Emily Soukhanouvong, Psy.D.

Q: What if we're not a good fit?

That's okay—fit matters. If after meeting you feel I'm not the right therapist for you, I'll help connect you with someone who might be a better match.

Balancing validation with real change so you can stop struggling against yourself and start building a life that works.

You might be here because…

Your emotions swing from one extreme to another, and it’s exhausting.
You’re stuck in patterns you hate but can’t seem to break.
You’ve been told to “just think positive” or “try harder” and it hasn’t helped.
Your cultural or family background makes it hard to talk about mental health.
You need a therapist who won’t judge your darkest thoughts.

If this sounds like you, I’m glad you’re here. Let’s figure it out together.

Meet Emily Soukhanouvong

Hi, I’m Emily (pronounced “Sue-kon-no-vong”!).

As a second-generation Southeast Asian American raised in a family of immigrants from Laos, I grew up understanding that identity is layered and complicated. That multicultural perspective shaped my passion for understanding what it means to be human, in all different contexts, struggles and all.

During my training, I fell in love with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It changed how I think about helping people, and it’s now at the heart of my practice. DBT is built on a simple but powerful idea: acceptance and change can exist together. You’ll probably catch me saying “both/and” instead of “either/or” in session, because life is rarely black and white.

My approach combines cultural sensitivity with evidence-based care. I never assume I know everything about your history, your experiences, or your beliefs. You’re the expert on your own life; I’m here to help you navigate it.

When I’m not in session, you’ll find me playing tennis, attempting to keep my plants alive, doing arts and crafts, or exploring different kinds of food.

What Therapy With Me Looks Like

Working with me means finding balance between feeling validated and being challenged to grow. I create a space where you can be honest about what you’re going through, even the thoughts you’ve never said out loud.

I specialize in DBT and use it to help you build skills for managing intense emotions, tolerating distress, and improving relationships. But I also draw from CBT, EMDR, and other approaches depending on what you need.

Therapy with me is collaborative, culturally aware, and focused on making real changes that actually stick.

My Areas of Focus

Anxiety: When worry or fear takes over, I help you understand what’s driving it and build practical tools to respond differently.

Depression: Feeling numb, hopeless, or disconnected? We’ll work together to find meaning and re-engage with the life you want.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): DBT was designed for BPD, and it’s my specialty. I help you regulate intense emotions, reduce crisis behaviors, and build a life worth living.

Mood Disorders: Whether it’s bipolar disorder or persistent mood swings, I provide steady support and skills to manage the ups and downs.

Personality Disorders: I work with a range of personality disorders using DBT and RO-DBT, helping you understand your patterns and create lasting change.

Suicidal Ideation & Crisis: I provide compassionate, nonjudgmental support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts. You don’t have to hide your darkest moments here.

Behavioral Issues: If you’re caught in cycles of behavior that aren’t serving you—impulsivity, avoidance, self-sabotage—we’ll work on breaking those patterns together.

Racial & Cultural Identity: Navigating identity across cultures can be isolating. I offer a space to explore what your background means to you without assumptions or judgment.

Relationship Issues: I help you understand how you show up in relationships and build skills for healthier, more fulfilling connections.

Life Transitions: Major changes can destabilize everything. I offer grounded support to help you adjust and find your footing.

Evidence-Based Approaches I Use

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): My core approach—building skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT): A specialized approach for people who struggle with over-control, perfectionism, or emotional inhibition rather than impulsivity.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and shifting thought patterns that keep you stuck.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): A gold-standard treatment for OCD and anxiety, helping you face fears without engaging in compulsive behaviors.

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

Person-Centered Therapy: Creating a validating, nonjudgmental space where you feel truly seen and heard.

Who I Help

I work with adults in North Carolina who are ready to stop fighting against themselves and start building a life that feels more manageable. You might be a good fit if you:

Experience intense emotions that feel impossible to control.
Have been diagnosed with (or think you might have) BPD or another personality disorder.
Struggle with mood swings, depression, or anxiety that disrupts your daily life.
Are experiencing suicidal thoughts and need nonjudgmental support.
Want a therapist who understands what it’s like to navigate multiple cultural identities.
Have tried other therapies that didn’t quite work and want a skills-based approach.
Are ready for real change. Not just talking, but doing.

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 getting to know each other. I’ll ask about what’s bringing you to therapy, your history, and what you’re hoping to accomplish. You’ll have space to ask me questions too. There’s no pressure to share everything right away. We build trust over time.

How long does therapy typically last?

It depends on your goals. Some people come for a specific issue and wrap up in a few months; others benefit from longer-term DBT work. We’ll check in regularly and make sure therapy is working for you.

What is DBT and is it right for me?

DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is a skills-based approach that helps you manage intense emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships. It was originally developed for BPD but helps anyone who struggles with emotional dysregulation. If your emotions feel “too big” or you’re stuck in patterns you can’t break, DBT might be a great fit.

What's the difference between DBT and RO-DBT?

Standard DBT is designed for people who struggle with under-control—intense emotions, impulsivity, and crisis behaviors. RO-DBT is for people on the opposite end: those who over-control, struggle with perfectionism, rigidity, or emotional inhibition. I’m trained in both and can help determine which fits you better.

Do you prescribe medication?

As a psychologist, I don’t prescribe medication, but I collaborate closely with psychiatrists and prescribers. If medication might help, I can provide referrals and coordinate your care.

What's the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?

A psychologist holds a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) with extensive training in assessment, research, and evidence-based treatment. While all psychologists are therapists, not all therapists are psychologists. My training allows me to draw from a deep understanding of the science behind what works.

Can I talk about suicidal thoughts with you?

Yes. I provide a nonjudgmental space where you can be honest about suicidal ideation without fear of being dismissed or hospitalized unnecessarily. We’ll work together on safety and coping while addressing what’s underneath those thoughts.

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.

What if we're not a good fit?

That’s okay. Fit matters! If after meeting you feel I’m not the right therapist for you, I’ll help connect you with someone who might be a better match.