Tori Essex (she/her)

LCMHCA, LLC
Accepting Clients

I'm a relational, "chill" therapist licensed in North Carolina & Michigan. I support people to live with authenticity and compassion.

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Asheville, NC
Supervised by Susan Lipiec, Qualified LCMHCA Supervisor

Services

About My Clients

Feeling overwhelmed, like you can’t slow down, or maybe ‘stuck’? You’re not alone. Finding the right therapeutic support for you is a great next step. I’m here to help you to reconnect with yourself, & rediscover your unique ways of moving through the world. I utilize trauma-informed practices (actually!), somatic awareness, mindfulness, and creative expression to create a collaborative space where you feel seen, respected, and empowered to grow.

My Background and Approach

I have a background learning about complex and developmental trauma and how our early experiences impact how we show up in the present. I am most interested in supporting each client's own hopes, dreams, and desires they have for themself. This often looks like greater connection and ease to oneself, more self compassion, fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, stronger relationships, etc. My approach is compassionate and meets you where you are. Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all – it’s about understanding your strengths, challenges, and inherent wisdom. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, feeling disconnected, or just trying to navigate life’s complexities, we can work together at a pace that feels safe and supportive for you.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I have a deep commitment to helping people reconnect to their strengths and wisdom from a decolonized and antiracism framework. Drawing from my clinical training, I work with people who are ready to explore their inner world with curiosity. How I connect with clients is informed by creative practice, my work with meditation, the NeuroAffective Relational Model, and Somatic Experiencing. My counseling practice is guided by my core values of integrity, respect, harmony, resilience, and fun. To me: integrity is a practice of “being what you seem to be.” respect is a consistent regard for feelings, abilities, qualities, traditions, rights, and achievements. harmony is a sense of inner peace, groundedness, contentment, equilibrium. resilience is the ability to “get back up,” adapt, and grow after experiencing challenge fun is engaging in playfulness, amusement, and wonder Values exploration supported by the Live Your Values card deck by Lisa Congdon and Andreea Niculescuand (2021).

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • Blue Care Network
I offer online counseling in the following states:

At A Glance

  • Experience: 1 year of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $135/session

Reach out to Tori