Sunny Bowers, LPC

Meagan Blews is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina.  She graduated with her MA in Professional Counseling in 2011, and after being a stay at home mom for six years, ventured into community mental health.  Meagan has served as both a lead clinician and Interim Center Director over the years and is passionate about providing quality assessment and treatment options. With extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Meagan provides comprehensive and empathetic care to her clients.

Meagan's approach to therapy is deeply rooted in trauma-informed principles, ensuring that clients feel safe, seen, and supported throughout their healing journey. Her passion lies in empowering individuals with the skills necessary for emotion regulation, helping them navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence.  Meagan utilizes a mindfulness-based approach, guiding clients toward acceptance and self awareness in order to help clients overcome obstacles that prevent them from reaching their full potential.  Through a collaborative and non-judgmental environment, she fosters a safe space for exploration and self-discovery.

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Maria Landry, LPC, brings more than a decade of experience in dual diagnosis counseling within outpatient settings. She has worked closely with medical providers in integrated treatment at a Federally Qualified Health Center, served as Director of Crisis and Community Services, and held the role of Family Readiness Officer for the Marine Corps. With over eight years of military service, Maria also contributed to Alzheimer’s Family Services of Greater Beaufort. She earned her BA in Psychology from Akron University and MA in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, and is trained in EMDR and DBT skills.

Maria’s patients can expect warmth, kindness, and non-judgmental curiosity. She values understanding each individual deeply, while also empowering them to understand themselves. Her approach emphasizes autonomy and collaboration, ensuring treatment reflects each person’s own goals and journey. Maria builds trust through reliability, honesty, and authentic care, offering a therapeutic relationship rooted in competence and gentleness.

Maria’s process begins with a first session dedicated to diagnosis and connection, followed by collaborative treatment planning in the second session. From there, each meeting focuses on healing and growth, with attention to the eight Dimensions of Wellness: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, financial, occupational, environmental, and spiritual. She does not seek to change minds but rather holds up a mirror, offering evidence-based approaches and tools so patients can move toward their own goals. With respect and support, she walks alongside them on their path to healing.

Nisha Saintelus Deratus, LPC, is a proud HBCU graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Master’s in Counseling and over eight years of experience in the mental health field. She has provided care in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, partial and intensive outpatient programs, community mental health, and private telehealth practice. Nisha supports clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, bipolar disorder, life transitions, anger management, and relationship challenges.

Nisha offers a warm, approachable, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and supported. She believes in a collaborative approach to therapy, working alongside clients to identify the root of their struggles and develop a personalized plan for growth and healing. Her personable nature and tailored care help clients feel comfortable and empowered throughout the process.

In the first session, Nisha reviews teletherapy expectations and confidentiality, and conducts a psychosocial assessment to better understand your background and goals. Together, you’ll explore current challenges, create a vision for your future, and build a practical plan. Using CBT and ACT, she helps you develop tools and insights to apply between sessions for continued progress.

Meet Alex Starmer, LMHC, your friendly mental health counselor here at Talkiatry. She's not just a counselor; she's your partner on your mental health journey. Alex earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Syracuse University in 2020 and has been in the field since January 2021, working closely with clients facing mental health and substance use challenges. Alex believes in the power of the mind-body connection, and she loves to share polyvagal exercises and mindfulness techniques to help you better understand yourself. She's always learning and growing, with ongoing training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Her go-to tools for therapy are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With her, you can expect a compassionate and comprehensive approach to your mental well-being. You're in good hands with Alex.‍

Dr. Jana McLain is a dedicated mental health professional with over 16 years of experience in education and more than a decade in private practice. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), specializing in individual, group, couples, and crisis counseling, as well as clinical supervision and program development.

Throughout her career, Dr. McLain has held various leadership roles across school districts and clinical settings, demonstrating a strong commitment to mental health advocacy, counselor mentorship, and behavioral intervention. Her extensive background includes serving as a Student Support Counselor, Crisis and Behavior Intervention Counselor, and Adjunct Professor of Counseling, equipping future professionals with essential skills for client care and goal achievement.

Dr. McLain earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and a Master’s in Counseling from Sam Houston State University, along with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Houston. She is known for her expertise in DSM-5 diagnostics, psychoeducation, and multidisciplinary collaboration to support diverse populations across age groups.

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply need a safe place to work through life’s transitions, I am here to walk with you on your journey toward healing and growth. Reach out today to begin the process of reclaiming your peace and wellness.

Dr. McLain believes in a holistic approach that takes into account both the mental and emotional aspects of wellbeing, helping you find lasting strategies for improving your overall quality of life. She operates from a person centered approach to guide you on your healing journey.

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Dalia Al-Mansy, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland and an approved board supervisor. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and a master’s degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University in Arlington, VA. Dalia began her clinical journey providing in-home therapy for children, adolescents, and families and has since gained experience in outpatient, residential, and partial hospitalization settings.

Dalia values open communication and collaboration to establish clear boundaries and shared goals for treatment. She strives to create a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard, understood, and respected throughout the therapeutic process.

In the first session, Dalia conducts an initial assessment to explore each client’s history, concerns, and goals while providing space for questions and comfort with the therapy process. She works collaboratively to set realistic, attainable goals and periodically checks in to review progress and make adjustments as needed.