Lisa Carpenter, MA, MFTA

she/her
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Are you struggling to find connection with your partner? Are you arguing and blaming one another? You may even be considering separation or divorce. Sometimes we get stuck in relationships and just don’t know how to move forward. Oftentimes, we get caught in the same repetitive patterns. Everyone has the capacity for change. It’s time to get un-stuck, realize there is hope, and find healing. - Lisa

Lisa Carpenter is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate with a specialization in couples counseling and is equally passionate about working with individuals. Her holistic approach to counseling works to break the cycle of negative interactions while supporting insight, healing and personal growth. Offering a safe, understanding, and non-judgmental environment for those facing disconnection, crisis, or emotional injury, Lisa helps her clients rediscover their strengths so that they can not just cope, but truly thrive!

Qualifications
Lisa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (#12489A) approved by the North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board. She received her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University in California. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northern Arizona University. 

Counseling Background
Lisa completed her internship at Family Services of Davidson County where she provided individual, couples, family, and group counseling to a diverse clientele. She worked with individuals in all ages and stages of life, many experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem issues, and trauma. Working with couples and families, Lisa helped them find safety and security so they could create stronger and healthier relationships. In addition, Lisa worked in a domestic violence shelter providing individual and family therapy, as well as facilitating a support group for women in the community. 

Specialization
Lisa believes in an evidence-based family systems approach. Great insight and change can occur when looking at the entire family and how each member may contribute to a particular issue. Emotionally Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Bowenian Family Systems Theory are typical modalities from which she pulls. Her therapeutic approach looks different with each client, always matching her interventions and techniques with the strengths of the client and goals that have been collaboratively set. 

Lisa is certified in Discernment Counseling, which is a specialized short-term counseling approach designed to help couples on the brink of divorce explore their options and decide whether to work on their marriage, move toward separation, or remain undecided.
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Personal Life
Lisa grew up in Arizona and, after graduating, led a nomadic lifestyle traveling around the globe. Although she loved the west, she has lived in North Carolina for 18 years and considers it home. Lisa has two daughters in college (go UNC!), one crazy yellow lab, and a husband who is willing to engage her when she says, “So honey, I have an idea...” Lisa has summited Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa), trekked through the Himalayas in Nepal, and swam with dolphins in New Zealand. Exploring various cultures has enabled her to gain a unique perspective and appreciation of the diversity each person brings into the room. When Lisa isn’t googling her next adventure, you will find her drinking a good cup of coffee and binge watching The Great British Baking Show.