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Couples therapists in Durham, NC
Top couples therapists in Durham, NC
Durham couples can access flexible, affordable therapy through Headway, with 732 licensed providers available for virtual or in-person sessions. Whether you're navigating conflict, rebuilding connection, or preparing for marriage, our therapists use evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs.
- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor - NC Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
- Experience in working with children and adults with severe mental health issues, and athletes with performance anxiety
- Exceptional Children’s Teacher - North Carolina Public School System
- Worked with Easter Seals with children and adults with special needs, specializing in therapeutic recreation
- Enjoys working with all ages, is an LGBTQ+ ally, and is accepting of all races and cultures
- Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling - Capella University
- Bachelor Degree in Special Education - East Carolina University
Hey There! I'm Whitney, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey towards mental and emotional well-being. With of experience in the field, I bring a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to therapy.
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 11 years of healthcare experience. Before specializing in psychiatry, I worked in the Burn ICU and outpatient procedural settings, where I learned the importance of caring for the whole person during some of life’s most difficult moments. I earned my nursing degree from UNC Chapel Hill and my Master of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University. I work with children, adolescents, and adults, and especially enjoy helping people navigate ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life changes—like school, relationships, career stress, or grief—that can leave us feeling overwhelmed or stuck.
I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Clinical Mental Health Therapist dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based, and trauma-informed care in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Cleveland State University and my Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University. I also completed a Trauma Certification at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and have training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), an evidence-based treatment for trauma. My additional professional training includes Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and parenting skills.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. My areas of focus include trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, parenting challenges, stress management, and emotional regulation. As a bilingual therapist, I am committed to providing culturally responsive care to both English- and Spanish-speaking individuals.
My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to each client's unique needs. I believe healing begins with a trusting therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. I integrate trauma-informed care, TF-CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and person-centered techniques to help clients build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.
My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, restore balance, and move toward a more fulfilling and authentic life.
An experienced LCSW, Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and educator, Sherry Smith provides holistic, logical and solution focused techniques to get you feeling better about your circumstances while facilitating solution focused methods proven to help.
If you are truly ready to feel better, and if you are truly ready for change, Sherry Smith is the therapist for you.
Before I became a therapist, I spent years in the classroom as a 9th grade English teacher and school social worker, as well as in nonprofit, learning how people grow through story, creativity, and being truly seen. That background, along with a lifelong love of dance, writing, and music, shapes how I practice as an LCSW today. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationships, stress, and identity, and I bring the same warmth and directness I developed in education to every session. If you are looking for a therapist who will be both a steady presence and an honest thinking partner, I would love to connect.
I provide support and guidance so that my clients do not have to bear their struggles alone. We work collaboratively to understand what is not working and why. We examine past patterns of experience to help us understand current feelings and behaviors. We can create lasting change and transformation by addressing the underlying issues. I emphasize individual empowerment which allows the client to own their own victories. Empowerment creates a ripple effect which can transcend every aspect of ones life not just in one specific area.
I’m a licensed clinical social worker providing telehealth therapy for children, teens, and adults across North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida. My goal is to offer a warm, supportive space where you can feel comfortable being yourself, talking openly, and working toward meaningful change.
As a board-certified psychotherapist, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to mental stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’ve been practicing for over 10 years. I have had the opportunity to support individuals and families in their journey to healing and resilience.
Good to meet you.
Research shows that the single most significant driver of change in therapy is the relationship between the client and therapist. I believe effective counseling requires compassion, acceptance, empathy, trust, curiosity, honesty, and a true sense of connection.
Frequently asked questions
Find the right couples therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your relationship — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Couples Therapist in Durham, NC
Looking for couples therapists in Durham starts with identifying what you want to work on together. Couples therapy and couples counseling can support partners navigating communication challenges, conflict patterns, trust after infidelity, parenting disagreements, or major life transitions. Not all therapists have specific training in couples work, so it helps to look for licensed marriage and family therapists or therapists who list couples-focused approaches, such as the Gottman Method or emotionally focused therapy, in their bios.
In a mid-sized city like Durham, you may find both local office options and virtual appointments that make scheduling easier for both partners. The right fit often depends on practical details, including appointment availability, whether the therapist is accepting new patients, and whether the session format works for both schedules. As you compare Durham couples counseling options, read each therapist’s profile for clues about how they structure sessions, how they describe their communication style, and whether they offer a brief consultation to assess fit before booking.
Marriage counseling in Durham, NC can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you compare couples therapists in Durham who are accepting new patients, review estimated out-of-pocket costs after entering your insurance details, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you're experiencing or worried about violence, threats, or coercion in your relationship, couples therapy isn't usually the right starting point — individual support is safer. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788\) can help you think through next steps.
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