Yovani Ayala, MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP, CCATP

Yovani Ayala, LCSW, LISW-CP, CCATP Licensed Independent Social Worker – Clinical Practice (SC) | Licensed Clinical Social Worker (NC & CA) | Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional | Mental Health Advocate Hello, I’m Yovani. I bring over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, a career I continue to find deeply meaningful and rewarding. I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Wyoming in May 2015 and shortly thereafter relocated to North Carolina to begin my professional journey in counseling. Throughout my career, I have worked with a diverse range of clients, including young children, individuals, couples, and families. This variety has shaped my flexible, client-centered approach and reinforced my belief that therapy should never be one-size-fits-all. I specialize in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, and related issues. My approach is grounded in meeting clients where they are and fostering a safe, supportive environment where growth and healing can occur. Together, we collaborate to develop personalized strategies that promote resilience, emotional well-being, and lasting positive change. My goal is to help you feel empowered, understood, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and clarity. My Approach: I use a mix of tried-and-true methods that help people from all walks of life. If you like the sound of this, here’s a peek into some of the tools I use: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness-Based Approaches Schema Therapy Attachment-Based Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Psychodynamic Approaches Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) (Great for couples!) Assertive Communication Training (So you can say what you mean without the awkwardness) I Work With: Anxiety Stress Trauma and PTSD Adult ADHD (Yep, it’s real and it’s manageable!) Anxiety Disorders And many more… let’s just say I’m a jack-of-all-therapy-trades. Specialties: Anger Management (We all have that one moment, right?) Burnout (Work, life, everything—let's fix it!) Divorce (Not fun, but I’ve got your back) Imposter Syndrome (You are enough, I promise) Infidelity (Healing is possible) Marital/Couples Therapy (Because let’s face it, relationships can be hard) Role Transitions (Changing jobs, moving, adulting) Self-Esteem (You deserve to feel good about yourself) Work/Career Challenges (Let’s get you thriving) I hold a certification from Evergreen Certification as a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional. I’ve spent years learning the ins and outs of mindfulness and anxiety management, and I’m passionate about helping my clients find the calm amid the chaos. Walking the Talk: I’m not just a therapist; I’m also someone who’s been through it. I’ve personally experienced anxiety, depression, and ADHD, so I understand the challenges and triumphs of the healing journey. I know firsthand what it’s like to manage those struggles, and I’ve made it my mission to teach my clients lifelong skills to improve their mental health. It’s not just about coping in the short term; it’s about building a toolkit that works for you in the long run. A Little About Me: I’m of Mexican descent, and my roots are incredibly important to me. I’m deeply passionate about women’s rights and humanistic approaches that center on empathy, respect, and intentional presence. Family, connection, humor, laughter, and optimism are values I hold close. I believe in encouraging people to be their best selves, challenging maladaptive thoughts, and, most importantly, committing to helping others realize their potential. When I’m not helping clients find their zen, I’m usually hanging out with my canine boy, Benji (he’s got a lot of personality!). I’m a huge fan of movies and documentaries—streaming services are my guilty pleasure! I also love to dance, get my hands dirty in the garden, and spend time woodworking. To unwind, I do my best thinking while coloring, drawing, and writing. And let’s not forget, nothing beats cozying up with a big blanket, listening to music, or laughing at a good stand-up comedian. You’ll find that I practice what I preach when it comes to self-care!