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Find the right therapist for you, based on your specific needs and preferences, all online.
Find the right provider for you, based on your specific needs and preferences, all online.
Discover how starting anxiety & depression counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
4 therapists available in Cary
I have been privileged to have walked with people in the most difficult times in their lives for the last 14 years....
About
I have been privileged to have walked with people in the most difficult times in their lives for the last 14 years.
Sarah Olson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of experience helping infants, toddlers, children, teens, and adults who are faced with anxiety, depression, anger, poor coping skills, and family conflict issues.
Sarah received her Master's degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University and is classically trained at the Master’s level in cognitive behavior therapy and solutions-focused therapy. She helps clients to explore behavior patterns that may have been caused by past events. Sarah believes that being honest about how you feel is the most effective way to move forward in getting to where you want to go in life.
Sarah likes to think that speaking with her is like speaking with a best friend that is able to really hear what you are experiencing. Expect every moment we are interacting to be all about you. Nothing is more important to her than making you feel truly heard.
If you are ready to explore what things need to change in your life to reach your picture of peace and happiness, Sarah is ready to speak with you. You deserve the life you want!
Education and training
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I pursued mental health initially to help myself with my own issues of anxiety, depression, and life transitions, and I understand...
I pursued mental health initially to help myself with my own issues of anxiety, depression, and life transitions, and I understand how challenging yet effective change can be.
I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 10 years of experience supporting individuals and families through a wide range of mental health challenges. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management, autism, grief, stress, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and focused on helping clients build resilience, improve relationships, and begin meaningful healing.
I earned my master’s in clinical mental health counseling from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, person-centered techniques, expressive arts therapy, and motivational interviewing to tailor treatment to each client’s needs.
I hope that learning a bit about me helps you feel supported in taking the next step in your healing journey. My goal is to create a safe, grounded, and empowering environment where you feel seen, heard, and understood. I look forward to working together to help you move toward meaningful growth and well-being.
As a West African immigrant fluent in two cultures, with over 10 years of experience across medical, administrative, and behaviora...
As a West African immigrant fluent in two cultures, with over 10 years of experience across medical, administrative, and behavioral health roles, I bring a culturally informed and compassionate approach to care that supports and empowers diverse individuals navigating life’s challenges.
I am a licensed clinical social worker associate (LCSWA) with 10 years of experience in the mental health field. I work with adults and young adults navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use concerns, mood disorders, and major life transitions. I have experience supporting individuals with complex mental health diagnoses and am committed to providing compassionate, person-centered care that meets clients where they are.
I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky after completing my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fayetteville State University. My clinical experience includes work in psychosocial rehabilitation and day treatment settings, where I utilized CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic, and person-centered approaches.
I believe meaningful change happens through collaboration, trust, and consistency. I strive to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can explore challenges, build coping skills, and work toward improved mental health and overall well-being. I look forward to supporting you on your journey and invite you to schedule a session with me.
As a woman of color, I understand the importance of navigating life stressors and creating your own identity....
As a woman of color, I understand the importance of navigating life stressors and creating your own identity.
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My standard approach for treating depression is cognitive behavioral therapy with an additional emphasis on building support, structure, and meaning in one's life. I excel in stimulating hope and I work patiently with clients in their battle against their depressive thoughts and feelings. Cognitive behavioral therapy provides an excellent framework for changing our depressive thought patterns while addressing our supports, daily structure, and a sense of purpose providing us with the drive to overcome that sense of hopelessness.
When addressing depression, we cover the following tools:
In most cases, it is very evident when clients are making progress in their treatment for depression based on how they present in sessions. Depression is often very energy-draining for people and it is fairly typical for people to feel as though they are carrying a weight with them throughout their day. Everything just feels harder. With effective treatment, we see that emotional weight drops, and people start presenting with brightness and increased expressiveness as they share what they are learning and experiencing through their changed thought patterns.
Clients can supplement their time in depression counseling with good-quality self-care. It's an element that no one can choose to do for you and it pays dividends throughout your life. There is only one thing connected to every part of your life, and it's you! If you want to have the greatest impact on everything, it would be providing your body, mind, and emotions a strong foundation through self-care, the very basic levels of which include managing physical illnesses (HBP, diabetes, IBS, etc.), getting sound sleep, having a healthy diet, avoiding substance use, and getting regular physical activity. Self-care includes so much more, but these are the basics that your body will need to function effectively.
To prepare for your first depression counseling session, you can choose to be sick and tired of being sick and tired. You can commit to pushing back on your depression symptoms and depressive thoughts. Learned helplessness is a reality in which many people assume they will not be able to do something and, as a result, simply stop trying. I would also highly recommend that you make an appointment with your general practitioner and have some bloodwork done to rule out any physiological impacts on your depressed mood, as this can often be a contributing factor for clients (low vitamin D, low testosterone, anemia, thyroid problems, and auto-immune diseases).
Anxiety & depression counseling from our therapists at Thriveworks in Cary, NC can help people better understand and manage their symptoms. If you are struggling with regular anxious and/or depressive thoughts and feelings that are affecting your day-to-day life or you suspect that you have an anxiety or depressive disorder, you should seek professional help. The therapists at Thriveworks can develop a treatment plan that will help you better manage your anxiety and/or depression.
Anxiety & depression counseling from our therapists in Cary involves talking to a therapist about symptoms, potential causes, and more. Your therapist will then work with you to determine where your anxiety and/or depression might stem from and teach you effective coping mechanisms.
Anxiety & depression counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
Anxiety & depression counseling from Thriveworks Cary therapists can last for a few weeks, months, or longer, dependent on the severity of one’s anxiety or depression as well as their needs and preferences.
Depression is more than passing sadness. Anxiety is more than the jitters. The longevity and severity of symptoms characterize anxiety disorders and depression. These mental illnesses disrupt people’s ability to function within daily life, and they can make focusing upon important tasks more difficult, even impossible. There are effective treatments for anxiety and depression, and skilled therapists and counselors can often formulate a treatment plans that offers their clients relief.
If you or a loved one is experiencing depression and/or anxiety, you do not have to fight this battle alone. Thriveworks Counseling in Cary, NC offers anxiety therapy and depression therapy. Our professionals have walked step-by-step with many clients as prioritize treatment and experience relief. Reach out today for help.
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental illnesses. Over 15 percent of adults in the United States will experience depression at some point in their lives, and approximately 25 percent of adults will be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress syndrome are examples of common anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders and depression are separate diagnoses, but they are often co-occurring. About half of people who are diagnosed with depression will also experience an anxiety disorder. What does it look like to have depression, anxiety, or both?
Well-meaning but misinformed loved ones may describe depression as the blues, but anxiety and depression are so much more. They disrupt everyday life, and their symptoms are far-reaching. Such symptoms may include….
If you recognize these symptoms in your own life or in the life of a loved one, it may be time to reach out for help from a mental health professional. Cindy Goulding, Licensed Behavioral Counselor at our Cary office, explains that while anxiety is one of the most common challenges, it is one of the most treatable, “Therapy can help address the symptoms of anxiety as well as the underlying causes. Because anxiety is often triggered by the ‘what ifs’, practicing being in the present moment is an effective way to manage anxiety. Techniques such as deep breathing, exercise, and meditation can keep anxiety at bay.” When people receive a difficult diagnosis about their physical health, working closely with their physician is imperative for treatment. The same holds true for mental health. When people struggle with anxiety and depression, they have many treatment options, and a skilled therapist or counselor can help them find the options that are right for them. Finding good treatment is worth the effort, because depression and anxiety exact a toll.
Often, the best way to counter depression and anxiety is through multiple forms of treatment—usually a form of medication and a form of talk-therapy. Medications may reduce anxiety’s and depression’s symptoms so that clients have the energy and focus on healing and coping skills. Medications may be selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI). An example of talk-therapy is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Therapists and clients explore negative, untrue thoughts in CBT, and they work to replace them with positive, true thinking. CBT is a proven method for treating anxiety and depression.
If you are ready to meet with a professional about the symptoms of anxiety or depression that you have experienced, know that Thriveworks Counseling in Cary, NC has appointments available. When you contact our office, you may have your first appointment within the week. We also accept multiple forms of insurance.
Let’s get started. Contact us today.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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