Ariel Phelps

Ariel Phelps is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with six years of clinical experience. She works with people who are facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, and anger, and she supports those adjusting to life changes or struggling with self-esteem and parenting concerns.

She favors a conversational, respectful approach in sessions. Ariel listens first, then tailors a plan to fit each person's situation and goals. She aims to make sessions feel collaborative and practical rather than academic.

Her work draws on client-centered methods that prioritize the person's perspective. She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people notice and change unhelpful thought patterns. Dialectical behavior therapy skills are used when emotional regulation and distress tolerance feel important.

Over six years she has helped people with a range of issues, including grief, career stress, multicultural concerns, and process addictions such as exercise or gambling. She has experience addressing complex topics like infidelity, fertility-related stress, postpartum depression, and personality-related patterns.

Ariel practices in North Carolina and holds licensure in Virginia and North Carolina. She emphasizes clear, compassionate conversation and working together to find realistic steps forward.

Practical approaches for online therapy and skills work

Ariel uses client-centered therapy to build a respectful, person-focused relationship where the client's experience guides the work. This approach helps people feel heard and helps shape goals that matter to them.

She also draws on cognitive behavioral therapy, which looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. CBT offers concrete strategies for shifting unhelpful thinking and easing symptoms like anxiety, low mood, or anger.

Dialectical behavior therapy skills are used when emotional regulation and distress tolerance are priorities. DBT skills teach specific ways to manage intense feelings, improve relationships, and handle crises without making things worse.

Finding the best approach is collaborative. Ariel will discuss what feels most useful, try methods in session, and adjust plans based on what the client needs and prefers. The goal is to build skills that fit daily life and to check in regularly about progress.

Confirm the available session formats before booking so arrangements match your needs. Online care can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when life is hectic. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and homework to work well over distance, making skill practice practical between sessions.