Hello, my name is Linda Blackburn. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of North Carolina. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree from East Carolina University in 1993 and my Master’s of Social Work Degree from East Carolina University in 1994 through an Advanced Standing Master’s Program. I began my professional life as a Registered Nurse working with Adolescents and Adults in Psychiatric Nursing for eleven years. In 1992 I made the professional decision to move to Social Work with the goal of becoming an LCSW. I received my License in Clinical Social Work in 1995. I have extensive experience in outpatient counseling as the owner of my own practice for over ten years and in working in other outpatient practice settings over the years. While my experience has been with various diagnoses and behavioral disorders, my primary focus has been in the treatment of anxiety as well as depression. I am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). For twelve years I also worked as a Seminar Instructor with several continuing education groups providing day-long seminars around the United States on Grief, Bereavement, and Loss Therapy – Death and Non-Death Related. Over the past ten years, I also worked as an Adjunct Professor in Social Work for Shaw University, Raleigh North Carolina, teaching entry-level Social Work courses. What has been the most important factor for me over the years is the privilege to work with clients in developing trusting relationships that lead to an open team approach to counseling and effective outcomes. My theoretical approach to counseling is primarily an eclectic one focusing primarily on a person’s unique needs and the situation at the time. I believe in the importance of respect, sensitivity, compassion and always maintaining a nonjudgmental approach to counseling. The understanding and the acceptance of people for who they are and their situation, and then tailoring a treatment approach that allows for personal growth and positive outcomes is fundamental to me in my role as your therapist. Additionally, over the past 4 years I have focused on developing a deeper understanding of treatment approaches through the utilization of treatment strategies based on knowledge of the neuroscience principles in the treatment of mental health. I realize that taking this step to reach out and ask for help can be frightening and confusing. I congratulate you on taking this important first step, and I look forward to working with you to achieve your better life.