"Every person is world to explore." -Thich Nhat Hanh
Awareness of our inner world—what has shaped us, how we process interactions, and how we communicate—can be complex and difficult. Without that awareness, we can develop patterns of coping and communicating that ultimately take us places we don’t want to go.
I am an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and LCAS (Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist) with 18 years of experience providing comprehensive therapy and substance use care to adults, teens, parents, and couples.
My practice is deeply rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness. I completed my DBT training through Behavioral Tech (BTech), the primary training and educational organization founded by DBT creator Marsha Linehan, and have also completed specialized training in DBT Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE). DBT PE is designed to help individuals with PTSD who also experience severe emotional dysregulation, self-injury, or suicidal behaviors. I am also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, addiction treatment, and relapse prevention.
I frequently work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, self-harm and suicidal ideation, and major life transitions. I also support romantic partners in navigating both the emotional and physical aspects of connection and intimacy, and I affirm and welcome diverse relationship structures and styles.
I am especially passionate about helping teens understand and manage big emotions so they can build the life they want. I also work with parents and couples who want to strengthen connection, communication, and understanding—especially when big emotions or challenging behaviors make those goals feel out of reach.
My training and experience in DBT have given me a deep understanding of how to help parents navigate challenging behaviors while maintaining connection with their children. As a parent myself—and a deep feeler raising two big-feeling kids—I bring both professional expertise and real-life experience to my work with families. I understand that parenting can be deeply rewarding and incredibly hard, particularly when intense emotions and behaviors get in the way of connection.
I believe therapy works best as a true collaboration. Together, we’ll build on your strengths, develop practical tools, and find a path toward lasting, meaningful change. Let’s find that path together.
A Note About Insurance, Fees, and Social Equity
I choose to operate as an Out-of-Network (OON) provider so that your specific needs, rather than an insurance company, can guide our work together. My approach is shaped by my background: I began my career in community mental health in 2008 and then spent ten years in a group private practice. Moving into independent practice has allowed me to build social equity directly into the structure of my business.
Because of this, I reserve several spaces in my practice for modified-fee appointments at a range of rates. I also intentionally maintain a smaller caseload, which allows me to remain deeply present with my clients, protect the quality of my clinical work, and prioritize ongoing training in evidence-based treatments.
For those who choose to seek reimbursement through their out-of-network benefits, I am happy to provide superbills.
*Current openings are available for modified-fee appointments. Please inquire.*
Licensed in North Carolina and Massachusetts.
Aja Cann
LCSW, LCAS