Emily Romeo, LPC

Robert Trujillo is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, practicing since 2020. He brings diverse experience from working in jails, behavioral health hospitals, and private clinics, which allows him to understand and support clients from many different backgrounds. Trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches, Robert tailors' treatment to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Robert creates a supportive and conversational environment where clients feel heard and respected. He strongly advocates for each client’s well-being and works to empower them to take control of their symptoms. Open communication is central to his approach, and he believes therapy is most effective when clients and counselor collaborate to set clear, achievable goals together.

In the first session, Robert introduces coping skills rooted in CBT to provide immediate support. He partners with clients to identify their concerns and build individualized treatment plans that fit their lives. Throughout therapy, he guides clients in restructuring unhelpful thoughts, balancing emotions with rationality, and practicing new skills. His ultimate goal is to equip clients with tools they can confidently use long after therapy ends.

Joel Witherspoon is a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of clinical experience working in various mental health settings, working directly with clients from diverse backgrounds living with a broad range of mental health conditions. Joel earned his Undergraduate degree at California State University Long Beach, Graduate School at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, and completed his internship in Raleigh, NC. Joel has been practicing for 19 years as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, focusing on mood disorders, trauma, situational adjustment disorders, and any life challenge that interferes with a client's happiness. Working with Joel, treatment is specific to the individual with the focus on modalities that are specific to each person's challenges. Joel uses an eclectic approach with a foundation in person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and trauma therapy combined with somatic interventions such as mindfulness.

Dustin Cooley, LISW-S, earned a Master of Clinical Social Work from Ohio University and obtained independent licensure while working in community mental health. With over a decade of experience, Dustin has supported clients from all walks of life, addressing a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns. In addition to his clinical work, he has served as a consultant for primary care physicians, providing guidance on integrating mental health support into overall patient care.

Dustin values a person-centered and conversational approach to therapy, focusing on individual growth and meaningful change. He tailors his work to each patient’s goals, ensuring that therapy aligns with their unique needs and values. His goal is to create a collaborative environment where patients feel comfortable exploring their challenges and empowered to make positive changes in their lives.

Dustin begins by exploring each patient’s goals and expectations of therapy, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe, authentic space. He collaborates with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan, drawing from various therapeutic approaches to best support their individual needs and objectives. His process is flexible and adaptive, ensuring care that is both effective and deeply personal.

Barbara Thomas is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 8 years of experience in outpatient and in-home settings. She earned her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seton Hall University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Licensed in Pennsylvania for 5 years and recently in North Carolina, Barbara provides trauma-focused, culturally competent care for Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Barbara offers systemic, client-centered, and cognitive behavioral therapy for children, adults, couples, and families. She tailors each session to individual needs, incorporating family systems and relational dynamics. She creates a safe, open environment that fosters collaboration and growth, helping patients explore new perspectives, achieve goals, and strengthen personal fulfillment.

Barbara begins with an intake session that includes a psychosocial assessment and discussion of the client’s history and goals. She develops individualized treatment plans in collaboration with patients and begins sessions with open-ended prompts to focus on client priorities. Through ongoing assessment, dialogue, and adaptable session structure, she builds trust, promotes change, and ensures each patient’s needs are met.

Karla Bidstrup, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who was drawn to the field by a deep interest in human behavior and a desire to help others find meaning, balance, and inner peace. She brings a thoughtful, creative, and motivating presence to her work, while honoring personal differences and diversity. Karla values the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for meaningful change and personal growth.

Karla’s style blends behavioral and psychodynamic theories, allowing her to address present-day behaviors while also exploring deeper emotional and psychological patterns. She creates a warm, safe, and respectful environment where clients feel understood and supported. Her approach is empathetic and versatile, fostering both immediate progress and long-term self-awareness.

Karla works collaboratively with clients to clarify their needs, values, and goals. Together, they identify the most effective path forward and adjust goals as needed over time. The first session focuses on building rapport while gathering important background information, setting the stage for a shared therapeutic journey.

Rhea Kisling, LPC, LCMHC, LMHC, CPCS, brings more than 20 years of experience to her work as a therapist. She has served in inpatient, outpatient, emergency, hospital, and community mental health settings, as well as leadership roles such as managing the social services department at a crisis stabilization facility. Rhea earned her MS in Clinical/Counseling Psychology and Ed.S. in School Psychology from Valdosta State University, and a BA in Psychology and Sociology from Loyola University in New Orleans. Licensed in Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and South Carolina, she is also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

Rhea understands that beginning counseling can feel intimidating and strives to create a safe, welcoming environment where therapy moves at the patient’s pace. She primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while incorporating elements of Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused approaches, Strength-Based methods, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Drawing on her multicultural background, she respects and honors each individual’s unique experiences and cultures. She believes no concern is too large or too small to address in therapy and emphasizes collaboration at every stage.

Rhea views the first appointment as a chance to build trust, explore how she and the patient can work together, and establish goals for therapy. She provides a clear framework for what to expect, welcomes questions, and encourages open communication throughout the process. Understanding that sharing personal history can be difficult, she is committed to moving at a pace that feels comfortable and supportive for each patient.

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