Therapists serving clients in Granite Falls, NC

Hi! My name is Donisa Hammond and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor residing in the state of North Carolina. For the last 7 years, I have devoted myself to the study of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, but most importantly the act of building relationships. I consider it an honor and privilege to walk through some of life's most challenging seasons with you. It is my job to help you to reflect carefully on the problems you are experiencing, to be mindful of your efforts at solutions and why they do or do not work, and to assist you in making what can be some difficult changes in your life. I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Fayetteville State University in 2012 and a Master's of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in 2014. I received my unrestricted license from the state of North Carolina in 2016. My areas of interest include but are not limited to, marital affairs, relationship conflict, depression, anxiety, transitional adjustments, and Biblically-based counseling. I am so excited that you've chosen to take this step to mental wellness. It is a journey, but one absolutely worth taking. I look forward to working with you!

I have over 15 years of experience as a clinical mental health counselor, educator, and coach. My style is eclectic and based on each client’s individual needs. My philosophy emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, positive relationships, and empowerment for success, and I take an action-oriented, person-centered approach with my clients. As a former school counselor, I offer educational counseling to assist students in developing social and academic skills, as well as assist parents in addressing educational needs. My passion is helping anyone with ADHD, and I work with adolescents, collegiate, and adults of all ages to develop coping strategies to foster personal growth and development. I have a background in managing budgets and projects while ensuring alignment of financial resources with organizational priorities. I work with entrepreneurs and professionals to help them lead more effectively, get clear on their priorities, complete tasks, and delegate more effectively by understanding how their brains function best. I can provide leadership assessments such as 360 and the Workplace Big 5 as well. I earned my master’s degree in counseling as well as an MBA from Wake Forest University (Go Deacs!) I look forward to working with you!

Qualifications/Experience: I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina Central University (December, 2011) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from North Carolina Central University (May, 2005). In February 2012, I obtained certification as a National Certified Counselor (#291252). In March 2014, I obtained licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (#9304). I began counseling work during my graduate practicum in January 2011 at a community mental health agency located in Raleigh, NC. I continued my training during my internship in August, 2011 at a community mental health agency located in Durham, NC. I have ten years of post-graduate experience providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults in individual, group, couples, and family settings. Areas of treatment have surrounded personal, behavioral, emotional, relationship, and family difficulties, as well as working with clients with histories of trauma. Nature of Counseling: There are many reasons people seek counseling; regardless of the reasons, I believe an enhanced sense of self understanding and acceptance is essential including understanding how past experiences have shaped the way we view ourselves, as well as how we understand and relate to others. Therapy provides the opportunity for growth, self-discovery and insight in the context of a safe, supportive environment. Each client is unique and presents with his or her own counseling needs and concerns. For this reason, there is no one approach that may work best for everyone. Overall, I have an eclectic and multicultural approach in providing psychotherapy. With this principle in mind, I utilize integrative models involving Rational Emotive Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-focused Therapy, and Reality therapy. I may occasionally request that you do “homework” by way of providing you with further reinforcement to concepts discussed in session or simply to prompt further insight and self exploration. Effects of Counseling: It is important to understand the risks and benefits of counseling. Since therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, or frustration. On the other hand, psychotherapy has also been shown to have many benefits. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, significant reductions in feelings of distress, and an overall improved well-being. Given the nature of psychotherapy, it is difficult to predict exactly what will happen in terms of therapeutic outcome or to provide a clear estimate of time required in order for a client to reach his or her personal goals. One of the best indicators though for success in therapy often involves the motivation level of the client such as being open to the process of change, being consistent with attending sessions, and working on goals outside of sessions. Guided Philosophy: My belief is that clients have the capacity to learn, change, and grow so that they may experience more meaningful, healthier, and happier lives. The fact that you are seeking counseling demonstrates your commitment to your mental and emotional health as well as your inner strength in identifying when seeking support is necessary. My role is to facilitate that process and partner with you on your journey, whatever that journey may be. Whether it is healing emotional wounds, enhancing life coping skills or simply general self-improvement, I look forward to helping address whatever counseling needs you may have. Counseling Relationship: Although our sessions may be very intimate emotionally and psychologically, ours is a professional relationship rather than a social one. As such, maintaining professional boundaries is a vital component in the therapeutic relationship, and I will uphold those boundaries in order to ensure an appropriate therapeutic relationship. Use of Diagnosis: I utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) to make clinical diagnoses. While I do accept insurance, it is generally important for clients to understand, that if a client is using insurance, it is typically necessary for a diagnosis to be given in order for claims to be serviced. In addition to a diagnosis, insurance companies may also request treatment plans or summaries. This information, including the diagnosis would become part of the client’s permanent record. Another scenario whereby diagnoses and other clinical information may be shared (upon client’s consent) is if a client transfers to another therapist or collaboration is necessary with a client’s physician or psychiatrist, for example. Confidentiality: Discussions between you and me, and even the fact that you are in therapy with me, are confidential. In psychotherapy, very intimate and personal details of yourself and your life may be revealed and for this, I regard with the utmost care and respect. Having confidentiality and trust is essential to your therapeutic experience and therapeutic outcome. However, exceptions to confidentiality do exist. These exceptions include, but are not limited to, the following situations: 1. If I determine that you may be in danger to yourself or others. 2. If you provide information that leads me to believe that a child (under 18 years of age), elderly person, or disabled adult is or has been abused or neglected. 3. A court order has been issued to release information about you and your clinical record. 4. If you request in writing that I may release information about you. Client Rights: Some clients achieve their goals in only a few counseling sessions; others may require months or even years of therapy. As a client, you are in complete control and may end our counseling relationship at any time, though I do ask that you participate in a termination session. You also have the right to refuse or discuss modification of any of my counseling techniques or suggestions that you believe might be harmful.

Description of me for clients I am Les Brinson, and I am a Ph.D. licensed psychologist. As a service provider, I have been associated with mental health, counseling, and treatment agencies exclusively since 1961. In that 50+ year journey I have had responsibilities for everything behavioral from managing, teaching, and treating a wide range of clients including college students, residential placed teenagers presenting mostly with conduct disorders and cognitive delays to providing individual and group therapy to inmates in a local federal prison to a 40-year term as a university professor and department chair where I taught all of counseling and psychotherapy courses in the curriculum during my tenure. Essentially, I have always carved out time to provide counseling and therapy to clients which have always been my passion. In terms of my mode or modes of counseling or therapy, at some point in my career, I have been an advocate and user of the more popular ones such as Client-Centered Therapy, to CBT to an approach that I have used successfully. I refer to it as “Systemic Psychotherapy”. Therefore, I consider myself a classic eclectic. In sum, I try to determine early on where the client is and then draw on my knowledge and experiences to employ a suitable effective, and efficient treatment approach to move the client to heal or rehabilitation as quickly as possible.

I am licensed in North Carolina with 6 years of work experience as a licensed clinical mental health counselor. I have experience in helping clients with managing symptoms of stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, loss of motivation, self esteem, and confidence, as well as bipolar disorder and trauma related symptoms. 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in North Carolina with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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. 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 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, & anger management. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Hello, my name is Julie Bridges, and I am a licensed counselor in the states of Mississippi and North Carolina. I decided to become a counselor after receiving therapy myself for anxiety and addiction issues. Therapy can make a huge difference in your life. I have several years of experience working with adults in an acute care psychiatric facility. I also have experience providing group support in a Christian faith-based recovery ministry. I work with adults with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and anger. My therapeutic approaches are mainly Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have additional training in EMDR and IFS work. I offer a supportive, listening ear for you while helping you to identify needed changes for a better life. Together, we can identify strengths and goals to begin the process of resolving life issues and building stronger mental health. Therapy works best when there is good rapport between counselor and counselee. I am interested in hearing what you have to say so that I can work with you to find solutions. I am glad you have reached out to Better Help and I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in North Carolina with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!