Chapel Hill, NC Local Support & Community Resources

Dr. Katherine Prakken is a compassionate psychologist with a PhD, dedicated to guiding adults and elders through their personal journeys towards healing and self-discovery. Her expertise encompasses a range of critical issues, including marital and premarital challenges, women's issues, and eating disorders, reflecting her deep commitment to supporting individuals and couples in navigating life's complexities. With an array of therapeutic approaches at her disposal, from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dr. Prakken tailors her methods to meet the unique needs of her clients. She passionately employs the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy, helping couples build stronger, more resilient relationships. Dr. Prakken's warm and empathetic nature fosters a safe environment for exploration and growth, allowing her clients to engage in meaningful conversations and develop strategies for personal and relational well-being. With a focus on both individual and relational dynamics, she helps her clients achieve transformative progress, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

Sara Michelson, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist who brings an empathic and supportive approach to her clients, blending active treatment that is informed by scientific research. She creates a non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore their thoughts and feelings. Specializing in trauma, anxiety, and insomnia, Sara implements evidence-based practices that integrate current research with her extensive clinical expertise. Her therapeutic style recognizes the importance of understanding patterns in how clients think, feel, and behave, and she emphasizes shifting these patterns to help them achieve their goals. Sara equips her clients with concrete skills that foster meaningful change in their lives. With experience in diverse settings, including VA hospitals, private practice, and collaboration with public safety and law enforcement agencies, Sara has honed her skills through specialized pre and post-doctoral training at esteemed institutions such as Yale University, Northwestern University, and The University of Chicago. Her commitment to culturally sensitive therapy ensures that each individual is treated with respect and understanding, focusing on their unique needs.

Dr. Kendra A. Surmitis is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with a PhD, LPC, and NCC. She offers a comfortable and private space for adults and elders seeking personalized counseling, mindfulness, dream work, and psychoanalysis. Her approach integrates various effective modalities including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and humanistic methods. Clients who wonder about the impact of their early relationships on their current lives and those seeking pathways to deeper fulfillment find support in her compassionate practice. Dr. Surmitis is dedicated to aiding individuals in addressing a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and the effects of trauma. As an accomplished author and researcher, she has a specific focus on self-authorship, self-injury, and dreams, ensuring she brings a wealth of knowledge to her sessions. Additionally, her practice emphasizes wellness perspectives, making it a discrete and welcoming location for personal counseling experiences. With options for teletherapy, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, trauma-sensitive yoga, and wellness-focused counseling, Dr. Surmitis provides an array of therapeutic services designed to meet her clients' diverse needs.