very laid back and supportive, with a very non-judgmental stance. However, I am not afraid to roll my sleeves up and work hard. I believe in being supportive, motivating, and challenging. Its important that you have the opportunity to work hard, learn, grow, while developing realistic attainable and measurable goals.

On paper, your life may look like it’s together. You show up for work, take care of the people around you, and handle your responsibilities. But underneath that, you may be carrying anxiety, burnout, loneliness, relationship stress, or the constant pressure to keep it all together. If you’ve spent years being “the strong one,” therapy can feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. My goal is to create a space where you don’t have to perform, have all the answers, or pretend you’re okay. My style is warm, conversational, and direct. I’ll meet you with compassion while also helping you recognize the patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Together we’ll build practical tools, increase insight, and create meaningful change that extends beyond our sessions. I enjoy working with adults navigating anxiety, depression, self-esteem, boundaries, dating and relationships, family dynamics, burnout, and major life transitions. I serve clients throughout North Carolina and Illinois via secure telehealth.

Change can be scary, but it doesn't have to be. We all face situations throughout life that can make us feel overwhelmed and in need of support, encouragement, strategic planning or goal setting. You are not alone. I provide a safe, warm and friendly environment for growth and healing. You may need support in family life transitions, a parent-child relationship, peers groups, marriage, divorce, social issues, academic challenges or behavioral issues. While we are working together, I take a collaborative approach to help you to achieve your goals and overcome the challenges you're facing in life. I am here to support and empower you on your personal journey. Recognizing when issues in life have become too much to handle alone and seeking assistance is a great first step on your healing journey. It takes a lot of courage to reach out to someone, so I applaud you on taking that first huge step.

I'm Tamela McDonald, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges. I specialize in relationships, intimacy, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and personal growth. My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard, supported, and challenged to grow. Together, we'll identify your concerns, establish meaningful goals, and develop practical strategies to help you move forward. I value clients who are willing to actively participate in their healing process, understanding that meaningful change takes time, commitment, and collaboration.

Hiya. My name is Sejal Patel, and I am currently licensed in North and South Carolina, as a LMFT. As a therapist, I show curiosity when my client(s), families, and couples ask me for guidance. Majority of my clients', share the assumption, because I am a therapist, I experience minimal challenges in life and relationships. I wish that was true. My professional education and knowledge has been helpful and useful. Truthfully, the lessons I learned by experiencing failures, challenges, and struggles of life are the true heroes to how I find my solutions. I welcome your curiosity to a collaborative process that combines my professional expertise, your life experience knowledge, and the power of creative solutions.

Hello! I am a licensed therapist in both North Carolina and New York. I find great fulfillment in working with individuals needing assistance in better managing their mood stability, emotions, anxiety, relationships, codependency, and life adjustment stressors. Reaching out to a new therapist for the first time can feel overwhelming and very vulnerable. My main goal is always helping potential and established clients feel safe, respected, and heard. Feel free to reach out to discuss your needs and how I may be of assistance in your emotional journey.

Hello, I am a licensed professional therapist in North Carolina. My experience has centered on working with diverse populations, from military-affiliated, college, and community behavioral health and private practice. Working within these settings has allowed my involvement with various ages, genders, cultures, and life experiences. My theoretical orientation is Constructivism; therefore, I need to understand my client's life perspectives and how that has influenced their worldview. In working with clients, I also practice an integrated approach using constructivism, person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, solution-focused therapies, and others. Person-centered focuses on the client and allows the client to process feelings and thoughts in a non-judgmental environment with unconditional positive regard. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on the role of thinking in the process of influencing a person's feelings of well-being and how controlling thoughts can affect mental health. This approach maintains the link between emotions and behaviors in the cognitive process. The humanistic therapeutic method emphasizes the counseling relationship and the importance of quality, genuineness, positive regard, and empathy in the counseling relationship. Solution-focused therapy utilizes skills already present to help navigate current concerns, focusing on being present and checking facts on emotions and feelings that might direct reactive responses to stressors. Constructivism proves the space for cultural humility and openness to worldviews I might not have had the privilege to interact with previously.

Hello, I'm Carrie, an LCSW therapist based in North Carolina. I received my Bachelors from Winston Salem State University and my Master's from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with over ten years of experience as a therapist in many settings with various age groups. I practice therapy to assist others with achieving their goals in the most effective and in a timely manner.

Hi! I'm a LCMHCS, LPCS, LCAS, CCS based in North Carolina and practicing in NC, SC, GA, TX, AZ, MA, ME, RI, NH and US VI. I received my Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University and two Masters from Webster University in Counseling and Health Administration. I have been practicing for over 20 years and enjoy working with a diverse population of people. I have several areas of expertise and enjoy using them to support my clients in their overall life goals and plans for success.

Hi there! I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and Certified Play Therapist, and I spent nearly 10 years as a school counselor. For over a decade, I’ve loved working in private practice, supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges and transitions. I meet with clients both virtually and at my in-person office. My passion is helping people navigate life’s ups and downs while developing emotional well-being, confidence, and a greater understanding of themselves. Every client is unique, so I tailor my approach to fit their individual needs. I believe therapy can be both meaningful and enjoyable, and I incorporate creative approaches such as art, nature, and play to help clients engage in the therapeutic process and express themselves in ways that feel natural and comfortable.

Have you ever felt like you would never get ahead in life? Have you ever been so depressed that you couldn’t get out of bed, shower, brush your teeth, or return a call or a text? Have you recently gone through a life transition and have no idea how to begin putting your life back together? Have you ever been in situations that made you so anxious or panicked that that you felt like you might be having a heart attack? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can help guide you in making the necessary changes in your life to help you feel like a worthwhile, lovable, productive, competent, and a successful individual. Hi, I'm Suzanne. I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in NC. In my 18-year career as a therapist, I have significant experience working with individuals with mental health concerns and substance use disorders. I have provided community-based therapy as well as provided therapy to addicts receiving MAT. My counseling style is very easy going. I have been described as a caring, non-judgmental, real, honest, and open therapist. I like to use humor in sessions. I hope to provide you with a non-judgmental and safe environment where you can express your thoughts and feelings, openly and honestly. I look forward to meeting you and working with you!

I provide individual and family therapy using a person-centered, collaborative approach that meets you where you are—without judgment and without pressure to be “fixed.” I view therapy as a partnership, and I work alongside clients to support meaningful, sustainable change. My approach focuses on helping clients identify their strengths, increase self-awareness, recognize support systems, and take accountability in ways that promote growth rather than shame. I use an eclectic, evidence-based framework, drawing from Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-based practices. Interventions are always tailored to each client’s unique needs, goals, and lived experiences. My work is grounded in a few core beliefs: people are doing the best they can with the skills they have, people are capable of change, and people do get better. I also believe that a strong therapeutic relationship creates the safety necessary for healing and growth. To support progress outside of sessions, I may offer practical, collaborative between-session exercises that help clients apply skills in their daily lives. I am a Christian counselor, and my faith informs my values of compassion, dignity, and respect. I work with individuals from all backgrounds, beliefs, and identities, and faith is incorporated into therapy only when requested by the client. In addition to my professional role, I am a wife, lifelong learner, and mother of three, including a son on the autism spectrum. These experiences deepen my empathy and understanding of caregiving, advocacy, and navigating complex systems.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Connecticut and North Carolina. I received my Masters degree from the University of Pittsburgh and have been practicing for 9 years. I have worked in schools, hospitals and private practice. I support adults to navigate a variety of life stresses and manage mental health that allows them achieve life goals and happiness in multiple aspects of life.

Welcome! My name is Kim, and I’m so glad you’re here. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of clinical experience, and I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard, understood, supported and empowered to grow. My approach to therapy is eclectic, meaning I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques and perspectives to create an experience that is tailored to your unique needs, strengths, and goals. I bring a warm, genuine, down-to-earth approach to our work together, meeting you where you are and helping you navigate life’s challenges with compassion, understanding and hope. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming space where you can feel comfortable being yourself, explore what matters most to you, and work toward meaningful changes that help you create a more fulfilling life. You don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. I'm here to walk alongside you.

Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, mood disorders, gender identity issues, relationship challenges, or any other mental health concerns? If so, you are not alone. I offer a diverse range of evidence-based therapies that have been scientifically proven to alleviate symptoms associated with mental health disorders. My therapeutic interventions include Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I empower those lacking motivation, encourage those who feel helpless and hopeless, and guide individuals who believe they have no purpose. I also teach coping skills to help navigate daily challenges. Let's start today on the path to regaining control of your life. I look forward to hearing from you.

As a Therapist/Life Coach and owner of Journeys of Life Therapeutic Resources, I'm passionate about helping individuals transition into their best selves. I approach my work as a "transitioner," rather than a traditional therapist, guiding and supporting clients through life's challenges and towards personal growth. Life can be incredibly difficult to navigate and it's not uncommon to feel like a butterfly trapped in a cocoon, struggling to find your way out. That's where I come in - I stand by your side to assist you on your journey, providing the guidance, tools, and support needed to transform into the most beautiful version of yourself imaginable. At Journeys of Life Therapeutic Resources, I understand that every person's journey is unique. I offer a customized, holistic approach to therapy, meaning we tailor our services to fit your individual needs. We focus on developing a deep understanding of your goals and work together with you to craft a plan that helps you achieve them. Using therapeutic techniques, I help you navigate the complexities of life and tap into your inner strengths. Together, we create an environment where you feel secure, open, and empowered to embark on your journey of transformation. If you're looking to make a change in your life and transition into the best version of yourself, I'm here to help. Contact me today to begin unlocking your potential and discovering what's possible for your life.

Hello, I'm a counselor with a background in Forensic Psychology, having worked in the field since 2004. I have the privilege of serving a diverse range of clients from various ethnicities, racial backgrounds, and socioeconomic classes. My approach is non-judgmental, patient, and easy-going, creating a safe space where you can feel heard and understood. With many years of experience working in correctional settings, particularly with individuals in acute crisis, I am passionate about helping you navigate challenges, find solutions, and work towards lasting positive change. My goal is to empower you to take control of your well-being and move forward with confidence.

Hello, welcome to the beginning of this new therapy journey. Whether it's your first time or you've been here before - I am happy to support you in whatever you need! I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs, therapy is not one-size fits all! Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I am licensed in North Carolina with seven years of professional work experience. I graduated from Appalachian State University with my Bachelors and Masters of Social Work, and have held a clinical license (LCSW) since 2019. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, life changes, anxiety, depression, motivation, self-esteem, career difficulties, school issues, financial struggles, and more. I work with any and all age groups, especially with teens and young adults. Some of my more focused expertise are life changes regarding the growing pains of adolescence, personal relationships, career changes and loss as well as relationship issues including trust, infidelity, STDs, jealousy, commitment issues, attachment issues, codependency, and more. I have worked in-home with families with kids on juvenile probation, and am trained in Functional Family Therapy - which looks closely at the functions of the family and each member's role and behaviors and how to find solutions to the presenting problems. My therapy style is very solution-focused and relatively fast paced. I typically meet with clients who need brief therapy for life changes and adjustment, or support with parenting, relationships, etc. but am able to do more long-term if desired!