Yovani Ayala, MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP, CCATP, CMIP

Yovani Ayala, LCSW, LISW-CP, CCATP, CMIP Licensed Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice | Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional | Certified Mindfulness-Informed Professional | Licensed Clinical Social Worker (NC & CA) | Licensed Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice (SC) | Mental Health Advocate Hi there! I’m Yovani, and I’ve been in the mental health field for over 10 years—time flies when you're doing what you love! I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Wyoming in May 2015, and before I even had time to grab my diploma, I packed up and moved to North Carolina to start my career in psychotherapy. I’ve worked with everyone from young children to families and couples, and let me tell you, no two days are ever the same, which keeps things interesting (and rewarding!). I specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, and more. I believe in meeting people where they are and creating a safe, comfortable space for you to explore, grow, and work through life's hiccups. I don’t do cookie-cutter therapy; instead, I tailor our sessions to what works best for you. My goal is simple: to help you feel better, build resilience, and create lasting positive change. My Approach: I use a mix of tried-and-true methods that help people from all walks of life. If you like the sound of this, here’s a peek into some of the tools I use: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness-Based Approaches Schema Therapy Attachment-Based Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Psychodynamic Approaches Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) (Great for couples!) Assertive Communication Training (So you can say what you mean without the awkwardness) I Work With: Anxiety Stress Trauma and PTSD Adult ADHD (Yep, it’s real and it’s manageable!) Anxiety Disorders And many more… let’s just say I’m a jack-of-all-therapy-trades. Specialties: Anger Management (We all have that one moment, right?) Burnout (Work, life, everything—let's fix it!) Divorce (Not fun, but I’ve got your back) Imposter Syndrome (You are enough, I promise) Infidelity (Healing is possible) Marital/Couples Therapy (Because let’s face it, relationships can be hard) Role Transitions (Changing jobs, moving, adulting) Self-Esteem (You deserve to feel good about yourself) Work/Career Challenges (Let’s get you thriving) I hold certifications from Evergreen Certification as a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional and as a Certified Mindfulness-Informed Professional. I’ve spent years learning the ins and outs of mindfulness and anxiety management, and I’m passionate about helping my clients find the calm amid the chaos. Walking the Talk: I’m not just a therapist; I’m also someone who’s been through it. I’ve personally experienced anxiety, depression, and ADHD, so I understand the challenges and triumphs of the healing journey. I know firsthand what it’s like to manage those struggles, and I’ve made it my mission to teach my clients lifelong skills to improve their mental health. It’s not just about coping in the short term; it’s about building a toolkit that works for you in the long run. A Little About Me: I’m of Mexican descent, and my roots are incredibly important to me. I’m deeply passionate about women’s rights and humanistic approaches that center on empathy, respect, and intentional presence. Family, connection, humor, laughter, and optimism are values I hold close. I believe in encouraging people to be their best selves, challenging maladaptive thoughts, and, most importantly, committing to helping others realize their potential. When I’m not helping clients find their zen, I’m usually hanging out with my canine boy, Benji (he’s got a lot of personality!). I’m a huge fan of movies and documentaries—streaming services are my guilty pleasure! I also love to dance, get my hands dirty in the garden, and spend time woodworking. To unwind, I do my best thinking while coloring, drawing, and writing. And let’s not forget, nothing beats cozying up with a big blanket, listening to music, or laughing at a good stand-up comedian. You’ll find that I practice what I preach when it comes to self-care!