Profile / United States
Courtney Surigao, LCMHC
North Carolina
LCMHC - Relationships and Anxiety
See online therapy options- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Solution-focused steps
- Narrative and client-centered work
About Courtney
Courtney Surigao is an LCMHC (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor) practicing in North Carolina with 18 years of experience. She works with people facing relationship strain, grief, parenting stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, and challenges like sleep or eating difficulties. Her approach is practical and task-focused, helping people notice unhelpful thoughts and habits and try different ways of responding.
She often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify patterns that keep problems stuck. She also draws on Solution-Focused methods to set small, achievable steps and Narrative and Client-Centered ideas to clarify values and personal strengths. Sessions can include worksheets, short exercises, and real-life practice between meetings.
Courtney describes counseling as work that requires effort from both people. She helps clients name goals, break them into manageable tasks, and track progress. Typical tools include thought records, behavioral experiments, and solution-focused planning to create clear next steps.
Her background includes long-term clinical work with a wide range of concerns, from mood disorders and trauma to family conflicts and caregiving stress. She notes experience with adoption and foster care issues, blended family situations, chronic illness and end-of-life counseling among other focus areas. This practical experience informs how she structures sessions and homework.
People who choose to work with her can expect concrete steps and straightforward explanations. Courtney emphasizes collaboration - she and the client decide which tools to try and how to measure progress. The approach aims to make change feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
Using CBT and related approaches in online sessions
Courtney often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot thinking and behavior patterns that contribute to anxiety, low mood, or relationship problems. CBT sessions typically involve identifying unhelpful thoughts, testing them with small experiments, and practicing new skills between meetings.She also uses Solution-Focused techniques to set concrete short-term goals and Client-Centered elements to make space for the client’s values and perspective. Solution-Focused work is about defining a small next step and trying it right away. Client-Centered methods focus on listening and clarifying what matters most to the person.
Finding the right approach is treated as a team effort. Courtney will discuss options, try tools, and adjust the plan based on what is helpful. That collaborative process helps decide whether to emphasize CBT exercises, solution-focused tasks, or narrative work about personal meaning.
If you plan to start online, confirm the session formats available before booking. The practical benefits often include fitting sessions into a busy schedule, shorter check-ins when needed, and using worksheets or screen sharing for in-session exercises. The therapist will explain how sessions will be structured when you arrange the first meeting.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
18+ years
Listed in
North Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does she typically help with?
She works with relationship problems, grief, parenting stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and related struggles like sleep or eating concerns.
How does she use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Courtney uses CBT to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors. Sessions often include practical exercises and homework to try between meetings.
What is her clinical background?
She has 18 years of clinical experience working with a broad range of concerns including mood disorders, trauma, family conflict, and caregiving stress.
What credentials and where does she practice?
She is an LCMHC, licensed in North Carolina, and sees people while based in that state.
Can sessions be conducted in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with clients outside the United States?
She accepts international clients; confirm session options and logistics when you begin the intake process.
How are sessions scheduled and what do they cost?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time; specific fees are provided during the sign-up process.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session through the platform.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.