Meet Our Cary Team

She also worked in an office that specialized in working with refugee families, many dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and grief. More recently she has worked with children and their families with needs around oppositional behaviors, trauma of physical and sexual abuse, community violence, ADHD, anxiety, depression as well as suicidal ideation.

In order to best assist those coming to Wendy with trauma related concerns, she has sought out further training in the area of trauma, including becoming a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and completing training in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

She also has a passion for working with couples for marriage counseling, having been married for 38 years and seeing firsthand the benefits of receiving counseling for her own marriage.

Seeking help can be scary and difficult; an understanding, empathetic therapist is key to developing a therapeutic alliance. Debbie meets clients where they are, and provides a safe, non-judgmental space in which clients can heal and grow. She believes it is helpful for clients to fully understand and accept where they are, while moving in the direction they wish to go.

Debbie grew up in North Dakota and has lived in various US states; she relocated to North Carolina in 1990 from Seattle, Washington. Prior to entering the field of clinical social work, with her focus on mental health, Debbie worked as a Paralegal in law firms that specialized in, and assisted clients with, cases involving catastrophic personal and work-related injuries. She loves and visits the beaches and mountains in North Carolina and spends much of her leisure time with friends and family, reading a good book, participating in meditation and mindfulness activities, or hunting for unique crystals and gemstones.

Julie specializes in treating adults and couples experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, and/or relationship issues. She has completed level 1 training in IFS therapy and is currently in the process of becoming a certified IFS therapist, and she has completed levels 1 and 2 of the Gottman method of couple’s therapy. Julie guides both heterosexual and same-sex couples in improving their relationship, ending it amicably, and/or coparenting during separation or after divorce. She also welcomes clients—including adolescents—with other experiences such as grief, women’s issues, low self-esteem, disordered sleep, anger issues, and disordered eating. Julie offers spiritually-integrated psychotherapy; she is a Christian, and she counsels people of all faiths as well as people who do not self-identify as spiritual or religious.

Julie strives to practice with multicultural competence and to understand clients’ experiences, values, and personal identities, including their racial identity, cultural identity, gender identity, sexual identity, and/or spiritual/religious identity. She seeks to promote social justice, advocate for her clients, and help her clients understand that distress may be a rational response to oppressive social systems and norms.

Julie is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX and a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. She also has master’s and doctorate degrees in an unrelated field from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Heidi strives to thoughtfully shape the therapeutic experience to each client's specific needs and implements an eclectic approach to therapy. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST), and Motivational Interviewing. She often uses Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, which can include grounding and mindfulness, stress-reduction, breathing techniques, bodily and emotional awareness, and overall mind-body health. Heidi is passionate about using a strengths-based approach to help clients achieve their potential, reach their goals, and find hope along their journey. At some point everyone struggles, and she firmly believes that by therapeutically and non-judgmentally coming alongside her clients and meeting them where they are, facing obstacles together can provide hope, empowerment, and healing. When requested by the client, Heidi is happy to offer faith-based Christian and spiritually integrated counseling. In her free time, Heidi enjoys spending time with her friends and family, volunteering at her church, and is a Guardian Ad Litem for children in the foster care system in Wake County.

His practice of therapy involves a systems approach to understanding the strengths of people. As folks encounter life's difficulties they sometimes need assistance in working through issues. He treats depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bi-polar disorder, adolescent struggles, parenting dynamics, familial conflict, marital stress, divorce concerns, ADHD in school-aged children, grief management, anger management, personality disorders, men's issues, women's issues, life transitional dynamics, work stress, addictions and trauma processing. Clients sometimes struggle with sexual identity issues, addiction issues as well as other relationship struggles and Phil has assisted clients in these and other areas of concern throughout his career. Phil treats other mental health disorders as well and he enjoys using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Re-processing ) to assist clients in the processing of previous trauma including PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Based on full assessment, a treatment plan that addresses the goals of the client is designed and agreed upon in consultation with the client or client family and then therapeutic interventions are used to assist clients in developing added strengths to what they already do well. Additionally, Phil is specifically trained in spiritually-integrated psychotherapy so that clients who so desire, can address their faith and spiritual issues as part of their therapy. Specifically, Christian therapy is also offered.

Phil also has extensive training and certifications which include, Critical Incident Stress Management; Prepare-Enrich Instruments of Life Innovations; PREP and Christian PREP of the Personal Relationship Enhancement Program; Paiirs Communication Skills; Couple Communication Resources, Englewood, Colorado and using EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Re-processing) for trauma reduction and process.

A variety of models for therapy may be used based on client need. Phil is an Integrative Therapist and uses person-centered, psychodynamic, systemic, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, narrative, internal family systems, structural, metaframeworks and for clients who so desire, he is trained in spiritually-integrated psychotherapy and Christian counseling as well.

—M.Div., M.S., LMFT, Clinical Fellow AAMFT

He works with a diverse group of individuals and couples struggling with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, parenting difficulties, relationship distress, divorce/separation, grief, stress, and anger management. E.J. has worked extensively with the public safety and the military community focusing on trauma and stress on the family. His approach tends to be cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and family systems oriented. At times E.J. may draw on narrative, solution focused and integrative approaches. All of these models have components of individual, couple and family therapy. He will tailor his approach to the specific need of each client. E.J. has received training in EMDR (bilateral stimulation) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT-C) an effective treatment model endorsed by the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies and the U.S. Departments of Veteran Affairs and Defense. Additionally, he is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) through the International Association of Trauma Professionals. E.J. is also a certified facilitator for Prepare/Enrich, a well-researched assessment tool that is uniquely designed for couples to explore and strengthen their relational bond. Through a series of exercises and education, this program has been shown to significantly improve a couple's relationship.

E.J.'s goal is to facilitate a successful therapeutic experience based on a trusting partnership between the client and therapist. It takes combined experience, energy, and effort to work together on developing new perspectives and skills, making positive changes, and forming a new outlook on life. E.J. welcomes the opportunity to work with you to meet your goals.

Olatunde loves to think and connect deeply, creating life changing bonds of mind and spirit. He likes to explore the most intimate connections possible between people--particularly for individuals and couples. He believes that the deepest issue, need, and goal people have is to connect intimately and completely with at least one person. Olatunde believes people want to fully know themselves and be fully known by at least one person. He believes therapy may be the first experience of this for some; but that it shouldn't be the last or only experience. He helps clients find their truest identity and intimacy--first in, then beyond therapy.

The most helpful specialty Olatunde has is therapeutic empathy and immediacy: the ability to listen actively and skillfully in a securely attached therapeutic relationship. But he believes listening alone does not create the life changing bond or life skills needed beyond therapy. After creating and modeling a therapeutic bond, he becomes a guide for clients in the skills of authenticity and intimacy--in becoming fully themselves and fully connected.

Anthony works with individuals, couples, and families on a variety of issues such as pre-martial and marriage counseling, marital conflict, relationship distress, infidelity, anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and ADD/ADHD. His experience is directly related to working with individuals who experience phase of life problems, adolescents in families experiencing significant emotional distress and trauma, and with couples in relational distress such as mistrust, disconnection, and communication barriers. Anthony’s approach to therapy is integrative and primarily person-centered with a fusion of family systems. His goal is to meet the specific needs of each client and to adapt such a variety of methods to cater to those needs. His passion to serve comes from a collection of Cognitive-Behavioral therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused therapy (SFT), family systemic therapy, and Emotion-Focused therapy (EFT). He also offers therapy with integration of the Christian-faith and spirituality upon a client’s request.

Anthony’s greatest passions include the connection of relationships – that within that connection inspires a space of nurturance, hope, and a light source for healing. He strives to serve the needs of individuals and couples by exploring the deepest connections between people. He believes that all individuals need a chance for space to not only explore their inner strengths, but to also harness those strengths that leads to a renewed place of self. What Anthony has to offer are the gifts of empathy and compassion which can be seen through active listening in a safe therapeutic relationship. Within that therapeutic bond, he fulfills the role of a guide for clients to reach their fullest potential: to be their full, authentic selves and to become connected completely.

Erin believes the therapeutic relationship is essential to success and works to establish a solid relationship built on trust and understanding. She strives to put clients at ease by providing a safe, open, and non-judgmental atmosphere where they can discuss difficult matters and focus on personal growth. Erin uses an eclectic blend of therapeutic modalities tailored to the individual which include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), and Mindfulness. She also provides Christian or faith-based counseling upon request.

Natalie focuses on a client-centered, open, caring, non-judgmental environment providing a safe space to facilitate change with clients. She utilizes attachment theory (emotionally focused therapy), Gottman techniques, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-focused and Family Systems modalities.

Drawing from many years serving from a Christian Counseling perspective and working in addiction circles in metro Atlanta, Eb enjoys meeting clients where they are and partnering with them to consider and predict the natural consequences which come to bear based on choices. Her approach to therapy integrates mindfulness with solution-focused and reality approaches.

Often we are driven into counseling either by an internal or external demand which no longer allows us to exist as we are. Counseling is about making a choice to manage life differently, or not — and not making a choice ... is nevertheless still a choice.

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

~ Anaïs Nin

Alyssa recognizes the important role of parents in making progress when working with children, and incorporates parent education and family therapy in her sessions. She also offers Christian counseling upon request. Recognizing the value of the therapeutic relationship, Alyssa takes time to build this relationship to better understand each individual and their unique backgrounds, needs, and goals. She meets each person where they are to partner with them to impart empathy, compassion, and guidance to walk through their struggles.

Presently, Cassandra works with adults, using a person centered and holistic approach, meeting each person where they are and collaboratively developing plans of care that address each individual’s specific needs. She believes that every aspect of a person’s life can be affected by their mental health. Cassandra not only addresses the surface (symptoms) that lead client’s to seek help but she also guides and supports clients as they navigate through identifying, exploring, challenging, and when needed, revising the core of what drives those symptoms. Her therapeutic approach draws from theories which include but are not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical and Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach.

For the last few years, Erica has worked as an outpatient therapist for children, teens, and young adults in individual, group, and family therapy settings, most of which have experienced trauma. Erica is in process of completing an EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Therapy Basic Training Program, with the intent to pursue full certification to become a certified therapist in EMDR. Her other trainings includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and motivational interviewing which assist clients in reaching the healthy therapeutic and life goals they have set for themselves. She has experience working with a wide range of cultures and socio-economic background, and especially enjoys working with middle school, high school, and young adult ages. Her passion and clinical experience is working with people in the areas of relationship issues, domestic violence, life transitions, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Erica uses a holistic, person-centered approach, and also provides faith based counseling upon request. In sessions, she particularly enjoys using a variety of techniques to engage clients in ways that are relatable to each individual.

Jasmine would personally like to thank you for considering beginning your journey of self-discovery. She believes everyone should have a safe and healing place to work through life's difficulties. No matter what the response has been from those around you or your inner critic, please know you are making a good decision. It is Jasmine’s genuine hope that every client that comes to her office journeys along their therapeutic path with a renewed sense of understanding and self-appreciation.