Aliya Saulson, LCSW

Helping you build a deeper relationship with yourself and stronger, healthier connections with the people who matter most.

You might be here because…

You’re stuck in your head, overthinking everything and struggling to quiet the anxiety.
A breakup or loss has left you feeling untethered, and you’re not sure how to move forward.
You’re in your twenties or thirties and feel like you “should” have it figured out by now (but you don’t).
You’re questioning who you are (your identity, your values, your path) and it feels overwhelming.
You want a therapist who will actually see you, not just the version of yourself you show the world.

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk.

Meet Aliya Saulson, LCSW (she/her)

I believe the best therapy happens when you feel truly safe. Safe enough to ask hard questions, sit with uncomfortable feelings, and eventually, grow into the person you want to become.

My approach is collaborative. I’m not here to tell you what to do. I’m here to ask the questions you’ve never thought to ask yourself, to help you get curious about your patterns, and to support you as you build a life that actually feels like yours.

I bring warm energy and zero judgment to our work together. I take your whole identity into account—your background, your experiences, your values—because healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens in the context of who you are.

I especially love working with young women navigating emerging adulthood—that messy, exciting, confusing stretch where you’re figuring out who you are outside of school, family expectations, or past relationships. But I work with adults of all genders and ages who are ready to do the work.

I’m committed to providing LGBTQIA+ affirming, sex-positive care rooted in a social justice, anti-racist framework. You deserve a space where every part of you is welcome.

What Therapy With Me Looks Like

Working with me means having a partner who’s fully present and genuinely invested in your growth. I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based approaches to meet you exactly where you are—not where you think you “should” be.

Together, we’ll slow down, get curious, and start building a life that feels intentional rather than reactive. Therapy with me is a conversation, not a checklist.

My Areas of Focus

Anxiety & Overthinking: When your mind won’t stop racing, I help you understand what’s underneath the worry and build tools to find calm and clarity.

Depression: If you’re feeling disconnected, unmotivated, or just heavy, we’ll work together to rediscover meaning and reconnect with yourself.

Heartbreak & Relationship Pain: Breakups, betrayals, situationships that left you spinning—I help you process the hurt and learn what these experiences are teaching you.

Emerging Adulthood: Your twenties and thirties can feel like a constant identity crisis. I help you navigate the pressure, the uncertainty, and the “what am I doing with my life?” moments.

Grief & Loss: Whether it’s a death, the end of a relationship, or a loss that’s harder to name, I provide space to grieve without rushing you toward “moving on.”

Identity & Personal Growth: Feeling stuck or unsure of who you really are? I help you explore your values, your patterns, and the person you’re becoming.

Life Transitions: New jobs, new cities, new chapters—change is hard, even when it’s good. I offer grounded support when everything feels uncertain.

Self-Esteem & Self-Worth: If your inner critic runs the show, we’ll work on building a kinder, more honest relationship with yourself.

Trauma: Using evidence-based approaches like EMDR and CPT, I help you process painful experiences at a pace that feels safe.

LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care: Your identity isn’t something to “work through”—it’s part of who you are. I offer a space where you can show up fully, without explanation or apology.

Evidence-Based Care I Use

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helping you connect with your values and build psychological flexibility—even when life is hard.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and shifting the thought patterns that keep you stuck in anxiety, depression, or self-doubt.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Challenging the beliefs that developed from trauma and finding new ways to understand your story.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Processing trauma without having to talk through every detail.

Psychodynamic Therapy: Exploring how your past shapes your present, so you can make more conscious choices moving forward.

Who I Help

I work with adults in North Carolina who are ready to stop going through the motions and start building a life that feels intentional. You might be a good fit if you:

Are a young adult trying to figure out who you are and what you actually want.
Struggle with anxiety that makes everything feel harder than it should be.
Are healing from heartbreak, grief, or a loss that’s hard to put into words.
Want to build confidence and stop letting self-doubt run the show.
Identify as LGBTQIA+ and want a therapist who affirms your identity completely.
Are navigating a life transition and need support finding your footing.
Are ready for therapy that goes deeper than surface-level coping skills.

Schedule Your Consultation

Ready to Take the First Step?

You don’t have to have everything figured out to reach out. If something on this page spoke to you, that’s enough. Schedule a free consultation to see if we are a fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect in our first session?

Our first session is about connection. I’ll ask about what’s bringing you to therapy, a bit about your history, and what you’re hoping to get out of our work together. You’ll also have space to ask me anything. There’s no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with—we’ll go at your pace.

How long does therapy typically last?

It varies. Some people come for a few months to work through something specific; others stay longer for deeper, ongoing support. We’ll check in regularly about how you’re feeling and what you need. My goal is to help you build the tools to eventually not need me anymore.

Do you prescribe medication?

I don’t prescribe medication, but I’m happy to collaborate with psychiatrists or prescribers if that’s part of your care. I can also provide referrals if you’re exploring whether medication might help.

What's the difference between an LCSW and a psychologist?

An LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) holds a master’s degree in social work and is trained in therapy, with a focus on the whole person in the context of their environment and relationships. A psychologist holds a doctoral degree and often has additional training in assessment and research. Both can provide excellent therapy—it’s really about finding the right fit for you.

What does "emerging adulthood" mean?

Emerging adulthood refers to the developmental stage roughly between ages 18 and 30—when you’re no longer a teenager but don’t quite feel like a “full” adult yet. It’s a time of identity exploration, instability, and possibility. I specialize in helping people navigate this unique (and often overwhelming) life stage.

Do you accept insurance?

We do not bill or accept insurance directly. However, we provide detailed receipts (superbills) that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement, depending on your plan.

I'm not sure I'm "ready" for therapy. How do I know?

If you’re asking this question, you’re probably more ready than you think. You don’t need to be in crisis to start therapy. Feeling curious, stuck, or like something needs to shift is enough.

What if we're not a good fit?

That’s okay—fit matters. If after meeting you feel like I’m not the right therapist for you, I’ll gladly help you find someone who is. No hard feelings.