About Me
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 that supports adolescents and women throughout North Carolina.
I offer therapy that is warm, approachable, and focused on working together. My style combines proven clinical methods with care that meets you right where you are. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not sure where to start, I provide a steady place to talk things through.
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
Polyvagal Theory: helps you understand how your nervous system reacts to stress, safety, and connection
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 aringe, nonjudgmental support I wish more peoplecould findo. I love seeing people upportr themselves and each other. Whether things feeltoughy or hopeful, I’m here tobe withe you andhelp youk through i.r.
The Heart Behind Wild Azalea Counseling
Wild Azalea Counseling is named for the flowers my grandfather planted to attract hummingbirds, which were my grandmother’s favorite. Their steady care showed me what relationships mean—showing up and growing through challenges. The bright yard they created and the stories we shared on their porch inspired both the logo and the heart of this practice.
Some of my favorite childhood memories are from visiting the Appalachian Mountains with my family. I feel honored to now be part of this strong and welcoming community. The warmth and spirit of Appalachia shape how I approach my work as a counselor.
Outside the Office
When I’m not working, I like to hike, watch sports with my husband, walk my dog Koda, binge-watch favorite shows, or relax with a good book. These simple moments help me recharge and remind me of what matters most.
