Find a Therapist in Jacksonville, NC

Lori Svendsen Brown, a licensed professional counselor, firmly believes that seeking the help of a mental health professional is one of the most impactful decisions anyone can make. Her own experience during a challenging time in her life highlighted the importance of having a supportive counselor, who provided clarity and insight into her relationships. Inspired by this transformative experience, Lori dedicated herself to becoming a mental health counselor to empower others on their journeys. With over 20 years of experience in the public school system, she has successfully utilized behavior modification and cognitive behavior therapy in her practice. As a behaviorist at heart, Lori is committed to creating a safe environment where individuals can express their thoughts and emotions honestly. By taking the first step in exploring counseling, clients are already on the path to a better tomorrow, guided by Lori's warm and compassionate approach to therapy.

Teresa Tinklenberg, a compassionate Marriage and Family Therapist (MA, LMFT), thrives in creating an unconditionally accepting environment founded upon empathy, warmth, and genuineness. She collaborates closely with her clients to develop tailored treatment plans that cater to their unique needs, understanding the bravery it takes to share personal life challenges with a trusted professional. With a wealth of experience in Maternal Child Health and a strong focus on family dynamics, Teresa is dedicated to facilitating and validating the healing journey toward personal empowerment. She specializes in addressing anxiety, relationship issues, and depression, employing a range of effective therapy types including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Expressive Arts, and Family Systems approaches. Teresa also emphasizes psycho-education in mindfulness techniques and stress management, assisting clients in effectively managing stress and emotional challenges. For individuals and families grappling with addiction, she collaborates with a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor, ensuring a holistic treatment plan that prioritizes the best interests of those she serves. Through evidenced-based treatment practices, Teresa's goal is to provide the least harmful options for recovery, striving to empower her clients in their paths forward.

Jennifer Walsh, a Licensed Professional Counselor with credentials including LCMHC and NCC, brings over 9 years of experience working with children and more than 5 years with adults. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of issues, including coping skills and anxiety, making her a compassionate guide for those navigating the complexities of life. Jennifer primarily works with individuals and families but also offers couples counseling when necessary. She is dedicated to fostering a safe, judgment-free space where clients feel empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions. With a diverse array of therapeutic modalities at her disposal, including Expressive Arts, Trauma Focused therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Jennifer supports her clients in developing new skills for clarity and success. By helping clients set healthy boundaries in their relationships, manage work-related stress, and improve co-parenting dynamics, she is committed to their journey of personal growth and transformation, ultimately guiding them toward becoming the best version of themselves.

Darcy Winward is a compassionate counselor and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC, LMHC) dedicated to supporting individuals (ages 18+) on their journey towards self-discovery and healing. Recognizing the courage it takes to seek help, Darcy prioritizes creating a welcoming and safe environment that fosters vulnerability and openness. Through a strength-based and client-oriented approach, he assists clients in exploring their inner dialogue, past experiences, and current life functioning, all aimed at promoting self-awareness, inner peace, and self-acceptance. Darcy believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship as a cornerstone for life improvement and collaborates with clients to build trust, accountability, and understanding. His expertise extends to guiding individuals through relationship challenges, honing effective communication strategies, and fostering self-advocacy. With licensure in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and North Carolina, Darcy is committed to empowering individuals to realize their potential for change and growth.

Christina Allegri is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) who holds a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. With a certificate from the Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) program at Evergreen Certifications 2020, she specializes in helping teens and adults navigate complex issues, including trauma and PTSD, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Christina believes in the importance of meeting clients where they are and creating a safe, non-threatening environment that encourages personal growth and healing. She works collaboratively with her clients, equipping them with the skills they need to facilitate change. Primarily using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Christina focuses on building psychological flexibility, enabling her clients to engage in what is meaningful to them. Known for her non-judgmental and empathic approach, Christina fosters therapeutic relationships characterized by unconditional positive regard. Her passion for her work shines through as she supports clients in breaking free from unproductive thought patterns and finds freedom in their lives. As a valued member of the Agape Counseling Associates team, Christina is eager to support individuals during their current life transitions and is open to integrating faith into the therapeutic journey. She holds firmly to the belief that lasting change is found in Christ.

Debra Ann Rhodes is dedicated to creating a brave space where individuals can explore their thoughts and emotions that may be impacting their daily lives and overall quality of life. With her background in social work and clinical therapy, she skillfully guides clients through challenges related to anxiety, depression, grief, and the various transitions life presents. By empowering clients to recognize themselves as the experts of their own lives, Debra fosters greater self-awareness that aids in clarifying their desired life path and achieving their personal goals. Her compassionate approach reflects a genuine commitment to each individual’s journey toward healing and fulfillment.

Accepting Boundaries Counseling Services provides compassionate support for individuals seeking growth and healing. Clients who feel trapped in the routines of life, grappling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or trauma, will find a dedicated ally in this skilled therapist. With a focus on building a therapeutic relationship grounded in mutual respect, Accepting Boundaries helps clients uncover tailored solutions that align with their unique aspirations. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing, this Licensed Professional Counselor employs effective techniques to foster resilience and empower clients. The therapeutic environment prioritizes confidentiality, ensuring that all discussions remain private and secure. Accepting Boundaries understands the significance of creating a safe and non-judgmental outlet in the journey towards mental wellness, offering a genuine presence filled with compassion and care. This approach allows clients to navigate their mental health challenges with confidence and hope for a better quality of life.

Paula Briedis is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is dedicated to providing thoughtful, compassionate, and individualized therapy. She helps individuals, couples, and families navigate their unique journeys toward change and personal growth. With a focus on equipping, encouraging, and engaging her clients, Paula addresses a wide range of concerns, including trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, life transitions, grief, and relationship issues. She has a particular expertise in working with survivors of sexual abuse and trauma. Paula offers various therapy modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Christian Counseling, EMDR, Gestalt therapy, Couples Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy, tailored to meet the needs of teens, adults, and elders over the age of 65. Her commitment to helping others through their challenges highlights her role as a compassionate guide on the often rough roads of life.

Lontonia Bryant is a licensed professional counselor who understands the challenges many individuals face, including feelings of depression, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. She also recognizes the struggle that parents experience when their adolescents or teens are isolating, defiant, or feeling low. Lontonia believes that reaching out for support demonstrates immense courage, and she provides a process that is exhilarating, challenging, and deeply rewarding as clients gain clarity through increased awareness. With a commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, her goal as a therapist is to help clients uncover the strengths they already possess while building new skills to navigate the challenges and stresses of life. Although the difficult situations of the past cannot be changed, Lontonia collaborates with clients to better understand and resolve their current challenges. As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, she compassionately examines the intricate relationships between thoughts, feelings, and actions, identifying faulty beliefs and recurring patterns. Clients appreciate the safe space she provides, where they can work through their life issues. In working with Lontonia, clients will find a dedicated partner in their journey toward self-improvement and the development of awareness that fosters acceptance, questioning, and positive change in themselves and their relationships.

Margaret Catherine Benjamin is a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC, NCC, MA) and currently a doctoral candidate at Liberty University, pursuing her EdD in Community Care with a focus on traumatology. She utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with her clients and has a passion for educating and empowering the next generation of counselors. With extensive experience in providing clinical supervision to many provisionally licensed clinicians and master’s level interns, Margaret is dedicated to fostering growth in the field of mental health. Her enthusiasm for teaching new counselors reflects her commitment to the profession and community.

Lisa Colella, LCSWA, is a compassionate therapist dedicated to guiding individuals through their unique challenges, whether stemming from trauma and PTSD, life transitions, or traumatic brain injuries. She understands that at times life can feel overwhelming, much like being faced with a truck full of lemons. Lisa skillfully utilizes various therapeutic modalities, including mindfulness-based strategies, to help her clients identify and navigate negative thoughts, deep emotions, and behavior patterns. In her practice, she creates a warm and judgment-free environment where clients feel safe to unpack their experiences and express their concerns, whether they relate to finances, relationships, or self-care. By fostering a collaborative space, Lisa empowers her clients to restore balance in their lives and improve their interpersonal relationships, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life. Together, they can confront and work through the obstacles that prevent them from feeling their best.

Teresa Cox Mayle is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, known for her dedication to supporting children, adolescents, and adults facing anxiety, depression, and traumatic experiences. She offers both telemental health and in-person sessions within a warm and inviting office space, previously shared with a supportive chiropractic practice. Many clients are drawn not only to the professional guidance Teresa provides but also to Nala, an emotional support dog who adds to the comforting atmosphere. Teresa specializes in addressing relationship challenges, personal struggles, and the effects of acute or chronic trauma. With clinical expertise in EMDR, Flash technique, trauma-focused treatments, and hypnosis, she utilizes her lived experiences to cultivate an effective therapeutic environment for her clients dealing with trauma and PTSD.

Maria Donaty-Gurba is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, holding credentials as an LCSW, LCAS, and RN. She understands that reaching out for help can be a challenging step, especially for those grappling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and various life transitions. Her practice is centered around providing support for individuals, couples, and families facing issues such as relationship dynamics, medical challenges, addiction, and the difficulties of making tough decisions. Maria utilizes a blend of traditional therapies enriched with neuroscience and mindfulness practices to help clients uncover the root causes of their struggles. Her approach integrates various therapy types, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Compassion Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With Maria, clients will experience a therapeutic environment filled with respect and dignity, where they can freely express their feelings and grow into their true selves. Known for her warm, nonjudgmental demeanor, she is an attentive listener who genuinely cares about the well-being and personal goals of those she serves. Maria is committed to guiding her clients through challenging times with compassion and expertise.