Counseling for Anxiety, Depression & Stress in Cary, NC

The stress of day-to-day life can really wear a person down over time. When changes come hard and fast and work or family problems become overwhelming, many people realize they are unhappy and have lost the ability to enjoy life. Some become anxious and restless, worrying all the time. Others become depressed and shut themselves off from the world as much as possible. Symptoms can include tiredness, sadness, constant worry and racing thoughts, a feeling of being unable to cope, lack of enjoyment in relationships and activities, trouble sleeping or concentrating, and decreased efficiency at work.

Angela specializes in helping people find peace in the midst of constant change and daily chaos. Counseling sessions are designed to help you develop an inner tranquility that is not easily affected by outside circumstances or pressures.

What to expect

Counseling is provided in a relaxed atmosphere and focuses on helping you feel comfortable right from the beginning. Angela enjoys getting to know her clients well and laughing together, but also values focusing on goals and making each session productive. The first few sessions are spent getting to know one another, understanding the problem thoroughly, and clarifying goals for treatment. Angela will make recommendations after a thorough assessment; sometimes this might mean a referral to another provider, but often you get right to work on your goals. Exploring concerns with an objective party in a safe, confidential atmosphere often goes a long way. A counselor's job is not to give advice but to help you find solutions that work for you.

Approach to counseling

Angela works from a holistic perspective, focused on your overall, long-term well-being, with solutions built around specific, attainable goals. Therapy is generally short-term and ends when the presenting issue is resolved.

Like most marriage and family therapists, Angela broadens traditional therapy beyond viewing anxiety and depression only as a disease or disorder. While the disease model is helpful, it can miss the chance to build on your strengths. By looking at family patterns and considering both individual factors and the influence of the environment, clients often gain new insight, and are frequently surprised how quickly new solutions appear after changing their view of a problem.

Angela also incorporates mindfulness-based approaches, which have been shown to be highly effective for anxiety, depression, and stress. Mindfulness is often defined as "awareness of present experience with acceptance." Clients become more aware of the thoughts and feelings that occupy their minds on autopilot, then learn simple new habits to relax body and mind, accept unpleasant experiences, and more fully enjoy the good things in life moment by moment.

Mindfulness definition from The Mindfulness Solution: Everyday Practices for Everyday Problems by Ronald D. Siegel, PsyD.

Or call (919) 868-6242.

In-network with BCBS, Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, and CareSource. Fees & insurance.