About me

Hi there!
My name is Caroline and I'm an Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I went to UNC-Greensboro for my undergraduate degree in Communication Studies. I obtained my Master's degree at UNC-Charlotte in clinical social work. I've been working with individuals and groups for about five years.

I now manage an outpatient therapy department in Durham, NC, and see a small caseload of clients. My primary role is to advocate for clients - ensuring they get the services they need - and helping other therapist provide clinically sound treatment. I joined better help because I know that there are many people who struggling with pandemic fatigue, isolation, fear, among many other complicated emotions due to what's going on in our world right now. I want to create a safe and judgement free space for people to obtain support. I am a firm believe that every person is capable of being happy. I also believe that people who reach out for help to get to that happiness are among the bravest.

I specialize in Clinical Diagnosis (e.g. helping you or your child figure out what's going on in your head), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in adults and teens; providing trauma-informed interventions - particularly trauma stemming from psychological or physical abuse; emotional regulation/mood swings; understanding racial and social injustices; phobias and anxiety disorders; life transitions, grief and depression. I also have significant experience with providing intensive therapy to teens struggling with irritability, difficulties managing anger and "behavioral problems." Behavioral problems in teens and young adults are often due to not getting needs met appropriately, or not knowing how to express themselves in a safe and healthy manner.

My experience in counseling has been with adults and adolescents of all genders, religions, races and sexual orientations. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - I believe that much of our unhappiness is caused by our brains lying to us. The primary tenet of CBT is identifying those thoughts, the behavior or situation that caused it, and how we can train our brain to start being honest.
I also use tenets of DBT, specifically mindfulness, as well as solution-focused therapy. For Children and Adolescents, I am certified in a new, highly structured treatment developed and tested at Harvard called "Match-ADTC" (Modular Approach to Therapy for Teens and Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma or Conduct".

My therapy mantra is "Nothing stays terrible forever," I advocate for and practice therapy that is client centered. We will start exactly where you are, and where we go is up to you. You do not have to stay stuck. I look forward to providing encouragement, support and identifying the wonderful things about you that will allow for healing.I hope to speak with you soon!


Specialties

  • Family conflicts
  • Parenting issues
  • Self esteem, Motivation
  • Depression
  • ADHD
Also experienced in:
Stress, Anxiety , LGBT , Relationship issues , Trauma and abuse , Grief , Anger management , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Coping with life changes , Coaching , Compassion fatigue , Abandonment , Adoption and Foster Care , Read more...

Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Years of Experience: 5

Services offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

NC LCSW C013367


Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Caroline Unruh. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with Teen Counseling might be different.

Written on Nov 07, 2022 after therapy with Caroline for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, and anger management

She has honestly been the best therapist I've ever had. So sweet and kind, takes the time to listen to me and help me. I would advise anyone looking for a therapist definitely go for her. She's literally amazing!

Written on Jul 25, 2022 after therapy with Caroline for 5 months

Caroline has been very supportive for me and my daughter. She answers our questions and shows concern and honesty when communicating. She is also very professional.

Written on Jun 27, 2022 after therapy with Caroline for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Caroline has been extremely helpful in identifying ways to help me with my goals. She's also really helpful when it comes to adapting therapy based on my needs. If I have to switch up the type of session I want to do because I have sensory overload or am too depressed to want to be on camera, she's always down to switch it up. I send her journal entries so long that they could be books and apologized for their length, but she seemed enthusiastic about learning more about my story and perspectives and references the entries during our sessions. She also empathizes on a personal level, which is honestly a relief and never comes off as "neurotypical-splaining". I've been to ~5 million therapists and only now do I feel truly seen.

Written on Jun 16, 2022 after therapy with Caroline for 4 months

Caroline did an amazing job working with my very anxious teen. She gave her great tools to use and helped her build her confidence and self-efficacy so that she could stop worrying and start enjoying

Written on May 30, 2022 after therapy with Caroline for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

She’s so kind and easy to talk to. Honestly has been the reason therapy isn’t as scary to me.

Written on May 11, 2022 after therapy with Caroline for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem

She’s the best therapist I’ve had and I’ve seen a lot

Written on May 10, 2022 after therapy with Caroline for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, and career difficulties

Caroline was very helpful

Written on May 04, 2022 after therapy with Caroline for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coaching, and compassion fatigue

Thank you Caroline for your help through the difficult time in my life. I made some difficult decisions and I am proud of it.

Written on Apr 11, 2022 after therapy with Caroline for 2 months on issues concerning depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, and sleeping disorders

I feel comfortable with her

Written on Apr 04, 2022 after therapy with Caroline for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd

I feel so lucky to have Caroline as my therapist. She’s very intelligent about emotions, how your brain processes things & anxiety. She’s also warm, friendly, empathetic & extremely validating. Thank you, Caroline, for helping me in this life. I appreciate how gentle & consistent you are. I feel how much you care for your clients and it’s obvious that you truly improve the lives of those you encounter. Thank you!

Written on Mar 24, 2022 after therapy with Caroline for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue

Caroline is a wonderful person and careful coach. She listens and does not jump to quick conclusions, though she has knowledge to share. She was very helpful in suggesting new ways to assess my situation and I was able to learn some very practical behaviors from her. Talking with Caroline helped me clarify my own view of my predicaments.

Written on Mar 10, 2022 after therapy with Caroline for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue

Caroline is the absolute best! She makes me fee comfortable and safe while I open up to her. She is kind, smart, and easy to talk to!

Written on Mar 10, 2022 after therapy with Caroline for 3 months

She’s phenomenal! Caroline connects so well with my daughter, puts her at ease, and helps her gently and well!

Written on Feb 03, 2022 after therapy with Caroline for 2 months

Very caring and is helpful

Written on Jan 05, 2022 after therapy with Caroline for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd

Caroline has been very easy to talk to. I went back and forth a few times about starting therapy because of the time, or stigma, or too much on my plate as it is. Caroline has given me strategies to help manage my decision making.

Written on Dec 13, 2021 after therapy with Caroline for 2 weeks on issues concerning trauma and abuse, grief, and coping with life changes

Great listening skills and understanding of trauma concerns , easy to talk to

Written on Nov 18, 2021 after therapy with Caroline for 2 weeks on issues concerning parenting issues, and coaching

Caroline is very warm, accepting and easy to open up to! She also gently helps me set goals and guides towards them while exploring patterns in my life! I would definitely recommend her!

Written on Nov 14, 2021 after therapy with Caroline for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and bipolar disorder

Dr. Caroline is a well-mannered therapist who is determined to help those in need. She is very compassionate and a great team player. I'm glad she reached out to me and I am always looking forward to continue working with her.

Written on Oct 01, 2021 after therapy with Caroline for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd

Caroline is a highly skilled mental health practitioner who is able to quickly understand her patients needs. Her emotional intelligence and ability to look at issues from both the big picture as well as zone in on details are incredibly helpful. Would recommend especially for those with anxiety or past traumas.

Written on Jun 25, 2021 after therapy with Caroline for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and adhd

Caroline is kind, considerate, and overall a great listener. I had a counselor a few years back but I feel more confident than ever in my ability to improve myself while speaking with Caroline. I never feel judged or misunderstood and the advice given is digestible and I’m able to implement healthy changes in my day to day. Highly suggest Caroline for anyone who is looking to improve.

Written on Dec 08, 2020 after therapy with Caroline for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd

Caroline has been an excellent help to me and I’m looking forward to continuing my time with her. I’m working on a number of concerns with her, such as ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Family Conflicts to name a few. I would highly highly recommend her.

Work with me!