Counseling & Therapy Services in North Carolina
Meeting You Where You Are
What is Counseling & Therapy?
Psychotherapy (which is often called counseling or therapy) is a form of medical treatment designed to help people understand and overcome a wide variety of mental and emotional challenges. Psychotherapy helps people identify triggers, build on their strengths, and develop appropriate coping mechanisms. Problems helped by psychotherapy include difficulties in coping with daily life; the impact of trauma, medical illness, or loss, such as the death of a loved one; and specific mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Psychotherapy may be used by itself or in combination with medication or other treatment modalities.
There are several different types of psychotherapy, with some types working better for certain problems or issues. In individual therapy, a patient speaks with a therapist one-on-one. This is different from group, family, and couples therapy where patients speak with a therapist and each other. Therapists may use different styles and methods of psychotherapy depending on their expertise and the patient’s needs.
Counseling & Therapy Services
The therapeutic relationship between a provider and an individual is one of the most important features of effective treatment. Our providers view therapy as an individualized and collaborative process. We value a supportive, empathic approach that allows individuals to partner with us in creating and implementing a successful treatment plan. We are equipped to treat a variety of concerns from general issues (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, grief) to those related to specific events or life stages (e.g., adolescents, life adjustment, perinatal issues, infertility, marriage, identity development, career changes, aging).
The techniques we use are evidence-based and include multiple approaches such as supportive, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. We tailor treatment to incorporate each individual’s needs and goals.
We provide psychotherapy and counseling services to adolescents and adults for these concerns and many others:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Life Stressors
- Mood Disorders
- Addictions
- Personality Disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Relationship conflicts
- Grief and Loss
- Gender identity and dysphoria
- Post-partum depression
Solution-focused therapy (SFT) is an evidence-based type of therapy that is aimed at improving a client’s ability to apply solutions rather than viewing the situation from a problem perspective. Many types of therapy focus on a current problem and how it relates to past problems or a client’s deficits. The mindset of SFT therapy is a little different from this.
SFT uses principles of “positive psychology” to focus on strengths, exceptions to the problem(s), and what has worked in the past to create a vision for what success looks like in the future. The therapy highlights what is currently working in a patient’s life, what solutions have worked before, and what can be applied to the current situation. The process is collaborative, identifying goals that match the patient’s highest hopes and solutions that are consistent with these hopes.
This therapy places focus on discussing solutions, as opposed to dwelling on the challenges. Of course, you must discuss the problem to find a solution, but beyond understanding what the problem is and deciding how to address it, SFT does not dwell on every little detail of the problem you are experiencing
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of therapy that integrates mindfulness with self-acceptance, values clarification, and taking action. The acceptance part of the therapy focuses on helping the patient accept their problem and embrace the feelings they are having about their current issue rather than feeling guilty about those feelings. The commitment part of the therapy focuses on what actions the patient can take as a result of this acceptance and clarity. In simplest terms, the philosophy behind ACT is to teach patients to accept what is out of their control and commit to the positive solutions that lead them to a happy and fulfilled life.
While childhood should be a time of magic and wonder, it is sometimes difficult. Whether they have survived trauma, live with a mental health condition, or need help with a major life transition, children sometimes need therapy to maintain mental health.
Because children see the world so differently than adults, it’s important to take your child to a therapist who specializes in helping children.
Play therapy is a form of treatment that helps children who are experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, and relationship disorders to express their emotions, improve their communication abilities, and learn to solve problems.
This kind of therapy honors a child’s unique developmental level and looks for ways of helping by observing and interacting with how they play, which is the natural expressive “language” of children. Play therapy is most often used for children ages 4-12, though it can also be used in varying forms with teenagers and adults, as well as with children and their parents or caretakers.
Family therapy (also known as family counseling) aims to address the psychological, behavioral, and emotional issues that cause family problems. This type of therapy is used to help everyone involved deal with a difficult period, a major transition, or the mental health challenges of a family member. Family therapy can be conducted in a therapist’s office, during home visits, or virtually, through telehealth visits.
Couples therapy, sometimes referred to as marriage therapy or couples counseling, is counseling for couples who are in a relationship. The goal of this type of therapy is to help couples of all types recognize and resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. Through couples therapy, you and your partner can learn to make more thoughtful choices and decisions about rebuilding and strengthening your relationship or coming to the decision to end your relationship.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular type of therapy used in the treatment of multiple mental health conditions. In a CBT session, the patient and therapist work together to uncover patterns of thinking and actions that interfere with the patient’s quality of life. The patient can then learn ways to stop these destructive thoughts and actions.
MI is a goal-oriented, client-centered counseling style that works to explore and resolve ambivalence about getting better. Compared with non-directive counseling, MI is more focused and goal-directed. It departs from traditional Rogerian client-centered therapy through this use of direction, in which therapists attempt to influence clients to consider making changes rather than non-directly exploring themselves. The examination and resolution of ambivalence is a central purpose, and the counselor is intentionally directive in pursuing a set goal.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, or MBSR, teaches individuals the principles of being more mindful and shows them how to apply them to deal more effectively with feelings of psychological distress and the demands of daily life. MBSR can teach you how to respond to stressful situations in a more thoughtful way. The practice has been found to be a helpful addition to conventional medical treatments for chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and other physical and emotional problems.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy technique used to treat anxiety, PTSD, panic disorder, trauma, and more. After someone experiences a trauma, they often have trouble making sense of what happened. EMDR therapy reconnects a traumatized person to the images, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations associated with their particular trauma to help them process it and begin to heal.
Unlike other treatments that focus directly on altering the emotions, thoughts, and responses resulting from traumatic experiences, EMDR therapy focuses directly on the memory to help change the way that the memory is stored in the brain and to reduce or eliminate the problematic symptoms associated with that memory.
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) was originally used to help children and adolescents who had experienced sexual abuse. Now, this approach is being applied to children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced any form of trauma or abuse as a child.
TIC recognizes and responds to the signs, symptoms, and risks of trauma to support the health needs of people who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). Adopting trauma-informed practices can potentially improve engagement, treatment adherence, and health outcomes.
What Can Therapy Help With?
Psychotherapy can help you understand the behaviors, emotions, and ideas that are holding you back, and learn how to modify them. Therapy can help identify the events or problems that contribute to your discomfort, and which aspects of those problems you may be able to resolve. Therapy may also help you learn coping techniques and problem-solving skills so that you can regain a sense of control in your life.
- A family member’s illness or death
- Difficult with persistent sadness or anxiety
- Processing traumatic exposures
- Behavioral problems at home or school
- And many more…
What to Expect in Therapy
A therapist’s role is to offer you insights into your experiences, advice on how to handle your issues, and evidence-based treatment for your emotional or mental health conditions. But above all, you should expect a therapeutic environment that is compassionate, safe, and focused on helping you feel better. During the first 1-2 sessions, your therapist will begin the process of understanding what issues you want to address and then work with you to create a planned approach that will serve as a guide for your care. From there it is a matter of working with your therapist to address specific goals, learn new ways to manage stress and difficult situations, and ultimately lead to permanent change.
For virtual sessions, the process is the same, but you may want to consider where you will do your sessions. We suggest choosing a quiet and private space where you will feel comfortable participating and joining in the conversation.
Our providers all practice using standardized, evidence-based treatments to meet all your wellness needs.
Our staff is well-equipped to support you along all aspects of your care.
We put you in the driver’s seat by offering ease of access to your team
Same-day Appointments
No more waiting! Immediate access to the behavioral healthcare you need.
Telepsychiatry Now Available!
Online therapy, also known as teletherapy, is a secure and effective way to connect with a therapist. In these sessions, patients talk with their therapists through live video. Patients can log on to the calls from anywhere with a secure internet connection. When getting ready for a telehealth appointment, we recommend finding an area that is private and where you will feel comfortable speaking.
Having our patients feel comfortable in their therapy sessions is of the utmost importance, which is why we offer both telehealth and in-person appointment settings
Find a Counselor/Therapist
Find an ABM provider near you and schedule an appointment today!
Insurances Accepted
Call us at (855) 409-9002 to see if you are covered.
Insurance plans may vary by state and are subject to change.
What Our Patients Say
My experience with Apogee Behavioral Medicine has been amazing! The providers and office staff are so friendly and helpful and demonstrate a true sense of care. I appreciate that every time I call there is always a kind person on the other end of the phone. From scheduling, to my actual appointment with Dr. Ayers, they have made the entire process as straightforward and easy as possible. I prefer to be seen in-person, but travel for work so it’s comforting to know I have the option to book a virtual appointment, if needed. I’m so grateful for the compassion they have shown me and look forward to their guidance as I learn to manage my anxiety. I feel like I’ve finally found the support system I’ve been searching for.
I reached out to several psychiatry groups, some of which never even returned my call. Not only was I able to speak with an actual person, but she scheduled me for an appointment right away. Their office has a very calming feel and I was greeted with a smile and felt safe and welcomed at my appointment. I highly recommend Apogee Behavioral Medicine. They’re truly a wonderful group and their sincerity for patients dealing with mental health is at the forefront of this practice.
It was very easy to talk to the professionals there. They listened to everything I said and were very encouraging and supportive. I highly recommend Apogee Behavioral Medicine to anyone.
FAQs for Counseling & Therapy
During the first 1-2 sessions, your therapist will begin the process of understanding what issues you want to address and then work with you to create a planned approach that will serve as a guide for your care. From there it is a matter of working with your therapist to address specific goals, learn new ways to manage stress and difficult situations, and ultimately lead to permanent change.
Depending on the condition and type of therapy, a treatment course is between 12-40 sessions. Your therapist will what to expect during your first session.
Apogee strives to provide access to care that is evidence-based and convenient. Please speak to one of our patient care specialists if you are interested in weekend appointments.
At ABM, we are committed to providing evidence-based services through therapists specialized in treating various conditions for children and adolescents. Apogee therapists who specialize in child therapy work with ages 6-21, and patients aged 5 or younger will need a referral from their primary care physician (PCP).
A licensed therapist is a professional with the experience and credentials to provide therapy services to people who need mental health care. There are many types of licensed therapists, including psychologists and Licensed Professional Counselors.
