About Me
Beverly Simmons, PhD, LCSW
My name is Beverly Simmons. I have a PhD in Social Work from Smith College, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have a unique perspective on practice to the area as I have a deeply rooted background in psychoanalytic, attachment and contemporary neuroscience theories while also integrating techniques from CBT, EMDR, Positive Psychology, Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor therapies.
Philosophy
Quality treatment begins with comprehensive assessment of each client's clinical needs, goals, values and preferences. Specialized attention should be given to developing an optimal plan for helping each individual client. An effective therapeutic treatment is successful in processing complex emotions, physical sensations, thoughts and behaviors that impact relationships, work performance, leisure, and life satisfaction.
I understand that the strength of your relationship with me is critical to the effectiveness of psychotherapy. Therefore, I deliberately see fewer clients in order to provide superior attention and availability to each of my clients.
I am interested in the overall health of each of my clients, in addition to mental health functioning and symptoms. I believe that there are multiple components to being mentally healthy. Being actively conscious of what drives you to live an engaged and connected life is critical to the vitality that is required to be mentally and physically healthy. Without a connection this life energy, it is easy to fall into routine patterns, live your life according to your sense of others’ expectations and feel that time is passing you by without any connection to your purpose.
I am known in the Triangle and surrounding areas for having specialty with treating developmental and acute traumatic experience. However, I do not view my clients as victims of trauma. I work with people who want to grow and develop, which may begin with addressing an individual trauma or series of past traumas. Successful treatment does not end with an individual identifying as a victim. Identity should shift toward a person recognizing their strengths and capacities despite any occurrence of past trauma so that the individual finds their true self and is able to truly be an active agent of their own life.
Background
I completed my undergraduate and Master's level education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After practicing for several years, I decided that I wanted more in-depth training as a clinician and completed a PhD at Smith College School for Social Work.
I have a unique perspective on practice to the area as I have a deeply rooted background in psychoanalytic, attachment and contemporary neuroscience theories while also integrating techniques from CBT, EMDR, Positive Psychology, Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor therapies.
I have been in private practice serving adolescents and adults for more than 15 years. I have served as a faculty member with the Psychoanalytic Education Center of the Carolinas. I have also taught and worked as a research advisor for the Master of Social Work program at Smith College School for Social Work. I am passionate about providing quality treatment and, in order to do so, actively participate in keeping up to date on current research and training.