Hi, I’m Lindsey. I'm so glad you're here. I have something I’d like to share with you.
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YOUR VOICE IS IMPORTANT
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Sometimes that’s a hard thing to remember, right?​ My job is to help you remember. I work with people who want to find their voice.
It's uncomfortable to enter a room with somebody you don't know and say, "Here's what I think is wrong with me." My job is to provide a space where you can say the things you may not have said before to anybody. To give you a chance to think through things in a new way, without the clutter of outside negative feedback or judgment.
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Change is hard. We humans tend to do a lot of fighting against it. Not wanting to come to terms with the realities of life. Which ultimately leads to more misery for us and perpetuates the pain we're experiencing. I want to help you build the strength needed to face change head on, but I also want you to experience the deep healing of knowing
IT'S OKAY TO BE WHERE YOU'RE AT
That's how I believe change works: Accepting yourself just as you are, having compassion for this place you may be in, while also committing to make the changes needed so you can live the life that works for you.
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you're doing the best you can with what you've got
I believe this. Hey, life is hard. But hating on yourself for having a hard time hasn't worked to make you feel better yet, has it? Let's have compassion for what you've faced in life. Your inner critic wants to convince you that you don't deserve to feel better and that the mistakes you've made or trauma you've experienced define you. Let's not get wrapped up in what's happened before. The reality is, we can't change what has happened to you. But we can help you learn to stay present today, decide what you want to take away from your experiences, and move toward the life you want to live. You may not have gotten to author past chapters of your life story, but
YOU GET TO WRITE THE REST OF YOUR STORY
What kind of story do you want to that to be? One in which you hold yourself up to unrealistic, perfectionistic standards that keep you from ever feeling successful or satisfied? Or one in which you experience the freedom and space to be your full, complicated, dynamic self?
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I WANT TO HELP YOU BE MORE OF YOU
You've done enough shrinking yourself or being shrunk by others. This work will be about expansion. Getting you unstuck from the merry-go-round cycle of perfectionism and moving toward a confidence of knowing you do not need to be flawless to be good. You are worthy of love and acceptance, just as much as anybody else, and you're allowed to take the time to care for yourself, to be heard, and to enjoy life.
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How do I know how to help? As a recovering perfectionist, eating disorder survivor, and diet culture dropout, I know how tough this work can be. What it feels like to be chained by the shackles of rules, fear, and expectations. I know the vulnerability of reaching out for help AND the relief of finding another person who gets it. Of realizing you don't have to carry the burden alone anymore. You've gotten this far in life doing things a certain way, but what if there's an easier way? You're hurting. I want to help support you through that.
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YOUR STORY IS IMPORTANT
If you're ready to share your voice, I'm ready to listen.
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READY TO BE HEARD?​
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MEET
DR. LINDSEY UMSTEAD
Raleigh & Greensboro offices
Want more specifics about my training and experience?
Read on below:
MY EDUCATION
I have a BA in Psychology from the James Madison University. My Master's degree is in Counseling, with a specialization in College Counseling and Student Development in Higher Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). My doctorate degree is in Counseling & Counselor Education, also from UNCG.
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MY THEORETICAL APPROACH:
In life and in my work, I operate from a wellness orientation. This means that I view life (and recovery) from a holistic lens and believe in working toward achieving balance. Specific to eating disorders and body image, I operate from a weight inclusive, Fat Positive, and Intuitive Eating approach and philosophy.
In my work with clients, I use an integrative approach, drawing primarily from Cognitive Behavioral therapies (i.e., Dialectical Behavioral Therapy [DBT] and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). I believe that change results from choosing to accept where we’ve been and where we are while also committing to making choices that allow us to live according to our values. I also work with clients from a Person-Centered approach, meaning that I believe it is critical to develop authentic relationships with my clients that are based in empathy and unconditional positive regard. I utilize mindfulness and experiential techniques that encourage clients to turn toward their emotions and experiences while learning how to make choices that allow them to live fully, genuinely, and effectively.
I am trained in Brainspotting & EMDR, both brain-based trauma protocols that helps clients identify, process, and release core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation.
MY CREDENTIALS
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (NC# 12197) and National Certified Counselor (# 630347).
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MY EXPERIENCE:
I have 9 years of clinical experience and have had the honor of working in several different settings with individuals of various ages, backgrounds, and presenting concerns. I have spent time working in college counseling, outpatient behavioral health, and inpatient/residential centers, including residential and outpatient eating disorder facilities. My clinical experiences have involved helping clients with a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and body image concerns, perfectionism, trauma, self-harm, substance abuse, grief, stress, work/life balance, academic and career challenges, and identity and developmental concerns. I have experience facilitating individual, group, and family counseling sessions.
In addition to my counseling experience, I have experience facilitating clinical supervision and teaching at both graduate and undergraduate levels. I have also received additional training in Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and Brainspotting.
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PERSONAL:
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In my spare time, I love cuddling with my sweet pup, Honey, watching (and theorizing about) Game of Thrones, going to music or comedy shows, and spending time with loved ones. I enjoy moving my body in ways that feel good and empowering. This might look like yoga, spin class, jogging, or hiking.
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