Garner, NC Local Support & Community Resources

Theresa Barton-Barrett is a licensed professional counselor with extensive experience in helping individuals navigate the complex emotions associated with grief, particularly the loss of a loved one or a cherished pet. With a strong background in psychology and sociology, Theresa is known for her supportive, curious, and compassionate approach, often infused with a good sense of humor to ease the counseling process. Her expertise encompasses anxiety and navigating life transitions, making her a valuable ally for those seeking healthy changes in their lives. She also shares her insights as an author and has taught psychology and sociology, enriching her understanding of human behavior. For those who are fellow counselors, writers, artists, or educators, Theresa extends a special invitation to connect. She believes that the journey through counseling, although challenging, is profoundly rewarding and requires courage to embrace changes. Take a step towards self-care by considering Theresa as a guide on this transformative path.

There could be countless reasons that individuals seek help from Janelle Johnson, a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist. Some may struggle with day-to-day stress, feeling overwhelmed and unable to get out of bed. Others might be facing significant disruptions in their marriages or family dynamics, while some pregnant individuals may feel like they are no longer themselves. Regardless of the challenges, the central motivation for reaching out is the desire to achieve wellness. Janelle is committed to providing a supportive environment where families, couples, and individuals can work through various life stressors, including Post-Partum Depression, depression across the lifespan, marital and parenting issues, ADHD, and social anxiety. As the Founder and Co-Owner of Bridges Family Life Center, Janelle is also a Clinical Fellow of AAMFT and serves as the President Elect of the NC Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Board. Trained by Postpartum Support International and currently an AAMFT Supervisor Candidate, she takes great joy in training emerging family therapists and offering inclusion consulting on a national scale. Janelle's multifaceted approach incorporates various therapy types, including Trauma Focused, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), and Christian Counseling, ensuring a culturally sensitive and comprehensive experience for her clients.

Julie Ann Defalco is a compassionate and skilled clinical social worker and therapist with over 20 years of experience in the field. She understands that individuals often seek guidance on their identity, relationships, work, and the complexities of life. Julie believes that each person possesses the answers they seek within themselves, and her client-centered approach emphasizes collaboration. By starting with her clients' comfort levels, she empowers them to set the pace of their therapy journey. Julie expertly tailors her therapeutic style to meet the unique needs of each individual, combining insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT) alongside dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Her specialties include counseling teens and preteens, providing parenting training, and addressing mood disorders. Understanding that attending therapy for the first time can be daunting, Julie encourages new clients to bring their questions. She firmly believes that seeking counseling is a courageous step toward personal growth and mental wellness.