Asperger's Syndrome Therapists in Chapel Hill, NC

It's not easy being you in a world that so narrowly defines what it means to be "normal." There's so much pressure to conform. You might feel judged, misunderstood, or marginalized because of your LGBTQ+ identity or unique sexual expressions like BDSM, kink, or polyamory. These experiences can lead to isolation, communication barriers, and difficulties in finding accepting communities or partners who truly understand and respect your boundaries and desires. Let's work towards acceptance, self-love, and fulfilling relationships where you can be your authentic self.

Stress and challenges are part of living a full life. How you manage these challenges makes the difference between suffering and engagement in solving the problems that lead to depression and anxiety. That means building skills that help you live the kind of life that is meaningful and facing the issues that are leading you away from your best self. My hope is to focus on how to help you help yourself.

Dr. Welterlin and her team of colleagues is pleased to provide outstanding neurodiverse affirming care with specialization in autistic women, girls and gender diverse individuals. (We also work with boys and men!) Our work is driven by a deep respect for inclusion and neurodiversity. We treat our clients as equal partners and equal citizens. We do not deny services, or a diagnosis due to reasons such as having neurotypical traits that aren’t “traditionally” autistic, a strong desire to socialize, having been told by another professional or most in your life that could do not have autism.

The clinicians at Essential are committed to helping people overcome obstacles and move forward with their lives with clarity, vision and confidence. Because we recognize that traditional talk therapy is not for everyone, we offer a wide array of groups and therapies to increase practical therapeutic skill building and techniques learned in 1:1 sessions.

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it" --Ferris Bueller. If you are looking for strategies to both slow down and move forward, you will find benefit in our sessions. I am a former software programmer and have helped many from the tech industry navigate mental health issues related to their work. Many of the people I work with are seeking relief from social anxiety, management of depressive symptoms and a better work/life balance. Each phase of life presents heightened developmental tasks, need sensitivities, crises, and opportunities for new learning. The Path Begins Here.

Being autistic means existing in a sometimes perplexing and frustrating world that largely caters much more to the neurotypical brain. Over time this can manifest in a host of issues, ranging from depression and anxiety to social isolation and loneliness. The good news is that your brain possesses hidden strengths and abilities that can more than make up for these supposed deficits. To this end, I use creative approaches to draw these skills out and teach my clients how to apply their strengths in the areas where they are struggling.

My approach to psychotherapy is that of a humanist; that is, successful therapy results in your continued evolution into your true self. My therapeutic style is gentle and engaged, and I respect your intelligence. I strive to provide an atmosphere of care and compassion which allows you to curiously explore what events, past and present are contributing to your challenges. It's important to me to take the time to understand your values and desires so that our work is grounded in how you see yourself.

I love working with people who feel stuck, and who want to understand, embrace, and maximize their potential. Many of the people I work with have been frustrated with traditional talk therapy, and want a way through their depression, anxiety and trauma that is efficient and effective. Using tools like energy psychotherapy, neurofeedback, and Human Design, I help people to understand who they really are and who've they've been conditioned to be; these approaches and tools provide a road map back to the joy of their true nature.

I specialize in LGBTQ affirmative therapy, with a focus on trans/gender identity issues. In our sessions we address your authentic needs and what is important to you. As your mood and confidence improve, they become a foundation for coming out and transitioning. Often chronic issues, such as self doubt and headaches, fall away. And the capacity to freely express yourself leads to happier relationships.

Sometimes in life we need someone to come along side us and walk with us for a while on our journey. I would describe myself as a sojourner. I provide a positive, nonjudgmental environment to see individuals as they work on addressing challenges they are facing. I work with teens and adults to address issues including depression, anxiety, infertility, life transitions, grief and loss along with parenting related stressors. Some of my speciality areas include: Postpartum issues, maternal mental health and EMDR. I also provide help to other professionals to address secondary trauma, compassion fatigue and "burn out".

Rachel has been working with adults, children, couples,and adolescents in a mental health capacity since 2003. She tries to meet people where they are at and maintain a nonjudgmental approach to helping each person she serves in a unique and supportive way. She has been licensed since 2010 and in private practice since 2012. She has had the opportunity to train with world renowned experts in her field. In addition to creating her own personalized approach to treating trauma Rachel is also trained in the following evidence based treatment modalities:

I specialize in working with individuals with autism and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. I understand how people with developmental disabilities may present psychiatric conditions differently, such as depression and anxiety, than individuals without developmental disabilities. I also enjoy working with college-aged/young adults who are in the process of transitioning to the "real world," and helping them with the stressors of "adulting."

As a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, my primary aim is to offer and provide you with the optimal quality of personalized care possible. That means, in part, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate assessment of your aims and strengths, as well as a close examination of the challenges, issues, and goals that bring you to my office. I respect your courage to confront your possible confusion and frustration, your pain and suffering, and your search for actionable solutions and meaningful life. I honor your sharing relevant personal history and strivings, and my commitment is to work together to enhance your quality of life.

Welcome! Taking the first step in going to therapy is a hard task, and you've done it! We will work together to unlock your inner power and conquer your greatest challenges. My work is based on a person-centered approach, with experience in motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I have worked with individuals who have experienced trauma and now struggle with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, PTSD, OCD, anger, and other mental health problems. I have a passion for working with children, adolescents, and young adults.

Do you ever struggle with feelings of inadequacy? Find yourself getting stuck in regrets about the past or worries about the future? Does worry and stress interfere with your ability to feel satisfied with your relationship with yourself and others? I believe that a warm, collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship can provide the foundation needed to create new ways of relating to your thoughts, develop more effective coping strategies and cultivate self-understanding.

I am a Psychotherapist who is dedicated to working with children, adolescents, adults and families. My approach is warm, collaborative and down to earth. My specialties include supporting clients who are struggling with socialization, depression, anxiety, parenting and relational issues, self esteem, grief and loss, anger problems, attention deficit disorders, trauma and transitions. I entered the field in 2004 and have worked in schools, foster care agencies and private practice settings. With compassion and understanding, I work with individuals to help them build on their strengths and attain personal growth, ease and well-being.

Danielle Foltz, PNP attended Towson University where she was a Division I athlete and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in 2009. She went on to further her education earning a Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of North Carolina in 2014. Mrs. Foltz started her Nurse Practitioner career in primary care with experience in the private practice and federally qualified health center settings.

****Not accepting new clients***Lauren Cardwell, MSW, LCSW is a clinical therapist.. She believes that being a human is hard and messy, but that people have the capability to be resilient. She is passionate about helping others make positive changes in their own timing. Her approach to therapy is strengths-based and a collaborative experience between her and her clients. Her goal of therapy is to help clients feel seen and heard in their experiences. She utilizes Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and is trauma-focused. She is LBGTQ+ affirming and works with individuals, children, adults, couples, and families.

Hi, I'm glad you're here! Maybe you're experiencing anxiety or depression, processing trauma, or going through a difficult time in life. I'm a neurodivergent therapist passionate about working with the autistic and ADHD communities, helping you learn to accommodate your needs, discover your authentic self, and truly thrive!