Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC

Along with unconditional positive regard, Danielle utilizes modalities such as motivational interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). She has her LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LCAS (Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist), and is currently working on her RPT (Registered Play Therapy) Certification.

My name is Surayyah James, and I’m a board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatry. Every person’s story matters, and I’m here to listen, support, and guide you as you work toward greater understanding and peace of mind. My practice is rooted in compassion and respect, offering a thoughtful blend of medication management, therapy, and mindfulness—all tailored to what truly works for you

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.

I believe that most people have the answers within themselves to work through their own problems - my role is to help you unlock that inner wisdom. I have experience helping people who are struggling with anxiety and depression, or who are numbing out through substance use. My clients are often working through life transitions and other challenging situations, such as relationship issues, grief, or chronic pain. Perhaps you have not been handling your emotions very well. You may even feel hopeless, or unsure how to articulate what you are feeling. Therapy is a collaborative journey to a more healthy state of mind.

My path to becoming a therapist is rooted in lived experience. Claiming joy and authenticity—as a sober, trans, kinky, non-monogamous, bisexual person—has taken time, intention, and community. I’ve moved through fear, people-pleasing, relapse, and grief, and found healing in therapy and holistic recovery spaces that reminded me who I was when I couldn’t see it myself.

I believe we’re all doing our best with the tools we have, and that therapy can offer space to build new ones—tools for feeling more, hiding less, and showing up in ways that feel true. My style is collaborative, steady, and grounded in care that doesn’t shy away from depth.

I earned my MSW from Columbia University in 2015 and began my career in home-based family therapy at NY Foundling. I later supported LGBTQIA+ youth at the LGBT Center and joined Dulcinea Pitagora’s group practice before founding my own. I continue to offer clinical supervision to social work interns at the LGBT Center.

After 11 years in NYC, I moved to the Hudson Valley to live among trees, rescue dogs, and small-town queer community. Outside of session, I’m often on a trail, on my yoga mat, or watching the birds from my porch.

I work with individuals who have trouble with managing stress and relationships. It can be hard to life without effective coping skills and someone to help. I do my best to listen to my client's needs and help them get to where they want to go.

Reaching out can be hard and I am here to help begin the process of healing and being there to help us become a better you. My goal and desire is to help teach you and provide you the essentials to overcome your obstacles. When life gets overwhelming at times, we forget to take care of ourselves. Depression and anxiety does not have to be a part of your everyday life.

Taking the first step to find a therapist or meet a new therapist is tricky! I am so glad that you are here! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and have been working in Community Mental Health for the past 3 years. My main focus that I work with in my practice over the past few years have mainly been PTSD and Postpartum.