Depth-Oriented Therapy for Adults
&
Play Therapy for Children
In Person in Chapel Hill, virtual across North Carolina
Break out of old cycles & make space for something new
You may feel overwhelmed, anxious, bereaved, disconnected from yourself or frustrated by patterns that seem to repeat no matter how hard you try to change them.
You may be a parent carrying the weight of concern for your child, wondering why they're struggling, questioning your decisions and feeling pulled between wanting to help and not knowing what to do next.
I believe these struggles are more than just problems to solve; they are meaningful signals that something important is asking for attention.
Therapy offers a space to address struggles with curiosity and compassion, uncover what may be happening beneath the surface so that we can open the door to deeper understanding, connections and open up new possibilities for change.
THE PROCESS:
Getting started is simple
STEP 1:
Request a brief, 1phone consultation to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy for yourself or your child
STEP 2:
Attend an intake session to discuss current struggles or concerns and your goals for our work together
FOR PARENTS:
Attend a parent-only intake session to discuss your child’s strengths, current concerns and goals
STEP 3:
Begin working towards your goals in weekly therapy
FOR PARENTS:
Begin weekly play therapy alongside regular parent-only integration & support sessions
my approach
Symptoms as communication
Many behaviors that seem confusing or self-defeating can make sense when viewed within the broader context of someone’s life. For example, an adult who continually procrastinates may be communicating anxiety, perfectionism or fear of failure rather than a lack of motivation. An adult who becomes unusually reactive to minor frustrations may be expressing chronic stress, burnout or emotional overwhelm. Similarly, a child's tantrums, withdrawal or defiance may be communicating anxiety, worry, disconnection or feelings they do not yet have the words to express.
I view symptoms and behaviors not as problems to be eliminated, but as communications to understand. Rather than saying “how can we get rid of this procrastination?” I begin by asking, "What might this be trying to tell us?" Symptoms often emerge when important emotions, needs, experiences or stressors have not yet been fully recognized or processed. When we skip this step, the underlying need stays unmet and the symptoms either persist or reemerge somewhere else.
When we listen to symptoms instead of fighting them, they often reveal valuable information about what needs attention, support, and healing. This approach creates space for empowerment, meaningful change and lasting growth.
Ready to take the first step?
hello,
I’M ERICA DOSSA, LCSW
I am a therapist in private practice working with individuals and families seeking deep, lasting change. With years of experience and advanced training, I offer compassionate, personalized therapy tailored to you and your unique history.