A Team of People in Your Corner

My name is Haley Abee, and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). I am passionate about using an integrative approach tailored to each individual client. My therapeutic approach typically combines elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, mindfulness practices, and trauma-focused therapy, depending on the client’s unique needs. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where all clients feel empowered to share their stories.

I have always had a deep passion for supporting people on their healing journeys. It is a true honor to walk alongside individuals as they navigate this process. My passion led me to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Mississippi. Once I realized that my calling centered on mental health and emotional healing, I went on to earn a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lipscomb University.

I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP–Level II) and have a special interest in working with individuals who are experiencing symptoms related to trauma. In addition, I have experience supporting clients through relational distress, life transitions, family dynamics, anxiety, and other challenges. I love what I do. Watching people grow, heal, and reach their goals is a privilege. It would be an honor to walk alongside you on your wellness journey.

Education

• MS, Lipscomb University
• BS, University of Mississippi

Sessions with Haley can be

• In person at our Raleigh office
• Virtual

Areas of Clinical Specialty & Advanced Training

• Trauma
• Complex Trauma

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Haley Abee, LCMHC

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My name is Josh Burton. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate who utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) based on the needs of the client.
My therapeutic approach is flexible, but I prioritize clarifying values, expanding self-awareness, developing skills, intentionally acting toward goals, and whole person interventions that include relationships, cognitive processes, meaning-making, changing patterns, and embracing being a human in a body.
I have well over a decade of experience coaching youth sports which shows up in my engaged whole person approach to mental well-being.
Additionally, I have extensive experience working with individuals who experienced religious trauma, childhood fundamentalism, or who are in a spiritual transition. Part of a mature human experience is embracing the edges of our capacity to understand everything and allowing the seasons of life to bring change.

I also have experience working with individuals and families who are adjusting to how aging is impacting themselves, their caretaking family members, and their loved ones. I am a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA™) and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS™). I also hold a Master’s Certificate in Gerontology from UNC Charlotte.

I hold three master’s degrees, one in Public Administration from the University of Missouri, a second in Construction Management from East Carolina University, and a third in Social Work from the University of North Carolina. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from MidAmerica Nazarene University.

I would be honored to partner with you on your personal journey to engaging a life that you value.

Education

• MSW, University of North Carolina
 - Charlotte
• MS, East Carolina University
• MPA, University of Missouri

Sessions with JOSH can be

• In person at our Raleigh office
• Virtual

Areas of Clinical Specialty & Advanced Training

• Insomnia
• Religious trauma
• Transition through divorce
• Caregiver stress

Josh Burton, LCSWA

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My name is Nathan Dankner. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in the use of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and components of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT skills training). My primary areas of interest and expertise lie in the treatment of anxiety disorders, insomnia, and coping with stress and chronic illness.
I cannot remember a time when being in a helping profession was not a part of my imagined future, in large part due to the deeply held caregiving values of my family. I brought those values to the University of North Carolina where I quickly became interested in psychology and completed a bachelor's degree in the subject. I received my Ph.D. and completed my clinical internship at Vanderbilt University before finishing my post-doctoral training at the Durham VA. I worked at Duke University for 5 years following these excellent training experiences.

I think humans are the coolest thing ever, and strongly ascribe to the philosophy of treating the whole individual. I consider myself an open and genuine person who believes that good psychotherapy requires the therapist to bring that kind of authenticity into their work. I work collaboratively and flexibly with my clients using practical methods to meet their goals and live a life that they want to live. I am excited to have the privilege and opportunity to help you do the same.

Education

• BS, University of North Carolina
– Chapel Hill
• PhD, Vanderbilt University

Sessions with NATHAN can be

• In person at our Raleigh office
• Virtual

Areas of Clinical Specialty & Advanced Training

• Insomnia
• Co-morbid physical and mental health conditions
• Anxiety Disorders

Nathan Dankner, PhD

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My name is Paul Geiger. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in evidence-based treatments including traditional cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and stress reduction. I received my PhD from the University of Kentucky, completed my clinical internship with a focus on DBT at Duke University Medical Center, and completed my postdoctoral training at UNC-Chapel Hill, where I received specialized training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

I embrace the philosophy of being radically genuine in session—I am my authentic self—there isn’t a “therapist” Paul and a “real world” Paul. I am a human being, just like everyone else, who has additional training in some pretty cool therapeutic tools backed by science to help people overcome barriers and live the life they want to be living. I strive to collaborate with you in order to identify the things you want to change, and work together to meet goals that are meaningful to you.

Education

• BS, Duke University
• PhD, University of Kentucky

Sessions with PAUL can be

• Virtual

Areas of Clinical Specialty & Advanced Training

• Perinatal mental health
• Maternal & parental mental health
• Anxiety disorders

Paul Geiger, PhD

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My name is Marissa Howard. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in the use of contemporary, evidence-based therapies (more on that later). Before talking about my professional background and credentials, I'd like to share some things about the person I am, because I believe that being a good therapist depends on being authentically oneself as much as it does on academic training. It's not easy to communicate personal qualities on a website, so bear with me as I try to balance professionalism and genuineness. Ultimately, the test will be in how you experience me when we meet.
Being a 'helper' comes naturally to me. Even when I was very young, I was told that I was warm, genuine, and somehow seemed to know the right thing to say to help people feel good about themselves. Before I thought about pursuing a career that built on those traits, I wanted to be a singer and casting director. I began singing ('belting' actually) and performing in musical theater in elementary school. But in my junior year, I developed the croup and lost my voice for a month. I figured I better come up with an alternate plan. I replaced the list of musical theatre schools I'd hung on the fridge with a list of schools with great psychology and human services programs and I've never looked back.
I attended Elon University, earning a bachelor's degree in Human Services and Psychology. I subsequently earned a Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Chicago and completed an internship at Children's Memorial Hospital (now Ann H Lurie). For the twelve years before founding Flourish, I worked as a therapist, teacher, administrator, researcher, and Faculty Member at Duke University Medical Center in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. I am enormously privileged to have had incredible training and mentors every step of the way.
At Flourish, I use contemporary, evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients with life challenges including anxiety, depression, life transitions, OCD, perfectionism, maternal and perinatal mental health. Additionally, I have a passion for helping the family members and loved ones of individuals who have difficulty with emotion regulation.
As Flourish continues to grow, I spend less time with patients and more time caring for our employees and navigating the administrative side of health care. That said, I believe it is essential for “clinical administrators” to also be clinicians in order to be effective. I also still love doing clinical work and care deeply about my patients. So, I will always see some clients. If you think I’d be the right fit for your care, let us know and we can let you know about my availability. I would consider it an honor if you would entrust me with your story and allow me to join you on your journey towards healing and wellness.

Education

• BA Elon University
• AM University of Chicago

Sessions with MARISSA can be

• In person at our Raleigh office
• Virtual

Areas of Clinical Specialty & Advanced Training

• Maternal & parental mental health
• Anxiety Disorders
• Trauma (CPT & IFS)

Marissa Howard, LCSW

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Hello! My name is Julia, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. As a mother of three young kids, I chose to go back to school to gain the necessary skills to support women and birthing people through all the complex pathways leading to and managing parenting. I vividly remember bringing my youngest in a carrier to the introductory session for the Master of Social Work program at UNC—where I discovered the profound impact of social work and fell in love with its purpose.

Although my own children are no longer babies, my clinical practice continues to center on the journey of building a family: the challenges and stressors that can arise during pregnancy and postpartum, and the ongoing adjustments of parenthood. Whether someone is navigating infertility, coping with the demands of a newborn, making the difficult decision to end a pregnancy, experiencing anxiety, depression, or other perinatal mood disorders, or grieving a loss at any stage—I am here to offer support and provide a place to heal.

I am a cisgender white woman with a deep commitment to the inherent worth and dignity of every individual person. I endeavor to bring inclusive, trauma- informed, anti-racist, LGBTQIA+ affirming, reproductive justice, and feminist principles to the forefront of my work and life.

My clinical practice draws on evidence-based approaches, including Motivational Interviewing, Integrated Behavioral Health models, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, along with specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. I maintain an active Perinatal Mental Health Certification through Postpartum Support International (PSI).

Since becoming a social worker, I have worked in diverse settings dedicated to whole-person health and well-being. My experience includes a fellowship with Veterans Affairs (VA), providing care at the Chapel Hill Community Health Center—a federally qualified health center with Piedmont Health Services—supporting patients in Labor & Delivery at Duke University Hospital, and working in the Duke Perinatal Clinic, a high-risk obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine practice.

My approach centers on creating a safe, supportive place where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Together, we’ll build insight into what’s working well in your life or possibly not so well and identify areas that may need change. I deeply value the opportunity to listen to your stories, reflect on their meaning, and collaborate with you to enhance your overall well-being. I look forward to our work together.

Education

• MSW University of North Carolina
– Chapel Hill

Sessions with JULIA can be

• In person at our Durham office
• Virtual

Areas of Clinical Specialty & Advanced Training

• Maternal & parental mental health

Julia Tarr, LCSW

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My name is Chris Tew. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Clinical Addictions Specialist. As a clinician, I am committed to utilizing evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). While I treat a variety of what challenges us as humans, including anxiety, depression, trauma, or adjustment to life changes and stressors, I find deep satisfaction in helping people who struggle with addiction, a disease from which they can recover and take steps to create meaningful, rewarding lives.

I have always believed that we are placed on this earth to love and care for one another; and I knew from a young age that whatever career I chose, it would be important that it be a form of service or helping. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies from Drew University, raising two lovely daughters, and completing a dual Master's Degree from East Carolina University in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and Substance Abuse Clinical Counseling, I worked at Duke University Hospital for 17 years. I was able to conduct both hospital inpatient consultations and outpatient therapy, run a Women's Recovery Group, and co-lead a group for patients struggling with pain and substance use. I also took advantage of having access to exceptional training and mentoring from other professional faculty and staff, and was honored to be able to provide training to Duke medical students on the subject of addiction and motivational interviewing. Consistent with the plan to be a helper, it has become clear that listening deeply and offering new strategies to cope is the best way I can be of service. I would be honored to partner with you as you work to achieve a life that is in accordance with your most deeply held values.

Education

• BA Drew University
• MS East Carolina University

Sessions with christine can be

• In person at our Raleigh office

Areas of Clinical Specialty & Advanced Training

• Substance Use Disorders
• Helping family members of those with substance use disorders
• Trauma

Christine Tew, LCMHC, LCAS

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My name is Kelly Burns. I support the amazing team of providers as an Administrative Assistant at Flourish.

I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2010 with a BA in Biology, and then spent 5 years working at UNC as a Research Assistant in environmental health outreach. In my time there, I realized I felt most confident and helpful when I could support the team administratively behind-the-scenes. I transitioned to a full-time administrative role as an Office Manager for a health food e-commerce brand, and found my niche at the intersection where I could combine my organizational skills and experience with my interests in health and wellness. 

When I became a mother in 2017, I became a full-time stay-at-home parent for a period that ended up lasting until my youngest started preschool in 2023. I will forever be grateful that I was able to be home with my kids for their younger years, and it was also the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I gained a greater appreciation and understanding of the importance of prioritizing my mental health during that intense period of parenthood. Serendipitously, right after dropping my youngest off for the first day of preschool, I came across an advertisement for the Administrative Assistant position at Flourish Mental Health and knew it was a perfect fit. I’m thrilled to get the opportunity to support a team of providers who are helping others navigate their mental health journey, and to work in a wonderfully supportive environment where I feel like I can flourish too.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help support you as you flourish. 

Kelly Burns, Administrative Assistant