CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
- NASW-NC Clinical Social Work Supervision Certificate
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-Informed Care
Danielle Morrissey • LCSW, LICSW
Professional Ballantyne NC Therapist & Counselor
Works With
Youth/Teens (5+) | Adults (18+)
Areas of Focus
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ADHD
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Anxiety
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Art Therapy
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Athletes/Performance Anxiety
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Autism (level 1)
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DBT
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Depression
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Grief
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Identity Crisis
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Life Transitions
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Mood Disorders
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ODD
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Relationship Issues (Individual)
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Women’s Counseling
I earned my BA in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Keene State College, a small school tucked in the mountains of New Hampshire. After working for a couple of years, I decided to continue my education at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts, where I earned my Master of Social Work.
I became licensed that same year and later earned my independent clinical social work license. Today, I’m independently licensed in both North Carolina and Massachusetts and have completed the NASW-NC Clinical Social Work Supervision Certificate, which will allow me to supervise other social workers in the future.
Why I Became a Mental Health Counselor
Growing up, I was a highly sensitive and anxious child, especially at school. I didn’t feel very confident, and looking back, I know I would have benefited from talking to a professional.
I went through some difficult times in high school, but one teacher really connected with me. She saw my potential when I needed reassurance, helped me find a college that was a good fit, and encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a therapist.
I remember wanting to work with children and teens as far back as high school, and I’m proud that I’ve carried that passion into adulthood. My own experiences are part of what drew me to working in schools for much of my career. I wanted to support young people who may have felt the way I did and help them find their way forward sooner.
Sports and friendships also played an important role in my growth and healing. Feeling connected, staying active, and having something I felt good at truly made a difference. Those formative years still influence my counseling today. Along with helping clients manage symptoms, I explore ways they can build meaningful bonds and discover activities that bring them joy and a sense of achievement.
Professional Experience That Shapes My Work
I began my career in human services after earning my bachelor’s degree, assisting CPS-involved and court-ordered families at a domestic violence agency. From there, I worked in a teen living program for homeless and pregnant or parenting teen women.
While earning my master’s, I completed a year-long internship in specialized foster care and another year as a public middle school guidance/adjustment counselor. After graduation, I provided in-home and outpatient therapy to families.
Over time, I became particularly drawn to supporting young people in schools. I’ve spent about 13 years in public schools in Massachusetts and North Carolina as a school adjustment counselor, school social worker, and school mental health therapist. Those years taught me how school systems and services operate, including 504, IEP, and Student Support Team meetings, and how much mental health can affect a young person’s school experience.
My work in schools also shaped much of my clinical training. During six years with Boston Public Schools, I completed substantial ABA training and other educational opportunities focused on developmental and behavioral needs. I’ve also received extensive CBT and DBT training for serving youth with anxiety, depression, and behavior disorders, along with training in trauma-informed clinical care, IFS, and child protection.
My experience has also given me opportunities to contribute to the programs and teams I’ve worked with. With the Union County DSS Behavioral Health Collaborative, I helped develop program protocols and processes, train new staff, and participate in clinical consultations. I also received “Caught In the Act” recognition from colleagues and managers for work that went above and beyond typical expectations.
I’ve especially valued the feedback I’ve received from clients and families. In my most recent program, families and school administrators appreciated my flexibility and genuine desire to assist. Parents and clients shared that they felt cared for, safe, and heard as they made progress toward their goals.
Overall, I bring more than 15 years of training and experience serving children, teens, and adults facing anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, women’s mental health concerns, parenting stress and challenges, grief, and major life transitions.
What Counseling Looks Like With Me
My counseling style blends thoughtful reflection with practical skill-building. I adapt sessions to each client’s needs while focusing on their strengths, comfort, and sense of safety. I draw from approaches such as CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, ACT, and Positive Psychology.
I also like to make counseling hands-on when it fits the client. Depending on their age, learning style, and clinical needs, sessions may include art, games, worksheets, music, or time outside. I may also incorporate visuals, books, videos, podcasts, and other resources that support what we’re working on. When helpful, I recommend trusted resources such as the Child Mind Institute, Mental Health America, ADDitude Magazine, or social-emotional books for children.
I offer both in-person and virtual therapy. Together, we’ll find a session frequency and duration that suits your needs and availability. I generally prefer weekly sessions, especially for younger clients, to maintain rapport and reinforce the skills and strategies we’re building.
What I Believe About Therapy
I believe every stage of life has something to teach us, even if it takes time to recognize the lesson. I also believe we’re not meant to handle everything alone. Supportive relationships make it easier to grow, change, and feel grounded during challenging seasons.
How I Hope to Grow as a Counselor
I plan to deepen my clinical expertise through more specialized training in anxiety treatment and family relationships, including SPACE, Parent-Child Relationship Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, and Gottman Couples Therapy. I’m also interested in learning more about mental health treatment for aviation families and women’s health.
What Keeps Me Grounded Outside of Work
Photography is one of my favorite outlets. I love taking and looking at photos and use my collection as part of my own emotion regulation process. Movement, exercise, and music are also part of my toolbox. My whole family loves Bob Marley, and his music has become an important part of how we calm and reset at home. I also collect social-emotional books for children and hope to write one of my own someday.
When I’m not in the counseling room, I prioritize showing up for my two young children and family. We enjoy exploring North Carolina, traveling, and making new memories together.
