Therapists for college students near Duke University

Hi, I’m glad you’re here. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just trying to get through the day, I want you to know you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. I work with people navigating all kinds of life transitions and stressors, and I have a special place in my heart for LGBTQIA+ folks, military families, and college students. Maybe you’re carrying expectations that don’t match who you are, in a shifting relationship, or juggling school, work, and identity exploration all at once. Whether you’re dealing with frequent moves, dorm life, or just the daily task of trying to stay afloat, you deserve support that actually gets it. Whatever brings you here, I’m not interested in “fixing” you, because you’re not broken. Therapy with me is a space to slow down, explore what’s beneath the surface, and find new ways of showing up for yourself and the people you care about. I show up as a real person in the room and I believe healing happens in genuine, respectful connection. My style is collaborative, down-to-earth, and trauma-informed. I use research-backed approaches, but I also trust the power of humor, storytelling, and being witnessed just as you are. I honor the identities, histories, and communities you bring with you, especially if you’ve been told those things are “too much,” “too complicated,” or “too political.” You’re safe to bring all of that here. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSW-A), trained at Pittsburg State University (BSW) and The University of Kansas (MSW). That academic foundation matters, but what matters more to me is meeting you with honesty, care, and respect for your lived experience. If this sounds like a space you’d like to explore, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

I am passionate about serving the communities that I work with. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related disorders, Phobias, Tics and Tourette's Disorder, LGBTQ+ concerns, and phase of life issues. I also have specialized training in helping college students. I strive to deliver multiculturally competent services, my practice is inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community, and my pronouns are she/her. Difficult experiences impact people in different ways. Whether you are feeling stuck, disconnected, or hesitant as you approach a major life transition, know that change is possible. I incorporate evidence-based treatment approaches grounded in multicultural psychotherapy that allow for a collaborative relationship focused on helping you achieve your goals.

You came to college with a plan. Maybe you're the first in your family to be here, or the one everyone back home is counting on. You're supposed to have it together. But instead you're exhausted, overwhelmed, and quietly wondering if you even belong here. The pressure to perform is relentless. The anxiety before exams, presentations, or even just speaking up in class. The feeling that everyone else got a manual you never received. You push harder, achieve more, and still feel empty or behind. And underneath all of that hustle, there are older, heavier things: childhood wounds, family expectations, generational patterns, anger, and the grief of watching violence hit people who look like you, love like you, pray like you. That's not weakness. That's not a disorder. That's a lot to carry, and you've been carrying it alone for too long. This is a space for college students who are done pretending they're fine. Whether you're dealing with performance anxiety, depression, burnout, a hard time fitting in, or just a deep sense of not being enough, you don't have to keep grinding through it. Using body and mind approaches, we work with how stress and trauma live in your nervous system, not just your thoughts. We also dig into the stories you tell yourself, where they came from, and whether they're actually yours to carry. We work with college students across North Carolina and specialize in multicultural counseling for BIPOC individuals, first and second generation immigrants, and people from SWANA (South West Asian and North African) communities, including Arabs, North Africans, and people from the Gulf region. We understand what it means to navigate life between worlds, and we meet you exactly where you are. You've carried enough alone. Reach out for a free consultation. We'd love to meet you.

Live well, love well, work well. Going to therapy is something everyone can benefit from. When you are facing life’s troubles, therapy assists you in effectively addressing those troubles; transforming pain into joy, conflict into peace, and loneliness into love. Therapy helps people live well, love well, and work well. Whatever state you find yourself in, you will find a caring listener, a resource for finding your strength in a comforting space. Offering online telehealth counseling session.

The world is intense right now, isn’t it? And on top of it all, you're having to juggle school, a social life, and everything else! I imagine you might be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, tense, stuck, lonely, ashamed, worried, sad, or any other number of feelings. Or maybe you just feel numb or not sure what you’re feeling anymore. That’s okay. All of you is welcome here. I’m here to support you wherever you are, working together to explore your world and where to go from here. Whether it be the systems we live in, events from your past or present, the patterns inside you, connections in your life, or something else that brings you here, we will explore next steps together. My counseling style integrates many different elements. I am person-centered, where I seek to understand your experience from your perspective, and use multicultural counseling, where I consider the systems that impact your life. I am trauma-focused, trained in EMDR therapy and acute stress modalities to support you in moving through trauma, whether it be acute, ongoing, or long past. I also have a somatic focus, inviting your body’s wisdom and parts into the session, and an attachment-based lens, looking at how your early relationships influence how you relate to others now. I most often work with people who have experienced trauma, who have negative beliefs about themself they just can't shake, and/or who are in the LGBTQIA+ community, especially those who are trans* or gender expansive. I also have experience supporting neurodiverse people; individuals struggling with anxiety or grief; and people going through personal, spiritual, vocational, and relational transitions. I know the search for a counselor can be difficult because I have been there many times myself. Please reach out if you have any questions! I would love to connect and see if we might be a good fit to begin a counseling journey together. A little about me outside of being a counselor: I enjoy wandering in nature, dancing, reading, playing board games, and connecting with loved ones near and far. I also spend a fair bit of time on my own self-growth, including undoing racism within me, taking care of my wounded parts, and reaching out for support as needed.

Dr. Molly Foukal is a Clinical Psychologist with a PhD from University of Virginia and BA from Dartmouth College. She completed her clinical internship at Duke University Medical Center and post-doctoral fellowship at the Duke Center for Eating Disorders. In therapy, Molly helps her clients build meaningful, fulfilling lives consistent with their goals and personal values. As clients deepen their self-awareness, they become more intentional, self-compassionate, and successful in their daily lives. For many, this leads to a new permission to prioritize their own needs and paves the way for improved mental health, greater productivity, and increased life satisfaction. Please visit Molly's website for more details on her clinical expertise and approach to therapy.

I believe in the basic goodness and natural wisdom of all human beings. Layers of confusion and unconscious wounds can disconnect us from our true selves. We may end up feeling bad and acting in ways that hurt our relationships— with ourselves, with others, and with this magnificent planet. We become hard and out of touch with our lives and callings. Real, deep change is possible when we face ourselves and our challenges with honesty, willingness, and compassion. - As your counselor, I will adventure with you into the weird and wonderful world of your own inner self. I'll use techniques rooted in Experiential Dynamic Therapy to help you touch into the freedom and wisdom already inside you and to overcome the barriers that arise on the path toward that life. Expect to be cared for and to be challenged— if you’re living in a stuffy little house made of old, limiting patterns, it might be time for some demolition work. I’m not afraid to hand you the sledgehammer, and I’ll be with you as you begin to step forward into an open, affirming wilderness of possibility.

Do you find yourself obsessing about weight, body image, food, calories, or working out? Do you engage in restrictive behaviors that only lead to bingeing and purging? Do you ever get intrusive thoughts or images that are distressing and you just can't seem to get rid of them? You may even have thoughts of harming someone and have to check to make sure you didn't. You don't actually want to harm them, but the thoughts keep coming. You might even worry that if you don't do something the right way, then it could result in one of your loved ones dying or 'something bad' happening. These are just some of the comments that people with Eating Disorders and OCD might struggle with. It can be very distressing and overwhelming. I work with clients on learning how to manage their emotions and sit with discomfort. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients get their lives back and actually enjoy their college career. I do provide free 15 minute consultations, so if you think we might be a good fit, please reach out!

Many of the clients I work with share a deep sense of responsibility for others and struggle to feel permission to rest, take up space, or express their own needs. They’re often self-aware and thoughtful but find themselves stuck in old patterns of people-pleasing, over-functioning, or self-criticism. My clients are usually seeking relief from anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and disconnection from self, longing instead for steadiness, self-trust, and relationships that feel mutual and safe.

I am so glad you reached my profile! I have experience working with individuals impacted by trauma, anxiety, depression, and other life challenges. I use a number of evidence-based practices when working with clients. I am down-to-earth, nonjudgemental, and focused on you feeling safe in the session. Email if you have any questions!

Offering compassionate, collaborative counseling for children & adolescents, adults & families, to help build meaningful, purposeful lives.

I predominantly work with members of the LGBTQ+ community. Transgender/Gender Specialist (Certified Member of World Professional Association for Transgender Health). Letters provided for transition needs. I provide affirmation and exploration to facilitate authenticity while taking into account your values and goals within the framework of your life. I work with family members to facilitate peace and workability in line with this authenticity. Clinical mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety, mood dysregulation, attention deficit, etc. are also addressed.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hello everyone and welcome to your new beginning. Firstly, I'd like to thank you for considering me in your therapy journey. This can be a nerve-wrecking and uncertain decision and I'm honored to be your potential therapist. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and completed my master’s in counseling at North Carolina A&T State University. I’m a rostered TF-CBT therapist and practice through a trauma-informed lens, helping clients feel safe, seen, and empowered. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I meet you where you are and help you build insight, resilience, and practical tools. Whether you're looking to process the past or manage the present more effectively, therapy can be a space where healing begins and real change takes root!

Are you feeling anxious or stressed out? Are you in your prime years but feeling held back by that voice telling you you're not good enough, smart enough, or fit enough? Or maybe, you're feeling the sting of a recent break-up or just not getting along with your roommate. Perhaps for you it's that horrible memory haunting you from the past. If any of those resonate, know that you are not alone, and you don't have to figure out where to go from here on your own either - we can navigate it together. I offer a space to be seen and understood while we work together on goals that help you feel like your best self. If you're curious about next steps, reach out to schedule a free 20-minute consultation.

I work with clients who are dealing with challenges related to life change and transition, self identity and growth, anxiety and stress. I am passionate about helping people discover their ability to find fulfillment while coping with pain and navigating struggle.

With 27 years of experience in the counseling field, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and move toward meaningful, lasting change. I have worked with diverse populations facing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, grief and loss, addiction, relationship challenges, insomnia, and major life transitions. I also have extensive experience supporting individuals living with ADHD, Panic Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Many come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to cope, but motivated for change. I help by providing a safe, nonjudgmental space built on trust, empathy, and active listening. Using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Harm Reduction, and Illness Management and Recovery, I tailor treatment to each individual. Reaching out for support can feel difficult, but you don’t have to face things alone. I offer a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can be heard and understood. When you’re ready, I invite you to take that next step toward healing and meaningful change.

Hi, there. If you're ready to make meaningful changes in your life but are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, this may be the place for you. Whether you're navigating new life transitions, struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or relationship challenges, and seeking a deeper sense of peace and self-understanding, there's no better time to start than now. Let's build healthier coping skills, improve your emotion regulation, and foster stronger connections together. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, and Ph.D. in Social Work. I am licensed in SC, NC, and TX so I am able to work with clients in all three states. With over 10 years experience supporting clients through issues such as trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, my goal is to help others build a life that they find fulfilling and enjoyable. I specialize in stress management, trauma, spirituality, and grief and loss. My aim is to help you feel comfortable, supported, and understood as we begin building a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust and collaboration. Together, we’ll start identifying steps toward healing and personal growth at a pace that feels right for you. If now feels like the right time for you, let's connect! I offer therapy sessions virtually and I'm available most weekdays. Book a free 15-minute consultation with me by clicking on my website link.

I love the work that I do helping people through their difficulties, helping them gain insight and courage to change their lives in ways of their choosing. I approach all of my work from a strengths perspective. We all need help sometimes and it takes courage to seek out help and guidance. I operate from a strong faith background myself but follow the client's lead on whether they want to add these elements into our work or not. I am non-judgmental and am open to working with all people.