Therapists for college students near Durham, NC

Melissa Sisco, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist with 18 years of clinical experience. She is best known for her expertise in trauma recovery, aggression management, healthy sexuality, and systems of identity. She has a special interest in providing services for first responders and people with exposure to systems of aggression (sexual oppression, domestic violence, war, civil unrest) as well as communities of control (gangs, cults, unhealthy families). Clinically, Dr. Sisco operates primarily from a cognitive behavioral framework; however, she may shift strategies if an alternate modality is identified by clinical trials as the more effective treatment corresponding to a given diagnosis. Primary skillsets include: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness-based Interventions, Guided Self-Hypnosis Training, Systematic Desensitization Therapy, Harm Reduction, and Brief Strategic Family Systems Therapy (BSFT), Insight-Oriented Therapy, and Reality Therapy. She has also engaged in mentorship/coaching, positive psychology, play therapy, and animal assisted therapeutic services. When working with Dr. Sisco, you will always be greeted with a sincere warmth and concern for your well-being. She “shoots from the hip” in a nonjudgmental way to help embrace personal truths and build the glory after the challenge. You will also notice that she can switch gears to hear you in the moment when a quiet presence is needed and help guide you towards answers when the time is right to address the problems. She will honor and respect your time schedule and your definition of clinical goals. She will accept you as you are and help you see the wonder in yourself while learning to navigate the struggles that we all face. Dr. Sisco’s experience and training has led her to four fundamental beliefs about all individuals: (1) We all have basic human drives, private desires, insecurities, ascribed identity, and an ongoing personal narrative that drive our interaction with the world. (2) Seemingly unimportant decisions lead to habits which cascade into life-changing results. (3) We all experience jilting traumas that alter us in some fashion. (4) We can all be well, whole people who love, are loved, and add value to the world. Specialties Dr. Sisco provides individual, couples, family, and group therapy, as well as clinical supervision. Throughout her career, she has worked with a variety of clinical populations, such as: first responders, healthcare workers, those in forensic settings, trauma survivors, sexual and violent offenders, those in substance abuse recovery, individuals experiencing severe mental illness, adults and children on the Autism Spectrum, adults and children diagnosed with Intellectual Developmental Disorders (IDD), parents of troubled children and teens, refugees, military Veterans, individuals with gang involvement, survivors of war crimes, and marginalized communities. Dr. Sisco’s skillset includes: assessment, report writing, case management, therapeutic sessions, administration, supervision, program development and evaluation, empirical standardization and manual development and implementation, crisis response, and community repair. She specializes in treating Mood Disorders (Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Disorder), Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI), trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety Disorders, Panic Disorder and Specific Phobias, anger and aggression, relationship problems, issues related to sexuality, gender transition and identity, addictions, stress and adjustment, personality disorders, weight loss, and smoking cessation, evaluation for bariatric surgery, and transplant preparation. Education and Training Dr. Sisco graduated in 2011 with a joint PhD in Clinical Psychology and Psychology, Policy, and Law with a minor specialty in Program Evaluation and Research Methodology from the University of Arizona. During this time, she participated in teaching, grant writing, providing research and statistical support, engaging in case review of civil and criminal cases regarding undue influence, working in clinical settings and supervising others in clinical settings. In addition, she aided in designing and implementing the first restorative justice program in the US, addressing date rapes on campus with Dr. Mary P. Koss of the R.E.S.T.O.R.E. project. She designed modified treatment curriculums for special populations of sex offenders (brain injured and developmentally delayed as well as female sex offenders) that were implemented in the Arizona Department of Corrections in 2013. She was also an integral part of building one of the first therapeutic mentorship programs designed to service foster-care youth with behavioral challenges with Dr. Julie Feldman. She worked most closely with her major advisor, Dr. Judith Becker, best known for her work on the Jeffrey Dahmer and Green River Killer cases. In her spare time, Dr. Sisco delighted in rehabilitating aggressive animals, predominantly horses and dogs, to provide hope for their rehoming. Dr. Sisco was selected for predoctoral internship at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center, Trauma-Specific Track. During her internship, she specialized in trauma-response care in emergency medical settings, outreach to high-risk, marginalized urban youth and their families during and after violence exposure, and identifying susceptibility to recruitment in terroristic and gang-related organizations due to community trauma. During her off time, she began training as a boxer and fell back into her roots of youth mentorship due to the engagement she experienced while training. She built a mentorship program for youth in crisis, BoutIt Mentorship program, specifically designed and implemented for youth housed in a crisis shelter. Participants in the program learned how to cope effectively with intensive trauma, aggression, and mental health diagnoses. In her work as a clinical consultant, Dr. Sisco provided education to the International Court of Justice in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the psychology of serial sexual assault during wartime. Dr. Sisco served as a professor at Roosevelt University for many years, as well as a forensic adjunct at the Chicago Professional School of Psychology. It was at this point that she incorporated Animal Assisted Therapy into her services; she delighted in seeing her clients and students find peace and release from being in the presence of her therapy dog. In 2017, Dr. Sisco returned to North Carolina, where she worked as a senior psychologist at Broughton State Hospital in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. While there, she worked with people who suffered with severe, debilitating mental illness and aided in a state shift to positive psychology and universal acknowledgements of strengths as opposed to illness. Dr. Sisco has published predominantly regarding systems of intimacy and violence. She has worked with many different populations including: persons struggling with addictions, veterans, inmates, international tribunals of war, psychiatric inpatients, families with marital and/or parenting concerns, sexual and domestic violence aggressors and victims, at risk youth, gangs, homeless, refugees, exonerees from capital cases, youth on the autism spectrum, people with severely and profound developmental delay, people with serious mental illness, people classified as serious violent predators, First Responders, police de-escalation teams, survivors of homicide/suicide of a loved one, and, of course, students and community members struggling with daily stressors. Additional Trainings Dr. Sisco has extensive training in Applied Behavioral Analysis, Multicultural Sensitivity, and Crisis Intervention Training. She is also well-versed in a variety of neuropsychological assessment batteries and engages in report writing for forensic and clinical purposes. Professional Membership American Psychological Association North Carolina Psychological Association National Register of Health Service Psychologists

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I believe that healing happens through genuine connection and collaboration, and I strive to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and valued. I take a person-centered approach to therapy, where we work at your pace and with your goals and voice at the forefront, taking practical steps toward the life you deserve. I work with individual adults and teenagers (14+) who are navigating life’s inevitable challenges in an open and honest way, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship concerns, confidence and identity challenges, and stress or burnout related to school, work, or major life transitions.

From the beginning, Carolinas Counseling Group has been committed to combining clinical expertise & current psychological research with the timeless wisdom of a Christian worldview. All of our therapists are fully licensed in the state of North Carolina and are committed Christians. Although all of us are Christians, we welcome all faith or non-religious perspectives. We commit that we will do all we can to help you feel welcome and free from any pressure to believe like we do. It is our goal for you to feel safe from critical judgment. At the same time, we want to convey our commitment to care for you and your loved ones within the framework of deep respect derived from our faith.

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Do you often find yourself comparing yourself to those around you, wondering how they all seem to have it all figured out while you are just trying to hold it together? You are stressed, on edge, and wondering if anything will ever change. You may find yourself struggling to enjoy things in life, maybe even pulling back from friends and family because they may not understand. You are ready to make a change, to find balance, to be you – but you have no idea where to begin. Imagine what it would be like to feel like you aren’t just trying to make it through the day, but are actively participating in your life. You could learn to quiet your self-doubt and create space for self-compassion and curiosity. You could begin to understand your needs and how to respond, learning to focus your energy on the things that matter to you. My approach begins with meeting you where you are and developing a genuine and trusting relationship. Together, we will work to find tools that help you better manage your daily stressors so that you can feel safe in exploring, understanding, healing, and growing. If this resonates with you, schedule a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit.

Starting therapy or returning to therapy can feel difficult or uncomfortable. My aim is to foster an environment of safety, openness, and authenticity to allow for greater progress towards a fulfilling, happy life. I offer individuals the tools to empower them to achieve goals and make meaningful decisions in their lives. You are the expert in your own life and I’m here as a support through your journey. I view therapy as a place to be curious and explore new ideas, exercises, or coping strategies in a nonjudgmental environment. I utilize a variety of clinical approaches to address individual’s needs. I have five years of experience working with those who have experienced various trauma in their lives. I enjoy working with adults and older adolescences (16+). My areas of expertise include working with individuals who have experienced domestic or sexual violence, interpersonal relationship challenges, and complex trauma. Please feel free to reach out to discuss therapy. I am here to listen and support.

Going to a counselor can be intimidating or nerve wracking. Will they accept me? What if I don't know what exactly I want to talk about in therapy? Or do I really want to open up about some of these things? All of these feelings are really normal when beginning counseling and I've had experience working with kids, teenagers, young adults, and adults to begin the journey of processing whatever they would like to work on in therapy. I offer collaborative, supportive, and honest therapy to provide my clients with therapy that helps them identify and work towards the changes they want to see in their lives. I would say my most successful clients have been clients who have been experiencing feelings of anxiety and processing past trauma. I have training in EMDR therapy to help assist with processing past trauma and I work from a theoretical framework of attachment theory, which emphasizes how past relationships impact current relationships. I also provide couples counseling as I have training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. I am currently accepting new clients and I'd love to talk over phone or email to see if I might be a good fit for you!

I am a National Board Certified Counselor (NCC), a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina (LCMHC), a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida (LMHC) and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). But I'm really a lot like you. I 've been through some stuff and learned how to heal, grow and change. I'd love to help you do the same My virtual office provides affordable, private counseling online for Florida and North Carolina residents. No need to leave your home or stress out. Just find a quiet spot and log on for your session. It's that easy! We use a HIPPA compliant web portal to ensure confidentiality and a quality connection with your therapist. Common issues treated include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, behavioral disorders, ADHD, eating disorders, self harming behavior, risky behavior, family conflict, co-occurring disorders, sexual abuse, life transition and trauma. The most powerful phrase in the human connection is "Me too." Whatever you're going through, you're not alone. Therapy is not for "crazy' people. It's for smart people like you, who recognize when they need a little help and who are brave enough to ask for it.

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Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

If you are reading this then I invite you to take a moment to appreciate what you have done. Despite the pain you are in, you have taken an important step toward change. Those whom I work with all have one thing in common—pain. Regardless of its form, nervousness, sadness, substance misuse, difficult thoughts, and/or traumatic memories, attempting to cope with this pain has led to more suffering. There now exists a gap between the life they are living and the one they desire. Life has become about avoiding, numbing, or distracting the pain away. Does this sound like you? If so, know this—you’re not broken, you’re stuck. My approach to stuckness involves working together to explore new methods for interacting with pain, ones that don’t result in more suffering. We will work to cultivate clarity around where you have been and where you’d like to go; giving you a deeper understanding of how to create a rich and meaningful life despite the pain. My counseling draws from a foundation of empathy, positive regard, and congruence. I incorporate ACT, CBT, and CPT into my work. Utilizing various treatment modalities allows me to tailor my approach to meet your unique needs. Add in a healthy dose of metaphors, humor, and hands-on practice to create an experience that is informative and transformational.

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Whether you have reoccurring symptoms or are facing a difficult time in your life right now, we are here to help. We work with clients experiencing various symptoms related to: Anxiety, ADHD, Body Image Issues, Depression, Family & Life Transitions, Low Self-esteem, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, Relationship Conflicts, Social Anxiety, Stress, Trauma, and Women’s Issues.

Welcome! I'm Shannon. I'm glad you're here, and acknowledge that connecting with a therapist is no easy step. Thank you for having the courage to contemplate connecting. For me, who you are - right now, in this moment - matters, is important, and is enough. Your voice matters; your story is important and set-apart; I wholeheartedly believe you are doing the best you can with what you have; and, I know you want to be the best possible version of You. I also know that change is hard. Taking steps towards one's best self often means looking into the corners of our lives; saying things aloud we've spent years only saying to ourselves; and, being willing to adjust our story from one filled with "if onlys" and "should'ves", to one of acceptance for our enough-ness then, and now. Change - it's not easy and can be uncomfortable, so it's my job to deeply listen; to affirm your experience; and, to create a space filled with reverence, safety, humility, loving-kindness, gentle challenge, and gratitude for your willingness to explore together. I will listen, if you are ready to share.

I offer traditional psychotherapy sessions, but I also work on stress management, mindfulness, emotional expression, relationship issues, depression, recovery and other issues.

Welcome to Beautifully Woven Counseling, where we specialize in guiding clients towards harmonizing the intricate interplay of MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT. Our approach is rooted in faith/spirituality, employing solutions-focused, strengths-based, and integrative interventions through a holistic lens. Recognizing that the body, mind, emotions, and spirit are integral facets in shaping a new reality and future, we seamlessly blend humanistic, psychodynamic, "family" systems, and transpersonal techniques. At Beautifully Woven Counseling, we forge a collaborative partnership with our clients, empowering them to craft more fulfilling and rewarding lives. Our therapeutic process is designed to intricately weave together the diverse threads of their experiences, ultimately creating a tapestry of resilience and self-discovery. Join us on the journey to become Beautifully Woven.

We’re here to support you through life’s challenges whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or seeking deeper self-understanding. At Insight Therapy Group, we offer inclusive, evidence-based therapy for older teens and adults navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. We believe in the power of meaningful connection, and we provide a safe, affirming space where you can feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Healing happens in connection. Let’s take that first step together.

Immediate availability! I specialize in women’s issues, relationship challenges, and supporting individuals and families impacted by autism or special needs. As a former special education teacher, a sibling of brothers with special needs, and a Christian, I bring both professional and personal insight. Using approaches like CBT, Gottman Methods, and EFT, I walk alongside you as you build healthier relationships and learn how reconnect with yourself and others. I practice through a HIPPA compliant Telehealth platform, which eliminates the need to find childcare and allows you to pursue counseling from the comfort of your own home. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing life’s challenges, including relationship issues, autism, women’s issues, OCD, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also specialize in parent coaching, ADHD, military families, and pre-marital and marriage counseling. My counseling approach focuses on building a genuine, trusting relationship with you, as that’s key to effective healing. I’m also happy to incorporate faith if it’s important to you. If you think we might be a good fit, I’d love to connect! In my free time, I enjoy being outside, a good cup of coffee, serving at church, baking, and listening to music.

I have a passion for getting to know the unique person that you are, and discovering ways to challenge and empower you. My goal is to help make you comfortable with change, and achieve the life goals that you have for yourself. I typically work with college students who are struggling to find the motivation to succeed and setting goals that feel like a good fit/realistic for them.