Melissa Yarborough, PsyD

Are you struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges? Does life feel overwhelming or like you’re stuck in the same painful patterns? You don’t have to navigate it alone. I specialize in supporting survivors of interpersonal violence and sexual assault, individuals healing from trauma, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.I also have extensive experience helping clients navigate family-related challenges and major life transitions, including grief and loss, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, marriage or divorce, and adjustments related to college, career changes, and other significant life events.

 

I know reaching out for help can feel vulnerable, which is why creating safety and trust is at the heart of my work. Clients often describe me as warm, open, and easy to talk to. I bring a culturally aware, trauma-informed lens to therapy and aim to ensure you feel deeply understood and supported as we work through the challenges you are facing.

 

I am a Licensed Psychologist in North Carolina and a member of PSYPACT, which allows me to provide telehealth services to clients in participating PSYPACT states. I currently see clients (18+) virtually and accept most BCBS and Aetna insurance plans.

 

My Approach to Therapy

 

I believe meaningful therapy begins with understanding your unique experiences, strengths, and goals. Together, we will identify what may be standing in the way of living a meaningful and fulfilling life and work toward lasting change. My goal is to provide a safe, affirming, and collaborative space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow.

​

EMDR is a specialty area of my practice, but therapy is never one-size-fits-all. I take a flexible, client-centered approach, integrating EMDR with interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and other evidence-based approaches based on your unique needs and goals. If you are specifically interested in EMDR, please let me know and we can discuss whether it may be a good fit for you. If you're curious to learn more about EMDR, please continue reading below.

 

EMDR Therapy and Trauma-Informed Therapy

​

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process distressing experiences so they no longer feel as emotionally overwhelming. While EMDR is best known for treating trauma and PTSD, it can also be effective for anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, panic, phobias, relationship difficulties, and persistent negative beliefs about oneself.

Many people assume EMDR is only for "big T" traumas such as combat, abuse, or serious accidents. However, it can also help address the lasting effects of experiences such as childhood criticism, bullying, rejection, difficult relationships, chronic stress, and other events that continue to influence how you think, feel, and respond today.

​

One aspect of EMDR that many clients appreciate is that it does not require sharing every detail of a difficult experience. While talking is welcome, EMDR can often be effective with relatively little discussion of the event itself, making it a helpful option for those who find it difficult or overwhelming to put their experiences into words. I also find virtual EMDR particularly beneficial, as it allows clients to engage in the process from the comfort and privacy of their own home.

​

As the emotional intensity of distressing memories decreases, many clients experience greater confidence, resilience, and overall well-being. It can be difficult to find a therapist trained in trauma-informed care and EMDR, so I encourage you to reach out. Healing is possible, and you do not have to have experienced a single major traumatic event to benefit from trauma-informed therapy.

​

More About me

 

I am originally from Florida, but I’ve lived in North Carolina for too many years to count. I earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Florida School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in 2012. Before joining Etheridge Psychology, I spent more than a decade working in university counseling centers, including roles at Appalachian State University, NC State University, and Elon University. Much of my work focused on supporting survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, and harassment. I also served as NC State University's Assistant Director for Clinical Services before transitioning into private practice.

 

I am a wife and mother to three wonderful kids. I currently have 7 chickens and find it very peaceful just sitting outside watching them do their thing. I love the beach, gardening, crafting, watching Netflix and sitting outside or going for walks when the weather is nice.