About Ann Marie
My name is Ann Marie. I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) and the founder of Wild Azalea Counseling, a virtual practice supporting people throughout North Carolina.
I support tweens, teens, and women through therapy that is focused on relationship and collaboration. My approach combines proven clinical methods with care tailored to your specific needs. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, I provide a supportive space to explore your thoughts and feelings.
My Clinical Approach
Therapy should feel like a space that belongs to you. I draw from several evidence-based modalities to support healing, including:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): offers practical tools to manage strong emotions, stay grounded, and build healthier relationships
Attachment Theory: explores how early relationships shape the way you relate to yourself and others
Internal Family Systems: a way to understand and work with different parts of yourself
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): a structured approach to help process difficult experiences without having to relive every detail
Diagnoses & Populations
Diagnoses can help guide treatment and meet insurance requirements, but they are just one part of your story. I see people as more than any label. If a diagnosis comes up in our work, we’ll talk about it together and make sure it fits your experience.
Since 2015, I’ve supported children, teens, families, and adults from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, primarily in community mental health settings. I continue to provide services in those spaces while offering care through Wild Azalea Counseling for those seeking support outside traditional systems.
Why I Became a Therapist
I grew up wanting to help others, but mental health was not something people talked about in my community. Over time, I saw how much people carry and how important it is to have a space where you don’t have to handle it alone. That’s what led me to this work.
I became a therapist to offer the kind of supportive, nonjudgmental support I wish more people could find. I love seeing people support themselves and each other. Whether things feel tough or hopeful, I’m here to walk alongside you.
Outside the Office
When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking, watching sports with my husband, walking my dog Koda, binge-watching my favorite shows, or relaxing with a good book. These simple moments help me recharge and remind me of what truly matters.