Therapists in Surf City, NC

Hello, my name is Bonita Hutchison. I am a Nationally Certified Trauma Therapist and hold dual licensure in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling in North Carolina / International Certification in Alcohol and Addiction Counseling / New Jersey Professional Mental Health Counselor Licensure and my License in California for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counseling . Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio is where I earned my Masters Degree in Agency and Community Counseling in 1998. Over the years, I have learned that many people who come in for depression or anger sometimes have drinking, eating or substance use issues they are also struggling with or have used to cover up their pain. Each year to better serve you and provide the help needed to live and feel better I have continued to master additional skills to support your needs and recovery. These methods and approaches to counseling include Mindfulness, Couples Counseling, Psychodynamic therapy, Motivational Interviewing and how to improve Sleep Habits. My career as a Professional Counselor started with caring for children and teaching them to make better choices. I learned how I could help Parents and their children address challenges and barriers to success in facilitation of groups, individual and family therapy. After attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and earning Post Graduate Certification as a Drug Counselor in 2010, then my North Carolina License Professional Counselor (LCMHC #7953) credential and in 2020 due to the pandemic New Jersey Temporary Licensure (LPC # 010006) to provide mental health Counseling and Alcohol and Addiction treatment ( LADC # 014783) I applied recently to the California Board for Behavioral Health Licensure and Continue to hold International and National credentials to support you where ever you find yourself. In September of 2022, after over two years of temp licensure in New Jersey the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy issued my Permanent NJ license as a Professional Mental Health Counselor. I’m a good listener and educator that provides a warm and person centered approach to counseling that allows others to feel safe and supported in therapy. I work with consumers from all over the world and hold the IC&RC International Certification (ICAADC) to provide therapy and coping skills to better manage life situations as a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. My work through mental health Counseling and as a Clinical Supervisor (LCMHC-S #S7953) in North Carolina is very rewarding and teaches me how to reduce your anxiety, manage depression symptoms, cope with ADHD, move past Guilt and Shame, process Grief and Relationship/Family issues. My Substance Abuse licensure in North Carolina (LCAS #2313) and California (LAADC #RA8620417) as well as Mental Health Professional Counselor in New Jersey (#37PC00850200) has allowed me to help people struggling with abuse, problems and explore the questions you have about relationships, eating disorders or emotions. Alcoholism, Mental Health and Drug Addiction do not discriminate and working in this field has allowed me to support and assist many people and families from a variety of cultural and spiritual backgrounds, races and relationship situations that were keeping them from reducing mental health symptoms, maintaining recovery or sobriety. I might be able help and I look forward to working with you!

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!

Beyond loving to help people become better individuals I enjoy exploring the world and learning new cultures, caring for animals and being outdoors. I have over 6 years of experience working in the mental health field. I earned a Master’s in Arts in Counseling Psychology from Anna Maria College and a Master’s in Science with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston. I have experience working in different settings such as at home, mental health agencies, hospital and school settings. I use a holistic approach in my treatment working with a diverse background with various mental health dispositions. Some of these areas I have experience in includes treating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, cultural diversity, work stressors, life transitions and also help in redefining values and beliefs. Modalities I have implemented in my treatment approaches includes cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, solution focused therapy, person centered therapy and expressive therapy. I also have pursued training in trauma focused therapy where I help individuals explore past traumatic events that shape them to who they are in the present moment and striving towards becoming better individuals in the present and future. By creating an unconditional, supportive and trustworthy environment I am hopeful to helping individuals explore their full potentials by using their challenges and strengths to reach their goals and to pursue future endeavors. Looking forward to exploring this journey together.

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina with over 15 years of experience working as a Therapist and Care Manager. I have worked with individuals with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and connected. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My experience includes working with adults, adolescents, children/families, and group work. I employ evidence-based treatments for mood disorders, anxiety, grief & loss. Specifically, my counseling approach is using cognitive-behavioral techniques and self-guided help. I will individualize our dialog and treatment plan to address your specific needs. The counseling relationship is a professional relationship based on trust, security, and mutual respect. In working together, the focus will be on you and your concerns, and will not involve my personal life or concerns. Because the counseling relationship is professional and not social, contact with you will be limited only to counseling sessions and telephone contact necessary for your treatment. These limits are designed to protect your best interests and to ensure that all energies are focused on your concerns. I believe that everyone I engage with should be able to have a better, more harmonious well-being every day and I look forward to helping you achieve that goal.

I am licensed in North Carolina with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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 mental health and addictions counselor with more than 13 years of experience working in community mental health and private practice. I earned my BS from North Carolina State University then earned a MA in Counseling from North Carolina Central University. I completed my practicum at Hospice, studying thanatology and my internship focused on counseling women with mental illness, addiction, and trauma. For 10 years, I worked with active duty military and their families providing solution focused counseling. I take an integrative approach to counseling focused on mind and body connection to support mental, physical, spiritual, and financial self-care. Outside of being a counselor, I am single older mom to an energetic toddler. I fully empathize that life takes us on unexpected course and at times pulls us out of balance. I am here to support and empower you on your journey to achieve your goals to lead the healthiest life.

I currently specialize in relationship counseling not limited to intimate relationships, but also everyday interactions i.e. working, organizational, non-traditional, casual, mutually beneficial, and structural. I am able to assist with communication which is a common underlying issue within relationship dysfunction. Whether a relationship exists in a professional or private setting, I am competent in adjusting a persons understanding of the situation to bring out the best outcome. I have lived in over 7 areas of the world and am open minded. The preferred methodologies for my treatment consist of but are not limited to Gestalt Therapy, Autogenic Training, CBT, Existential Therapy, and Grief Counseling. My strengths lie in understanding, compassion, and experience. I am able to channel superior levels of comprehension in the following areas: Abandonment Depression Jealousy Lack of Trust Anger Management Insecurity Relationship Strain Everyday Challenges Forgiveness I am a firm believer in meeting the client where they are. I have worked with veterans for over 10 years. I have experience with newlyweds and those wishing to maintain a healthy relationship. I believe that every relationship is different and that they are constantly evolving over time.

As a licensed therapist serving North Carolina, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating stress, anxiety, and self-esteem challenges. My professional journey has been dedicated to creating compassionate, affirming spaces where clients can explore their inner experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique story and strengths. I draw from evidence-based practices to help clients build resilience, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and cultivate greater self-understanding. With over a decade of clinical experience, I am committed to walking alongside my clients as they work toward healing and empowerment. I bring a culturally responsive lens to my therapeutic practice, recognizing the importance of identity, lived experience, and individual context. My goal is to provide supportive, personalized care that honors your full humanity and supports your journey toward wellness.

I am licensed in North Carolina with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

As a licensed therapist in North Carolina, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients to navigate life's challenges with compassion and resilience. With over a decade of experience, I bring deep expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My approach is rooted in understanding the unique experiences of diverse individuals, particularly those facing multicultural challenges, workplace stress, and interpersonal complexities. I'm committed to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore self-love, improve communication, and develop meaningful strategies for healing. I have extensive experience working with a wide range of concerns, including social anxiety, life transitions, family dynamics, and personal identity. My therapeutic style emphasizes holistic well-being, helping clients build self-esteem, overcome isolation, and discover their inner strength. I approach each session with cultural sensitivity, respect, and a genuine commitment to your personal journey.

I am licensed as a Psychologist in North Carolina and Pennsylvania with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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!

I am licensed in North Carolina with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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.

As a licensed therapist in North Carolina, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients develop resilience, self-compassion, and meaningful strategies for personal growth. I have extensive experience addressing stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, family conflicts, and grief. My therapeutic approach focuses on empowering individuals to explore self-love, improve communication, discover life purpose, and work through challenging emotions like guilt and shame. I create a compassionate, affirming space where clients can heal, transform, and reconnect with their inner strength. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I collaborate with clients to develop personalized approaches that honor their unique experiences and cultural backgrounds. Whether you're seeking support through life transitions, relationship challenges, or personal development, I'm committed to walking alongside you with genuine care and professional expertise.

As a licensed therapist in North Carolina, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on compassionate, personalized care that honors each client's unique journey. I have extensive experience helping people work through challenges like depression, anxiety, recovery, trauma, and relationship dynamics. My therapeutic practice focuses on empowering clients to develop self-love, explore life purpose, and heal from past experiences. I offer a supportive environment where individuals can address difficult emotions, work through shame and guilt, and develop healthier patterns of connection. Whether you're dealing with stress, relationship transitions, or personal growth challenges, I'm committed to walking alongside you with understanding and professional guidance. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a warm, non-judgmental space that respects diverse backgrounds and experiences. My goal is to help you build resilience, discover inner strengths, and move toward meaningful personal transformation.