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Partner 1: “I reach for you, but it feels like you’re already gone.” I’m left wondering if I matter to you at all.” Partner 2: “When you come close, I feel the pressure to be perfect, so I pull back to protect us both.” These unspoken messages leave couples lonely and stuck. I help break this anxious–avoidant cycle so partners feel safe, seen, and deeply connected again.

“I don’t understand why I want closeness so badly, yet feel disappointed when I have it. Why do I feel lonelier than others, even when I’m not alone?” Or: “I care deeply, but people say I’m distant or hard to read. When emotions get intense, I shut down—not because I don’t feel, but because it feels like too much.”

These quiet tensions live beneath awareness for many people. Longing and self-protection pull in opposite directions. Needs feel confusing, emotions feel overwhelming or unsafe, and core beliefs quietly form—I’m too much, I’m not enough, connection costs me something.

I help people loosen these patterns, reconcile the Self with more truthful and adaptive beliefs, and move toward self-acceptance and interdependence—where connection no longer threatens safety, but deepens it.

After nine years serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, I realized my deepest fulfillment came not from fixing systems, but from walking with people. Leaving the military was not a departure from service—it was a continuation of it. I pursued social work and theological training to better support people in their most important relationships. Today, my practice is devoted to couples counseling and trauma-informed care. Drawing primarily from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and EMDR, I help couples slow conflict, understand what drives disconnection, and emotional safety. As a veteran and seminary-trained therapist, I bring structure, compassion, and steady hope—meeting clients with respect, grace, and a belief in lasting change.

My qualifications and competence in the area of Counseling are founded on my education, work experience, and additional training in areas relating to the field of counseling. I have over five (5) years’ experience providing services to a wide range of populations including adolescents, adults and couples in school, outpatient, nonprofit, and virtual settings. My specialties include providing counseling services to adults, adolescents, and families surrounding depression, anxiety, trauma, life changes, and emotional regulation.

You may be feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, especially if you’ve experienced trauma, toxic relationships, or emotional pain that keeps resurfacing. It can feel overwhelming trying to move forward while still carrying the weight of the past. You don’t have to do this alone. I provide a supportive space where you can begin to understand your story, break free from old patterns, and move toward a more peaceful, meaningful, and purpose-driven life.

Erin Gora, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience supporting individuals and families through the challenges of aging, illness, caregiving, grief, and life transitions. Her background includes work in behavioral health, dementia care, palliative care, and medical social work across hospital, hospice, and community settings.

Hi, I’m Liz! I help clients heal from past trauma and uncover the root of what’s keeping them feeling stuck. Trauma can shape the way you see yourself, others, and the world—often showing up as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or difficulty setting healthy boundaries.

My work focuses on addressing these deeper patterns to support lasting healing and meaningful personal growth. For those who desire it, I also offer the option to integrate Christian faith into the counseling process.

I believe therapy should not only be effective but also feel human and approachable. We’ll roll up our sleeves and do the work together, while also making space for moments of lightness along the way.

Are you experiencing periods of sadness or feeling anxious? Or maybe you have a child who is having some difficulties? What about that recent event in your life that has got you down? When life happens, it is often difficult to move forward. However, creating a positive shift and discovering a new way of living after life’s circumstances is possible. My commitment to you as a therapist is to meet you where you are, help you visualize the change you desire, and guide you in taking the steps necessary towards a more positive way of living.

I look forward to working with you!

Hello and nice to "meet" you! I have been a licensed counselor since 2004 (SC #4579 and NC #22747). I earned a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Psychology and Counseling from UNC Chapel Hill in 1999. Early in my career, I focused my work with children, adolescents, and families, as well as adults. Since then, I have narrowed my focus to victims of trauma, First Responders, and those Depressive Disorders and Anxiety Disorders.

Are you feeling stuck? Frustrated? Having a difficult time navigating changes in your life? I am here to help!

I have been in social work practice for over 12 years now. I have worked with various populations including those who are dealing with life stressors, in crisis, dealing with chronic illness, grief/loss, difficulty adjusting to life transitions, trauma and stress. I approach my clients with respect and with an open mind!

As a therapist, I have worked with clients in schools, communities, and office settings for over a decade. I enjoys working with children with ADHD and ODD and with children who have experienced physical and sexual abuse. He also works with adults who are dealing with substance misuse, mood disorders such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder, personality problems, and adults with dual diagnoses and behavioral problems.