Hello and welcome!  I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from East Carolina University in 1998, and my Licensure as a Clinical Social Worker in 2002.  I worked as a counselor and supervisor for the Rape Crisis Center for five years, and prior to that completed an internship and subsequent social work position at The Oaks behavioral hospital.  I have also worked as a Lovaas therapist with children diagnosed with autism.  I provide Child/Family Evaluations in cases of suspected child abuse, through Chapel Hill’s Child Medical Evaluation Program.  My areas of special interest include, but are not limited to, working with sexual abuse survivors, body image work, weight and health management, trauma related issues, postpartum depression, child/adolescent developmental issues, depression and anxiety, working with family systems, relationship difficulties, sexuality, parent education and personal growth. I provide services to children, adults, couples and families. 

I have received extensive training regarding the treatment of postpartum depression, and have been trained by Karen Kleiman who has authored numerous books (Overcoming Postpartum Depression, The Postpartum Husband, This Isn’t What I Expected, and Therapy and the Postpartum Woman).  She is also the founder and Director of Philadelphia’s Post Partum Stress Center.  I have been coached by Donald Altman (author of Meal by Meal, The Art of the Inner Meal, and Living Kindness) and I am thrilled to offer his 12 Weeks to Mindful Eating program, a step by step guide to creating a healthy relationship with food.  I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, and Postpartum Support international.  I am currently enrolled in the American Academy of Clinical Sexologists, working towards a PhD in that field.   

Counseling is a partnership that we will share.  The work we do will be challenging as well as rewarding.  I take a person centered approach to counseling and pull from Strengths, Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, and Gestalt therapies.  Counseling will require active participation on your part and as your counselor I will be available to discuss the risks and benefits and we will work hard together to achieve your goals.    

You may contact Lori Brinkley at