Etta "Serena" Faison

Hopeful, practical support for life transitions

LCSW North Carolina

Experience: 14 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Bipolar
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Etta

Etta "Serena" Faison is a licensed clinical social worker with 14 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, mood concerns such as bipolar disorder and depression, and a broad range of life challenges including addiction, relationship difficulties, grief, and parenting stress.

Background and approach

She approaches clients with the belief that each person is the expert on their own story and that existing strengths can be harnessed to overcome obstacles. Her work also addresses concerns like self-esteem, intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping struggles, career pressures, and compassion fatigue.

Faison blends practical, evidence-informed methods with a collaborative, person-centered stance. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness practices, and client-centered principles to create tailored plans that suit individual needs and goals.

Drawing on her years in practice, she supports people through big transitions, chronic illness or pain, blended family dynamics, communication and control issues, and episodes of isolation or impulsivity. She offers services from North Carolina and conducts sessions in English.

Approaches That Guide Online Sessions

Faison commonly integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, which can be useful for addressing anxiety, depression, insomnia, and low self-esteem. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy encourages noticing difficult thoughts and feelings while clarifying personal values and taking committed action toward them, which can support coping with life transitions, chronic stress, and motivation challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and she aims to collaborate with each client to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they explore what feels most helpful, adjust techniques over time, and set practical steps that align with the person’s values and day-to-day life.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options allow ongoing access to therapy from North Carolina and make it easier to maintain continuity of care during busy or transitional periods.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address?

She works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, grief, trauma and many relationship and life-change issues.

What is her therapeutic style?

Her approach is collaborative and person-centered, emphasizing client strengths while using structured techniques to address thoughts, behaviors, and values.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She brings 14 years of professional experience supporting people through mood concerns, relationship problems, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and other life challenges.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in North Carolina with license NC LCSW C006290.

In which languages can sessions be held?

Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats does she offer?

She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions are billed through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Self esteemBipolar disorderDepression Coping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoachingCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

Blended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFamily problemsForgivenessImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

14+ years

Licensed

North Carolina

Languages

English