REBECCA BRANISTAREANU, LCSW-A, LCAS-A, MS-OT

When meeting with me for therapy, you can expect to feel attuned to, which means I am sensitive to the energy and feelings we both bring to the space to create a sense of ease. My goal is to support your (re)connection to your natural inner wisdom so you can deepen your trust in your internal system, which I deeply believe is the only source that can guide you to your life’s purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. I know from experience that coming to therapy requires courage, so I do my best to ensure my system is open, compassionate, curious, and accepting of whatever you bring, so you can feel comfortable showing up as your most authentic self.  

Part of my identity that contributes to how I show up in my work as a clinician includes being a first-generation Romanian-American. Growing up between cultures, moving around the country all my life, navigating complex post-traumatic stress (cPTSD) and complicated social systems helped me discover my true, deepest, unshakable Self. The practices and understanding that helped put me on this path, which I later discovered as the foundational pieces of many newer evidence-based approaches, are what I now use in therapy. These conscious-awareness-raising approaches cultivate Self-connection so you can find peace, clarity, and belonging within yourself and use that to connect meaningfully to others and life. I am passionate about exploring spirituality and purpose in therapy. I bring this focus to connect others to their deepest values and beliefs to finally face and integrate trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, and any other shadow-like qualities that request our attention that we may have spent a long time running from, and to create a balanced life within a culture/larger system that often represses our true Selves.  

The approaches to self-exploration and understanding I love to use include Internal Family Systems (IFS; https://ifs-institute.com/); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Somatic therapy; Emotion-Focused Therapy; and other mindfulness-based interventions. I hold a Humanistic perspective based on Carl Rogers’ way of seeing individuals with unconditional positive regard and a harm reduction approach which emphasizes individuals’ right to make their own life choices while helping them do the least self-harm. My preferred modality, when appropriate, is IFS, which is a somatic, strengths-focused approach that states we are all inherently good and that our unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors come from inner parts of us that are trying their best to manage situations, and could use a little attention and guidance. My background in occupational therapy working with kids who were often diagnosed with ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorders, and other developmental/neurological differences further weaves in body/sensory-based integration techniques and a deep understanding of how neuro-based functions like executive functioning (time management, organization, planning, impulse control, self-regulation, etc.) impact our internal systems and external lives. I have primarily provided therapy in school settings and at a nonprofit, primary care doctor's office treating addiction. I am considered an IFS-informed therapist, am completing a 30-hr certification in ADHD specialization, and am pursuing training in hypnosis, yoga, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) which is like EMDR but “accelerated.” I love working with diverse backgrounds and ages and would love to work with anyone resonating with any, all, or none of this - all are welcome.   

Masters in Social Work  - Western Carolina University

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Associate State of North Carolina

Supervisor: Yolanda M. Robinson, DSW, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist - Associate State of North Carolina

Supervisor: Zach White, LCSW, LCAS, CCS

IFS 16-week Comprehensive Training - IFSCA 

Masters in Occupational Therapy - Bay Path University 

Licensed Occupational Therapist - State of North Carolina

I currently have availability for insurance and private pay clients. I am seeing patients in-person in Hendersonville (upon request only) and via telehealth (NC). 

For more information and to book an appointment, click below.