Therapists for college students near Durham, NC

At Empowerment Counseling & Coaching, we are driven by a deep passion for advancing the overall mental well-being of all individuals, regardless of age, race, economic status, or background. We’ve recognized a significant gap in the availability of mental health resources and providers within our community. This insight inspired us to create a practice that emphasizes quality over quantity. We are dedicated to a client-centered approach, valuing each individual’s unique needs and providing the highest standard of care and support. Our mission is to empower our clients and foster a supportive, nurturing environment for all.

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You are sitting in therapy watching your therapist's lips move while she tells you for the fourth time that her cousin is gay and just got a “very butch” haircut. You can’t help thinking, “She just doesn’t get it.” He misgenders you, or forgets your partner’s pronouns, she pulls out Food and Mood, and he talks about how apple cider vinegar might be the solution to all your problems. She hasn't lived in a fat body. He hasn’t experienced homophobia or heterosexism from the inside. What initially seemed like a small hill to climb in your relationship has started to feel like a mountain. Maybe she tells you your black top is so slimming. Maybe once he referred to queer people as ‘homosexuals.’ Maybe, when you report your experiences of oppression, she tells you that the other party probably meant well and just wanted you to be healthier or have it easier in the world. You don’t trust him with your whole self, how can you? You’ve tried so many therapists in the past and she’s not that bad, is she? You continue to hope that therapy with a therapist who doesn’t quite get it will be enough to meet your needs. It’s not enough. You deserve a therapist who understands your lived experiences. You deserve a therapist who knows what it’s like to have your doctor prescribe weight loss to treat arthritis in your wrists, and who can truly hear it when you tell them about your experience with your homophobic aunt at Thanksgiving. You deserve a therapist who approaches the world with a solid intersectional anti-oppression framework that sees society, rather than some flaw in you, as the central piece of your problem. I can be that therapist. I’m fat, I’m queer, I have an intersectional lens, and I want to dismantle systems of oppression one client session at a time.

Big changes have a way of shaking loose questions you thought you had already answered-about who you are, where you belong, and who you want to be. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. I work with students and young adults who are navigating these in-between phases that can be confusing and overwhelming.

Shanna A. Jefferson, MSW, CFSW, LCSW is a firm believer that everyone can Transcend Adversity and Achieve Greatness. Ms. Jefferson is a Woman of God, Servant, Agent of Change, Business Executive, Life Coach, Philanthropist, Author and a Psychotherapist and Owner of Destination Greatness. Destination Greatness is a mental health and substance abuse psychotherapy agency dedicated to assisting individuals and families in maximizing their level of functioning on all life domains in pursuit of Greatness. Destination Greatness provides individuals and families will the opportunity to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Destination Greatness strives to enrich each individual and family through greater self-awareness, focus on strengths, and belief in a greater destiny.

The pressure to succeed, the self-doubt that has you questioning your own potential, and the anxiety that comes with wanting to get everything right really adds up faster than anyone tells you it will. And somehow, you're still showing up every day. I work with undergraduate and graduate students who are doing everything they're supposed to do and still feeling like something's off. Whether it's anxiety, identity, relationships, family, or just the weight of figuring out who you're becoming, we can work through it together, honestly and without judgment. I'm Melvin, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 9 years of experience, including time at the counseling centers of NC State and NCCU. Sessions are fully virtual, available to students anywhere in North Carolina, and built around your schedule. If something in you is ready for things to feel different then let's make some time to talk! Book a free 30-minute consultation or reach me directly at (919) 410-8553.

Some clients enter therapy to learn specific skills and practices to increase their well-being, while others simply want an empathetic listener to help them work through life’s challenges. As a therapist, I strive to create a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental environment for clients to explore the complexities of their lives and to feel heard and understood. I particularly enjoy working with older adolescents and young adults on issues surrounding anxiety, OCD, phobias, life transitions, depression, and traumatic experiences. I understand that frequently our emotions and past experiences can keep us from living the lives that we hoped for, and I strive to help clients move forward to live in line with their values.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I work with children, families, and adults who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward. Whether it’s managing big emotions, navigating family dynamics, or finding a sense of self, my clients want to feel safe, connected, and empowered. They come to therapy hoping to build tools, gain insight, and create meaningful change. My approach is client-centered and strengths-based, creating a safe space to explore challenges while building tools to manage emotions, reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and foster growth. Together, we’ll work toward meaningful change that supports healing and resilience. Everyone deserves a place where they can feel heard, valued, and supported. My hope is that therapy becomes that place for you. If you’re considering starting, I encourage you to reach out, I’d be glad to connect and see how I can help.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

In therapy, I work collaboratively with my clients to explore themselves and move towards the life they want and deserve. I might be a good therapist fit for you if. . . You are LGBTQ and want to process your identity in therapy and/or if you are seeking therapy for other parts of you in a safe, affirming environment You are seeking care and support around body image or your relationship with food, size, desirability, etc You are looking for space to process the ways structural oppression and internalized isms are impacting your relationships, access, etc You are wanting to get to know yourself, understand how your past has shaped you and process how that impacts your life now You are working on having boundaries, knowing your capacities and building a life that works for all parts of you You are seeking a therapeutic environment that is supportive, direct, genuine and warm. I specialize in working with queer and trans folks and people with complex relationships with food and body image. I also work with folks who are experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, career and relationship uncertainty, caregiver fatigue and chronic stress. I am also polyam, kink and sex worker positive. I deeply believe every individual has the right to determine for themselves who they are, what they need and what type of life they want to live. I work collaboratively with my clients to build understanding of self and move towards their goals.

When we can sit with our feelings and examine our thoughts we have an increased ability to understand our decisions and behaviors as well as the choices that are available to us. We utilize a non judgmental and warm approach to fully understand where clients are in their journey. We believe our clients present us with an enormous gift by sharing their vulnerabilities and strengths; we take therapy seriously and hope that each session is productive and our clients leave with a broader understanding of themselves and what they can do in the moment to feel better. We openly welcome clients of color, immigrants, queer and trans* clients, and clients of all genders. We provide individual counseling to help each person identify their own strengths and contributions to creating a life worth living. We have many years of experience providing trauma focused work, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and internal family systems therapy. We are comfortable treating a number of diagnoses, histories, and symptoms, including, but not limited to: life adjustments, trauma, sexual abuse, adoption issues, attachment disruptions, depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, difficulties with emotion regulation, issues of over control, self harming behaviors, and suicidal ideation.

I love working with college students and young adults who are encountering obstacles in their search for happiness and success. My goal is to provide each client with the most effective, short-term, evidence-based psychotherapy to maximize results without maximizing your time. I have 25 years of experience working with trauma survivors and people who struggle with anxiety, ADHD, and Depression.

We specialize in evidence based counseling for individuals, couples, families & groups. Our areas of expertise include: childhood trauma, relationship building, intimate partner/family violence, parent-adult child relationships, gerontology, caregiver support including grief & loss.

My primary goal as a counselor is to create an open and non-judgmental space in which clients can express their thoughts and feelings freely. None of us are without our struggles, and I find it beneficial for each of us to have a space where we can explore these struggles reflectively and creatively. I aspire to gain a holistic understanding of my clients, their life experiences, and their issues, so that we might collectively explore opportunities for growth through evidence-based practice. I find great value in person-centered, cognitive behavioral, acceptance & commitment, and existential therapies. However, perhaps the greatest determinant of success is a relationship built upon mutual trust and understanding between counselor and client. I believe that sound counseling practice is an active, and at times difficult, process for the client. However, take comfort in the fact that it is my mission as a counselor to walk with you through trial and tribulation. I would be honored to join you on your journey.

At Triangle Counseling Agency, we work with people from all backgrounds and stages of life. In my practice, I have supported clients through major life transitions, such as the adjustment from home to college, as well as challenges related to anxiety, depression, suicidality, substance use, relationship issues, and ADHD. I understand that each individual, shaped by unique life experiences, has different needs. Some may benefit from creating structured routines, while others need help recognizing and overcoming negative thought patterns that block progress. Whatever challenges you may be facing, I am here to work with you to identify your unique needs. Together we will develop a plan that is tailored to your goals and works for you.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, whether it's trauma, anxiety, or the daily grind? You're not alone. Many are searching for clarity and a way to break free from negative thought patterns. My ideal clients are those who want to manage their emotions better, improve their relationships, and find a sense of peace and fulfillment. I specialize in helping young adults navigate these struggles, particularly with trauma and anxiety, as well as complex family dynamics. My approach combines evidence-based therapies like Seeking Safety, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy, all tailored to your unique needs. Reaching out for help can be daunting, but I'm here to support and guide you on your healing journey. If you're ready to take that first step, I invite you to connect for a free consultation. Let's work together to empower you on your path to personal growth!

Are you stressed, anxious, or concerned with one or more relationships in your life? Do you feel alone or unsupported as you navigate various changes, challenges, or identities? Are you, or a loved one, exploring your gender identity, gender expression, or transitioning? Are you, or a loved one, struggling with grief, loss, chronic illness, chronic pain, caregiver stress, addiction, or healing after a traumatic event? Have you tried to solve the problems in your life on your own and realized you need help from someone else? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you have made the right choice by being here. And we know this is hard. You’ve likely been debating seeking help for months, if not years. But we’re so glad you found us and have taken a brave step in being here. Our team is confident that we can work together to equip you with the necessary tools to face and overcome these challenges. You don’t have to be alone in this journey. Our experienced team has the tools to help you achieve your goals, overcome these struggles, and live your most fulfilling, meaningful life. No two people are the same, and we tailor our sessions together to address challenges unique to you. Together, we will work to more deeply understand your struggles and address any challenges with long-lasting strategies, helping you get closer to the life you’ve always wanted (and always deserved!) If you’re ready to: Feel empowered to be your most authentic self Improve relationships with friends, family, chosen family, and/or feel emboldened to separate yourself from relationships that are no longer serving you Take your life back from the heavy grasp of trauma, grief, loss, chronic pain/illness, or addiction, or Create your fanny pack (they may not be the most fashionable accessory, but stay with me here) of tools to better manage stressors, improve relationships, and live your best, most authentic, and fulfilling life… Then we are ready when you are. Contact us today for your free 20-minute consultation, and let’s get to work. After all, freedom lies in being bold. Email: info@beboldpsychnc.com Text/call: 919-525-1873