Wondering what therapy with me would look like? Here are some examples:

Anxiety
Is worry keeping you up all night? Are you concerned that you might be overthinking things? Are you feeling like no matter what you say or do, it’s never going to be right? Are you feeling stressed more often than not? If anxiety is taking control of your life, we can collaboratively establish a plan to help ease that anxiety. My style is to use talk therapy to help you identify strategies to understand and change that anxious talk patterns while also incorporating techniques from mindfulness and self-compassion to help decrease the intensity of those anxious thoughts. 
​BDSM/Kink Communities or Polyamory
Are you interested in exploring or currently involved in the kink community? While not being immersed in the community myself, I have done some research on how BSDM has been used informally to treat sexual traumas and how successful that has been for some. I am an ally for the non-vanilla community and fully advocate for the use of consent in BDSM culture. You will feel accepted in my sessions as you explore your lifestyle of choice.
Depression
Depression can feel like a dark cloud hanging over you all the time. You may feel tired, isolated, apathetic, or just generally blue. You may find yourself not enjoying the things that you used to enjoy. You spend more time crying than you used to. Thoughts of suicide and self-harm may come up as ways to escape or cope with the pain you are dealing with. All of us experience feelings of depression at times, but if you are experiencing intense sadness that is lasts for longer than you like, it may be time to reach out for support. I will work with you to first identify behaviors you would like to be engaged in (the things you miss doing) and then help you practice getting involved in those behaviors. Once you start feeling more engaged in life, my next step would be help you understand why the feelings of depression started to begin with and to identify the triggers that could cause you to feel like you are relapsing into those feelings. Once we identify those triggers, we will brainstorm together strategies to help increase feelings of happiness or contentment in your life. At times, medication may be suggested and I can help refer you to a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner who can assist with that piece.
​ Grief and Loss
Have you lost someone or something close to you? Maybe this was a loved one who passed on, a pet who is no longer in your life, a relationship that ended, or a career that you no longer are able to participate in. Grief and loss takes on many forms and can impact a person’s sense of self or identity as well as your self-esteem. For some, it may even lead to contemplating your own mortality or questioning the meaning of life. Depending on the form your loss takes, we can develop a plan of action to help you move through the powerful emotions you are experiencing. Sometimes, that means taking time to grieve, in whatever form that takes—crying, feeling angry, remembering, etc. The key to moving through grief is feeling the emotions, as hard as that might seem, and being able to have a nonjudgmental companion to experience this with (your therapist) is invaluable. 
Trauma
Trauma takes on many forms. Either witnessing a traumatic event or first-handedly experiencing a traumatic event can both lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It’s important to note that not everyone who is exposed to trauma will develop PTSD, but some do. Acknowledging and facing the trauma can help to decrease the hold that traumatic experience might have on you. In my sessions, after carefully assessing the impact of the trauma on you, I work with you to face your trauma rather than avoid it. In a safe, non-threatening environment, we will repeatedly review the traumatic experience. In addition to this, we will gently explore the thoughts that has kept you stuck, in order to help you feel more like yourself again. Trauma is very treatable and you do not have to feel as impacted by the painful story forever.
Sexual Trauma
Have you experienced a sexual assault or been the victim/survivor of multiple sexual traumas? Are you unsure if what you experienced was a sexual assault because you were in a relationship with the other person or you were coerced into performing sexual acts with someone? Have you seen yourself being affected when you’re trying to have intimate relations with someone you love and care about but realize that what’s happened to you in the past is affecting your ability to truly be free with that person? If you are currently involved in a relationship with someone who is abusive, your safety will always be my #1 consideration. Supportive counseling can help you process your traumatic experience(s) and help you to move forward to have the type of relationship you want and deserve. In some cases, if a victim/survivor has developed PTSD, I may use Prolonged Exposure as my treatment of choice. We will discuss this in detail if we choose to head down that path.
 Racial/Cultural Trauma
Have you experienced racial microaggressions? Ever wondered what that person meant when they said something that seemed like a compliment but you left the situation feeling confused, hurt, or misunderstood? Have you been blatantly discriminated against because of your race, racial expression, or cultural expression? These everyday slights may independently feel small, but when they are experienced over time, the effect they have on us are compounded and impact our feelings of self-esteem, self-worth, and self-value. In a nonjudgmental space, you can talk freely about these events and its impact on you. I recognize the insidious nature of some of these messages. Together, we will work to understand and deconstruct the messages that were imparted to you and that you may have inadvertently internalized as well.  
​Please contact me for more information or to schedule a consultation:
Dr. Galana Chookolingo, Ph.D., LPC
Email: [email protected]
​Phone: 919-346-3140
Currently accepting new clients.
​Referrals welcome!
​
​Online appointments available now!

​It's understandable that meeting in the office is not always convenient. Online appointments allow you to receive the same quality care as you do in person. No need to take time off work, find a sitter, or deal with traffic in order to meet with me.

Online appointments are appropriate for many types of appointments. Feel free to contact me for more information or to schedule your appointment!
Specialized Training and Interests:
Trauma specialist, depression, anxiety, panic/anxiety attacks, identity development, gender identity, women's issues, substance use, self-esteem and self-compassion, cultural concerns, racial identity, relationship concerns, parenting, academic concerns, stress, grief & loss, veteran's issues, and college student concerns. 

Rates:
Intake Session: $225 for 60 minutes
Individual Therapy: $200 for 50 minutes; $100 for each additional 30 minutes
No Show/Cancellation Fee: $100 (Please note that insurance will not cover this fee, and this will be at your own expense)

Insurance: 
I am an Out-of-Network Provider for all insurances besides Blue Cross/Blue Shield (commercial plans and state health plan). This means that you would pay the full fee up front, and I can provide you with a monthly bill that you can submit to your insurance company. Many insurance companies will reimburse for out-of-network services. Please contact your health insurance provider to find out how much they will reimburse for therapy.

Payment:
Credit Cards or HSA cards accepted.

Cancellation Policy: 
Your appointment time is reserved especially for you. Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment. There is a $100 service fee for no shows and late cancellations.