Grief counselors and therapists in Durham, NC

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.

Greetings! I commend you on taking first step! My name is Ashley Coleman. I earned my Bachelor's of Social Work at Benedict College and my Master's of Social Work at University of South Carolina.

I bring authenticity, compassion, and a down-to-earth approach to each session!

Hi, I'm Dr. Arthur Chen, a licensed psychologist in Boca Raton and a Clinical Director. My passion is helping you navigate challenges and build lasting well-being through evidence-based strategies, genuine empathy, and active collaboration.

I specialize in Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, eating disorder recovery, and substance abuse recovery. Our practice, where I'm Clinical Director, also handles severe issues like bipolar disorder and psychosis.

My style is active, empathetic, and results-oriented. I don't just listen; I provide direct feedback and insightful questions to deepen your self-awareness. I'll gently challenge you to explore new perspectives and identify patterns, always in a safe space. My core is unconditional positive regard and profound care, ensuring you feel safe and accepted, truly heard and understood.

My strength is equipping you with practical skills for daily life. I provide concrete tools to manage difficult emotions, improve communication, develop robust coping mechanisms, and cultivate emotional resilience. My commitment is tangible results: symptom reduction, sustainable recovery, deeper self-discovery, and ultimately, an improved quality of life. Whether you want to "figure things out" or enhance your mental fitness, I'm here to guide you.

Hi, I’m Christina. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor who helps teens, families, and adults navigate anxiety, trauma, and life’s high-stress seasons. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, understood, and supported — a place where you don’t have to hold it all together or figure things out alone.

In addition to private practice, I work in community crisis response, supporting individuals and families during difficult or overwhelming situations. This experience helps me stay calm, practical, and focused on what truly helps when life feels heavy.

Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed with life, exhausted, anxious, or depressed? Have you experienced a stressful or traumatic life event? Perhaps you struggle with a chronic illness. Maybe you struggle with a difficult child or teen. Or maybe your partner has been unfaithful. Are you tired of feeling isolated and hopeless? You want- no, you need- things to change, but you don’t where to begin. Asking for help can be one of the most difficulty things to do, but I would be honored to help you discover your inner strength and begin your journey to healing and being who you are meant to be.

I have received training in Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) for managing bipolar disorders as well as certification as a clinical trauma professional. A nationally certified counselor, I am also a member of LPC Association of NC and the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP).

I am passionate about helping people triumph over trauma, learn mindfulness-based practices to reduce stress and manage anxiety, improve self-esteem, understand the relationship among our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors (CBT) and learn to tolerate distress in their lives.

Whether this is your first time looking for a therapist or a "last ditch effort" to get help, I believe I can support you. When you are working with me, and yes, therapy is work, it is my hope that you will feel warmth, genuineness, and judgment-free compassion from me. Just the concept of feeling heard can be quite powerful in itself. I am trained in a number of therapeutic approaches but I do not believe in a cookie-cutter approach to clients, and will tailor my interventions to your needs.

Welcome to Kershaw Therapy Services, PLLC ~ Ignite the change. Live your potential.

I am honored that you have allowed me to serve your mental health needs. Please know that I am fully committed to seeing you accomplish your goals, while making potential become reality. At KTS, PLLC serving others is my specialty!

I completed two Masters degrees from Liberty University in Humans Services and Business (2013), and Professional Counseling (2018). I also hold a Post-Baccalaureate certification in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University (2024). Lastly, I am a National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), and doctoral student in Clinical Psychology PhD program at Fielding Graduate University.

Your Friendly and Caring Provider,

Belisa Kershaw, MA, NCC, LCMHC

I am professional, compassionate, empathetic, and honest.