Hi! My name is Denise and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of North Carolina and Florida as well as a Licensed Independent Social Worker- CP in the state of South Carolina. I graduated from Norfolk State University's Graduate School of Social Work in 2000, concentrating in Family Systems Practice and Hampton University with a Bachelors of Arts in 1995. I have been a therapist for over 15 years with degrees in psychology and clinical social work, as stated above. I specialize in mood and adjustment disorders such as depression and anxiety as well as trauma associated disorders, but have worked with a variety of disorders dealing with, but not limited to behaviors, relationships and grief. I currently work with adults, children and families. I enjoy working with people and bring my genuine self to the work that I do. I am honest, open and direct, but warm and encouraging at the same time. I love to see the humor in different situations where some might not expect. I believe that humor can work in therapy when needed. I provide support from the initial session and throughout the entire counseling experience. I am here to work together with you to get you to the life that you want for you and your loved ones. I incorporate goal-setting for your mental health, personal and professional life. My counseling approach is client centered and I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Stages of Change as therapeutic interventions that will help you with the issues you struggle with.

I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education. My background is working with couples and families experiencing life changes and transitions. These transitions and changes may include (but not limited to) grief and loss, interrelationship issues, depression, and anxiety. Through this work, I am able to work on an individual basis or collaborate with other family members to support practices of open and emotion-focused communication. My work with clients begins with developing a working relationship together so that we may collaborate and meet your goals. You know you best. I am simply here to support navigating hardship, redirecting difficult thoughts and feelings, and guide healthy lifestyle changes. But the working relationship must come first. In this process, I have found my clients are most successful when we work together on a reoccurring basis. This is your time set aside to work on the most important person in your life - you. Finding a counselor that is the right fit can be a hard process but it is essential to create change and support your goals. Let's start there and work together. Looking forward to hearing from you! *Please note that my name has changed to Jennifer McAvoy on my license but prefer to maintain Jennifer Deaton professionally. Although, my clients are welcome to call me Jen.

I feel a deep sense of respect and appreciation for each new person who decides to enter counseling with the courage and commitment to discover and make the changes that will give their life new meaning and direction. The opportunity to witness the growth of another is an honor and a privilege. When a person comes to therapy, it is because they want something different in their lives. My job is to help you find ways of seeing a problem and handling emotions, thoughts, and situations that might not have occurred to you by yourself. When we both understand what you want, I will help you devise various ways to get what you want. I will try to understand you and the difficulties you are experiencing holistically by paying attention to your body, mind, emotions, and spirit. The important thing to remember is that in the end, making changes in your life is up to you. For counseling to be effective, you must make a commitment of time and energy and take an active part in the process. Therapy is about equipping you with life-long solutions. My goal for you is to feel better and empower you to be better. I received a Bachelor's at Pembroke State University in Psychology and a Master's at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in Service Agency Counseling. *Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), granted by the NBCLPC, September 2004 *Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate (LCAS) granted by NCSAPPB, January 2021 *Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS), granted by NBCC, July 2012 *National Certified Counselor (NCC), granted by the NBCC, April 2008 *Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist Certification (TFCBT) granted by the NCCTP, June 2010 *Certified Child and Family Forensic Interviewer (CFEP), granted by UNC-Chapel Hill CMEP, August 2012 *Chaplain, ordained by Warrior Family Ministries October 2019 I have 20+ years of clinical experience across a variety of mental health/clinical settings to include outpatient private practice, agencies, residential, and schools. I have held a variety of positions to include Psychotherapist, Clinical Director, School Counselor, BED/Lead Teacher, Program Administrator, Program Coordinator, Intensive In-Home Specialist, Teaching-Parent, and Legal Advocate. I provide clinical and administrative supervision to other Licensed Clinical Mental Health Clinicians. And I'm an ordained Chaplain. My approach to treatment is collaborative, holistic, integrative, and strength-based. My treatment techniques are tailored to meet the needs of the individual, family, and/or group.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over ten years of social work experience. My works consists of a broad spectrum including diverse populations, individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management, life changes, grief, self-esteem matters, and work place stress. I listen with empathy and work to establish rapport and mutual respect. Varieties of clinical approaches are used in each session including Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy. Each therapy session is tailored to the individuals need. I enjoy working with children and adults. Thank you for taking the time to review my profile. Making the decision to attend therapy can be overwhelming. Please know that my goal is to work with you to alleviate your fears and assist with your concerns in a safe, comfortable, non-judgmental manner. I look forward to working with you!

I have been a therapist since 2014 when I graduated with my masters degree in social work from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. After graduating with my bachelors in social work in 2012 and working for a year at a homeless shelter, I knew there was more that I wanted to be doing, which led me back to school to continue my education. I finished all of my clinical hours for licensure in April of 2018, which is when I became an LCSW. I have worked at three different outpatient mental health centers during my time of practice, all which served different ages, diagnoses, and stages of life. The majority of my experience comes in working with individuals learning to cope with anxiety, stress, depression, addictions, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, life transitions, relational issues and grief and loss. I may be the “therapist,” but no one knows you like you do, and that is why I make it a priority to make sure we use my expertise, as well as yours to make sure we get you where you want to be! I traditionally come from a strengths based background/approach for this reason. I have taken certified courses in Trauma Focused CBT, and in treating Anxiety. I can’t promise I won’t respectfully try to challenge you throughout this process, but you have the power to choose what feels right for you. I understand that this is a difficult spot to be in, and that the thought of needing “therapy” can sometimes seem unnecessary, but I really hope that you can look at this like a partnership where I can provide you with certain tools that will help you on your journey. There is no such thing as a stupid question, a ridiculous thought, or a reason to be embarrassed. Everyone handles stress and life transitions differently, and if it weren’t for that we wouldn’t have the uniqueness that helps us all accelerate at different things. I am honored to get to hear your story, and to be your sounding board at this time of transition.

Do you hide your true self or feel invisible? Do you find yourself retreating from life, feeling alone or overwhelmed due to life’s struggles or memories of the past? Sometimes you may even feel misunderstood and unappreciated and find that your thoughts and feelings only come out in measured words and controlled emotions. If so, let’s begin the healing process together. For years, I have been passionate about enriching lives through therapy and education, along with having extensive experience in victim advocacy and crisis intervention with survivors of sexual assault, abuse, and domestic violence. These experiences, along with many more, fuel my desire to help you navigate all of life’s unexpected twists and turns. The canvas of life is vibrant and together we can begin the process of restoring your strength, power, control, and peace of mind.

I am licensed in North Carolina with 3 years experience in clinical social work and therapy. Since entering the social work field in 2011, I have worked with individuals experiencing homelessness, complex medical issues, and mental health crises . I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBT-related issues, & depression. I also have experience helping develop skills to cope with life challenges and changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in North Carolina with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues (romantic, family, or professionally), intimacy related issues, & depression. I also have experience working with clients who have personality disorders and bipolar disorder. I believe in a holistic approach and will collaborate with you as I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Hello, I am a dually licensed clinician in NC. Everyone should know what it's like to feel Lovable, Capable, and Worthwhile. Instead of narrowing in on individual problems, psychotherapy considers overall patterns, chronic issues, and recurrent feelings. This requires an openness to exploring the past and its impact on the present. Psychotherapy resolves the underlying issues which fuel ongoing complaint/distress. I will work to get you on your way to wellness. Serving all of NC, I have 20+ years in working with children and adults in numerous settings. I am comfortable working with strong feelings, traumatic memories, and personal struggles. Building the therapeutic relationship with you is the most important piece of the therapy process. Whether working with our military, cancer patients, foster children, medical social workers; or You, it's my honor. You are your own best expert. Together we can work to understand your needs and how to address them to progress on the goals we create together. Psychotherapists help to resolve past experiences as part of laying the foundation for a satisfying future. Change is hard even when we want to do it. Every thought/behavior has a reason. Let’s understand yours.

I am licensed in Texas and North Carolina with 10 years of professional clinical experience. I attribute the quality of my practice to my time as an active duty social worker providing clinical services to service members and their family members. I am experienced helping clients cope with a wide range of psychological illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and trauma based disorders, as well as concerns such as phase of life stress, health problems, work-related issues, relationship concerns and other general problems. I believe that you are the expert of your life and it is important to me that you feel well involved and engaged in meeting your therapy goals. For me, your input in therapy will prove most valuable in structuring your treatment and meeting your goals. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. It takes a lot to commit your time, resources, and energy to yourself, and I am glad you did. I am here to support you in your process and look forward to working with you! ~Kate

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with individuals who are managing depression, anxiety, chronic illness and life changes. I received my social work degrees from the University of Kansas where the Strengths Perspective paradigm was developed. The Strengths Perspective recognizes the human capacity for resilience, courage and thriving. I also have a Masters in Public Health from Boston University. My MPH has given me more skills to help people with health prevention. My approach to therapy and coaching, is to focus on your strengths to help identify where you want to change and grow. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in North Carolina with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in North Carolina with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in North Carolina with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.