Cheri Dawson is a native of North Carolina. She attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Leisure Studies/Therapeutic Recreation. She also attended American University (Washington, DC), where she earned a Master of Arts in Psychology, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling and Psychology. Cheri is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in North Carolina and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Over the past 17 years, Cheri has worked in human services, in settings including public mental health, community and recreation settings, hospitals, and private counseling practice. Over the past eight years, Cheri’s work has been focused on individual and group counseling. Cheri currently provides counseling services for individuals, ages 18-64. She enjoys providing counseling for individuals dealing with anxiety, life transitions/adjustment issues, and depression or mood concerns. Cheri strives to provide a comfortable counseling environment filled with compassion and encouragement, and utilizes a variety of counseling methods to meet clients’ needs. Cheri has training and knowledge in a variety of counseling methods, including the use of mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and progressive counting. [Read More]

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in North Carolina (#A12555) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (#755762). I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill and a Master of Science degree in Counseling from UNC Greensboro. I completed a counseling internship at Wake Forest University during my master’s program. I received my Doctor of Philosophy degree at UNC Greensboro, specializing in Sport and Exercise Psychology. I value helping clients resolve current concerns, as well as past issues that can impact daily life. I use Person-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Solution-Focused Therapy frameworks and techniques to help clients work toward making and maintaining positive changes. My services include individual counseling for adults and adolescents. My interests and training include, but are not limited to, the following areas: Anxiety (e.g., general, social, performance) Depression Relational Concerns Stress Management Self-Esteem Concerns Developmental Transitions/Adjustment Concerns Identity/Role Changes In addition to general counseling sessions, I work with athletes to address both sport performance concerns and life issues. I have experience working with athletes across different age groups and competitive levels in areas including, but not limited to, the following: Athletic Performance Concerns Sport-Related Anxiety, Depression, Anger, etc. Perfectionism in Sport Performance Anxiety Identity Concerns (role changes, injury, etc.) [Read More]

Byron has been with Presbyterian Counseling Center since 2015. He is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Byron specializes in working with patients of all ages as individuals, couples, and families who are experiencing problems relate to a variety of personal, professional and relational issues. His services include: Relationships & Family Pre-marital & Marriage counseling Depression, anxiety, and anger Life transition issues (death, divorce, & career changes) Personal development and self-care Mindfulness and Health Integration of Spirituality in counseling as desired [Read More]

I have a BA in Psychology from the State University of New York at Geneseo. My Master’s degree is in School Counseling and my Doctoral degree is in Counseling & Counselor Education, both from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). I also have a certificate in Animal-Assisted Therapy from Oakland University, which means, occasionally, you may see my dog, Harry, accompanying me to work. I have advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and have received multiple Safe Zone trainings to increase my awareness and ability to be an ally to individuals who identify as LGTBQ. I have an eclectic approach to working with clients, utilizing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, as well as Gestalt, Narrative, Developmental, Existential, and Systemic theories to counsel and conceptualize clients, within an overarching framework of Relational Cultural Therapy (RCT). This eclectic approach is due to my belief in the unique needs of each individual client living in a diverse and social world. My framework of RCT includes a focus on the relationship between client and therapist, engaging clients’ natural stores of resiliency and authenticity, de-pathologizing adaptive behaviors, and fostering clients’ development more fully through connections with others. I use Motivational Interviewing techniques to empower clients to take responsibility for their actions and outcomes and to work toward change. I believe firmly in individuals’ ability to overcome life’s difficulties and try to work collaboratively with clients, often utilizing creative approaches to do so, including art, play, and sand therapy. Specific to body image and disordered eating concerns, I operate from a Health at Every Size approach and philosophy and encourage Intuitive Eating principles. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), a a brain-based trauma protocol that helps clients identify, process, and release core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation, lower affective distress and physiological arousal, and reformulate negative beliefs into more positive ones. [Read More]

Juan Santos specializes in helping distant couples, struggling parents, and a little bit of everything in-between. Juan was born in the Dominican Republic but has lived in Greensboro, NC all his life. He utilizes a blend of strategies with the focus always being on the clients goals and ambitions. Mr. Santos is the author of “Life Without Stress“, “ReBuilding Us: A Guide For Healing Your Relationship” and “Couples Workbook; Making Your Relationship Work“. To read more about Juan click here. He has spoken and presented for local new stations that include 102.1 along with providing therapeutic presentations for community agencies and local universities. [Read More]

Madalina provides counseling to adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups as well as vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with physical and/or psychiatric disabilities. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She specializes in counseling for: mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, grief, emotional trauma, PTSD, eating disorders, behavioral challenges), chronic physical illness causing mental health issues (e.g., chronic pain, cancer, heart disease, strokes, traumatic brain injuries, diabetes, morbid obesity), and commonly encountered issues (e.g., stress, emotional burnout, life-work balance, relationships, career, health and wellness). She earned a MD degree in Romania and she graduated with a MS in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, Psychiatric Disability specialization from UNC Chapel Hill. [Read More]

I earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). I also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology from Susquehanna University. Furthermore, I earned a Master of Business Administration and a Ph.D. in Exercise and Sport Science (Emphasis in Exercise and Sport Psychology) from Villanova University and UNCG, respectively. What does all this mean to you? While education alone can’t make someone a good counselor, having a rich and varied background allows me to understand each client’s needs at a deep level. I then synthesize a wide range of therapeutic approaches to provide the best possible outcome for my clients. For example, my counseling education and background allows me to clinically assess and diagnoses and then develop and implement treatment plans for my clients using an eclectic range of theories, therapies, and techniques. My business background means I focus on results – FOR YOU. My sports psychology training helps me see first-hand that changing the way we think can change the way we live and perform. Further, I have a strong background in exercise physiology which helps me understand pharmacology/psychotropic medications. I also completed Safe Zone training which affirms my desire to support and be an ally to individuals who identify as LGBTQIA. [Read More]

Gabriella graduated with a Master of Arts in Counseling from University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a concentration in Play Therapy and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from North Carolina State University. She has experience working in a pediatric setting in providing individual sessions, as well as working with clients in a school-based setting. Gabriella draws from a client-centered approach and focuses on providing a safe space in working with clients on collaborative goals. In her free time, Gabriella enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and journaling. [Read More]

LaVerne Hanes Collins holds a BS in Management and Communications from Syracuse University, an M.S. Ed. in Community Counseling from Duquesne University, and a PhD in Christian Counseling from South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary. She has over 20 years clinical experience and holds interests in the areas of anxiety, time-management, depression, trauma, stage of life issues and adjustments problems, career and vocational concerns, domestic violence and abuse, and couples issues (including marriage, divorce, infidelity, remarriage and blended family concerns). Specifically, LaVerne has a passion for diverse populations and multicultural interests. She is sensitive to the challenges faced by women of color in today’s society and the unfortunate stigma often associated with counseling among diverse racial, ethnic and cultural groups. LaVerne understands that sharing one’s problems with a stranger is an act of courage, and she strives to always create a safe space for those courageous conversations with clients to happen. LaVerne is a proponent of bio-psycho-social-spiritual health and enjoys seeing clients benefit from whole-person, integrative approaches to wellness. Her primary therapeutic modality is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients examine how their underlying beliefs shape their thoughts, feelings and actions. She sometimes uses Narrative Therapy to help clients write and rewrite their stories. LaVerne is also trained through Level 3 in Gottman Therapy Methods for couples counseling. Finally, and most importantly, LaVerne believes that every life has a God-given purpose and each of us is uniquely equipped by God for the fulfillment of that purpose. LaVerne describes her purpose as “helping people develop and embrace new responses to life.” Sometimes these new responses are in relation to our situations, ourselves, our relationships, or to the Lord and His Word. She believes that God’s Word holds the key to those new responses, and in the power of His might, we can thrive in newness of life! Prior to moving to North Carolina to serve as Program Director and Interim Vice President for the National Board of Certified Counselors Foundation and Professional Services Division, LaVerne owned and managed an Atlanta-based private practice and clinical training agency. She and her husband are both ordained ministers and are active in leadership as associate ministers in their local church in Greensboro. [Read More]

David N. Buchanan, Jr. is a graduate of UNC-Greensboro and holds a Master’s of Social Work Degree from North Carolina Central University. David is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 18 years of professional experience. He is also a Certified Hypotherapist. David is a Certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. With over 18 years of experience, David has helped hundreds Improve their relationships Overcome depression Improve communication Decrease anger and so much more. [Read More]

I am a long-time resident of North Carolina. I completed my undergraduate studies at UNCG, and completed my graduate studies in the Joint Master of Social Work Program at UNCG and NC A&T in 2000. I am licensed by the NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board. I have been a member of the National Association of Social Workers since 1998. I am in the process of completing my Intensive DBT Training through Dr. Marsha Linehan’s Behavioral Tech. In 2005, I was fortunate enough to volunteer with my adult son for a week in Gulf Port Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. We performed deconstruction work—demolishing the interior of each home and removing water-destroyed personal belongings. The devastating conditions shocked my senses. Although the people we helped were stunned by the damage and loss, their will to survive and rebuild strong. Each person we helped verbalized appreciation for the help and individual respect offered. I returned to Greensboro physically exhausted yet reenergized and invigorated by the capacity of the human resolve to thrive. In my professional work I build a reciprocal relationship. I will work with you to develop a treatment plan and set goals. I provide treatment for children, adolescents, adults, and couples with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, unresolved emotional issues, self-esteem/self-empowerment, grief and loss, and relationship/family concerns. I utilize strength-based, solution-focused treatment with evidence-based therapies. I value time with my family and enjoy the antics of my house cats. I practice sustainable energy through reducing waste by recycling and composting, and organic planting of vegetables and herbs. [Read More]

I specialize in working with people who have Borderline Personality Disorder. It’s primarily the one disorder nearly no therapists touch. These are clients who have terrible traumatic backgrounds, including any kind of physical/sexual/emotional abuse. Their parents never validated any of their emotions. They grew up to not even trust how they are feeling. They become emotionally extreme on every aspect because it’s the only way they trust what they are feeling. If they are mad they are fighting and yelling. If they are sad they are self harming and thinking about suicide. If they are nervous they are having a panic attack. Everything is extreme. They doubt who they are, they doubt how they feel, and they take over that invalidating habit their parents raised them on and start invalidating themselves the same way. They believe their friends will eventually find out who they really are and will start talking shit about them – so they always seem paranoid. They self-sabotage anytime something starts going well because they don’t like challenging the idea that “I’m not good enough”. So they tend to drop out of school with a month left, they cheat on their significant other so that they are the one who gets broken up with, they create controversy in jobs so they get fired. Anything to prove that they suck as a person . (All subconsciously of course). I work with them to help provide the actual skills to live that their parents didn’t teach. I provide them ways to cope with negative feelings, I provide them ways to actually allow themselves to feel bad. We learn how to effectively and appropriately experience all emotions. As a Therapist, I help them learn that it’s not all their fault – and a lot of this is a product of their parents or upbringing. I help give them actual living skills to deal with other people and their own emotions. We learn how to identify toxic relationships and how to get out of them. We get better at finding healthy relationships. We learn how to deal with life when all these skills don’t work and shit literally hits the fan. And I’m not nice all the time – I tell them what they don’t want to hear (but what they need to hear) . Sometimes my clients walk out of my office with their middle finger raised at me, but they always come back because it’s what they need to hear. I help provide them actual tools, we prepare for a plan for them to eventually leave therapy, and we do it. And it works. My people get better, and fast. They constantly tell me I’m far better than their other therapists that just tell them what they want to hear. [Read More]

Hannah is committed to the personal growth of children, adolescents, couples, and families. She graduated from North Carolina State University with a Masters in Counseling Education and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Hannah brings with her eight years of experience working in a school-based and private practice setting. She has worked with children and adolescents in some capacity for over 12 years. Hannah understands the unique social and emotional pressures that today’s children face on a day to day basis. Additionally, Hannah has worked with children and adults as a Behavioral Assessment Counselor for Cone Health. In counseling sessions, Hannah focuses on meeting the client where they are in their journey and assisting in the healing and growth process. When practicing, Hannah utilizes mostly evidenced based approaches (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), family systems, and also integrates mindfulness, expressive arts and play techniques. [Read More]

Many of my clients have mental health concerns related to anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship/family stress, adoption, pre-and-postpartum issues, LGBT challenges, and more. I provide assessments and then work together with clients to create a treatment plan that uses evidence-based practices to help them start feeling better and make progress on their goals. I provide assessment for ADHD for both adults and children. I often collaborate with local doctors who specialize in ADHD testing and treatment as well. I enjoy helping clients learn about ADHD, how to best cope with procrastination, and time management challenges in day to day life.   [Read More]

Alicia has been a practicing counselor since August 2004. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) in May 2004 with a Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling. She completed a Post Master’s Certificate in Advanced School Counseling in May 2007, also earned from UNCG. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina and still holds a school counseling license with the state of North Carolina Board of Education, Department of Public Instruction. She is also a National Certified Counselor as recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Alicia was a high school counselor for 13 years before entering private practice. Currently, she works as a private practice counselor at South Elm Street Baptist Church, seeing members and non-members. She counsels clients of all ages. The private practice is threefold: Licensed professional counseling for mental health needs College planning for high school and adult students Career services [Read More]