Life coaching in Raleigh, NC

Hello, I am Elizabeth Ishola, and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 5 years of experience. I am passionate about supporting individuals with various backgrounds and experiences ready to start their personal growth journey, particularly women of color. My clients often deal with challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, trauma, self-esteem, relationship issues, women's health and perinatal concerns. 

I operate from a person-centered lens, believing that strong client relationships are key to therapy. I draw from CBT to help clients challenge and replace negative beliefs, and EFT to deepen understanding of emotional experience and how thoughts and beliefs impact behaviors. I work collaboratively to support clients in reaching their personal goals.

We all have had experiences that have shaped who we are, whether good or bad. Often these are things that were out of our control. You may not have had control over these experiences but you do have control of what you do about them. You get to decide the person you want to be and I want to support you in becoming that person.

Kristyn Martinez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 7 years of professional experience. She specializes in working with all adults looking to focus on identifying, healing, and learning to cope with anxiety, depression, OCD, stressors in life, work-life balancing, body image, or single motherhood. Kristyn also specializes in helping clients learn to be successful with bipolar, psychosis, dissociative, and mood disorders. 

Kristyn completed her Master in Clinical Counseling at the University of Webster Myrtle Beach. She is a military spouse with first-hand knowledge of life's many stressors. Kristin uses various methods to help each client, including acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), compassion-focused, motivation interviewing, and trauma-informed care. 

Our minds are similar to plants, and our bodies are gardeners. Even gardeners need tools to grow their plants, let's come together, and we can find the tools that best work for your garden. Reach out and schedule an appointment with Kristin today!

Matt Smith is a Nationally Certified Counselor and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who has worked in various counseling and education settings for over 15 years. He has counseled elementary school students, middle school students, high school students, college dormitory residents, adult college students, and adults in the workforce. Matt has also helped clients work through a variety of issues, such as relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, PTSD, homelessness, divorce, academic difficulties, attention deficit, anger management, assault survival, and inmate transition back into society.

Matt earned his undergraduate degree in Education and Psychology from Guilford College, and his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Matt has served in a university counseling center and public and private counseling agencies. He provided personal, career, and life skills counseling, and created and revised detailed accommodation plans for students with disabilities. Matt has served clients from disadvantaged backgrounds: low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities.

Matt’s counseling approach is a blend of Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Cognitive Therapy. During sessions, Matt will identify appropriate and applicable projects and expressive arts techniques for his clients to consider trying. Such projects and techniques may include therapeutic photography, journal writing, genograms, painting, clay, music, and additional tactile/kinesthetic arts.

During your initial visit, Matt will review your paperwork, your history, your current counseling goals (if any), and presenting strengths & next steps. Matt is excited to assist you to reach your goals!

Sharon Scott is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with years of professional experience. She works with clients of all ages, but especially those suffering from anxiety, stress, depression, life transitional issues, women's issues, trauma, and more.

Sharon completed her Master's degree in Social Work at Fordham University in NYC and her Master's degree in Clinical Art Therapy at Long Island University. She utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, humanistic therapy, and more.

Sharon is ready to listen to whatever you're going through, and to help support you in finding your way. If you would like to talk more about it, schedule an appointment with her today!

Jarrett Isler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) who has over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. As a young man Jarrett began to live a healthy life by working out, eating healthy, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He found that he wanted to help others make positive choices to live a happy, content, fulfilling life. 

Jarrett completed his Master of Social Work (MSW) at West Virginia University. He is a certified personal trainer and a certified yoga instructor. He is a very outgoing young man, able to converse with many people of diverse backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles. He can carry on conversations in a way that makes people feel comfortable speaking to him about their wishes or needs. Jarrett’s strongest asset is his personality. He is always willing to lend a kind, listening ear to whatever clients would like to share. He tries to respond with genuine positive suggestions. 

Jarrett can help you by demonstrating his own positive ways of making decisions. He is always available to talk through or listen to his clients’ suggestions. He lets his clients know that he understands and feels what they are going through. He also tries to convey that he is here whenever they need his help.

I specialize in working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief and trauma. My approach is client-centered and collaborative. I create a safe, supportive environment for healing and growth. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Winston-Salem State University in 2007 and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Behavioral Addictions from North Carolina A&T State University in 2012. Over 18 years, I've gained diverse experience across mental health settings. If you're facing a life shift, know you don't have to go through it alone. I'm here when you're ready to start.

Healing begins by reconnecting to what matters most. When facing pain or change, I help you slow down, listen inward, and release patterns that no longer serve you. I work with life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. My approach is collaborative. Healing happens when you feel safe and supported. We build strategies toward the life you want.

If you're ready to explore healing and growth, I'm here to walk alongside you with compassion. You don't navigate this alone. Your experiences deserve space to be held deeply with care and respect. When ready, please schedule an appointment. I look forward to supporting you as you move toward a life that feels more aligned, grounded, and authentically yours.

Jake Lamers is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) who is passionate about fostering positive change by working collaboratively with each client to identify and achieve their unique goals. Jake works with clients to enhance self-esteem, navigate difficult life transitions, and cope with depression and anxiety. Jake helps clients develop and practice tools in therapy to prepare and empower clients to live a more fulfilling life even after therapy concludes.

Jake employs cognitive behavioral techniques in collaboration with acceptance and commitment therapy to assist the client in breaking down barriers that are keeping them from improving their quality of life. Helpful readings and practice will often be provided to reinforce what was learned in sessions.

If you feel you are ready to make the first steps toward self-improvement, seeking therapy is a great start. Please reach out if you are ready to start making the long-lasting changes you want or need.

With 7 years of experience in the mental health field, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Taylor Gallaher has worked in various settings with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She began her career in a mental health hospital before transitioning to providing school-based therapy for children before moving into individual counseling. Currently, she focuses on supporting college-aged and adult populations dealing with anxiety, depression, decision-making fatigue, and everyday stress. Her ideal client may struggle with finding balance in their personal or professional life or feel overwhelmed by the demands placed on them.

Taylor holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered treatment, and solution-focused therapy to help clients challenge negative thought patterns, build self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies.

Taylor understands that reaching out for help can be a big step, but she believes everyone deserves support. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or the everyday stress that life brings, Taylor is here to listen without judgment and work alongside you to find practical solutions.

William Etheridge is a Licensed Clinician Mental Health Counselor who has been passionately working for many years to aid in the management of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health difficulties. William completed his Master of Arts in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2019 at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

William has a familiarity with the intersecting aspects of navigating modern issues and utilizes this knowledge to aid clients in their therapeutic pursuits through an empowering, cognitive-centered framework.

When considering your well-being, it’s important to be aware of how mental, physical, and environmental elements are interacting in your life in order to appropriately manage them. William will support and aid you in developing tools and techniques to help you create a more satisfying lifestyle. If this interests you, please do not hesitate to reach out.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 22 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges. I work with adults navigating stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and major life transitions. I understand how personal, emotional, academic, or work-related pressures can disrupt well-being, and I strive to offer a calm, compassionate space where you can feel seen, supported, and encouraged to pursue meaningful healing.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from the University of Houston. Over the years, I have worked with diverse individuals and families, using approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused strategies, and strength-based support to promote insight, resilience, and practical growth.

My goal is to help you regain a sense of balance and control in your life. Together, we will explore your experiences, identify patterns that are holding you back, and build effective strategies to move forward. You deserve support that feels respectful and empowering, and I look forward to helping you take the next step.

Ava Baker is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 8 years of experience working with diverse populations. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, conduct disorders, autism spectrum disorder, self-esteem issues, and family/parenting issues. Before becoming a counselor, Ava spent 28 years as an elementary school teacher. She has worked with individuals, couples, and families in settings including the juvenile justice system, school-based therapy, and community health. Ava’s professional and personal experiences enable her to support and guide clients in dealing with life stressors.

Ava has a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. She utilizes a wide range of therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy. Ava recognizes that change comes from within and employs a client-centered approach to treatment.

Ava believes that the challenges and struggles we face can help us grow and that everyone can develop the skills to have a healthy and fulfilling life. She encourages her clients to live today, plan for tomorrow, and love themselves so that they can shine. Schedule an appointment today!

Nicole Baltimore is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 4 years of experience. She specializes in adolescents, adults, couples, and families who have a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relationship issues, behavioral issues, and personality disorders. Nicole also has experience working with the geriatric population.

Nicole received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. Nicole has experience in crisis intervention, community mental health, working with veterans, and displaced youth. Nicole utilizes a variety of clinical approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, brief solution-focused therapy, and mindful based approaches.

Nicole believes in meeting others where they are to assist them with achieving their goals. Nicole believes it is important to highlight individual strengths in order to help others achieve their goals and looks forward to meeting with you to help you achieve a higher quality of life.

Amy Hunnicutt is a licensed therapist with over 11 years of counseling experience. Amy believes any number of life events can make it difficult to "show up" in our relationships, workplaces, and for ourselves the way we want to. She loves working with individuals to help them identify the things that are keeping them from living a life they love. Amy specializes in helping people with depression, ADHD, grief, parenting issues, and adjusting to life transitions. Another group of people she feels passion for helping are those struggling with their faith and how they view the world. Amy understands as we grow and learn our worldview that we've had, sometimes for years, can change and this can be a painful and confusing time. She offers a place to "hash out" life's tough questions.

Amy received a Master's in Counseling from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Amy approaches therapy using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and also a solution-focused approach. As someone with professional experience who has needed support showing up as her "best self," Amy understands having a judgment-free space to learn more about who you are and what you need to be successful, as you define it, can be a game changer. Please reach out, she's happy to join you through this part of your story!

Shine Chauhan is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina with 11 years of experience in mental health. Step into sessions with Shine and experience a compassionate blend of her life wisdom, tailored to address anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity exploration, and relationship hurdles. With her guidance, you'll articulate emotions, validate experiences, and break free from limiting patterns, moving towards self-acceptance, fulfillment, and stronger connections. Shine is also here to support immigrants in navigating cultural assimilation and finding deeper personal meaning.

Shine uses various therapy approaches tailored to each person's situation. She aims to relieve distress and help clients gain self-awareness. Spirituality is an important part of her life and practice. When appropriate, Shine helps clients discuss their deepest values to enhance greater meaning in their lives.

In life's ups and downs, Shine is your empathetic guide, ready to help you tap into your inner strength and clarity with personalized techniques. Ready to level up your well-being? Book your session online today and let's kickstart your journey together!

Nakisha Rodriguez is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 13 years of experience in mental health. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and military members. Nakisha is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families address their unique challenges and live more fulfilling lives. Nakisha earned her Master of Science in Human Services with a specialty in Mental Health Counseling at Capella University. She is an Air Force spouse and former military child. She has years of experience navigating the stressors and joys of military life.

Nakisha utilizes multiple treatment approaches, including dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused brief therapy. Nakisha believes in a holistic approach to mental health, with deep breathing and meditation practices. She is trained as a yoga and meditation facilitator.

The only thing guaranteed in life is change. Nakisha is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that will allow you to cope with those changes. If you are ready to change your perspective, schedule an appointment with her today.

Dory Ragon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 27 years of experience supporting a variety of clients in various settings. Dory is passionate about partnering with clients to assist them in reaching their personal, emotional, and professional goals. She specializes in providing support in addressing issues related to the female experience, anxiety, caregiver burnout (both professional and personal), depression, grief, loss, and life transitions. Dory has experience working with women, parents, children with emotional/behavioral challenges, and the bereaved. While working with these populations, she has provided support related to family issues, anxiety, loneliness, separation, coping difficulties, loss, and re-discovering one's life purpose. Due to recent changes in healthcare, Dory has focused her practice to include providing support to caregivers (both professional and personal) and women experiencing stress/anxiety related to the current political climate.

Dory completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Central Florida. She utilizes an integrative approach, providing a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) framework to therapy, while incorporating client-centered, humanistic, and relational interventions. Dory's role in a therapeutic relationship is to walk alongside her clients, providing nonjudgmental support, information, and guidance to promote their success. She views each client as a unique individual, with a unique set of strengths and challenges. Dory tends to be solution-focused in her practice.

Together, you and Dory will develop a plan of care and establish some meaningful and attainable goals to improve your quality of life. Dory's hope for you would be to increase your life satisfaction, overall well-being, and to just feel better. Life can get complicated and managing our emotions can be challenging. In the face of increased life stressors, it is not a surprise that you are feeling overwhelmed. Dory is confident that, together, you can identify goals for therapy and create an action plan to move you closer to the more peaceful and fulfilling live you envision. If you are ready to take the first step in moving forward, schedule an appointment with Dory today!

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor with 22 years of experience helping adults navigate depression, anxiety, grief, and major life transitions. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore challenges and find growth through self-awareness and emotional regulation. I believe in using therapy as a collaborative process that fosters healing, balance, and personal transformation.

I earned my Master’s in Counseling from the UNC-Charlotte. My therapeutic approach blends cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness-based strategies. This combination allows clients to develop greater control over their thoughts, manage emotions, and stay present in the moment.

If you are considering therapy, I commend you for taking this important step toward caring for your mental health. Continue showing up for yourself by scheduling a session and prioritizing your emotional well-being just as you would your physical health. Healing begins when you give yourself permission to grow.

Dr. Atia Wise is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor-Supervisor with over 15 years of experience. She specializes in working with women, emerging adults, and professionals from historically marginalized backgrounds navigating transitions, burnout, identity development, and the pursuit of purpose. Her clinical expertise spans multiple levels of care, informing a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach to treatment. Dr. Atia is dedicated to helping clients gain clarity, build resilience, and create lives aligned with their values.

Dr. Atia earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from High Point University. She specializes in supporting you through life transitions, burnout, and identity exploration. She offers a warm, collaborative space grounded in cultural awareness, helping clients gain clarity, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Dr. Atia believes healing begins with being truly seen and heard. She creates a welcoming space where clients can show up as they are, without judgment. With warmth and empathy, she helps clients navigate challenges and reconnect with their strengths. When you're ready, she will walk alongside you on your journey.

Aisha Alston is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor from the state of North Carolina. She has experience working with clients who are seeking counseling for an array of life challenges. She works with all individuals in life stages from adolescence through late senior years, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or handicap. Specialties include parenting issues, mood disorders, thought disorders, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, sexual abuse, relationship issues, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), conflict issues, grief/loss, adjustment disorder, LGBTQ+, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiance disorder, conduct disorder.

Aisha’s educational background includes Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, Masters of Arts in Business Management and Leadership, Liberty University. Through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or other therapeutic treatment modalities, she looks forward to assisting you with finding creative solutions that can bring about deep and meaningful change in your life.

There are two mantras she often refers to in therapy with clients. Change is a personal choice that is often uncomfortable. The other is, what you allow will continue. Aisha's goal is to provide you with an encouraging, safe, and judgment-free environment where you can talk freely about your presenting problems and learn how to work through those issues and concerns so that operate at a higher functioning status.

Georleena Douglas is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with 4+ years of experience practicing with adolescents and adults. Georleena specializes in anxiety, depression, sexual wellness and minor trauma, especially within the black community.

Georleena earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Queens College. She earned her Master's degree in North Carolina State University, where she received her Master's degree. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), and holistic therapy, among other approaches.

Georleena will work with clients to address the source of their concerns and issues and how to use their strengths and mindfulness to overcome them. She looks forward to helping clients from all backgrounds, especially those in the black community. Schedule your session today.

Amber Fair is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate with 1 year of experience supporting LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and disabled clients. Their professional background includes nonprofit LGBTQIA+ advocacy and private practice, with a focus on individuals impacted by chronic illness, pain, and disability. Amber is committed to helping clients feel seen, heard, and empowered in their therapeutic work.

Amber earned their Master of Social Work from North Carolina State University. They draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, somatic methods, and parts work to support client goals. Their approach is person-centered, affirming, and responsive to each client’s needs and lived experience.

As a neurodivergent clinician, Amber understands how alienation, systemic barriers, and feeling misunderstood can impact mental health. They offer care that acknowledges invisible struggles and affirms your lived experience. Amber is ready to partner with you in a space of support, validation, and shared understanding. Reach out today!

Jody-Lynne Suda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of North Carolina with over 39 years of experience providing services to individuals, couples, and families seeking support through issues including depression, anxiety, relationships, life transitions, and trauma. Having worked with the military, she is a strong support system with an eclectic and flexible approach to client needs. Her passion for a holistic approach to helping people from “the inside out” includes improving mental health by caring for both our spiritual and physical needs.

Jody-Lynne completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Long Island University and her Master of Science in Social Work at Columbia University in NY. Her eclectic approach includes faith-based, strengths-based, solution-focused, mindfulness, nutrition, and more, working to adjust interventions and modalities to best fit client needs as each individual is unique.

Believing the therapeutic process is creative and flexible, Jody-Lynne looks to build a supportive and encouraging relationship with you since you are the expert in your journey. Through listening well, she seeks to know you well in order to work with you to build on your strengths from your own values, to meet your goals, and live the life you choose according to those values.

Chiquana Bryant is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of North Carolina. She has been employed in the mental health field since 2006 starting as a community supports worker/case manager. She became a licensed therapist in 2012 and has gained a wealth of knowledge from the experiences of those she's counseled. She's come across all walks of life from small children and caregivers with a history of trauma and attachment issues, oppositional and defiant teenagers with behavioral challenges, and adults who are figuring out underlying causes of mental and emotional challenges potentially picked up over the course of their lives.

Most recently, she has been a therapist in a close-custody prison. She experienced what society may consider "the worst of the worst" human beings completely changing their thinking patterns and behaviors to be promoted and/or released from prison after gaining a new level of insight and motivation to succeed.

Chiquana brings knowledge of attachment issues, especially between young children and their primary caregivers. Utilizing play therapy and addressing traumatic experiences will aid in a parent's ability to help their child (and themselves) regulate emotions. The same goes for adults who have faced trauma over the course of their lives — narrative therapy and discussing the circumstances involving the trauma tends to help alleviate symptoms of paranoia and trust issues, depression, anxiety, anger, and mood disorders. Chiquana believes that any situation can be handled with a listening ear, knowledge of how the mind and emotions work, and patience.

Chiquana believes that the most important part of the therapy process is the therapeutic relationship. Being able to relate, empathize with, and understand you without any judgment or bias will allow her to best serve and assist you through whatever mental and emotional challenges you may face. However, without creating a relationship of trust and genuine regard for the therapy process, it will be impossible to see results. Please allow her to assist you by forming a therapeutic alliance that will help you to achieve your goals. Depression, anxiety, stress, behavioral challenges, relationship issues, and trauma can be turned around with the right attitude, persistence, and knowledge!