Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Wilmington, NC

Victoria Smith is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate with 1 year of experience working with clients with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, loss/grief, addiction, academic stress, everyday life stressors, and legal concerns. She prioritizes a collaborative approach with clients to help them reach their goals and see issues in their lives as things to be solved, not problems holding them back.

Victoria has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Mount Olive. As therapy is not one-size-fits-all, she uses varying techniques based on client needs. These may include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness methods.

Victoria believes in building a strong foundation of trust with clients to allow for a greater understanding of one another that will lead to change. She strives to create a safe space where you can express all feelings without fear of judgment. Victoria looks forward to partnering with you as you walk through this journey.

Laura Harris, MS, LCMHC, is a licensed therapist with over 10 years of experience supporting people who are used to performing under pressure but want to live with more clarity and less noise. She works best with adults who carry a lot of responsibility, insight, complexity, and are looking for space to think clearly and move with intention. Laura’s approach is grounded, honest, and deeply human. You don’t have to perform here. Just bring what’s real.

Laura holds degrees from Missouri State University and Tuskegee University. Her work blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and intuitive, truth-driven conversation. Her style is warm, practical, and expansive, ideal for those seeking clarity, insight, and accountability.

Therapy with Laura is collaborative, direct, and grounded in care. A former early childhood educator and quiet contributor to national conversations on race and mental health, she brings humor, depth, and insight to every session. If you're ready for therapy that meets your mind and heart, Laura invites you to reach out.

Andrew Perez is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 8 years of experience in the field of mental health. Andrew is passionate about working with adults to identify and overcome obstacles in order to thrive in their lives. Andrew has experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress management, anger management, relationships, and goal setting toward peak performance.

Andrew completed his Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at Mississippi College and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and biking. Andrew has completed several triathlons. His education blended with his love for a healthy lifestyle enables him to guide and support clients to access their strengths to reach their goals. Andrew uses an eclectic approach with treatment modalities including positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Adlerian techniques, and internal family systems (IFS).

We are all humans. We all face obstacles and need support. Congratulations on taking the courage to reach out for help. Andrew is confident that you will gain support, insights, and strategies to increase your ability to cope, overcome obstacles, and maybe even thrive in your life. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with him today.

Stella Daniel is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 2 years of experience in the field. She specializes in helping adolescents and adults with a range of topics such as anxiety, depression, grief, adjusting to change, PTSD, domestic violence, and LGBTQ matters. Stella has worked with college students, families, and veterans to set attainable goals and overcome obstacles by looking at challenges from different angles and empowering clients to use their inherent strengths.

Stella received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Guilford College. She uses approaches including existential therapy, emotionally-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and expressive arts.

Stella is currently accepting clients seeking a collaborative therapeutic experience to facilitate positive change in their lives. She is ready to be your support during the hard times and looks forward to meeting you! Schedule your first appointment today.

Sometimes life can feel like you're running on a treadmill—moving constantly but staying in the exact same place. Hard or painful events can be a single, monumental moment or the quiet, cumulative weight of carrying too much for too long. A former colleague once said, "I might not be the one who caused the problems in my life but I'm the one who has to fix them." Therapy works best as a collaborative partnership built on radical compassion, zero judgment, and genuine human connection. I believe everyone possesses an innate capacity to heal, and it would be my privilege to help you rediscover yours. 

My practice balances deep empathy with practical, evidence-based techniques. By blending CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and person-centered, trauma-informed care, we customize sessions to fit your unique needs. I specialize in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, especially those navigating gender-affirming care, as well as adults with anxiety, depression, and/or trauma. 

Healing isn't about erasing your past—it's about changing how the past lives in your present. I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey. Together, we will create a space where you can move out of survival mode and step into a life rooted in safety, resilience, and genuine peace. Let's figure out how to get you moving again, together.