Mental Health Therapy for children, teens, and adults in NC & FL

Therapy that helps you grow through life’s ebbs and flows.

Close-up of a white fabric with a soft, smooth texture.
A woman in a white dress reading a book on a sandy beach with the ocean and cloudy sky in the background.
  • Anxiety disorders and depression are two of the most prevalent mental health diagnoses faced by adults in the United Sates. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 23.4% of adults experienced mental health challenges in 2024, with anxiety disorders making up 19.1% and depression 15.5% of the total.

  • Whether you’re moving, navigating relationship changes, graduating, starting a new job, or entering a new phase of life, change can bring excitement but also uncertainty and lots of “what ifs?” Therapy is a space where you can process your experiences and organize your thoughts.

  • Past wounds can show up in our relationships, our self-talk, and how we see the world around us. While about 70% of the global population will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime, roughly 5.6% will develop PTSD. Seeking support is often a huge protective factor in navigating life after trauma.

  • You don’t need to have a list of diagnoses or huge crisis to begin therapy. Life can simply be stressful and confusing sometimes! Getting curious about what’s underneath the surface can help you recognize patterns and build skills to break free from unhelpful loops.

The tides may shift, but you don’t have to lose your footing.

Though we might not be able to calm the waters, therapy helps you anchor the boat and build skills to weather the storm.

A young woman with blonde hair smiling at the camera while standing on a beach at sunset. She is wearing a white dress and a light blue cardigan.

I’m emily.

I aim to show up authentically so that you can feel safe to do the same.

If you’re anything like me, I love a warm beach day with calm and gentle waves, but I know it’s unrealistic to expect that every time. Despite my wishing, storms still roll in, tides shift, and rougher waves make their way through.

While we can’t control the storms, tides, or waves, we can strengthen the skills that help us navigate our way through when life gets choppy. I provide a welcoming, compassionate space for us to collaborate so that you feel equipped to ride any of the waves life brings your way.

Six books lying on a sandy beach near the shoreline with the sun setting or rising in the background.
Close-up of a smooth, white fabric or cloth with soft folds.

connection is powerful

I believe that growth happens when you feel safe & understood.

As a therapist, I find that healing happens most naturally in the context of a safe, nonjudgmental relationship. Instead of rushing to “solutions,” I’m intentional about building trust, respecting your limits, and welcoming everything about you. While I’m closely guided by techniques backed by research, my work is rooted in connection, collaboration, and empowerment.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is about learning how to take a step back from unhelpful thoughts and feelings - noticing them but not letting them take control. Instead of struggling against your thoughts and feelings, the focus is on choosing actions that align with your values, so that you can live a life that feels meaningful to you.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) centers around the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are closely connected. By improving your ability to recognize and challenge unhelpful ways of thinking, you can reduce stress and build healthier patterns in daily life.

  • Studies show that one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy is the quality of the relationship between therapist and client. Feeling supported, respected, and understood creates a strong foundation for real growth and positive changes.

Ready to Dive in?

Click this link to request a free, confidential consultation. No pressure, no commitment - just a conversation to see if I’m the right fit for you!

Emily McFarland, LCSW