Meet Our therapists aND Staff

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Clinical Director and Therapist

Jessica has worked in mental health and substance abuse treatment since 2016 and has experience within outpatient services and the psychoeducational intensive outpatient setting. She has experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns including: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, self-esteem and substance abuse. 

She describes her therapeutic approach as a combination of cognitive-behavioral, psychoanalytic understanding of emotions, and mindfulness-based counseling. What does this look like? Having the therapeutic tools to “meet your emotions where they are” and being able to navigate with respect, sensitivity and compassion. Her counseling style is client-centered and interactive. She will tailor dialog and treatment plan to meet your individualized needs. 

It takes courage to seek support and actively work on the steps towards a more fulfilling, happier life. If you are ready to take that step, Jessica looks forward to supporting and empowering you on your journey. 

As the Clinical Director, Jessica provides oversight to all the clinical staff, assistance with program development, serves as a liaison between external agencies and Thrivewell, as well as, provides supervision of interns and associate level staff. 

Outside the office, Jessica lives on the Outer Banks with her husband and two kids. She enjoys being outdoors in nature, going for walks with her littles, couponing, reading, and traveling. 

Therapist

Melinda Creef has received professional training focused on challenges with mental health, substance abuse, and trauma. She has been practicing counseling since August, 2008. She strives to establish a safe and trusting environment for you to share your story, identify  your needs, and develop personal goals for life improvement. Melinda works with both adolescents (12-18) and adults (18 and older). 

Credentials & Education:

 · Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist and Licensed Professional Counselor. 

· MA in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in July 2009.

· Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Therapist

Elizabeth has been part of the Thrivewell team since February 2023. Elizabeth has over 11 years of experience with working with different community outreach programs. 

Elizabeth has experience with crisis intervention and prevention, intensive in-home services, and outpatient services. She has experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, parenting concerns, and self-esteem. 

Elizabeth works with both adolescents (12-18) and adults (18 and older). 

Elizabeth describes her therapeutic approach as a combination of cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic therapy and mindfulness-based counseling. Elizabeth’s counseling style is person-centered and interactive. Elizabeth strives to create a safe and collaborative space to meet clients where they are and assist them in their journey towards healing.

Outside of the office, Elizabeth lives on the Outer Banks with her husband, two children, and fur babies. She enjoys spending time with her family, being in nature, traveling, reading, and learning new things.

Credentials and Education:

-Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate

-MA in Counseling from Waynesburg University in April 2011

-BA degree in Psychology from California University in December 2008 

Therapist

Kyle has been working with Thrivewell since November of 2024. Kyle has 14

years experience in the mental health field working with a variety of clients. He

spent most of that time working as a school counselor.

Kyle has experience working with clients with many differentiating presenting concerns

including depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, stress, and serious mental illness.

Kyle describes his therapeutic approach as incorporating several major theories of

counseling, including: Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Person Centered.

He tailors his focus to the needs of the client. He believes the counseling process involves a collaborative relationship between client and counselor in an open environment where the clients are free to share their thoughts and feelings honestly and that trust is paramount in the counselor and client relationship.

Kyle works with both adolescents (12-18) and adults (18 and older).

Credentials and Education:

-Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate

-MA in Counseling from Lenoir Rhyne University December 2015

-BA degree in Psychology from University of North Carolina at Wilmington May 2009

Office Administrator

Therese started at Thrivewell in February 2023. She is our Office Administrator and takes care of billing, scheduling, social media, setting up new clients, and more!

She has lived on the Outer Banks her whole life and truly loves being part of the community here. When she’s not in the office, Therese enjoys being outside as much as possible, writing and playing music, spending time with her fiancé, son and “mini zoo” of animals at home, and being involved with her church family. 

She has her AA degree from COA and is currently working on her Bachelors of Psychology with a focus in Developmental Psychology from Liberty University with goals of working in the mental health field.