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Headshot of Yolanda Cranford, LCSW

Yolanda Cranford

Therapist
30 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Anxiety, Depression, Stress management, Women's issues
  • Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

I am the owner and licensed clinical social worker at Inner Essence Counseling, PLLC, based in North Carolina. With years of experience and a genuine passion for supporting women, I specialize in helping clients overcome anxiety, depression, and the challenges that can arise from difficulties with self-esteem, unhealthy relationship habits, and major life transitions.

Life can be overwhelming—whether you're navigating the emotional upheaval of divorce, grieving a loss, facing a career change, or feeling burned out from caretaker fatigue. It’s not always easy to ask for help, but I want you to know you’re not alone. My mission is to provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you can be yourself and explore the tools you need to heal, grow, and thrive.You deserve to feel confident, peaceful, and whole—and I’m here to help you make that a reality. If you're ready to take the next step toward healing, growth, and reclaiming your life, reach out today to schedule a consultation.

Let’s work together to create a new chapter of peace, joy, and fulfillment in your life.

My approach to therapy

Life is full of twists and turns, and sometimes it feels like the road is just too much to navigate alone. But you don’t have to. I’m here to meet you exactly where you are—with respect, compassion, and a judgment-free space for you to express your thoughts and feelings.

Together, we’ll build a trusting, collaborative relationship that empowers you to face life’s challenges. We’ll develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to your unique needs, using a combination of techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, stress reduction, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and emotion-focused therapy.

Whether it's working on rethinking patterns, healing past wounds, or finding new ways to cope with life’s hurdles, I’m here not just to listen, but to offer guidance, education, and unwavering support as you work toward clarity, healing, and growth. You deserve to find peace, and I’ll be with you every step of the way as you reclaim your inner strength and live life with intention.

What you can expect from me

You can expect a relaxed, down-to-earth space where you can truly be yourself. I believe in creating a warm, confidential environment where you feel heard and valued—no judgments, just real talk. Whether we’re diving into heavy topics or sharing a laugh, humor is always welcome because, honestly, laughter is some of the best medicine.

In our sessions, you’ll find encouragement and compassion as we work together to uncover the tools you need to navigate life’s challenges. You won’t be left with just advice, but practical strategies to help you find the peace and harmony you're seeking. My goal is to empower you to feel confident in your own story and to walk away from each session with a renewed sense of clarity and hope.

This is your space to heal, grow, and thrive.

About me

  • I identify as
    Black or African descent, Woman
  • My style is
    Affirming, Humorous, Holistic

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    30 years of experience
  • Training
    Other at Easter Michigan University, MSW (Master of Social Work) at University of Michigan
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (North Carolina)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Oscar, Oxford, United Healthcare

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, Depression, Stress management, Women's issues
  • More specialties
    Grief or loss, Relationship issues
  • Therapy methods
    Somatic, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Positive Psychology, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Strength-Based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Care types
    Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Adults
  • Languages
    English