Melissa Muller

Licensed in North Carolina as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I received my Master’s degree from East Carolina University. I have been providing assessments, treatment options, and counseling to clients since 2004. I enjoy working with couples, families, and individuals. My clinical experience includes; therapeutic homes for children, intensive in-home therapies, in-home outpatient, and private office setting.

Areas of Interest: Anxiety disorders, marital difficulties, family life cycle transitions, and parenting issues

Therapeutic Approach: I work intently with clients to ensure what works best for them. My approach is direct and person centered drawing from systems theory, cognitive behavioral, narrative theory, and solution-focused theory.

Populations Served: Adolescents, adults, couples, and families

Melissa practices at our Raleigh locations.

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Kim Bovee

I am an experienced, caring Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, Nationally Board Certified Counselor, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional and a practicing owner of Therapeutic Partners. I have been practicing in North Carolina since 1998 in a variety of clinical settings including, out-patient community mental health, the Emergency Services Department and the Adolescent Partial Hospital Program at Holly Hill Hospital, and private practice. Currently, I am a member of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of North Carolina, the North Carolina Counseling Association, and the American Psychological Association.

Populations Served: I have a passion for working with children, aged 12 and older, adolescents, and adults.

Areas of Specialization: I have experience working with a variety of issues including individuals struggling with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety and OCD, trauma and abuse, women’s issues including pregnancy loss, infant loss; and; grief; oppositional/acting out behaviors, self-harm, parenting issues, stress and anger management, coping with life transitions including divorce, relocation, job loss, transitions to college life, marital and relationship issues.

Therapeutic Approaches: My approach to therapy draws upon the strengths and needs of each individual. I believe in being an active partner in helping clients address their individual concerns, giving direct, honest feedback, while providing a safe, non-judgmental environment.

I have experience and training in the areas of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Supportive therapy, play, expressive arts, and solution focused therapies. Each situation and each individual calls for a unique approach, thus, to best meet your needs, a variety of strategies and techniques are utilized during the course of our work together.

Finding the right therapist can be overwhelming and confusing. One of the best ways for you to know if we are a good fit, is for us to have a conversation. This will help you determine if my experience, and approach are what you are looking for.

To contact Kim or to schedule an appointment, call 919-233-7360. When experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Kim practices at both our Raleigh and Holly Springs locations.

Kim is a recommended therapist with Carolina Conceptions for fertility patients.

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Christie Picconi

MA, LCMHC

I received my Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling as well as my certification in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling from Hofstra University located in Hempstead New York. I have experience working in a Raleigh Psychiatric Hospital helping to stabilize patients of all ages in crisis situations. I also worked with the New York City Fire Department Counseling Service Unit in an intensive outpatient where I provided therapy to those struggling with addiction and recovery, as well as their families.

As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor- Associate, I create a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients are able to explore issues and improve the quality of their lives. I use an integrative style of psychotherapy that pulls from many different approaches, with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. As a certified yoga Instructor, I enjoy bringing mindfulness into the counseling session.

Populations Served: Children, Adolescents and adults using individual, family and/or couples' counseling.

Areas of Specialization: I work with a variety of issues including trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship problems, ADHD, ODD, martial conflict as well as addiction and recovery.

Therapeutic Approach: My work with clients is based on a collaborative and integrative approach that promotes a strong alliance and allows for open and honest communication. Within this foundation clients develop the safety and freedom to challenge behaviors and beliefs and discover new attitudes that promote change.

Christie practices at our Holly Springs location.

To contact Christie or make an appointment call (984) 664-0929

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Jenn Bartel

LCSW, MSW

I completed my B.S. in Psychology and Family & Child Sciences as well as my Master’s in Social Work at Florida State University. I moved to North Carolina in 2016, and am currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate. Much of my care and clinical experience has been with adolescents and families. For five and a half years, I worked with a non-profit agency that provided the unique opportunity to meet with clients in their homes to address a variety of presenting issues, ranging from family conflict and communication challenges to youth/adolescent struggles, substance use, depression, and anxiety. I value the experience of getting to come alongside new clients and develop a supportive, empathetic relationship while working to understand their experiences, thoughts, emotions, and patterns of behavior. We then get to use that knowledge to collaborate on personalized treatment goals that are unique to individual needs. It is always my goal to equip and empower individuals to be prepared for whatever comes their way. People are strong and capable of remarkable resilience, and it is a joy and honor for me to join in that journey with the individuals I get to work with. Populations Served: Adolescents (ages 12+), adults, couples, and families Areas of Interest/Specialization: Anxiety and depression, Families - Communication Among Couples and Families, Women’s Issues, Personal Identity, Self-Esteem and Body Image, Life Transitions and Adjustments, Grief, Adolescent development (all approaches are trauma-informed) Therapeutic Approaches: One of the most important elements of therapy is the alliance between client and therapist. Stepping into a therapeutic relationship is a very brave step! Therefore, I aspire to create a warm, safe, and inviting space for individuals to explore challenging thoughts and emotions, process major life changes, and become equipped and empowered to take on life’s curveballs. I pull heavily from the influences of CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed care, and am continuing to seek ongoing education to expand my clinical practice. My approach is compassionate, direct, person-centered, and very much focused on the unique needs and goals of each person I get the opportunity to work with. There is no such thing as one size fits all! Come as you are, and I will happily meet you where you’re at.

To contact Jenn or schedule an appointment, please call (407) 432-5252. When experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

Jenn practices at our Raleigh location and provides teletherapy.

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Kim Dillon

LCMHCA

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate with a Dual Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from LeTourneau University. I received my undergraduate from Auburn University in the area of Social Work. I am a certified Positive Discipline Instructor and have spent the last 13 years teaching parenting courses. I am a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. My goal is to help children, adults, couples, and families focus on strengths and uncover misplaced emotions that may be the driving force behind dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors. I believe in the power of encouragement and thrive to help individuals discover their strengths and the many possibilities life has to offer.

Populations Served: I specialize in working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families to help them navigate through life’s emotional struggles.

Areas of Interests: Whether it be depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship issues, parenting struggles or challenges associated with ADHD, ODD or high functioning autism, my goal is to promote healing through the facilitation of healthy thoughts and actions that lead to a productive, happy life. In some cases, this means making peace with the past. In other cases, however, the intervention calls for simply strategizing on how to handle situational or temporary problems. For those on the Autism Spectrum, it may mean learning to express frustrations in a productive way, using strategies to improve social interactions, or building functional independent skills. For parents struggling with a child’s misbehaviors, it may mean learning the difference between praise and encouragement, understanding the significance of connections before corrections, setting appropriate boundaries, or learning how to identify the driving force behind the misbehaviors. Whatever the issue, I am dedicated and passionate about contributing to personal insight, facilitation of growth, and building of resiliency.

Therapeutic Applications: My therapeutic orientation is centered on the type of issues presented. I use an integrative approach to counseling combining the most relevant theoretical modalities that best meet the unique needs of each individual, couple, or family. I foster learning through a strength-based approach and some of the methods that I draw from are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Psychodynamic Approaches, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, Family Systems Approaches, and Solutions-Focused Therapy.

To contact Kim or to schedule an appointment, call 919-740-0938 or email me below. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Kim practices at our Raleigh location and provides teletherapy.

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Heather R. Ferreira

I am a Social Worker with a License in Clinical Social Work. I received a Master’s Degree from UNC-Chapel Hill with a focus on child and adolescent mental health. I have spent the past 12 years working with adults, adolescents, and children, providing assessments and psychotherapy in the community. Before my work in the community, I interned at Dorothea Dix Hospital and Holly Hill Hospital, working primarily in out-patient programs with adolescents and adults.

Currently, I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers, North Carolina Society for Clinical Social Work, and North Carolina Psychoanalytic Foundation.

Populations Served: Adolescents and adults.

Areas of Specialization: ADHD, depression, anxiety, concerns with self-esteem, women’s issues, childhood behavioral problems, trauma and abuse, issues with sexual orientation, life transitions, and parenting issues.

Therapeutic Approaches: Supportive, cognitive-behavioral and solution focused therapies, all with a strengths based perspective. I believe in an eclectic approach, due to the fact that no two individuals are the same or have encountered the same experiences in life.

To contact Heather or to schedule an appointment, call 919-233-7360. When experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Heather practices at our Raleigh and Holly Spring locations.

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Christine Martin Byers

I appreciate your interest in working with me. In 2015 I graduated from North Carolina State University with an M.Ed. in Counselor Education and served as a school counselor before going into private practice. In addition, I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and have been serving clients as a clinical therapist since 2016.

As a clinical therapist, I have experience with intensive in-home therapies, in-home outpatient, and private office settings. My goal is to help my clients build their self-worth and internal value as a starting point to personal growth. I offer guidance for individuals to master their inner acceptance, self-control, and belonging. I believe that we must first nurture our fears and internal pain with trust in ourselves to respond to life's challenges with self-love and self-compassion.

Amyra Mah wrote, "When you become vulnerable, feel emotions, and stay true to what you are feeling, you liberate yourself from pain."

In this awareness, you will cultivate a mindset of understanding and openness for change. This understanding is proper for children, adolescents, and adults.

Population Served: I work with children as young as 5 years old, adolescents and adults.

Areas of Specialization: Anxiety and Panic Disorders, ADD/ADHD, Childhood and Adolescent Behavioral Issues including Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Couples Counseling, Developmental/Learning Disabilities, Parenting Concerns, School Problems, Stress and Anger Management, Depression and Other Mood Disorders, Low Self-Esteem

Therapeutic Approach: When working with children, adolescents, and adults in a clinical setting, the primary type of counseling approach I take is Solution Focus while focusing on the philosophy of Existential Therapy, with the techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). For children, my approach is through play therapy.

CBT has been transforming for many people in all avenues of therapy, in my opinion. I have seen it work in the school system for children who have mild to moderate ADHD, children on the Autistic spectrum, people who suffer from situational depression, and mild to moderate depression due to chemical imbalance. I incorporate mindfulness tools and meditation to help reinforce the self-compassion piece and become better aware of the negative thoughts that often can hold us back without realizing it.

To contact Christine or to schedule an appointment, call 919-233-7360. When experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Christine practices at our Holly Springs & Raleigh locations.

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Self Care Lounge for Children

Kada J. Unwin

MSW, LCSWA

**Currently not accepting new clients.

I received my Masters of Social Work with an emphasis on child and adolescent mental health from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and my Bachelors of Social Work from North Carolina Central University. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, my experience includes residential treatment facilities, intensive in home work with families, wilderness therapy and outpatient group work. Additionally, I have worked as an assessor for Duke Center for Child and Family Policy and as a School Social Worker for Wake County Alternative Schools.

I love working with individuals and families and have a special passion for working to heal complex trauma, developmental trauma, and issues of attachment as well as treating behavioral issues.

I value setting clear goals so that we are able to measure progress while simultaneously diving into the more complex underlying issues that generally drive distress, suffering and maladaptive behaviors.

My trainings include TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), MST (Multi-systemic Therapy), MI (Motivational Interviewing), and TSY (Trauma Sensitive Yoga for Therapy)

Populations Served: Youth ages 5+ and their families, adolescents, adults

Areas of Specialization: Trauma, developmental trauma, behavioral problems, attachment disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, ADHD, mood disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, Conduct Disorder, stress, anger management, reactivity, parenting issues, substance abuse.

Therapeutic Approaches: I take a collaborative and strengths-based approach guided by Systems Theory. Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Dialectical Behavioral Theory, mindful and somatic therapies are used dependent on what is most appropriate and comfortable for the client.

When working with youth and adolescents with trauma histories, I am often guided by the Neurosenquential model which blends attachment theory and neurological development. Follow the link for more information. https://www.attachmenttraumanetwork.org/neurosequential-model-of-therapeutics-nm

Kada practices at our Raleigh location.

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Ashley Esry

LCSW

I received my Bachelors in Counseling and minor in Expressive Arts Therapy from Lesley University and my Masters of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, my experience has included working in treatment centers, day and outpatient programs, and private practice with over ten years experience in the field.

I value continuing my education as a therapist and utilizing evidence-based practice. My post-graduate training includes Internal Family Systems (IFS,) Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. I also have experience in expressive arts therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), self-compassion, and mindfulness.

Populations Served: Adults and adolescents (16+), specializing with women.

Areas of Specialization: Trauma, developmental trauma and attachment, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, stress, relationship issues, life transitions, women's issues, body image and eating disorders, and addiction.

Therapeutic Approaches: I have an integrative and collaborative approach, meaning I want to work with you in the change process. I use a blend of my modalities in order to be the most helpful guide on your specific healing journey. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work to empower you to feel stable, safe, and secure navigating life's daily challenges. From there we can process and heal the past with self-compassion to change your narrative and to have you experience whole-hearted and embodied healing.

To contact Ashley or to schedule an appointment, call 919-694-3725 or email me below. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Ashley practices at our Raleigh location and provides teletherapy.

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Kristen Russell

MEd, LCMHCA

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alabama and my Master of Education from North Carolina State University. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate my approach is holistic and client-driven, emphasizing multiculturalism and inclusivity. I specialize in working with young adults, teens, students, and athletes. I practice inclusive therapy that is supportive and affirming of all backgrounds and demographics.

Populations Served: Adolescents and adults using individual and couples' counseling.

Areas of Specialization: I work with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, sex and sexuality, identity, women’s issues, relationship problems, life transitions, and self-esteem Therapeutic Approach: I take a collaborative approach that is person-centered and based on individual client’s needs. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Family Systems Theory, and Relational Cultural Theory to affirm and empower clients.

To contact Kristen or to schedule an appointment, call 919-233-7360 or email me below. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

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Lexi Potter

I received my Masters of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate. Most of my experience is working with school aged children and their families in a variety of environments.

My training includes following a Strengths Based Approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and using practices from Play Therapy. I have a passion for working with children, teens and young adolescents. I believe that therapy is a wonderful support for anyone and everyone, not just those who may be experiencing a difficult time. Therapy allows us to better understand our thoughts and emotions and how to positively deal with them as we go through life.

Populations Served: Children and adolescents (5+)

Areas of Specialization: Grief, Separation of Parents, Anxiety, Stress, Depressive Thoughts, Daily Life Stressors, Transitions, School Problems, and Behavioral Concerns. I can help your child learn how to understand and regulate emotions.

Therapeutic Approaches: I believe in forming a positive relationship with my clients so they can be completely comfortable in sessions. It is not easy to be vulnerable but by using a strengths based approach to start, I believe it encourages the client to focus on what they can achieve rather than what they cannot. Compassion is at the core of my approach and I include that while working with my clients. I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy so my clients can change the way they view situations in a more positive way. When working with children and adolescents, I use play therapy techniques and encourage parent interaction.

To contact Lexi or to schedule an appointment, call 608-576-9700. When experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Lexi practices at our Raleigh and Holly Spring locations.

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Linda Fallon

I am a student intern working under the supervision of Heather Ferreira, LCSW, and I will be seeing clients on a pro bono basis until April 2024. I use she/her pronouns. I received my Bachelor of Social Work degree from North Carolina State University, and I am a current Master of Social Work student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Therapeutic Approach: I take a person-centered and strengths-based approach when working with clients to achieve their goals. I believe that clients are the experts of their own lives, and I am committed to cultivating a safe and trustworthy relationship with you. Together, we can approach life’s challenges and work towards building a sense of empowerment. I celebrate the differences in what makes us all human, and I approach clients from a culturally inclusive and affirming lens.

Populations Served: I see clients ages 12+ at no cost to the client (“pro bono”). While I enjoy working with people of all ages, I have a particular passion for working with LGBTQIA+ adolescents.

To contact about scheduling, please call 919-233-7360. When experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Linda practices at our Raleigh and Holly Spring locations.

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