ESSENTIAL COUNSELING
AND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES, PLLC
for Children, Teens and Adults in the Heart of the Triangle
Specializing in Services for Autism, Aspergers, ADHD
and the Twice Exceptional. In-person and Telehealth Services Available
The Path Begins Here...
The People
The People
Our clinicians and support professionals inspire the wisdom, confidence, and radical realizations that can help you get unstuck, overcome obstacles, and unlock your authentic potential.
While we are trained in evidence based therapies, we realize that long-lasting change can only occur when an individual feels comfortable, connected and calm enough to witness their own inner wisdom. By taking the time to help you feel more comfortable with yourself and others in a safe, judgement-free environment, we are better able to provide you with the custom tools and techniques to get you to the next level or path on your journey.
Stephens
Osly
Itala
Billy
Matt
Matt
The Story
My interest in Autism has led me through many paths over the last 20 years. Prior to completing my Bachelors in Psychology from NC State University and my Masters in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I enjoyed many years working with individuals as a Direct Support Professional, Case Manager, ABA Therapist, ABA Program Manager, Director of Vocational Services and even as a Software Programmer and Tester in the Tech industry.
With Essential CTS, my vision is to offer the therapies and services that help individuals feel calm enough within themselves and connected enough to those around them that they can reach their full potential.
I have witnessed this happen for many of the people I have worked with.
Leon
Driving Directions
We are located in the heart of the Triangle at Sutton Station near Southpoint in Durham, close to Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville and
Chapel Hill
5716 Fayetteville Road, #202
Durham, NC 27713
9194280421 Phone
Individual Therapy
Weekly Individual Therapy session s have shown to be highly effective for targeting both short-term and long-term goals. Exposure Therapy is also highly effective for phobias, fears, obsessions, compulsions, OCD. We specialize in DBT and CBT for issues that may arise as a result of Autism, PDD and the diagnosis formerly known as Aspergers.
Parent Training
Parent Training is offered to parents and caregivers who would like to be more effective in the home environment. We also offer family therapy, couples therapy and caregiver self-care education and support.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
The components of DBT include:
mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
We have found that many people in the ASD community benefit from our modified DBT approach.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) has also proven to be effective for many.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Essential CTS is an in-network provider of ABA services with BCBS. We provide uniquely tailored, holistic ABA programs that support and enhance the individual strengths and preferences of the individual.
Social Groups, Clubs and Courses
We offer an array of social group, clubs and courses to meet the various personalities and cognitive levels of those we serve. To see the full list of the groups we are currently offering, scroll down this page.
Therapeutic Support in the Home and Community
Regardless of whether or not you qualify for ABA services, we offer Independent Skills Training and Therapeutic Support in the Home and Community.
Services similar or adjunct to ABA may include:
Adaptive Behavior Treatment (ABT)
Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
TEACCH methods from
UNC Chapel Hill
Groups, Clubs and Courses
Ages 8-11
Ages 12-14
Social Confidence and Self-Empowerment for Adolescents and Pre-Teens
This group meets on Saturdays over a 12 week period with start dates at the beginning of the Fall, Spring and Summer sessions following school calendars.
The group will be guided through skills-based strategies to build and increase social confidence and self-empowerment.
The groups are designed to allow participants to process the week’s hurdles and successes as well as troubleshoot areas which may require more guidance.
Take home assignments with strategies for parents will be given weekly.
The group will culminate with a final session that will include a social outing planned by the participants.
Ages 5-7
Ages 8-10
Social Superpowers
DBT based skills for Children and Adolescents
This group meets on Saturdays over a 12 week period with start dates at the beginning of the Fall, Spring and Summer sessions following school calendars.
The group will be guided through the superpowers of mindfulness, emotion regulation and perspective taking.
Effective Social Skills statistically proven to work will be practiced in vivo in an exciting and engaging format.
Take home assignments with strategies for parents will be given weekly.
Ages 8-11
Ages 12-14
Ages 15-18
Ages 18 and Up
Saturday Therapeutic Activity Groups
These ongoing groups are designed for those who are looking to have more social opportunities in their lives.
Participants explore a host of exciting therapeutic activities geared towards recreation, relaxation and social engagement.
Activities may include:
Board Games
Geocaching
Music Share
Mindful Walking
Arts and Crafts
Improvisation
All clubs use analog (aka "non-digital") game formats and are geared towards the goal of increasing social intelligence. These clubs meet weekly throughout the year. More information ia available under the
Current Ongoing Groups tab.
Ages 12-14 meets on Mondays from 5-6pm
Ages 14-17 meets on Fridays from 6-7pm
An 18 and up group is also available based on demand. Contact us now to stay informed of next start date.
Groups will focus on the superpowers of mindfulness, emotion regulation and perspective taking.
Effective Social Skills statistically proven to work will be practiced in vivo in an exciting and engaging format.
Ages 12-14
Ages 14-17
Ages 18 and up
Level Up
Game Clubs
This 16 week course is designed to provide intensive in-vivo practice of proven conversation skills. This course is recommended for people with mild to moderate social anxiety, ADHD, Autism or just plain shyness.
Next course will begin upon demand. Contact us now to stay informed of next start date.
Ages 16-20
Ages 21 and up
The Art of Conversation
This DBT informed group is designed to meet emerging adults where they are on the pathway to adulthood.
Previous and current group members appreciate the ability to talk openly about curiosities, struggles, fears, hopes and dreams in a safe, supportive space while also incorporating real-life role-play strategies to deal with adult issues such as budgeting, dating
and employment.
This group meets weekly.
Next group will begin upon demand. Contact us now to stay informed of next start date.
Ages 16-21
Emerging Adults:
The Path to Adulthood
Other Therapies we offer:
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
for Mild to Severe Anxiety, Sensory Issues, Trauma and Social/Emotional Challenges
What I love about the SSP is that almost anyone can use it right away and start to see results. Many people who come to us have had mild to severe traumatic stress from previous individual counseling or group sessions due to severe anxiety and/or social anxiety. The SSP is a five-day intervention lasting one hour per day that only requires the individual to sit with and listen to the listening device (a Sony Walkman).
Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a five-day auditory intervention designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. Based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, by calming the physiological and emotional state, the door is opened for improved communication and more successful therapy.
The SSP is a research-based therapy showing significant results in just five days in the following areas:
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Social and emotional difficulties
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Auditory sensitivities
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Anxiety and trauma related challenges
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Inattention
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Stressors that impact social engagement
The Path Begins Here
Late one cloudy afternoon at Cape Disappointment in Washington State, a traveler followed a sign which read "The path begins here". The traveler followed the path in that direction a short distance to where another sign appeared. The same words appeared "The path begins here". Weary, confused and a bit frustrated, the traveler summoned the wise traits of curiosity and tenacity and continued on the path. However, when the path changed course again, the traveler began to understand what the path had revealed. The path is always beginning. The path begins here, wherever here will be.