Prism Wellness
Our Mental Health Therapists in Cary
Did you know that research has shown that the factor most associated with successful treatment is the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the client? While we work to create a diverse team of therapists to fit a variety of needs, we also acknowledge we may not be a perfect fit for everyone. If you ever feel you’re not clicking with your therapist, please reach out and we will assist in linking you with a therapist--- whether it’s within our practice or not.
Eliza Burgess
LCMHCA
Areas of specialty:
Children, Parents/Care Givers, Trauma, ADHD, Relationships, Play Therapy, Self-Esteem, Communication, Life Transitions, IFS
Eliza is an associate licensed mental health counselor with a passion for helping individuals of all ages navigate their mental health journeys. With a client-centered, psychodynamic, and thoughtfully eclectic approach, Eliza creates a safe and supportive space that empowers clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and goals at their own pace. She draws from her experience from her years as a special educator, leader, and parent of her own children. Eliza understands that life is a journey of ups and downs and considers it a true honor to journey alongside her clients as they embark on their own.
In sessions together, she will partner with you to explore your past, present, and future, acting as a witness to your journey. Eliza will hold up a mirror for you as you delve deep within yourself and make bold moves towards your version of wellness. She strives to foster an environment of respect, sincerity, and nonjudgment where you can explore, heal, and thrive.
Eliza has also received training in child-centered play therapy and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) while attending the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She understands the unique needs of children and how they express themselves through play. This beautiful and sacred therapeutic approach allows children to explore their feelings, make sense of their world, develop self-respect, and learn healthy ways to cope with their emotions. CPRT is an evidence-based approach that focuses on strengthening the parent-child relationship and fostering healthy communication and emotional connection. Through this specialized training, she can provide guidance and support to parents looking to enhance their relationship with their child and promote their child's emotional well-being. *Please see the groups section of our website for more information about when CPRT groups are offered!
Whether you are a child facing behavioral or emotional difficulties, a parent striving to build stronger relationships with their children, an adult seeking personal growth and healing, or a college-age student adjusting to new demands, Eliza deeply believes in the potential for positive change within each person. Through her empathetic and dedicated approach, she strives to empower her clients to overcome obstacles and create fulfilling and meaningful lives. With her as their guide, clients can expect a compassionate, insightful, and creative therapeutic journey that nurtures personal growth, self-discovery, and positive transformation. Eliza offers in person and telehealth appointments.
Eliza is actively engaging in ongoing training to build her interest in providing Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Eliza enjoys working with clients from an IFS and somatic perspective, and utilizing KAP as a tool when appropriate for adults. Eliza participates in regular KAP consultation and is committed to ongoing learning.
Other certifications and trainings: Polyvagal theory, SMART Recovery, Motivational Interviewing, Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy
Book Recommendation:
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
I’m a proponent that children’s books are really for people of all ages! This particular book offers a sweet reminder of the power of empathy and kindness.
Cayla Kenna
LCSWA
Psychotherapist
Areas of specialty:
Anxiety, Trauma, Eating Disorders, Body Dysmorphia, Self-Esteem challenges, Military
People often have experiences in therapy where they feel validated by the therapist, though may not experience the motivation to grow. Cayla’s approach to therapy balances compassion and support with the thoughtful use of challenging difficult patterns. She strives for a collaborative and empowering partnership with clients to support the relationship we have with ourselves and with others. She believes in a direct, supportive and honest therapeutic partnership to create a trusting environment to explore and assist with life’s challenges.
Cayla offers both in person and virtual options for clients 18+ in North Carolina. Cayla’s experience is focused in trauma-informed environments. Clients wishing to gain perspective on and create change related to trauma, eating disorders/relationship with the body, personality disorders and anxiety are a great match for Cayla. She is also open to seeing military members and their families and is a military spouse herself.
Cayla integrates several approaches in work including Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and a strength-based trauma sensitive approach. Cayla has worked previously at the Residential level of care for eating disorder treatment as well as university mental health treatment specializing in short-term solution focused therapy and crisis intervention in addition to resource challenges.
Madi West
Clinical Director
LCMHC, NCC
Areas of specialty:
Suicidality, Self-Harm, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Trauma, Identity, Coping Skills, LGBTQIA+
Madi aims to provide a welcoming and comfortable space for individuals to challenge maladaptive coping mechanisms, address changes they would like to make with confidence, and explore the thoughts and feelings that may make it difficult to meet their goals. Madi believes that each client is unique, the expert of their own life, and deserving of individualized treatment to best meet their needs. Madi values honest, direct, empathetic, and intentional therapeutic relationships.
Madi has experience in providing individual therapy to children, teens, adults, couples, and families and facilitating groups focusing on DBT, CBT, Solution-Focused therapy, goal setting, and management of crises to assist those working to live happier and healthier lives they deem worth living. Madi has worked in all levels of care including training in a juvenile detention center, hospital settings, residential, PHP/IOP, and outpatient facilities/practices.
Specializing in therapy for individuals ages 18 and up, Madi prioritizes holistic and person-centered approaches while utilizing various therapeutic techniques from modalities including Shame-Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Madi enjoys working with folks living with depression, bipolar disorder, history of trauma, chronic and acute suicidality, self-harm, low self-esteem, lack of identity, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
To further assist clients struggling with treatment resistant depression and suicidality, Madi is actively obtaining ongoing training in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. Madi has witnessed the power of working with clients utilizing KAP, while also working diligently with clients to set appropriate intentions for this novel treatment. Madi actively participates in regular KAP consultation in support of providing quality care to clients.
Book Recommendation:
Healing the Shame That Binds You by John Bradshaw
This book helped me find my passion for shame-informed therapy as it led to my understanding of toxic shame, how shame develops and ultimately plays a role in our lives, and what we can do about it. If you struggle with your identity, feel like you are flawed or defective, or feel unable to make strong and intimate relationships, this book may speak to your soul! I’m a supporter of finding the ‘why’ if it exists; I want to support folks in finding out why they’ve been spinning their wheels and only experience short-term relief from chronic challenges and feelings of deficiency…and this book is my sidekick.
Emma Socha
LCMHCA
Areas of specialty:
Trauma, Mood Disorders, ADHD, Grief/Loss, Self-Harm, Anxiety, Relationship/Family Concerns
Emma recognizes that the client is the expert of their life and experiences. Emma believes her role as a counselor is to help foster a safe, non-judgmental, and empowering space that can help guide clients to reach their goals. Emma is passionate about building a strong foundation through the formation of a trusting therapeutic relationship to optimize clients’ healing and well-being.
Emma completed her training in the Behavioral Health Department of Campbell’s School of Osteopathic Medicine. Throughout her training, Emma had the opportunity to work with adults of various ages and backgrounds as they navigated their demanding programs alongside their personal challenges. Emma is a lifetime athlete and played collegiate soccer. This experience has influenced Emma’s budding interest in mindfulness related to sports performance (serving clients ages 16 and up).
Specializing in therapy for college students and adults, Emma incorporates an eclectic and holistic approach and utilizes modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, Strengths Based and Solution Focused Therapy. Emma also is obtaining extensive training in EMDR to allow her to work more intensely with clients with PTSD. Emma believes there is power in collaboration and values the importance of working together with her clients to create a treatment plan that fits their unique and individualized needs.
Emma is also actively obtaining training in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy to have as an additional resource to support those struggling with depression, anxiety, and OCD. Emma participates in regular KAP consultation to provide the highest level of care. Emma loves the opportunities KAP can provide for long-lasting change and growth and for those who feel stuck in their mental health journey.
Book Recommendation:
Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
This book is great for anyone wanting to learn how to set healthy boundaries within all aspects of their lives to create healthier relationships, have a better work/life balance, and have more skills to cope with difficult people. I like this book because of the empowerment it can provide by teaching individuals how to advocate for their needs and the skills and knowledge it offers to help promote well-being through the use of boundaries. This book is also great because it can be purchased alongside a workbook that can help individuals implement the information learned into everyday life.
Gray Lucas
LCMHC, NCC
Areas of specialty:
Anxiety, depression, family/relationship issues, self-esteem, LGBTQIA+, life transitions
Gray believes that a strong therapeutic relationship between client and clinician is key in order for growth to happen. Once mutual respect and trust are established, Gray works towards gaining a deeper understanding of the client, their needs, and what obstacles they’ve found themselves faced with. She offers a space of non-judgment, empathy, and support in which clients can feel safe to open
up and share their true, authentic selves.
Gray has worked in university, in-home, and outpatient settings for the past 5 years. She specializes in working with adolescents and young adults, but has experience working with all ages. Gray enjoys working with all genders identities, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
Gray works to create a treatment plan and goals specifically for the client, knowing that there is no one-size-fits-all plan. She takes a holistic approach to the healing process, recognizing that there are many aspects of our health that fit together like pieces of a puzzle. She uses various modalities including CBT, Solution-focused, Mindfulness, Expressive Arts, and Strengths-based. Gray also teaches yoga and enjoys incorporating movement and meditation into her work with clients.
Tina Brumm
LCMHC, CRC
Psychotherapist
Areas of specialty:
Trauma, Anxiety, Life transitions, family/relationship issues, anger, OCD, ADHD
Tina’s goal is to provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment to help you uncover your deepest healing potential, while building self-esteem and confidence. By applying a personalized approach tailored to the individual, Tina aims to bring awareness to behavioral patterns and core beliefs that are interfering with your abilities to lead a meaningful life. Tina believes the foundation for effective therapy is a strong client-therapist relationship built on trust, understanding, and acceptance.
Tina has experience working in a variety of different settings including, office-based, in the community, telehealth, and groups. Tina enjoys working with people of all ages, sexes, gender identities, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
Tina works from a trauma informed lens and utilizes various evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family systems (IFS), Solution Focused, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), depending on the specific needs and goals of the client. Tina Practices from a holistic approach, meaning she provides support by acknowledging all components of health including physical, mental, emotional, and social.
Book Recommendation:
I Hate You, Don't Leave Me by Jerold J. Kreisman
I love this book because it is a great resource for learning about borderline personality disorder as it provides an in-depth analysis of the disorder's symptoms and how they can impact individuals. The book also includes real-life stories that help readers understand what it's like to live with borderline personality disorder. The authors provide practical advice for managing the disorder and improving relationships with others, which can be helpful for both individuals with the disorder and their loved ones.
Facing Love Addiction: Giving Yourself the Power to Change the Way You Love
by Pia Melody
This book is a great resource for anyone struggling with love addiction and letting go of toxic relationships. The author aims to help individuals recognize and overcome patterns of love addiction by providing constructive advice for setting boundaries, improving self-esteem, and finding healthier ways of loving. The author draws on her own experiences and those of her clients to offer a compassionate and empathetic perspective on love addiction. Overall, this book is a great resource for anyone who wants to improve their relationships and find healthier ways of loving.
Lesley (Neifert) Kellogg
LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Founder & Psychotherapist
Areas of specialty:
Complex Trauma, Anxiety, Addiction and Adult Children of Parents with Addiction, Family Issues, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Lesley opened Prism Wellness in 2020 with the goal of creating a group practice that provides a space for people to better understand the strengths they already embody that can help support them in the more challenging parts of life. Lesley enjoys providing a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere to allow individuals to feel secure in exploring whatever they feel is holding them back from living a life congruent with their needs and values. While it is not realistic for our lives to become free of stress or pain, it is realistic to learn how to address it, accept it, and thrive despite areas of life that are beyond our control.
Lesley has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings, including day treatment (children and teen), intensive outpatient (teen), inpatient (adult), and medication assisted therapy (adult). Lesley continues to work with adults and families in the outpatient setting. Lesley was also honored to instruct the Alcohol, Drug, and Society course at East Carolina University in 2022.
Lesley is a highly relational therapist, utilizing an integrated and holistic approach in assisting clients address concerns and reach personally set goals. Lesley favors the use of strength-based approaches as well as DBT, EMDR, CBT, IFS, and Family Systems Therapy.
Lesley has completed the 100-hour training course in MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy through MAPS. This invaluable experience not only provided her with a profound understanding of psychedelic-assisted therapies but also connected her with leading facilitators in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy in the United States.
Intrigued by the potential for transformative change, Lesley sought additional training Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and Integration through Polaris Insight Center and Fluence. Lesley is an advocate for the power of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and ways to provide compassionate support to clients on their journey, while always honoring client’s autonomy and inner healing potential. She has observed the limitations of medical-focused Ketamine treatments in offering only temporary relief. In response, she has actively contributed to providing information to medical providers about the importance of preparation, intention setting, creating a supportive environment, and integration.
To read more about Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, click here.
Book Recommendation:
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
My husband brought this book home randomly one day and within a few pages of reading it he shared, "You have to read this book." He was right! Rick Rubin is a quirky music producer who has undoubtedly worked with music artists you enjoy. But this book isn't about music, it's about reconnecting to our innate creativity and learning how to befriend life. Rubin writes in short, easily digestible essays that pack a punch. The book encourages readers to explore the way the look at themselves and their relationship with creativity. I often encourage people I work with to look at where they can be creative in their life, weather that be creating new ways to drive home, to try different meals, to style their clothes or homes in fun ways, or in the way they interact with others. I have found that finding time to explore creativity makes a huge impact on mental health and I love working with clients who are open to reconnecting with their creative side!
Tori Belanger
Care Coordinator
Tori has worked in healthcare for over twenty years, supporting busy physicians and clinicians of all kinds! She loves helping solve problems and does not give up until she’s found a solution.
As our care coordinator here at Prism Wellness Tori will be your first point of contact! She wears many hats and will be here to ensure you are matched with the best fit therapist for your needs.
A few of her favorite things are…
Her pups, Dakota and Buddy!
Tattoos… she has designed and drawn every tattoo she has.
Sunrises and sunsets, she’s always chasing one or the other.
Travel! Tori has been to every state in the United States.
Jeanna Watts
Billing Specialist
Jeanna has over 5 years of experience in Mental Health Billing. She has spent this time working with clinicians to help make their transitions with billing run smoothly and easily obtainable.
She loves problem solving and getting things done.
Jeanna believes, "Billing is like a puzzle. At first, it's just pieces thrown around on the table but as you start to place those pieces in the right order they start to reveal this gorgeous picture that was hidden. At the end of the day getting to see that gorgeous picture sitting there, I just know my work is complete."
Lonnie Hall
Billing Specialist
Lonnie Hall has worked as a Medical Biller for 5 years, with a special interest in Mental Health billing for the past 4 years.
Lonnie graduated from Fortis College and received her Medical Billing and Coding Certification. Lonnie then went on to further her education in medical coding, where she completed online courses at Career Step Institute.
In her spare time, Lonnie enjoies hiking, traveling, spending quality time with her children, and taking on new adventures.
We look forward to meeting you!
