Find a Therapist in Wilmington, NC

Julee Young Llanos is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate with a Master’s degree in Education (MAEd). With a notable certification from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC/NCC), she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Julee specializes in providing effective therapeutic support for preteens, teens, adults, and elders dealing with challenges such as coping skills, anxiety, and relationship issues. She utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapy types, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Her approach is tailored to individual needs, whether working with couples, families, or individuals, and emphasizes a collaborative, person-centered method. With her extensive training and thoughtful care, Julee fosters a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their feelings and grow toward positive change.

Meredith Bell is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist, holding an MSW and LCSW-A, who understands the challenges of finding peace of mind in today’s fast-paced world. She is passionate about addressing the needs of children, adolescents, emerging adults, and adults on their journey towards healing, understanding, and personal growth. Whether individuals are dealing with grief, anxiety, depression, risky behaviors, or intrusive thoughts, Meredith is honored to provide the support and guidance needed. Her approach is personalized and strengths-based, utilizing mindfulness alongside a variety of holistic techniques. Understanding that everyone has fundamental needs, Meredith fosters a non-judgmental space where individuals can feel safe to explore their experiences and seek assistance. Her commitment to her clients and their well-being is evident, making her a compassionate choice for those in need of therapeutic support.

Jennifer Lilly, a compassionate and dedicated Counselor (MA, LCMHC, NCC), believes in being a safe haven for her clients, offering encouragement and a non-judgmental listening ear. She provides peace, warmth, empathy, and understanding, aiming to help individuals find freedom, clarity, and direction in their lives. Motivated by a passion for guiding people in discovering their identities and fulfilling their ultimate purposes, Jennifer utilizes a holistic approach that encompasses mind, body, and spirit. She enjoys working with clients grappling with issues like depression, anxiety, and negative self-perception, and collaborates with individuals facing challenges in their relationships with friends, spouses, or family. Additionally, she offers support to those whose anxiety is linked to perfectionism or sexual identity struggles. Jennifer is experienced in counseling students who face ADHD, academic difficulties, angry outbursts, mood swings, and bullying, and she provides specialized support for children who have been adopted or are in foster care. Her background includes crisis stabilization for children, family counseling, and intensive in-home therapy for high-risk children and teens, enhancing her ability to create a nurturing therapeutic environment for all age groups.

Hayden Ahlbrandt, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, specializes in helping children aged preteen, toddler, and elementary school overcome overwhelming emotions that often lead to behavioral issues and anxiety. Understanding that many kids struggle with feelings of paralyzing fear and frustrations over perceived imperfections, Hayden creates a warm, supportive environment where children can feel safe to express themselves. Through engaging Play Therapy sessions, Hayden employs therapeutic techniques tailored to help these children learn essential self-regulation skills and navigate emotional challenges effectively. Additionally, Hayden offers valuable resources and consultations for caregivers during each therapy session, ensuring that families are supported in fostering their child's emotional growth outside the therapy room. With a commitment to empowering children and their families, Hayden Ahlbrandt is dedicated to transforming what seems like insurmountable obstacles into manageable experiences.

Erica Alford is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in providing compassionate therapy to adults and elders. With a master’s degree in social work from UNC-Charlotte, she has had the opportunity to work with a diverse clientele, addressing a range of challenges including depression, anxiety, life transitions, and health decline. Erica employs a person-centered and strength-based approach in her practice, focusing on recognizing her clients' inherent strengths while introducing them to effective coping strategies. She creates a safe, non-judgmental environment, allowing her clients to express their struggles freely. Erica offers individual therapy that is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, as well as therapy for families dealing with issues such as family conflict and grief. With her expertise in mindfulness-based therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and relational therapy, Erica is committed to guiding her clients through their difficulties with understanding and support.

Haylee Allen is a dedicated therapist with a wealth of experience in various roles, including prevention specialist and program director. She takes great joy in helping young children, teenagers, and adults find balance in their everyday lives. Her extensive expertise covers mental health therapy, chemical dependency counseling, curriculum development, care management, and substance misuse prevention and education. Haylee has worked with youth and adults across diverse settings, including foster care, outpatient and inpatient treatment centers, and private practice. She believes in the inherent voice of each individual, seeking to be understood. Through compassionate therapy that often incorporates play therapy methods, children can truly thrive. Adults who feel stuck, disconnected, or simply seek to be heard can find emotional and mental balance through Haylee’s empathetic approach, which is tailored to the unique needs of each client. Haylee is passionate about enhancing the holistic well-being of individuals and promoting resilience for individuals, couples, and families through her person-centered approach and a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at achieving individualized goals.

Brenda Knierim, MSW, LCSW, is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience in assisting children, adults, and families. Her treatment approach is strength-based and client-centered, emphasizing collaboration to help individuals identify and overcome life stressors to foster positive change. She specializes in working with children and parents to address childhood disorders such as ADHD, ODD, adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Brenda also supports adults dealing with similar challenges related to depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. Utilizing a range of therapeutic interventions tailored to specific needs, she incorporates behavior modification, cognitive therapy, expressive play, role modeling, social skills training, and rational emotive therapy. Brenda also employs dialectical behavior interventions, focusing on mindfulness and assertiveness to enhance coping strategies. Her goal is to empower clients to navigate existing challenges effectively and cultivate resilience.

Loren Bahor is a compassionate and skilled Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, holding a Master of Social Work from Fordham University, where they graduated in 2016. With a wealth of experience, Loren specializes in assisting adults grappling with issues such as ADHD, anxiety, and significant life transitions. Utilizing an eclectic approach, Loren integrates various therapeutic modalities, including Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to tailor sessions that best meet the needs of each client. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, Loren is dedicated to fostering an environment of growth and healing, helping clients navigate their journeys with empathy and understanding.

Rick Barney, a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and therapist, specializes in guiding individuals and families navigating challenging life transitions, mental health issues, and addiction. His passion lies in empowering those impacted by trauma and PTSD, helping them discover their inner wisdom and cultivate meaningful relationships with themselves and others. By fostering collaborative and trusting relationships, Rick enables his clients to confront challenges and strive toward becoming their best selves. He adopts an integrative therapeutic approach, including experiential therapy, trauma-focused techniques, and motivational interviewing, recognizing that each individual is doing their best in any given moment. Rick’s goal is to help clients transcend their obstacles, allowing them to embrace the present with renewed strength. His commitment to this transformative work stems from witnessing its profound benefits. By seeking help and exploring a new path, clients take a significant step in their journey, and Rick firmly believes in their capacity to overcome any challenges ahead.

Macy Baynor, LCSW, is an experienced Clinical Social Worker and therapist dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and their families. She understands that navigating emotions and mental health challenges can be overwhelming, particularly for young ones facing issues like anxiety and depression. Macy is passionate about equipping children with essential skills such as effective communication, coping strategies, and the tools to forge healthy relationships. With a background in working with clients aged 4 to 18, she fosters a nonjudgmental and safe environment where children can express themselves freely and receive the guidance they need. Macy employs a variety of therapeutic approaches, including play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and art therapy, ensuring that therapy remains engaging, supportive, and impactful for her clients.

Leslie Black, a Licensed Professional Counselor (MA, LCMHC), specializes in down-to-earth, exploratory, strength-based therapy. With over 12 years of experience, she employs a collaborative approach to address a variety of concerns such as life transitions, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, stress management, parenting concerns, and ADHD. Leslie has a particular passion for working with women in all phases of motherhood, as well as with young adults and older adolescents. She encourages family and spouse participation in the therapeutic process, striving to create a compassionate and supportive environment for navigating life's challenges. Her eclectic, laid-back conversational style emphasizes self-care and coping skills, allowing clients to explore the issues that weigh them down. Having worked with at-risk youth and adults in psychiatric inpatient programs, Leslie is well-versed in crisis management, yet she believes that significant growth can occur even in stable times. Her authentic and caring relationship with clients lays the groundwork for positive change and healing.

Tracy Boyer-Matthews, a Licensed Professional Counselor with an MA and LCMHC certification, embodies an unwavering dedication to relationship therapy. With over a decade of experience in Imago Relationship Therapy, she is passionate about guiding clients through the essential dynamics of their core relationships. In her Couples or Marriage Therapy sessions, Tracy's primary aim is to dismantle ineffective communication patterns that often lead to circular power struggles. For individuals in therapy, she skillfully assists them in exploring their relationship histories and discovering new ways to attract and maintain fulfilling, sustainable love. Additionally, Tracy specializes in sex therapy, addressing issues related to dysfunction, aging, trauma, and rekindling passion in relationships. The Imago approach, which Tracy employs, serves not only as a practical toolkit but also as a mindset for fostering healthier connections. It dives into the behaviors that either hinder or enhance the relationships we desire, while examining how perceptions of love and partnership are shaped by childhood experiences. Furthermore, her expertise extends to navigating the complexities of infidelity and its short- and long-term impacts on marriages. Tracy's private practice is conveniently located in midtown Wilmington, making her services accessible to clients from various areas. She is familiar with billing processes for Blue Cross Blue Shield and some other insurance providers.

Kelly Broadwater is a dedicated Psychological Associate with nearly two decades of experience in the therapeutic field. Known for her hope, honesty, and humor, she offers both individual and group counseling, along with supervision and consultation for fellow professionals. As a certified eating disorders specialist by the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals, Kelly's clinical focus encompasses a wide range of issues, including Addiction, Trauma and PTSD, Eating Disorders, substance abuse, social anxiety, self-harm, and support for weight loss surgery patients. She approaches counseling as an active, collaborative effort, aiming to empower her clients to effect meaningful changes in their lives. Kelly emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying problems to treat symptoms effectively, ensuring that therapy delves deep into issues for lasting transformation. Viewing recovery as a journey rather than a destination, Kelly is eager to accompany her clients on their path to healing.