Strength-Based Therapists in Oak Ridge, NC

I have been a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) since 2001. I have a broad range of experience working with adults of all ages on mental health issues and substance use disorders. My expertise is working with PTSD, acute stress, and medical, developmental, and complex trauma. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Eclectic, EMDR, and Strength-Based modalities in my therapies. I believe that transformation is an active process and can be uncomfortable while learning new skills and strategies to better life experiences.

Throughout the course of our lives, from childhood to adulthood, we can experience a wide range of issues – such as relationships, family, work, or school – that can potentially interfere with our level of functioning, productivity, or ability to feel generally happy. Some people are able to master these issues through their development as a person, but there are times or situations in which these issues become major hurdles. Our professional practice provides a confidential and safe atmosphere where we are able to guide each client toward possible solutions to problems and cultivate good coping skills for life’s future challenges.

Hi NC, SC, & FL clients. I am Laura Wesson. Do you feel like you are strapped on a roller coaster of anxiety and depression and can't get off the ride? We can feel out of control because of life changes, relationships, and significant events. We can become stuck in our own unhealthy thoughts, emotions, actions, and responses. Sometimes we hyper-focus on relationships and fixing other people. Or we may develop unhealthy patterns when using things outside of ourselves to experience immediate relief and help us cope. This may include alcohol, marijuana, pills, food, porn, exercise, gaming, social media, shopping, and gambling.

Do you feel your past has negatively affected you? Do you struggle with past or current relationships, including the one with yourself? Do you feel unworthy, anxious, depressed? Are you confused about what to do with the rest of your life? Do you wonder if you'll ever feel joy again? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, chances are I can help. I have been down that road myself, and have come out stronger, healthier and happier. It would be my privilege to show you how to feel better about yourself, your relationships, and your life direction!

Greensboro Counseling Partners is a private practice catering to the counseling needs of adults in the Triad area. Our highly skilled therapists, all master's level-trained clinicians, bring over 30 years of combined experience in the mental health field. Our mission is to inspire hope and foster healing for those navigating depression, anxiety, and life's complex challenges. We are dedicated to providing a compassionate and supportive environment, walking with you through your pain, stress, and struggles. We prioritize your well-being and personal growth to help you achieve a fulfilling and balanced life.

Are you struggling with anxiety, social settings, negative self-talk, guilt, shame, or substance use? Would you like help developing healthy coping skills, learning how to change your self-talk and behaviors? Do you have difficulty feeling confident making choices in your life? Have you struggled to connect to higher power or feel a sense of spirituality? If so, I would love to help explore these areas with you and assist you in developing a plan that allows you to accomplish your goals. We will work together to develop a plan for you and allow you to persevere through your challenges.

Do you feel overwhelmed, depressed, anxious or unable to get your life on track? Are you an adult or teen stuck in the same pattern/ rut? Have you said I'm going to stop this "bad habit" of drinking/drugs/smoking only to find yourself disappointed again? You've come to the right place! Imagine when you tell your friends or family "My problem is gone!" I am a leader in the treatment of Mental Health & Substance Abuse. I created & ran the Moses Cone Hospital Substance Abuse program for 7 years. My creativity and innovation never stops; ask about our Horse Program for individuals/teams for breakthrough change!

Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you tend to think you have been buried. Perhaps you have been planted? My passion is to help you find what puts that sparkle back in your eyes. Sometimes life beats us down or perhaps you haven’t had the opportunity to discover your own inner beauty because your focus was on survival. My goal is to create a safe, authentic, non-judgmental space where individuals can be heard and supported so that healing may begin and your unique gifts and beauty will be discovered/rediscovered. I am here to help you not only navigate how to survive but to help you learn how to truly thrive!

Building trust, respect, and connection is vital in therapy, and I embrace partnering together to create a unique therapy experience that focuses on your needs. I have 10 years of experience with mental health therapy, and I specialize in trauma informed therapy for all ages and play therapy with children. Whether you're looking for help with everyday anxiety, depression, or life transitions or you're seeking support for trauma, mood disorders, or therapy for your child or teen, I'm here.

Knowing where to begin when seeking help with our personal struggles is, for most, a challenge in itself. Finding comfort in the familiarity of solitude and unhealthy means of managing our struggles is what we become accustomed to and feel a sense of security. Change and the uncertainty that creates, is where belief comes into play. Belief that life can be different, and that we ourselves are capable of taking the steps to change. I believe in individuals being their own greatest advocate and strive to create a safe space for them to navigate the challenges that have clouded their path.

I work with teens and adults to learn skills for embracing all parts of themselves, for bringing out and using their strengths, and for thriving in environments that may not be set up to appreciate and accommodate their unique way of being in the world. You don't have to hide who you are. Who you are is beautiful. I believe that deep and meaningful healing comes from bodies being able to be their full, integrated selves. Trauma can get in the way of this. Environments that are not affirming can get in the way of this. Education systems that do not accommodate the varied ways individuals learn can get in the way of this.

Do you find yourself feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, or sad? Do you feel like others either don’t understand what you've been through or don’t want to talk about it? Perhaps you don't feel the freedom to talk about it, which can leave you feeling isolated, lonely, and wondering how you will ever be able to move forward. As a trauma-informed therapist, I understand that your body has self-healing capacities, but to access them, you have to give your body what it needs to heal. When you stay in a constant state of alert or shutdown, it has a detrimental impact on your brain and body. The good news is change is possible!

Feeling misunderstood and unloved by those closest to us is living hell. Pain, hopelessness, and anger burrow deep as repair seems impossible. It's exhausting to cope with past trauma while trying to keep things together in the present. Any added stress, anxiety, or depression is overwhelming. Those of you with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) are struggling with these symptoms simultaneously and it's unbearable. I specialize in relationship repair and borderline personality disorder. In family, individual, or marriage counseling I can help you heal, connect, and once again find hope.

Could negative past experiences or relationships still be causing you harm? I specialize in trauma informed, multicultural, psychodynamic, and person centered treatment. Trauma lives in our bodies and could be impacting your current lived experience, and contributing to a feeling of being disconnected, stuck, heavy, tired, reactive, anxious, or depressed. If this sounds like you, I am here to support you in increased presence of mind and hope for your future, reconnection to yourself, and release and healing from past trauma.