Essential Counseling and Therapeutic Services

09/14/2026

This list includes all clinicians with at least 1-2 current spots for availability. All are LGBTQIA+ and Neurodiverse-affirming specialists with knowledge in how to support PDA profiles.

- Zoe Bronstein-Paritz, LCSWA: Expert in trauma, OCD, PMADs, and ERP for adults, while also supporting adolescents with ADHD and attachment wounds. Here is a link to her profile: https://www.therapyessential.com/zoe

-Bridget King, LCSWA: Supports adolescents and adults with emotional resilience, relationship challenges, anxiety, and life transitions. Bridget utilizes a blend of DBT, CBT, and ACT in her work. Here is a link to her profile:
https://www.therapyessential.com/bridget

- Carlye Denequolo, MS, LCMHCA: Specializes in anxiety, autism, depression, and trauma for children, teens, and adults using ACT, IFS, and play therapy. Here is a link to her profile: https://www.therapyessential.com/carlye

- Ben Pruitt, LCSWA, ASDCS, EMDR Specialist: An Autism and EMDR specialist providing trauma-informed care for all ages, integrating clinical and spiritual perspectives. Here is a link to his profile: https://www.therapyessential.com/ben

- Max Martin, MS, LCMHCA: Focuses on adults and couples dealing with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and relationship issues through Psychodynamic and Existential therapy. Max also provides parent support and education. Here is a link to his profile:
https://www.therapyessential.com/max

- Kayla Cornew, LCMHCA, LCASA, NCC: Supports adults and adolescents with ADHD, autism, substance use, and trauma using CBT and Motivational Interviewing. She also provides play therapy and other eclectic approaches for children 7 and above. Here is a link to her profile: https://www.therapyessential.com/kayla

- Maya Wike, LCSWA: Specializes in neurodivergent adults, focusing on autism, ADHD, and life transitions using DBT, ACT, and polyvagal theory. Here is a link to her profile:
https://www.therapyessential.com/maya

-Chelsi McDougal, LCSW: Chelsi works with Children, adolescents, and adults. She supports clients with transitions to adulthood, emotional regulation, and trauma. Chelsi utilizes CBT, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care in her work. Here is a link to her profile: https://www.therapyessential.com/chelsi

All our clinicians can be seen virtually or in person in Durham near South Point Mall. All our clinicians are in-network with Aetna, BCBS and the State Health Plan.

Here is a direct link to schedule an appointment with them:

https://www.therapyessential.com/schedule

08/28/2026

Are you or your Neurodivergent Teen looking for social opportunities that meet several times a week and can be attended at their leisure over the course of the month instead of having to take a chance on a group that only meets once a week at a very specific time?

We would like to introduce Essential Counseling's Teen Social Group Bundle! This form will help us learn more about your teen's interests, social goals, and scheduling.

Complete the questionnaire
here ⤵️
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hxctaMNS1pU_SXx1AOZpM695IxAAa9m3FTMe1xOiCn8/viewform?edit_requested=true

What to expect:
Autonomy with social support and engagement
There will be 6-7 different rooms with each of the top chosen activities set up in them. Participants are free to choose where they want to spend their time and move between spaces as they feel comfortable.

Who runs the group? Two master level interns (Emily and Tara) from UNC are the group facilitators, supporting and encouraging clients as needed. Both operate under the direct supervision and guidance of Leon Monroe, LCSW, practice owner.

What topics are addressed? peer-to-peer socialization, conversation improvisation, identity, confidence and healthy coping strategies, including managing emotion states and interpersonal resolution.
• How are teens supported? We provide a safe, independent space designed particularly for adolescents (including neurodivergent teens) to interact with peers, explore their identities, and de-stress.

Logistics & Schedule

Where are meetings held? At the Essential Counseling office: 5716 Fayetteville Rd #202, Durham, NC 27713 (located near Southpoint Mall).
What days and times? Tentative meeting days are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Each session runs for approximately 2 hours each group, incorporating downtime and sensory-calming activities. Schedules may adjust based on participant needs.

Is attendance mandatory for every group? No. We plan to offer 3–4 sessions per week, and participants have the flexibility to attend as many or as few as they prefer.

How many participants will there be? Approximately 10 teens, though participation will vary based on flexible scheduling.

Cost & Insurance

How much does it cost? We offer flexible pricing options

o Unlimited weekly pass: $60 per week for unlimited access to all groups (up to 6 hrs per week!)

o Monthly unlimited pass: $240 per month paid at the beginning of the month (offers an additional discount). Less than $10 an hour for up to 24 hours of social group experiences.

• Does insurance cover the group? While insurance cannot cover the full all-access program duration, it can help reduce overall costs. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and the State Health Plan.
Contact Information.

• How do I sign up or ask questions?

Contact us [email protected] or call (919) 748-4610.

Don’t forget to complete the questionnaire here ⤵️
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hxctaMNS1pU_SXx1AOZpM695IxAAa9m3FTMe1xOiCn8/viewform?edit_requested=true

Our groups are always 🏳️‍🌈LGBTQIA+ affirming and 😁Neurodiverse-affirming🎉
For more information on what that means, click the following links:

https://www.therapyessential.com/lgbtqia-affirming-therapy
https://www.therapyessential.com/neurodiverse-affirming-therapy

Neurodiverse-affirming therapy at Essential Counseling in Durham is an approach that recognizes and celebrates the unique experiences of being neurodivergent. Unlike traditional therapies that often pressure individuals to conform to neurotypical standards this therapy focuses on unmasking and embra...

06/10/2026

All of the providers listed below accept Aetna and BCBS insurance. All clinicians are LGBTQIA+ and Neurodiverse Affirming and Kink/Poly informed.

Available Clinicians:

- Carlye Denequolo, MS, LCMHCA: Specializes in anxiety, autism, depression, and trauma for children, teens, and adults using ACT, IFS, and play therapy.
- Ben Pruitt, LCSWA, ASDCS, EMDR Specialist: An Autism and EMDR specialist providing trauma-informed care for all ages, integrating clinical and spiritual perspectives.
- Max Martin, MS, LCMHCA: Focuses on adults and couples dealing with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and relationship issues through Psychodynamic and Existential therapy.
- Kayla Cornew, LCMHCA, LCASA, NCC: Supports adults with ADHD, autism, substance use, and trauma using CBT and Motivational Interviewing.
- Maya Wike, LCSWA: Specializes in neurodivergent adults, focusing on autism, ADHD, and life transitions using DBT, ACT, and polyvagal theory.
- Zoe Bronstein-Paritz, LCSWA: Expert in trauma, OCD, PMADs, and ERP for adults, while also supporting children with ADHD and attachment wounds.

Profiles and Scheduling:

You can view full profiles and schedule an appointment directly through these links:

- Profiles:
Kayla (https://www.therapyessential.com/kayla)
Maya (https://www.therapyessential.com/maya)
Ben (https://www.therapyessential.com/ben)
Max (https://www.therapyessential.com/max)
Zoe (https://www.therapyessential.com/zoe)


- Client Portal to schedule a free intake or first session:

https://essential.clientsecure.me/request/clinician

Zoe is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Associate in the state of North Carolina. She is passionate about fostering a space where every individual can feel seen, validated, and challenged with warmth and kindness. Zoe works primarily with adults with a special interest in trauma, OCD, depression, a...

06/10/2026

EMDR and Autism Spectrum Disorder: a practical look at adapting trauma-focused, somatic approaches for autistic clients. In this short read, Ben Pruitt, EMDR Specialist (LCSWA, ASDCS), discusses using tech—like a game controller—for bilateral stimulation, pacing, sensory considerations, and consent strategies to make EMDR more accessible and effective. Read more: https://wix.to/styblX6

First published on Nov. 18, 2024Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach traditionally known for its success in treating trauma-related conditions, such as PTSD. Somatic approaches, like EMDR, offer a promising option for individuals experiencing intrusive thoug...