Find a Therapist in Asheville, NC

Matthew Parkinson is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and supervisor specializing in mindfulness-based therapy tailored for adults and elders. With a focus on men's issues, anxiety management, and personal growth, he guides his clients toward a kinder relationship with themselves, fostering deeper connections with others. His therapeutic approach often begins with guided meditation, helping clients settle into awareness of their mind and body. This mindfulness practice allows individuals to confront self-criticism and automatic negative thoughts, creating a more intentional and confident path towards their goals. By cultivating a present and aware mindset, Matthew enables his clients to navigate their inner landscapes, gently addressing the inner critic and untangling the complexities of their emotions. His dedication to integrating diverse therapeutic modalities ensures a comprehensive and compassionate journey for each individual.

Open Path Psychotherapy Collective is a Licensed Professional Counselor, holding an MA, LPC, and PhD, known for their compassionate approach to therapy. They specialize in supporting individuals across various age groups — from children aged 6 to 10 and preteens to teens, adults, and elders — in navigating life's many challenges. Open's areas of expertise include anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and relationship issues. Their therapeutic techniques are vast and varied, incorporating expressive arts, somatic practices, and trauma-focused approaches. With a deep understanding of family systems and integrative modalities, they employ methods such as EMDR, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to tailor their approach to each client’s unique needs. Open is dedicated to fostering healing and growth through a warm, engaging, and relationship-centered therapeutic environment, making a significant impact on the lives they touch.

Rebecca Pearce is a compassionate clinical social worker and therapist, holding LCSW and LCAS credentials. She specializes in helping individuals overcome anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and issues related to eating patterns and body image. Her practice supports those navigating transformative life events, including divorce, estrangement, coming out, or relocation. Additionally, she assists clients impacted by the addiction of others or those caring for loved ones facing illness. Recognizing that life can be challenging, Rebecca believes that the journey through pain should not be undertaken in isolation; true healing occurs within the supportive embrace of a community. By creating a safe and nurturing environment, she empowers her clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and bodily awareness, fostering self-awareness and resilience. Ultimately, her mission is to assist individuals in living their fullest lives, unveiling their true essence through holistic healing and personal growth.

Amparo Penny, a Licensed Professional Counselor (MA, LCMHC, C-DBT), is dedicated to providing compassionate support to preteens, teens, adults, and elders facing challenges such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), women's issues, and eating disorders. With a rich background in various therapeutic modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused therapy, Amparo creates a safe and nurturing environment for her clients. Her culturally sensitive and strength-based approach empowers individuals and families to navigate their journey towards healing and self-discovery. Amparo's extensive experience equips her to work with various client configurations, ensuring personalized, emotionally focused, and effective therapy tailored to each unique story. By embracing an intuitive eating philosophy and employing Motivational Interviewing techniques, she encourages a deeper connection to personal values and fosters lasting transformation.

Erica Perez, MSW, LCSW, LCAS-A, is dedicated to journeying alongside women who have faced challenges such as abuse, domestic violence, and addiction. She expertly guides clients to reclaim their power and rebuild trust and confidence, ultimately helping them become their most resilient and authentic selves. Many of her clients confront anxious feelings regarding the unknown and the burdens of their past experiences, transitioning from merely surviving to thriving in life. Though they may feel a loss of hope for the future, Erica believes that motivation and hard work can reignite that hope. She approaches therapy through a person-centered and strengths-based lens that emphasizes non-judgment, authenticity, and compassion. Having transformed from a lost and angry girl into a resilient woman through community support, counseling, and commitment, Erica understands the value of a strong therapeutic alliance. As clients explore new coping strategies, they may face discomfort, but with her support, they will uncover the peace they deserve. Erica is committed to empowering women to take the brave steps needed to become who they want to be.

Robert Peter Jacoby, a licensed professional counselor with two decades of experience, understands that relationships, much like life, can be a delightful yet daunting emotional adventure. He believes that finding the right therapist is essential for navigating the complexities of past traumas and achieving happiness. At the heart of his approach is a commitment to helping individuals uncover the excitement in self-exploration and to provide practical strategies that can reshape beliefs and behaviors, leading to authentic fulfillment, joy, love, and a sense of belonging. Robert specializes in working with individuals, couples, and families who face challenges in communication and conflict resolution, as well as struggling teens, professionals grappling with mood disorders, and those navigating grief, loss, and trauma. He is particularly passionate about parenting and enhancing relationships with partners, children, and oneself. In his practice, Robert offers a variety of therapeutic modalities including individual, group, and family therapies, employing techniques such as process therapy, EMDR, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, along with customized 1-3 day family intensives. Utilizing CBT and DBT, he guides his clients towards realizing how their thoughts shape their realities. Additionally, Robert provides Corporate Cultural Assessment, Workplace and Program Cultural Re-Conditioning, and Life Coaching services.

Growth Point Collaborative Counseling is dedicated to helping individuals explore the motivations behind their behaviors and emotions. With a focus on clients who are curious about gaining agency in their life choices, Growth Point guides them in identifying the path forward. Together, they examine personal narratives and address areas that need attention, fostering a sense of clarity regarding values, boundaries, and supportive practices that promote freedom and authenticity. This collaborative process continues to refine the life clients are crafting from the one they were given. Specializing in workplace burnout recovery and prevention, Growth Point offers assistance to adults, survivors of enduring challenges, and those in professions that demand significant emotional investment. With a foundation in anti-oppression principles and committed action, Growth Point collaborates with clients to navigate their experiences using shared wisdom. Upholding the belief that everyone deserves a meaningful, safe, and value-driven life, Growth Point emphasizes the importance of regaining a sense of agency regardless of past experiences. Therapeutic relationships are characterized by nurturing, boundaries, and respect, fostering authentic communication in the present moment. Growth Point invites individuals to see how they can be supportive in their journey toward personal growth and fulfillment.

Justina Prenatt, MS, LCMHC, is a compassionate counselor dedicated to helping adults and elders navigate life’s complexities in today's challenging environment. She understands that many individuals struggle with self-confidence, fulfilling relationships, and the multifaceted demands of finances, family, work, and self-care. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these challenges, Justina works with her clients to foster a robust sense of self, shaped by personal experiences and societal influences. In her therapeutic practice, she empowers individuals to cultivate a positive relationship with themselves, serving as the foundation for thriving in all aspects of life, including partnerships, friendships, family, work, creativity, and spirituality. Her areas of expertise include women's issues, relationship challenges, and self-esteem enhancement. Whether clients face anxiety, depression, parenting difficulties, or trauma recovery, Justina utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness techniques. She believes in the importance of reclaiming life’s joy, peace, and self-actualization through practices such as gratitude, healthy boundaries, effective communication, and connection to nature. Justina is committed to guiding her clients in healing deeply, enhancing enjoyment in life, and embracing their true selves.

Jolene Gervasi is a dedicated counselor with extensive expertise in helping adults navigate through life's challenges. Holding degrees and certifications in counseling, including MS, LCMHCS, LCAS, and CCS, she specializes in addressing trauma and PTSD, life transitions, and codependency. Jolene employs a variety of therapy types adapted to her clients' unique needs, such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Trauma-Focused therapy. With a keen understanding of the intricacies of the human experience, she utilizes modalities like EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to facilitate healing and personal growth. Her warm, empathetic approach creates a safe environment for individuals seeking transformation and resilience in their lives.

Elizabeth Guest, a Clinical Social Worker and Therapist (LCSW), understands that not all therapists are alike, and choosing one can be a challenge. With her expertise in modern analytic and psychodynamic therapy, she offers talk therapy that is straightforward and effective. In her sessions, clients engage in conversations while Elizabeth listens intently, effectively studying their minds at their own pace. She is genuinely interested in understanding what shapes each individual, creating a meaningful connection that fosters growth. Known for her kindness, compassion, and a big heart, Elizabeth brings warmth to her therapy sessions, often incorporating humor and a playful style that reflects her belief in not taking life too seriously. Her downtown office is a bright and welcoming space, featuring high ceilings and large windows that create an inviting atmosphere. The orange couch symbolizes the comfort and safety she provides, ensuring that clients always have a place to explore their thoughts and feelings with Elizabeth.

Jess Rae Otolinsky is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with a passion for supporting new mothers, expectant mothers, and women on a journey of self-discovery. Clients often perceive her as strong and composed, but she understands the overwhelming emotions that can lie beneath the surface. Feelings of guilt, worry, and self-doubt are common, and Jess creates a nonjudgmental and patient environment where these feelings can be expressed and explored. She emphasizes that it is perfectly normal to question one's parenting choices and feels deeply committed to helping clients navigate their complex emotions surrounding motherhood. Jess expertly utilizes a variety of therapy types, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Expressive Arts, and Trauma-Focused techniques, and is dedicated to providing a space where clients can feel heard and valued. Her approach is rooted in the belief that every client's brokenness is a source of beauty and meaning, ready to be transformed into something authentically their own. Jess strives to assist individuals in reclaiming their identity in a world that sometimes feels fragmented, recognizing that healing can illuminate even the darkest parts of life.

Janelle Railey is a licensed professional counselor with a Master’s degree who understands that finding the right therapist can be a vital and sometimes challenging journey. She recommends initial consultations for clients to meet her personally, discuss their concerns, and assess their connection. Janelle's therapeutic approach is characterized by a nurturing, mindful, and responsive style that caters to each individual's unique situation. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and understanding, steering away from a purely pathological view of issues and promoting therapy as an active partnership. Clients appreciate her guidance in differentiating between thoughts, feelings, and sensations, which fosters a strong mind/body connection, enhances self-regulation, and helps break negative thought cycles. Janelle specializes in supporting individuals whose overlapping challenges can negatively influence their self-perception and relationships with others. Known for her grounded and exceptionally trained expertise, Janelle continuously explores her own growth, enabling her to empathize with clients from diverse backgrounds. Those who work with her often feel that therapy not only affirms their sanity and goodness but also reconnects them with their innate wisdom.

Susan Rainsford, MA, LPC, is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor who understands that seeking therapy requires courage. With over two decades of experience in providing psychotherapy in Asheville, she is honored to guide individuals, couples, and families toward positive change. Susan serves a diverse community, including the LGBTQ+ population, offering compassionate and professional therapy for a range of issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, parenting skills, couple conflicts, life transitions, divorce, post-traumatic stress, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. Her therapeutic approach is characterized as holistic and integrative, fostering a self-empowering and collaborative environment. She employs a variety of evidence-based methods tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of her clients, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Expressive Arts, and Play Therapy. Susan believes that each individual possesses unique strengths and gifts, while also facing personal challenges. It is her privilege to provide the necessary support and effective tools for change, helping clients reach their highest potential.