Leia Charnin, Ph.D.

Helping teens and adults move through anxiety, trauma, and life’s toughest transitions with compassion, expertise, and zero judgment.

You might be here because…

You’re exhausted from the constant worry that keeps you up at night.
A past experience still feels heavy, affecting your relationships and daily life.
You’re navigating a major life change (career, move, breakup, etc.) and feeling lost.
You’re burned out and wondering when you stopped feeling like yourself.
You want a therapist who truly gets your experience as an LGBTQIA+ individual.

If any of this resonates, you’re in the right place. I’m here to help.

Meet Leia Charnin, Ph.D.

Hi, I’m Leia (yes, as in Princess Leia!).

I became a psychologist because I’m genuinely fascinated by how people think, feel, and grow, especially during life’s most challenging moments. That curiosity has shaped everything I do, from the therapy room to my work as a speaker, researcher, and podcast host.

My background in research taught me something important: trauma-informed care isn’t just a clinical approach, it’s a way of seeing people. I’ve studied how bias shapes career choices, how prejudice forms, and how our experiences influence who we become.

This work has made social justice central to my practice. I believe everyone deserves care that honors their full identity, including their cultural background, their relationships, and their journey.

When I’m not in session, you’ll find me hiking (the outdoors is my reset button), losing my mind over every dog I see, or catching live music! Once a band nerd, always a band nerd.

What Therapy With Me Looks Like

Working with me means having a partner who’s both warm and knowledgeable. I won’t just nod along, I’ll bring evidence-based approaches tailored to what you need. Whether we’re processing trauma, building skills to manage anxiety, or helping you navigate a major life change, I meet you where you are.

I believe therapy should feel like a conversation, not a lecture. You’ll have space to be yourself. Messy emotions, hard questions, and all.

My Areas of Focus

Anxiety & Worry: From generalized anxiety to panic attacks, I help you understand what’s driving your worry and build real tools to find calm again.

Trauma & PTSD: Using proven approaches like EMDR and Prolonged Exposure, we’ll work through past experiences at a pace that feels safe for you.

Depression: When everything feels heavy and motivation disappears, I help you reconnect with what matters and find your way back to yourself.

Stress & Burnout: Running on empty? Together, we’ll identify what’s draining you and create sustainable strategies to protect your energy and wellbeing.

Relationships: Whether it’s family conflict, friendship struggles, or romantic relationship patterns, I help you understand what’s getting in the way of connection.

Life Transitions: Career changes, moves, breakups, identity shifts. I provide grounded support when everything feels uncertain.

LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care: I offer a safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to explore identity, navigate challenges, and feel fully seen.

Evidence-Based Care I Use

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Building skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

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

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Connecting with your values and building psychological flexibility.

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

Prolonged Exposure (PE): Gradually facing avoided memories and situations to reduce trauma’s grip.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Challenging and reframing beliefs that developed from traumatic experiences

Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT): Specialized approach for teens who’ve experienced trauma.

Somatic Attachment Therapy: Addressing how trauma lives in the body and affects relationships

Who I Help

I work with teens and adults in North Carolina who are ready to feel better, not “fixed,” but genuinely more like themselves. You might be a good fit if you:

Are dealing with anxiety that interferes with work, school, or relationships.
Have experienced trauma and want to process it with someone who knows the territory.
Are going through a major life transition and need support.
Identify as LGBTQIA+ and want a therapist who affirms your identity without question.
Feel burned out and want to rediscover balance and meaning.
Are a teen (or parent of a teen) navigating anxiety, depression, or difficult experiences.

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 all about getting to know each other. I’ll ask about what’s bringing you to therapy, your history, and what you’re hoping to work on. You’ll also have the chance to ask me anything. There’s no pressure to dive into the deep stuff right away. We go at your pace.

How long does therapy typically last?

It depends on what you’re working through. Some people find relief in a few months; others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll check in regularly about your progress and adjust as needed. My goal is to give you the tools to eventually not need me anymore.

Do you prescribe medication?

As a psychologist, I don’t prescribe medication, but I often collaborate with psychiatrists and prescribers. If medication might be helpful for you, I can provide referrals and work alongside your prescriber to coordinate your care.

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

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

Do you work with teens? How does that work?

Yes! I work with teens ages 13 and up. When working with adolescents, I balance confidentiality with keeping parents informed. Teens need a space that feels private, and parents need to know their child is safe. I’ll explain exactly how this works in our first session.

Do you accept insurance?

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

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

There’s no perfect moment to start therapy. If you’re curious, struggling, or just feel like something needs to change—that’s enough. You don’t need to be in crisis. Many people come to therapy simply because they want to feel better, understand themselves more, or navigate life’s challenges with support.

What if we're not a good fit?

It happens, and it’s okay. The therapeutic relationship matters, and I want you to find the right person for you. If we meet and it doesn’t feel right, I’ll gladly provide referrals to other great clinicians who might be a better match.