Our Clinical Staff

(listed in alphabetical order by last name)


Julia Bernards, PhD, LMFT

NC Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist                                                                                                                   

Julia Bernards, LMFT

Dr. Julia Bernards is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than two decades of experience                        educating, writing about and working with families, and 8 years of clinical experience with couples, families,                    and individuals in therapy. Julia’s undergraduate degree was in Marriage, Family and Human Development                    and her Masters and PhD are in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University. She has                            taught at the university level, supervised student therapists, and led a research team focusing on LGBTQ+                        individuals and their families.

 Julia specializes in helping couples, parents, families, and individuals build healthy relationships with each                      other and themselves. As a therapist, Julia focuses on the good in everyone she meets and believes in their                inherent power to heal. She helps clients align with their values and connect with their capacity for courage,            clarity, curiosity, creativity, and calm. Julia works to create safety for everyone in therapy and helps clients see themselves and others with compassion. In therapy, she integrates Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) and Mindfulness-based strategies to address relational and individual concerns. She also uses DBT to help individuals gain skills for healthy functioning. Julia finds joy in joining clients in their journey to heal and strengthen themselves and their relationships.

Population Served: Couples, Families, and Individuals over the age of 8

Specialty Areas: Couples therapy, Parenting and Family issues, LGBTQ+, Faith-based concerns, Depression, Anxiety, Post-partum depression.


Taylar Bolds, MA, MSW, LCSW

NC Licensed Clinical Social Worker 

Taylar is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with full licensure and 6 years of experience with both children and adults. She completed her undergraduate degrees in both psychology and sociology at the University of Mississippi in 2015 (Ole Miss), her Master of Arts in Sociology in 2017 at Ole Miss, and her Master of Social Work in 2019 from the University of Memphis.

Taylar’s experience includes providing services for, and working with victims and survivors of human trafficking, learning-disabled children, LGBTQIA+ individuals as well as working within multiple systems to elevate support for the client’s needs. Her experience also includes working with those who struggle with disordered eating, as well as mood and anxiety concerns. Taylar has a passion for working with children of all ages, navigating through life’s transitions and challenges. She is strengths based, and regularly uses tools and techniques of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness to build trust and rapport through a non-judgmental demeanor. Through compassionate interpersonal skills, she is able to provide a safe, and comfortable environment to both empower, and support her clients.

Population Served: Children over the age of 5, Adolescents

Specialty Areas: Developmental challenges, Behavior Issues, anxiety and mood issues, childhood trauma


Michelle Bruin, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Michelle has a varied background in community and mental health, including prior experience at a large community health center in Washington, DC serving populations diverse in income, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, life experiences, and psychiatric and co-morbid diagnoses. With a history in family medicine, she has broad experience working with behavioral health patients with concurrent complex medical conditions. She has experience working in community health settings abroad, primarily serving remote communities with low access to care. She received her BSN from Duke University in 2014, her FNP from Gonzaga University in 2017, and her PMHNP from John’s Hopkins University in 2020. She also completed a Plant-Based Nutrition certification course via Cornell University.

Michelle values creating open, trusted, and individualized relationships with her patients. She prioritizes patient education, holistic care, and psychopharmacology to identify most supportive medication choices. She is passionate about working with patients with trauma history, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders and mood disorders. Michelle is originally from the Netherlands and loves to visit new cultures. She is an avid yogi and enjoys painting and drawing.

Population Served: Adolescents and Adults

Specialty Areas: Psychiatric issues with medical comorbidities, Trauma, Substance Abuse, Mood & Anxiety Disorders


Jennifer Conaty, PhD, HSP-P

NC Licensed Psychologist
Health Services Provider Psychologist

Dr. Jennifer Conaty is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who provides evaluation and therapy services to children and adolescents. She obtained her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of NC at Greensboro and went on for further training at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC. Dr. Conaty has extensive training providing assessment and behavioral consultation to young children and their parents who might be struggling with developmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. Other assessment specialties for children ages 18 months to 18 years include AD/HD and Behavioral Disorders, Learning Disorders, Gifted and Talented and Kindergarten Readiness evaluations. Dr. Conaty also provides therapy and consultation to hildren & adolescents and their parents in the areas of anxiety/depression, behavior disorders, and developmental disorders. Therapy can be ongoing, or focused short-term consultation around a particular behavioral issue, such as toilet training. When young children are having behavioral problems, she works closely with their parents to identify specific problems and practical solutions using evidence based behavioral approaches.

Population Served: Children over the age of 3, Adolescents, and Adults

Specialty Areas: Evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Developmental Disorders, Academic Testing, general Psychological Evaluation


Meredith Drake, MEd, LCMHCA

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate

Meredith

Meredith has a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina State University, having completed both her clinical practicum and internship at Lifescapes Counseling Associates.  She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from NC State and has done extensive research on emotional biases regarding adolescence in a multicultural context.  

Meredith has experience working with clients of all ages, and a wide range of issues, including grief, trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, identity development, gender issues, and behavioral concerns.  She also has group therapy experience and currently co-facilitates our Adolescent DBT Group. 

Her clinical interests include, but are not limited to, LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral                    problems, and adjustment difficulties. She primarily works with children, adolescents, and young adults. She                uses a blend of solution focused, client-centered, and psychoeducation strategies with a goal of providing a safe-space for her clients to continue  to grow and explore their own lives. In her free time, she enjoys eating Taco Bell with her seven cats, sewing, and perfecting her video-game skills.

Population Served:   Children over the age of 12, Adolescents, and Adults


Shreya Gunna, MS, CRC, LCMHC 

 NC Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor                                                                                                                                                                 Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

Shreya

Shreya is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). She received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst & Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Shreya specializes in working with adolescents and adults dealing with generalized/social anxiety, depression,          low self-esteem, trauma, life transitions/building independent living skills, healthy decision making, grief/loss,
and emotion management. Her master’s research focused on the stigma around seeking mental health services across ethnic minority populations. Having a personal and clinical understanding of the need for mental health              supports within these groups has made her passionate about utilizing a multicultural approach focused on acceptance and diverse care.

Shreya is dedicated to serving her clients through an eclectic blend of Person-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral (& Trauma-Focused CBT), Motivational
Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment, Mindfulness, and DBT-Informed approaches.

In her free time, you can find her reading a good book, working out/yoga, binge watching tv-shows, or enjoying the great outdoors. She looks forward to building a strong therapeutic alliance with her clients and helping them navigate the highs and lows of everyday life.

Population Served:   Anyone aged 13 and over

Specialty Areas:         Anxiety & Depression, Trauma, Relationship Dynamics, Emotion Management, Self-Esteem, Life Transitions, Mindfulness,                                               & General Mental Health 


Sara Hagen, PMHNP-BC                                                                                                                              

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner                                                                                 

Sara Hagen

Sara Hagen is a Board Certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She obtained her                                  degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2012. She has worked in the mental health field for            12 years and has experience in a range of settings. Sara provides medication management for children, adolescents, and adults with a nurturing, individualized approach, and is available full time at Lifescapes.

Sara hails from Minnesota but has called North Carolina home for 12 years. She enjoys decorating her home,              shopping for antiques, and watching movies. You will never see  Sara without Mabel, her shih-tzu and treatment partner.

Population Served: Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Specialty Areas: Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Behavioral problems, ADD/ADHD, Abuse & Trauma, and general psychiatric medication management


Brooke Harris, MEd, LCMHC

NC Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Brooke Harris is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of North Carolina. She obtained her   Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2014 and Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2018 both from North Carolina State University.

Brooke has experience providing counseling in the university counseling setting working with students of all ages navigating tough life transitions, the community mental health setting working with victims and survivors of interpersonal violence, and the in-patient psychiatric setting. She has a passion for working with folks struggling with                                              disordered eating and body image concerns, members of the LGBTQ+ community exploring gender and sexual identities, and those navigating difficult relationships and interpersonal violence. She also has experience assisting those with mood and anxiety concerns, trauma, and many other life challenges.

She uses a collaborative person-centered approach to join clients on their journeys to improve their holistic wellbeing. She regularly utilizes tools and techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness interventions and strives to create a warm, non-judgmental space to slow down and be fully present.

Population Served: Adolescents (15 plus), Adults

Specialty Areas: Eating disorders, Interpersonal violence, LGBTQ+ identity exploration


DeLillian ("Dee") Litten, MA, LCMHC

NC Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Dee is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPC) with over 15 years of experience. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in Community Counseling with concentrations in addictions and expressive arts therapy from Appalachian State University, in Boone, NC. She has clinical expertise in the areas of depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, addictive behaviors including, self injurious behaviors, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. Dee uses an eclectic approach to best assist her clients including cognitive-behavioral therapy and expressive arts therapy. She believes in providing a secure and nurturing environment in which to develop insight and skills to cope with life’s stressors.

Population Served: Adolescents, Adults, and Families

Specialty Areas: depression, anxiety, LGBTQ, substance abuse, and expressive arts therapy


Jazmaine Mayo-Stephens, MSW, LCSWA

NC Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate                                                                                                                           

jazmaine

Jazmaine Mayo - Stephens, a native of Franklin County, NC, is a happily married mother of two
fur babies. Mrs. Mayo - Stephens received her undergraduate degree in Social Work at the University of
North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, NC, and her Master’s in Clinical Social Work at the University of
Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.

While at A&T, Mrs. Mayo - Stephens, with support from the NCDMV, organized a tornado relief
drive to help communities affected by the 2018 tornadoes that destroyed many communities in
Greensboro. She also volunteered at Fathers Forever in Raleigh, NC helping to teach fathers the
importance their role plays in the family dynamic.

In prelude to attending USC, Mrs. Mayo – Stephens completed a three-month internship in London, England                working with a non-profit agency that provided food and assistance to the homeless and underprivileged communities.  Mrs. Mayo – Stephens is dedicated to helping others through therapy and providing the resources                                                            to promote a healthier lifestyle.  She currently works with individuals that are dealing with autism, anxiety,                                                        depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and grief and loss.  Mrs. Mayo – Stephens is here to assist in helping you be a better you!

Population Served: Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Families

Specialty Areas:  Child and adolescent therapy, mood and anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, coping skills, and relationship improvement


Ramuel J. Miro, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice                                                                                                                                                                                                              Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner                                                                                                                 

Ramuel Miro, Lifescapes Counseling

Ram is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over six years of nursing experience in geriatric psychiatry, adult psychiatry, and emergency medicine. He takes a Biopsychosocial approach    to consider all the factors that are contributing to his client’s current state of well-being. He enjoys collaborating        with his clients to identify goals that are most important to them. He follows evidence-based treatments that incorporate therapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. He is personable, compassionate and believes that the clients are the experts of their own experiences.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Ram attended the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill where he earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).    He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing, fishing, volunteering, and spending time with his wife, friends and dogs.

Population Served: Children, Adolescents, Adults and Geriatrics

Specialty Areas: Anxiety and Mood Disorders, ADHD, and psychiatric medication management


Amy Benton Moulds, MEd, LCMHCS, NCC, DAAETS

NC Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor
Diplomat, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress                                                                                                    

Amy Benton Moulds, LCMHCS

Amy is a NC Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor and the Owner and Practice Director of Lifescapes Counseling Associates. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Anthropology from Wake Forest University, and her Master's Degree in Counseling from NC State University. Amy has 24 years of experience working with depression, grief, trauma, anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, behavioral problems, personality issues, adjustment difficulties, relationship problems and career issues. 

Amy treats individual adults and adolescents in an atmosphere of hope and warmth, and uses a blend of Supportive, Insight-oriented, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies. Amy’s specialty areas include Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Dissociation, and other issues related to the experience of all forms of abuse and trauma. Amy is a National Certified Counselor, a Board Certified Tele-Mental Health Counselor, and a Diplomat in the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.

Population Served: Individuals over the age of 14

Specialty Areas: Trauma & Abuse, Anxiety Disorders (including PTSD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder...)


Briana E. Pfeuffer, MSW, LCSW                                                                       

Briana Pfeuffer

NC Licensed Clinical Social Worker 

Briana (or Bri) has lived in many cities in North Carolina, and even a short time in Denmark. She earned her                        Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Human Services from Elon University, and her Masters Degree in Social                    Work from UNC Chapel Hill. She is a fully Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with practice experience with                    Children, Teens, Adults, and Families. 

Through her time in the field, Briana has worked with depression, anxiety, externalized behaviors in children,                    grief, life stressors, and clients with a history of Trauma. She is comfortable working with individuals in the                        LGBTQIA+ Community, on the Autism Spectrum, or in Foster Care. Her passions include family therapy and  attachment, and she feels it is important to involve conversations with caregivers when working with children and teens. 

Bri tries to create a warm and collaborative environment for therapy, and meet people where they are. She pulls from eclectic therapeutic approaches including CBT, DBT, CPT, Family Systems theory, and Attachment Theories. In her free time you might find her practicing her gouache painting skills, experimenting with fun recipes, or hiking in nature.  

Population Served: Children over the age of 6, Teens, Adults, and Family Groups 

Specialty Areas: Anxiety and Mood disorders, Trauma, Child Behaviors, Family work


Maggie R. Powell, MS, CRC, LCMHCA                                                                       

 NC Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate                                                                                                                                             Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

Maggie is a DBT-informed and psychodynamically-oriented therapist. Maggie’s first priority is the quality of her        Maggie Powell         relationships with her clients. She cares more than anything about the trust and rapport her clients have with                  her and knows that a positive clinical relationship is necessary for therapy to be successful. Maggie is client-centered, which means that she communicates with her clients about their expectations for therapy and allows them to lead in what they see needs to be addressed. Maggie is available to listen to you, understand you, explore your perspectives and stories, increase awareness of ineffective behaviors and how to reduce them, and walk with you on your journey  of growth. To Maggie, therapy helps people to understand themselves,  their relationships with others, and their relationships with the world so that they may live the life they want to live. Maggie often uses Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) techniques in session and works with clients on effective skills to tolerate and reduce the intensity of big emotions and improve their interaction with others. Maggie is currently a student at the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas where she is working through an intensive psychoanalytic psychotherapy training program. 

Maggie is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA). “Associate” means that she is a newer clinician and attends weekly supervision meetings with a more experienced therapist. Maggie received her MS in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at UNC-Chapel Hill in May of 2022. Maggie has experience working with clients ranging in age from six to 70 and with a variety of clinical issues including: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, autism spectrum disorder, suicidality, and substance use. 

Maggie’s dog, Honey, does occasionally join therapy sessions. Many people find that they are more able to be vulnerable in therapy with a dog in the room. If you would prefer Honey to be present or if you would prefer Honey not to be present, please let us know. 

Population Served:  Anyone aged 10 and older

Speciality Areas:  Mood disorders, borderline personality disorder, DBT, general mental health


Margaret Seagroves, MSW, LCSW

NC Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Margaret is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 28 years of experience. She completed her undergraduate degree in Social Work at NC State University, her Master's degree in Clinical Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill, NC, and she has post master's degree training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy from the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center of NC. She is skilled in using EMDR to help clients recover from trauma. She also has been trained as a family mediator. She completed her graduate internship with Duke Medical Center where she worked as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team and with the Duke Family Studies Program. Since then, she has worked in a variety of outpatient clinic settings to provide outpatient psychotherapy for adolescents, adults and couples.

Margaret's areas of treatment focus are: depression, anxiety, trauma recovery including survivors of abuse (childhood abuse and domestic abuse), family issues related to separation and divorce, work adjustment issues, personality issues, grief/loss including pet loss and some eating disorders. Margaret strives to establish a safe, nurturing environment with hope to work with clients in partnership to move toward change. Margaret and her husband share their home with their dog "Petey" and enjoy long walks with him daily.

Population Served: Adolescents over 15, Adults, Couples and Families

Specialty Areas: Anxiety & Depression, General Mental Health, Trauma, Relationships, Grief & Loss, Eating Disorders, Separation and Divorce, Personality issues


Charles Stiles, MS, LCMHC

NC Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Charlie has been a NC Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor since 2006. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Psychology and his Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville along with graduate coursework at the University of San Francisco. Beyond his masters he has taken Doctoral coursework at Ohio University and North Carolina State University.

In addition to being an Outpatient Therapist, Charlie has worked as a Juvenile Probation Officer, a DSS Social Worker, a Wilderness Camp Counselor, a Psychiatric Hospital Admission Counselor, and as a Residential Director at a healing farm community for mentally ill adults. His therapeutic orientation includes Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Psychodynamic approaches, and Transactional Analysis.

Charlie has worked with diverse populations with a myriad of problems including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, anger issues, adjustment disorders, oppositional and behavioral disorders, psychotic disorders, grief/loss, and relationship issues. As a therapist, he provides a nonjudgmental attitude to help people face their fears and develop self-compassion as they become more aware and in control of the limiting patterns in their lives.  He is currently providing all services via teletherapy.

Population Served: Individuals over the age of 15

Specialty Areas: Anxiety Disorders, Depression and Mood Disorders, Behavioral problems, Issues with Anger, Psychotic Disorders, Relationship issues, Spirituality, Men's Issues


Alina Carrie Wessels, MA, NCC, LCMHC

Alina

NC Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Welcome! Alina here.  Combined with work and life experience, I collaborate with others in conquering life.  I firmly believe we are resilient beings who can thrive again no matter what happens.  My collaborative role is helping you recognize your strengths and your resiliency to cope through and move ahead with life's uncertainties.

I have been a Therapist for over 8 years.  My current main focus areas and beyond include:  life transitions, self-esteem building, interpersonal skills, expanding psychological flexibility.  I also have experience in Coaching, and have completed an ICF approved training program.

My past experiences have included mostly individual counseling with some couples and family counseling, tele-health, co-occurring disorders, trauma, and skills based therapy groups.  I have also worked on young adult teams, brief ABA interventions, home health therapeutic support, and worked primarily with adult and adolescent populations dealing with a wide variety of challenges and diagnoses.

I bring my real life experiences, my humanness, education, ongoing training, and commitment to life recovery.  I offer practices full of integrity and a blend of care & growth support while having an authentic approach that adjusts to you and your needs.  I provide eclectic therapies as I realize each person is different with varying needs, communications, etc. and utilize eclectic therapy techniques primarily with a focus on the ACT modality.

You are at the foremost in my mind while partnering in expanding one’s psychological flexibility, building one's own skills, and helping identify strengths to live a life based on your true values.  I will bring my best self in helping you realize you matter and help build lifelong skills to navigate through life.  Connect with me and let's continue doing the work together.

Population Served:  Individuals over the age of 15

Specialty Areas:  Self Esteem, Personal Growth, Relationships, Building Resiliency, General Mental Health


Kathryn Wriggelsworth, DNP, PMHNP-BC                                                  

Doctor of Nursing Practice                                                                                                                                                                                                          Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Kathryn Wriggelsworth, PMHNP

I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 10 years of post-certification clinical experience and 15  total years of professional  mental health experience. I obtained my BSN in nursing from UNC Chapel Hill in 2004 and my Doctor of Nursing Practice (with a specialty in Psychiatric - Mental Health Nursing) from the University of South Carolina in 2009. I received my Board Certification from the ANCC in 2010.   I have worked  as a Psychiatric Nurse at Dorothea Dix Hospital in Raleigh, and have extensive experience offering general Psychiatry services in outpatient clinics and community mental health agencies. I have enjoyed treating general mental health issues for a wide range of ages, including children and the geriatric population, and greatly enjoy working with children and adolescents with developmental disabilities.

At Lifescapes Counseling, I currently provide treatment for children ages 4 and up, adolescents, adults and geriatrics. I provide medication management services primarily, but will include psychoeducation and therapeutic intervention when necessary and appropriate. My style is highly interactive, and I enjoy explaining the biological, neurological, and chemical factors that impact why we feel the way we do and how psychotropic medications can help.

Population Served: Children over the age of 4, Adolescents, Adults, and Geriatrics

Specialty Areas: Developmental Disorders, Mood & Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, and trauma