Taylor Pico, MA, LCMHCA

**Accepting new clients**

Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.

Growing up is hard. A LOT is going on! Feeling the pressure to have it “all figured out” can be really overwhelming. Friend and family relationships change and this can be confusing, maybe a part of you is  hurt or angry because of changes in your life. Sometimes we can feel unsure as to who we are, or maybe we know exactly who that person is, but fear the authentic version of ourselves won’t be accepted. Self comparison, whether to people we know from school or strangers we see on social media, may make us feel lesser than and unsure about what we like about ourselves or our life. At times, this leaves us stuck; maybe we’re even engaging in behaviors that are new to us, like being angry with our family and friends, self-harm, or isolating from the people we love.

I love supporting teens and young adults who are going through life transitions, wanting to explore their identity, build self-esteem, and those who may be experiencing the effects of trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression. My approach prioritizes my client as the expert on their own life and strives to highlight each individual’s unique strengths. 

Collaboratively, we will create and work towards your goals, navigating the path together. My work incorporates mindfulness, expressive arts, parts work, DBT, attachment, and somatic interventions. My practice is LGBTQ+ celebratory and gender affirming.

As your therapist, I aim to provide a safe and supportive space where you can explore difficult and uncomfortable feelings, say what you need to without fear of being judged (seriously, this is a judgement-free zone), learn new ways to deal with challenging situations and emotions, figure out “what’s next,” and most importantly: be yourself! I believe that at our human core, we all want to feel heard, seen, and accepted.

Here’s what I know to be true:

You are resilient.

You are capable.

You are deserving of the life you want.

I came to therapy by way of the theatre, transitioning from my former career as a theatrical artist into that of a counselor with the intention of focusing on bringing wellness to the lives of others and engaging more deeply with my community.  I am now a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate in North Carolina, passionate about intertwining art with healing.  My work is informed by my study of Internal Family Systems (IFS Institute Level 1 training) and internship at a LGBTQ+ specific mental health and substance use residential treatment center.

Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy the creative process of art making, movement through yoga, resting near a body of water with a book, and spending time with loved ones. I believe every individual has an innate ability to heal, an inner knowing that can guide us, and the right to lead the best version of our life as our most authentic self.