Culturally Sensitive Therapists in Durham, NC
This unique perspective allows me to offer culturally sensitive and inclusive care to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Virtual and in-office openings starting in October 2024! I am an internship student pursuing my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Wake Forest University. I am passionate about creating a safe, compassionate, and empowering space for my clients. I understand that people seek therapy for various reasons, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, identity exploration, and managing cultural or generational differences.
This unique perspective allows me to offer culturally sensitive and inclusive care to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Virtual and in-office openings starting in October 2024! I am an internship student pursuing my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Wake Forest University. I am passionate about creating a safe, compassionate, and empowering space for my clients. I understand that people seek therapy for various reasons, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, identity exploration, and managing cultural or generational differences.
Namaste Psychotherapy & Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27701 (Online Only)
Individuals, families receive clinically innovative, culturally sensitive, linguistically appropriate, multicultural therapeutic support.
Que Sí. Hablamos Español para servirles bien! I am Bilingual/ Bi-cultural Therapist with over 25 years of experience, both in the United States and abroad. A graduate of the Smith College School for Social Work and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I supervise aspiring clinicians using a combination of trauma-informed modalities, designed to address the multidimensional needs of a very diverse client population. Clients, ready to live beyond their fear, painful experiences, and live thier best life, tell me that my passion for supporting the same is contagious! Your healing and wellbeing is my priority, and why I chose this career.
Individuals, families receive clinically innovative, culturally sensitive, linguistically appropriate, multicultural therapeutic support.
Que Sí. Hablamos Español para servirles bien! I am Bilingual/ Bi-cultural Therapist with over 25 years of experience, both in the United States and abroad. A graduate of the Smith College School for Social Work and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I supervise aspiring clinicians using a combination of trauma-informed modalities, designed to address the multidimensional needs of a very diverse client population. Clients, ready to live beyond their fear, painful experiences, and live thier best life, tell me that my passion for supporting the same is contagious! Your healing and wellbeing is my priority, and why I chose this career.
Nishi Gupta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27701 (Online Only)
Therapy with me is genuine and culturally sensitive to your unique world view.
My approach is psychodynamic but eclectic, in a way that is inclusive, creative and tailored to your needs. Psychodynamic psychotherapy works on the idea that there is more to be known about ourselves than we think. I am experienced working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, relationship difficulties, family of origin issues, identity, grief, addiction, and trauma. Whether it is mental or emotional or pain that you are going through, I help you feel more aligned, quieter in your mind to gain insight and clarity.
Therapy with me is genuine and culturally sensitive to your unique world view.
My approach is psychodynamic but eclectic, in a way that is inclusive, creative and tailored to your needs. Psychodynamic psychotherapy works on the idea that there is more to be known about ourselves than we think. I am experienced working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, relationship difficulties, family of origin issues, identity, grief, addiction, and trauma. Whether it is mental or emotional or pain that you are going through, I help you feel more aligned, quieter in your mind to gain insight and clarity.
My approach is empathetic and culturally sensitive to uphold my client's values and beliefs.
Are you feeling stuck in your patterns? Feeling like a constant loop of negative thoughts? I help my clients find ways to challenge and reframe intrusive thought patterns. I help my clients manage fear of rejection/abandonment through self compassion and radical acceptance. I help those who are exploring their self identity and need to build up their self confidence. Those who maybe neurodivergent, have immigrated here, or who find themselves not fitting in. I affirm LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Multicultural.
My approach is empathetic and culturally sensitive to uphold my client's values and beliefs.
Are you feeling stuck in your patterns? Feeling like a constant loop of negative thoughts? I help my clients find ways to challenge and reframe intrusive thought patterns. I help my clients manage fear of rejection/abandonment through self compassion and radical acceptance. I help those who are exploring their self identity and need to build up their self confidence. Those who maybe neurodivergent, have immigrated here, or who find themselves not fitting in. I affirm LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Multicultural.
Congratulations! You have chosen to seek help. It is important to find a therapist you can build a relationship with. I am described as an interactive, insightful, intuitive, genuine, non-judgemental therapist. My expertise comes from a unique balance of professional and personal training and experience. I have a passion for what I do and love coming to work everyday. I would love to join you in getting where you want to be. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist with a family systems perspective. I add compassion-focused, culturally sensitive, attachment-based therapy with a solution focus, to fit each person's individuality.
Congratulations! You have chosen to seek help. It is important to find a therapist you can build a relationship with. I am described as an interactive, insightful, intuitive, genuine, non-judgemental therapist. My expertise comes from a unique balance of professional and personal training and experience. I have a passion for what I do and love coming to work everyday. I would love to join you in getting where you want to be. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist with a family systems perspective. I add compassion-focused, culturally sensitive, attachment-based therapy with a solution focus, to fit each person's individuality.
Jailene Nieves-Mercado
Counselor, LCMHC, REAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707 (Online Only)
I have an open, eclectic, and humor-filled therapeutic style that is inspired by expressive arts, strengths-based, person-centered, and culturally sensitive approaches.
Expression, in all of its forms, is empowerment. Being able to trust someone and feel safe with them is instrumental in amplifying expression. This is why it is important to find a therapist that is a good fit for you. Clients may carry experiences that they do not have the words for — and that’s okay. As an art therapist, I use the creative process to support clients in connecting with themselves and build self-confidence and compassion. I specialize in working with survivors of trauma and individuals who are facing challenges related to self-worth, depression, anxiety, family conflict, and interpersonal difficulties.
I have an open, eclectic, and humor-filled therapeutic style that is inspired by expressive arts, strengths-based, person-centered, and culturally sensitive approaches.
Expression, in all of its forms, is empowerment. Being able to trust someone and feel safe with them is instrumental in amplifying expression. This is why it is important to find a therapist that is a good fit for you. Clients may carry experiences that they do not have the words for — and that’s okay. As an art therapist, I use the creative process to support clients in connecting with themselves and build self-confidence and compassion. I specialize in working with survivors of trauma and individuals who are facing challenges related to self-worth, depression, anxiety, family conflict, and interpersonal difficulties.
I apply a culturally sensitive and trauma informed perspective to my work and strive to make you feel understood and cared for while addressing your concerns.
Are you struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, or relationship concerns? You don't have to do it alone. I can help. My primary specialty areas include survivors of interpersonal violence and sexual assault, other trauma survivors, and members of the LGBTQIA community. I also greatly enjoy working with those who struggle with family-related concerns and life transitions including grief and loss, pregnancy & postpartum, marriage & divorce, adjusting to college or a new career, etc.
I apply a culturally sensitive and trauma informed perspective to my work and strive to make you feel understood and cared for while addressing your concerns.
Are you struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, or relationship concerns? You don't have to do it alone. I can help. My primary specialty areas include survivors of interpersonal violence and sexual assault, other trauma survivors, and members of the LGBTQIA community. I also greatly enjoy working with those who struggle with family-related concerns and life transitions including grief and loss, pregnancy & postpartum, marriage & divorce, adjusting to college or a new career, etc.
Over the last decade, my focus has been on helping my clients address mental blockers that stand in the way of achieving their potential. I have worked with clients across a spectrum of stressors ranging from anxiety and depression to complex emotional and behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, autism, developmental delays, and life transitions. I bring a culturally sensitive approach to psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and consultation.
Over the last decade, my focus has been on helping my clients address mental blockers that stand in the way of achieving their potential. I have worked with clients across a spectrum of stressors ranging from anxiety and depression to complex emotional and behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, autism, developmental delays, and life transitions. I bring a culturally sensitive approach to psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and consultation.
I do this in a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed way, and help you navigate issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.
I often tell my clients that life is full of VUCA: Volatility. Uncertainty. Complexity, and Ambiguity. If your're feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed by VUCA, I'm here to help you. As a mindfulness-based therapist, I listen keenly, guided by an understanding of your needs. Our journey can take many forms. You may learn new coping skills, gain new insights about youself, unravel unhelpful thought patterns, practice new habits, or learn to let-go of the things no longer serving you. No matter the direction, feel confident in knowing that grace, grit, and wisdom are the forces that will lead you to healing.
I do this in a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed way, and help you navigate issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.
I often tell my clients that life is full of VUCA: Volatility. Uncertainty. Complexity, and Ambiguity. If your're feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed by VUCA, I'm here to help you. As a mindfulness-based therapist, I listen keenly, guided by an understanding of your needs. Our journey can take many forms. You may learn new coping skills, gain new insights about youself, unravel unhelpful thought patterns, practice new habits, or learn to let-go of the things no longer serving you. No matter the direction, feel confident in knowing that grace, grit, and wisdom are the forces that will lead you to healing.
Calm Counseled Thoughts, PLLC
EdD, MA, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27705 (Online Only)
I aim to be culturally sensitive and open to what is priority to you as you work to heal & process your trauma.
Living with childhood wounds and any negative life experiences can impact your current living, leading to depression, moodiness, fear of trusting others, and other social hesitations that reflect lowered confidence and more. Seeing your truth negatively impact your work life, relationships, and view of self can lead to fear of rejection, abandonment, and isolation. With a doctoral clinical focus on all things trauma, I aim to work with you where you are to assist you with clearly defining how healing can lead to improved living. I only work with individuals 18+. I am licensed in North and South Carolina. Let's Connect!
I aim to be culturally sensitive and open to what is priority to you as you work to heal & process your trauma.
Living with childhood wounds and any negative life experiences can impact your current living, leading to depression, moodiness, fear of trusting others, and other social hesitations that reflect lowered confidence and more. Seeing your truth negatively impact your work life, relationships, and view of self can lead to fear of rejection, abandonment, and isolation. With a doctoral clinical focus on all things trauma, I aim to work with you where you are to assist you with clearly defining how healing can lead to improved living. I only work with individuals 18+. I am licensed in North and South Carolina. Let's Connect!
Patricia S. Duggan
LCMHCA, LCASA, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27711 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My values and approaches are anti-oppressive, decolonizing, LGBTQIA+ affirming, sex-positive, trauma and culturally sensitive.
Often our hurtful experiences are out of our control. You didn’t choose to live with pain & society makes it hard to heal. You are tired of feeling alone and misunderstood. The reality is our experiences and memories can shape our beliefs and worldviews, creating guilt, anxiety, shame, anger, and isolation. Living with chronic pain, illness, trauma, anxiety, and grief – does impact us. Even if you don’t feel like it at this very moment, there is part of you that knows they deserve something more, whether it’s self-compassion, healthy connections, pleasure, joy, or the chance to move from surviving to thriving. Let's get curious.
My values and approaches are anti-oppressive, decolonizing, LGBTQIA+ affirming, sex-positive, trauma and culturally sensitive.
Often our hurtful experiences are out of our control. You didn’t choose to live with pain & society makes it hard to heal. You are tired of feeling alone and misunderstood. The reality is our experiences and memories can shape our beliefs and worldviews, creating guilt, anxiety, shame, anger, and isolation. Living with chronic pain, illness, trauma, anxiety, and grief – does impact us. Even if you don’t feel like it at this very moment, there is part of you that knows they deserve something more, whether it’s self-compassion, healthy connections, pleasure, joy, or the chance to move from surviving to thriving. Let's get curious.
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Counselor, MS, MA, LPC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27713
Waitlist for new clients
Are you stuck and needing to process childhood trauma? Is your adolescent/teen sad, anxious or angry, and you know they need help? Do you feel like no one understands the challenges of creating a family (infertility, perinatal loss, miscarriage, IVF, adoption)? I shifted careers into mental health counseling in 2016 after 20 years of community advocacy to address injustice and empower women, children, and communities. I am a healing-centered, trauma-focused therapist now because I believe you - and your family - deserve guidance and support to reimagine and re-author your life narrative.
Are you stuck and needing to process childhood trauma? Is your adolescent/teen sad, anxious or angry, and you know they need help? Do you feel like no one understands the challenges of creating a family (infertility, perinatal loss, miscarriage, IVF, adoption)? I shifted careers into mental health counseling in 2016 after 20 years of community advocacy to address injustice and empower women, children, and communities. I am a healing-centered, trauma-focused therapist now because I believe you - and your family - deserve guidance and support to reimagine and re-author your life narrative.
Rachael E. Massell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27705
I am dedicated to partnering with people who want more: more peace, more meaning, more love, more depth, more space, more insight, or more of you're-not-quite-sure-yet. We might be a great fit if you consider yourself a highly sensitive person (HSP), want to work through disordered eating or body image issues using a Health at Every Size (HAES) and Intuitive Eating approach, are an early career therapist or other helping professional wanting to build out a sustainable professional foundation for yourself and avoid or heal burnout, or know you benefit from working with a therapist operating from an anti-oppressive lens.
I am dedicated to partnering with people who want more: more peace, more meaning, more love, more depth, more space, more insight, or more of you're-not-quite-sure-yet. We might be a great fit if you consider yourself a highly sensitive person (HSP), want to work through disordered eating or body image issues using a Health at Every Size (HAES) and Intuitive Eating approach, are an early career therapist or other helping professional wanting to build out a sustainable professional foundation for yourself and avoid or heal burnout, or know you benefit from working with a therapist operating from an anti-oppressive lens.
You’ve likely spent plenty of time and effort trying to figure out how to improve your life in one way or another. If you're still finding yourself stuck in the same old patterns, I’d like to support you in the process of opening up to new ways of creating positive change in your life. I believe that you and I can work together to discover a more peaceful and meaningful life. This means working together to uncover new strategies for managing painful thoughts, memories and emotions.
You’ve likely spent plenty of time and effort trying to figure out how to improve your life in one way or another. If you're still finding yourself stuck in the same old patterns, I’d like to support you in the process of opening up to new ways of creating positive change in your life. I believe that you and I can work together to discover a more peaceful and meaningful life. This means working together to uncover new strategies for managing painful thoughts, memories and emotions.
Dana DePietro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27705
Waitlist for new clients
I am a queer, White, culturally Jewish (anti-Zionist), cisgender woman who specializes in working with adults on trauma processing. I believe that the "personal is political" and encourage clients to explore how systems of oppression like racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia impact their mental health and well-being. I enjoy working with queer and trans clients; I am experienced in writing gender-affirming surgery letters. I take a "Health at Every Size" (HAES) approach to eating and movement. I like to use a variety of therapy approaches in my work: mainly IFS, EMDR, relational psychodynamic, ACT, and DBT.
I am a queer, White, culturally Jewish (anti-Zionist), cisgender woman who specializes in working with adults on trauma processing. I believe that the "personal is political" and encourage clients to explore how systems of oppression like racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia impact their mental health and well-being. I enjoy working with queer and trans clients; I am experienced in writing gender-affirming surgery letters. I take a "Health at Every Size" (HAES) approach to eating and movement. I like to use a variety of therapy approaches in my work: mainly IFS, EMDR, relational psychodynamic, ACT, and DBT.
I have been successfully treating children, teenagers, adults, couples and families since 1996. I offer a diverse menu of treatment options, from concrete skills to deep healing techniques to attain sustainable change. Viewing you holistically in all the contexts of your life, by recognizing your vulnerabilities while building on your strengths, is essential. I create a validating environment and an authentic, collaborative relationship. I am honest, empathic and an effective teacher. I will support you and challenge you to grow in the direction you desire.
I have been successfully treating children, teenagers, adults, couples and families since 1996. I offer a diverse menu of treatment options, from concrete skills to deep healing techniques to attain sustainable change. Viewing you holistically in all the contexts of your life, by recognizing your vulnerabilities while building on your strengths, is essential. I create a validating environment and an authentic, collaborative relationship. I am honest, empathic and an effective teacher. I will support you and challenge you to grow in the direction you desire.
Amick Boone
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707
Educated, licensed, and in clinical practice since 2018 in the Bay Area, CA, I'm a licensed therapist (LMFTA) who recently moved my practice to Durham. Primarily trained in Gestalt therapy, I also practice Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, and other somatic, experiential, mindfulness-based modalities. Anxiety, depression, chronic illness, infertility, loss, explorations of identity, communication issues, deepening intimacy, and building trust are a few of the challenges that bring clients to me.
Educated, licensed, and in clinical practice since 2018 in the Bay Area, CA, I'm a licensed therapist (LMFTA) who recently moved my practice to Durham. Primarily trained in Gestalt therapy, I also practice Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, and other somatic, experiential, mindfulness-based modalities. Anxiety, depression, chronic illness, infertility, loss, explorations of identity, communication issues, deepening intimacy, and building trust are a few of the challenges that bring clients to me.
I am a counselor who understands how it feels to sit in front of a therapist, that is why compassion is important to me. Vulnerability can be difficult, but we can create a safe space so when you're ready, we can change the difficulties interfering with your wants. That is therapy, getting what you need to get what you want. For example, depression has different flavors, but it keeps us from engaging fully in life and/or losing focus on what our dreams are. Whatever you are seeking to make life better and better, I am here to help. In person sessions can be scheduled on a limited basis but Telehealth with be offered on going.
I am a counselor who understands how it feels to sit in front of a therapist, that is why compassion is important to me. Vulnerability can be difficult, but we can create a safe space so when you're ready, we can change the difficulties interfering with your wants. That is therapy, getting what you need to get what you want. For example, depression has different flavors, but it keeps us from engaging fully in life and/or losing focus on what our dreams are. Whatever you are seeking to make life better and better, I am here to help. In person sessions can be scheduled on a limited basis but Telehealth with be offered on going.
Whitley Grant-Goodman
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHCS, LCAS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707 (Online Only)
You deserve optimal mental wellness and a space to have your concerns validated. Some of us are battling issues that others can see and some that are not so visible. My purpose as your therapist is to provide you with a safe space to process, help you better understand your emotions, identify your strengths and guide you on your journey to find the tools and techniques to deal with those battles. I specialize in working with women of color who struggle with these battles and are looking for tools to combat them.
You deserve optimal mental wellness and a space to have your concerns validated. Some of us are battling issues that others can see and some that are not so visible. My purpose as your therapist is to provide you with a safe space to process, help you better understand your emotions, identify your strengths and guide you on your journey to find the tools and techniques to deal with those battles. I specialize in working with women of color who struggle with these battles and are looking for tools to combat them.
Kisha D Bardonille
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CSSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27713
I want to be the reason you feel welcomed, seen, valued and loved. I want to help you find the joy you have been searching for! I want to help you be intentional, mindful and overcome hurdles that have stopped you from reaching desired goals in the past. I utilize 30 years of experience in the mental health field my to help you increase self awareness and self acceptance. If you are a woman of color seeking to improve relationships, manage stress, or in a life transition, I'm your therapist.
I want to be the reason you feel welcomed, seen, valued and loved. I want to help you find the joy you have been searching for! I want to help you be intentional, mindful and overcome hurdles that have stopped you from reaching desired goals in the past. I utilize 30 years of experience in the mental health field my to help you increase self awareness and self acceptance. If you are a woman of color seeking to improve relationships, manage stress, or in a life transition, I'm your therapist.
See more therapy options for Durham
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Culturally Sensitive Therapists
How does culturally sensitive therapy work?
A culturally sensitive therapist will tailor their approach to therapy based on the individual client’s background. This may include changing their style of interaction (asking open-ended questions vs. being the “expert” voice), their affect (seeming warm or “neutral”), how much personal information they disclose about themselves, and more. It’s also important for a culturally sensitive therapist to acknowledge larger societal forces that may impact their client due to the client’s background.
How effective is culturally sensitive therapy?
Some professionals have expressed concern about highlighting cultural differences in therapy, suggesting that it might promote stereotypes and harm the therapeutic bond; however, many experts agree that cultural sensitivity tends to strengthen the connection between therapist and client and help clients feel heard and understood. A culturally sensitive approach to therapy can be especially helpful for those not in the cultural majority, especially when combined with proven therapies like Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
What are the limitations of a culturally sensitive approach to therapy?
While being culturally sensitive is generally a valuable skill to have, a therapist cannot treat every client from a similar background the same way. Each client is an individual with their own values, personal preferences, and life experiences that will need to be explored during therapy. In addition, it’s rare for a therapist and client to have identical backgrounds, so there may be some cross-cultural differences to navigate during therapy, but a culturally sensitive therapist can do so with empathy and respect.
Can culturally sensitive therapy be done online?
Yes, online therapy using a culturally sensitive approach can be beneficial. Therapy can sometimes be difficult to access for clients from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic standing. The array of mental health support available through the internet makes it possible for clients to find a good therapist match regardless of where they live.