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.
Shannon D’Ambrosio
LCMHCA, CRC, CTP
Areas of specialty:
Trauma, Substance Use and Addiction, Depression/Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Chronic Pain and Disability, Self-Esteem, Identity, Life Transitions, Attachment/Relationship Concerns
Shannon believes the journey to achieving wellness is unique to each individual. She is passionate about helping you live a thoughtful, meaningful life by creating a safe space to explore your needs, goals, and obstacles affecting well-being. Shannon values a collaborative therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and understanding. She strongly believes that whenclients feel heard, accepted, and valued in the therapeutic space, transformative change and resiliency can occur.
Shannon has experience working in both community mental health and office-based settings. She has had the opportunity to serve individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental illness, homelessness, and chronic substance use. Shannon enjoys working with individuals of all ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, ethnicities, and backgrounds. She considers herself a fierce advocate on behalf of her clients and strives to empower individuals to live authentically.
Shannon practices a person-centered, holistic approach to healing, supporting the numerous factors that contribute to overall health. She utilizes various evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Polyvagal Theory, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths-Based Therapy, and Mindfulness, depending on the specific needs and goals of the client. Fueled by her passion for holistic treatment, Shannon is also a CRC (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor) and CTP (Certified Trauma Professional).
Hannah Apostolico
LCMHCA, CTP
Areas of specialty:
Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Identity, LGBTQ+
Hannah values creating a therapeutic space in which individuals of all identities can feel safe to explore their thoughts/emotions and address challenging aspects of their life in which they may need support navigating. Hannah believes that each person is the expert in their own life and strives to provide therapy that is both unique and affirming for them. Building a strong therapeutic relationship with trust, authenticity and collaboration is crucial to Hannah’s process.
Hannah completed her training in the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program at UNC Chapel Hill. Throughout her training, Hannah had the opportunity to work both in an inpatient treatment facility and in a private practice. Hannah has experience providing individual therapy to kids, teens and adults of various racial/ethnic/gender identities and sexualities. Furthermore, Hannah has co-led DBT and social skills groups, and worked with families and neurodivergent individuals. Hannah is able to provide family therapy to established clients as needed.
Hannah is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CTP), focusing on Polyvagal Theory. Hannah utilizes various evidence-based modalities including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Polyvagal Theory, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness, depending on the specific needs and goals of the client.
Hannah’s interests include working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity concerns, relationship/family challenges, body image issues, neurodivergence, and psychological stress due to experiencing oppression/discrimination. She works primarily with adults ages 18 and above, though also enjoys working with children ages 8 and up and teens. As a lesbian identifying clinician, Hannah has a special interest in working with the LGBTQ+ community, including a growing specialty of couples counseling within the queer community.
Ashlynn Garrett
Masters Level Practicum Therapist In Training
Areas of Interest:
Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Life Transitions, Adjustment to Chronic Illness & Disability, and Developmental Disorders
Ashlynn's goal is to grow her knowledge in the counseling space while focusing on the goals that her clients aim to achieve throughout the process. Ashlynn aims to make each client feel comfortable and welcomed into the counseling space by embracing the uniqueness of each individual. Ashlynn believes that the unique traits that clients possess can be utilized in various ways to contribute to the clients creating their distinctive journey toward their goals. Ashlynn acknowledges that the counseling process is ever-changing and should always be adjusted to what the client needs at the moment.
Ashlynn completed her undergraduate degree in psychology and is currently completing her graduate degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at East Carolina Unviersity. Ashlynn is fascinated with the inner workings of the brain and enjoys embracing the individuality of each client's mind. Ashlynn looks forward to working with clients of all ages, ethnicities, genders, identities, and backgrounds in her future counseling career.
Ashlynn looks forward to expanding her teachings in various modalities to further her effectiveness within the counseling space. Ashlynn is interested in pursuing modalities such as (CBT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Psychodynamic Therapy, and (MBCT) Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. Ashlynn is encouraged to learn more about other modalities as well throughout her experience in the counseling space.
Eliza Burgess
LCMHCA
Areas of specialty:
Children, Parents/Care Givers, Trauma, ADHD, Relationships, Play Therapy, Self-Esteem, Communication, Life Transitions, IFS, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
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) and has completed training through Triangle Wellness & Recovery. 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
Areas of specialty:
Eating Disorders, Body Dysmorphia, Trauma Self-Esteem challenges, Military, Anxiety
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 Prolonged Exposure (PE), Somatic Experiencing (SE), 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
LCMHC, NCC
Clinical Director
Areas of specialty:
Suicidality, Self-Harm, Depression, Trauma & PTSD, Identity, Coping Skills, First Responders, Military Personnel, Healthcare Workers, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
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 and has completed training through Triangle Wellness & Recovery. 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, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
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 PTSD. Emma has completed training through Triangle Wellness & Recovery. 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:
Trauma, Mood Disorders, LGBTQIA+, Life Transitions, Family/relationship issues, Identity, Suicidality
Gray's role as a therapist is one that promotes safety, trust, and authenticity. She recognizes the courage it takes to show up and dedicate time and energy to the process of growth and healing. Gray believes that a strong therapeutic relationship between client and clinician is key in order for progress to happen. Once mutual respect and trust are established, Gray works towards gaining a deeper understanding of the client and the obstacles they’ve faced up until this moment. She offers a space of non-judgment, empathy, and support in which clients can feel comfortable being vulnerable.
Gray has worked in university, in-home, and outpatient settings for the past 6 years. She specializes in working with adolescents and young adults, but works with all clients 8+. Gray enjoys working with all genders, identities, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
Gray works collaboratively with the client to create a personal treatment plan and goals, knowing that each individual is unique with different needs. She takes a person-centered, holistic approach to the healing process, recognizing that the client is the expert on their own life. Gray uses various modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Mindfulness, Ecotherapy, Expressive Arts, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and a Strengths-based approach. Gray also teaches yoga and likes to incorporate movement and meditation into her work with clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening, hanging with her husband and pets, reading, and playing Bananagrams.
Tina Brumm
LCMHC, CRC
Director of Clinical Education
Areas of specialty:
Trauma, Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Life Transitions, Family/Relationship issues, Anger
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 Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), , 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
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 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 worked in a variety of therapeutic settings, including day treatment (children and teen), intensive outpatient (teen), inpatient (adult), and medication assisted therapy (adult). Lesley was also honored to instruct the Alcohol, Drug, and Society course at East Carolina University in 2022. Advocacy is a passion of Lesley's, and she serves as a member of the Human Rights Committee for Walter B. Jones Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center and is the Vice President of the Professional Association for Rehabilitation Counselors (PARC).
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!
