Hi! I am so happy you're here checking out resources and looking for support!
My name is Lori Brinkley. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 23 yeas of experience treating trauma/abuse, depression/anxiety, post partum issues from moms adjusting to their new roles to post partum stress and depression, anxious college students, adult children of alcoholics, co-dependency, parenting, co-parenting after divorce, boundaries, women going through the transition of divorce, "sandwich" generation (those caring for their children while caring for an aging/ill parent, busy professionals struggling with work life balance, adoptees who need help navigating the trauma of adoption, and couples feeling disconnected and isolated. I do a unique thing called "couple's counseling for one" which is when one partner is not ready, willing or doesn't believe in therapy. I meet with the willing participant to learn new tools and coping skills or boundaries to implement in their relationship with the goal of improving connection and communication.
My approach is warm and nurturing, yet direct and confrontational as needed. I believe it is imperative to challenge patterns and make difficult connections but I know you can only push as much as you support. Humor is infused into sessions as it is a huge part of my personality, but it helps make therapy fun (and I believe therapy should be fun)! I am an advanced generalist who uses a variety of tools relying heavily n Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, strengths, and problem solving.
I am a mom of two college aged kids (yikes when did that happen). I spend my time doing anything outside. especially the beach, but nature is such a healing and calming force in my life. I love to read a good suspense book or watch a good character driven movie. I have seen all of the Star Wars and Avengers movies, because my son loved them but I have to admit I fell in love with them too. I am a waterfall hunter, and love to travel. My bucket list mostly consists of places I want to explore. I did a Tough Mudder 7 years ago and it was one of the BEST experiences of my life, facing my fears head on, overcoming them one by one and evolving every step of the 12 mile/26 obstacle process!
Life is short. It is filled with beauty and stress and joy and devastation and then some. Perspective is key, but we can only explore other perspectives once true understanding and validation has happened. I hope you will reach out so we can work together to reach your unique goals and cultivate more joy in your life.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Adoption and Foster Care, Blended Family Issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Communication problems, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family of Origin Issues, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Postpartum Depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexuality, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
NC LCSW C004200
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Lori Brinkley. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Lori is kind, compassionate, and a skilled therapist. She responds in a timely manner, is willing to communicate in different formats, and has worked closely to match my schedule when needed. I highly recommend Lori!
Written on Jul 17, 2023 after therapy with Lori for 2 years and 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, parenting issues, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Lori is literally the best. Prior to her all of my therapy experiences have been extremely negative. She has such a warm and genuine approach she made things so much more comfortable for me to open up right away. She has great perspective and is incredibly open minded . I am sad I need to rematch with her because of the state guidelines but I highly recommend her to anyone in her state!
Written on Oct 17, 2022 after therapy with Lori for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, anger management, bipolar disorder, and adhd
I am very thankful for Lori and cannot say enough positive things about working with her!
Written on Jan 14, 2022 after therapy with Lori for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Messaging with Lori has been extremely helpful and affirming. I appreciate that she gets back to me so quickly. She has been understanding and has provided valuable feedback and action items.
Written on Dec 27, 2021 after therapy with Lori for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
I have always struggled with connecting with therapists. I have only ever connected with one other therapist other than Lori and I talk about her all thr time with Lori. I love working with Lori and how she makes me feel comfortable and pushes me to work through my tremendous trauma. I love that she is responsive, yet loving and forgiving. She is open and honest and I love that she has helped me try to navigate to a better me, so I can be healthy for me and my kids. I love you Lori!
Written on Oct 16, 2021 after therapy with Lori for 2 months on issues concerning trauma and abuse
Lori has been an extreme bright spot in my life! She is incredibly relatable while still being so helpful and understanding. She has made the start of my counseling journey a breeze and I appreciate her so much.
Written on Aug 05, 2021 after therapy with Lori for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, compassion fatigue, and adhd