Stacey Curnow - Asheville Family Counseling

07/22/2025

We’re excited to share that Bex Langstaff, LCMHCA, is now accepting new clients for individual counseling with evening and Saturday availability!

Bex specializes in:
🔹 Gender identity
🔹 LGBTQIA+ relationships
🔹 Neurodivergence
🔹 Chronic and invisible illness

Bex offers a compassionate, affirming space for teens and adults navigating identity, health, and connection.

👉 Accepting private pay, BCBS, and Aetna.
💙 Free, 15-minute Exploratory Calls available!
📍 To learn more or schedule:
📞 (828) 761-3149
📧 support@ashevillefamilycounseling.com
🌐 https://ashevillefamilycounseling.com/bex-langstaff/

Please feel free to share with anyone who could benefit from Bex’s thoughtful and inclusive care! I’ve also attached a flyer in case you’d like to share or post it on a community board. Thanks so much for helping us spread the word!

07/11/2025

June was Pride Month, but the need for awareness, support, and genuine celebration doesn’t end in July. Now more than ever, our LGBTQ+ youth need us to show up.

Asheville Family Counseling is proud to be official sponsors of the Blue Ridge Pride Festival on September 27.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, we’re offering our booth space to LGBTQ+ artists and healers who might not otherwise be able to afford one. Scroll to the bottom of the article to apply for a spot!

LGBTQ+ youth need our awareness, support, and genuine celebration now more than ever!

05/29/2025

I recently wrote a post about something I see so often in my work with couples: one partner finally gets close to connection… only to turn away at the last second.

It can feel maddening. Confusing. Heartbreaking.

But when we understand this pattern through the lens of attachment wounds, everything begins to make more sense.

If you—or someone you love—has ever felt like they’re pounding on the door of connection but then yelling “Never mind!” before it opens, this story might resonate.

I hope it offers a little clarity, compassion, and a reminder that healing is possible—even when it feels out of reach.

Read here:

Sometimes it feels safer to reject support than to risk having your pain seen and not met.

05/02/2025

✨ Tomorrow’s the day! ✨
I’m giving my webinar on PDA + CPS, and I’m overjoyed to share that nearly 100 people have signed up!

Thanks so much for all the support, for sharing with your communities, and for showing up. I truly can’t wait to “see” you there.

Still haven’t registered? There’s time!
🔗 Head to:
https://ashevillefamilycounseling.com/pda-webinar/

04/26/2025

🌟 It’s happening in just ONE WEEK! 🌟

I’m so excited (and a little emotional) to share my free webinar:
They’re Not Giving You a Hard Time — They’re Having a Hard Time: An Invitation to Shift from Power Struggles to Partnership.

This talk is packed with real-life stories, actionable strategies, and so much compassion — all designed to help parents, caregivers, and educators better understand and support kids with concerning behaviors (especially those with a PDA profile).

✨ It’s Saturday, May 3rd at 11 AM ET — and if you can’t make it live, no worries, you’ll get the recording!

Here’s the link to register: https://ashevillefamilycounseling.com/pda-webinar/ (https://ashevillefamilycounseling.com/pda-webinar/)

👉 I would be so grateful if you’d share this post so we can get this support into the hands of as many families as possible. It could make all the difference. 💗


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04/05/2025

At Asheville Family Counseling, one of the most challenging, and meaningful, issues we support families through is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), also known in more PDA-affirming communities as Persistent Desire for Autonomy.

PDA is characterized by an intense, anxiety-driven need to avoid demands, along with a heightened sensitivity to perceived control. It can create daily struggles that leave both the individual and their loved ones feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, and shut down.

With the right approach, healing, connection, and collaboration are absolutely possible.

I wrote about a family I worked with as they were navigating a long-standing problem that had created a lot of stress for everyone, even their dog!

Using the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model, they came up with a solution that honored everyone’s needs in a truly remarkable way.

You can read their story here:
https://ashevillefamilycounseling.com/2025/04/how-collaborative-proactive-solutions-cps-helps-clients-with-pda-thrive/

If you or someone you love is struggling with the challenges of PDA, I hope this story offers a little hope and a reminder that with compassion, creativity, and collaboration, real change is possible.

At Asheville Family Counseling, we’re committed to providing therapy that truly meets the needs of PDA individuals and their families.

03/07/2025

Exciting News! Megan Young is Offering EMDR Starting March 23rd!

Asheville Family Counseling is thrilled to share that Megan will be offering Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy!

✨ What is EMDR?
EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps process and heal from trauma, anxiety, and distressing life experiences. It works by reducing the emotional intensity of painful memories, fostering deep healing and relief.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed by tough experiences, EMDR can be a transformative tool for moving forward. Megan brings warmth, skill, and deep compassion to her work, and we know she’ll help so many clients on their healing journey.

Now booking sessions! Set up a free 15-minute Exploratory Call by calling or texting 828-761-3149.

Check out the flyer below for more details!

02/12/2025

Shoutout to WLOS News 13 & Taylor Thompson!

Yesterday, I had the unexpected opportunity to do a news interview on PTSD in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene—thanks to WLOS ABC 13 and the wonderful Taylor Thompson for reaching out!

I'm grateful for the chance to help bring awareness to this important issue!

Want to watch? Check out the segment here: https://wlos.com/news/local/heavy-rain-forecast-prompts-flood-fears-ptsd-post-traumatic-stress-concerns-western-north-carolina-communities-weather-counseling-therapy

The upcoming forecast is looking towards heavy rain and potential flooding over the next few days, which can strike fear for residents after Hurricane Helene.

02/07/2025

Meet Ashley Barbour, Our Newest Counselor at Asheville Family Counseling!

We are beyond excited to welcome Ashley Barbour, M.S., LMFTA (she/her/hers) to the AFC team! 🎉 Ashley specializes in working with neurodiverse couples and individuals, bringing both professional expertise and a deeply personal understanding to her work.

With a background in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, neuroaffirming therapy, hypnotherapy, and the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) Model, Ashley is passionate about helping couples build connection, communication, and understanding—especially when navigating the unique dynamics of neurodivergence.

Ashley also has experience working with neurodiverse kids and families, having previously supported adolescents at Black Mountain Academy. Her holistic approach, combined with her training in Occupational Therapy, allows her to tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs.

We are so grateful to have Ashley on board, and we know she’s going to make an incredible impact! 💜

👉 Ashley is now accepting new clients! In-person & virtual sessions available. Private pay, BCBS, and most Aetna plans accepted.

📅 Schedule a free, 15-minute Exploratory Call with her today: Call/Text 828-761-3149

02/01/2025

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. We’ve all seen how our culture encourages us to celebrate with flowers, chocolates, or dinner at a fancy restaurant – gestures that feel special in the moment but often fade quickly.

But what if this year, you tried something different? What if you made a commitment to your relationship – not just for one day, but for the lifetime you’re building together?

What if you took the time to truly understand the patterns that challenge you both and learned the skills to navigate them more successfully? Imagine a Valentine’s Day where you not only feel loved, but deeply seen and valued – where both of you know you are cherished for exactly who you are.

That’s the kind of transformation my Couples Counseling Intensive is designed to bring. It’s not about fixing anyone or anything; it’s about creating a foundation for connection, where you both feel heard, supported, and celebrated. (You can read more about it here: https://ashevillefamilycounseling.com/couples-intensives/)

I know it can feel like a big step – life is full of distractions, and finding the time and energy to focus on your relationship can be challenging. But I also know how much your relationship needs this attention and care.

So, I’ll ask you the same question I ask so many of the couples I work with: If not this, then what?

What else will you do to nurture the love and connection you both want so deeply? Whatever path you choose, I’m here to support you.

Your relationship can make you feel loved and desired – every day, not just on Valentine’s Day. And it’s never too late to invest in what really matters.

Schedule a free, 15-minute Exploratory Call. This is a no-obligation opportunity to connect with me, share a little about what’s going on in your relationship, and see which of my Couples Counseling Intensive options best fits your needs.

It’s my sincere desire to be of service to you and your relationship, and I’m here to help you take the next step toward a deeper, more fulfilling connection. Plus, as a special Valentine’s Day offer, the first person to book an Intensive will receive 40% off the option that best meets their needs.

https://ashevillefamilycounseling.com/couples-intensives/

Discover the best Asheville couples intensive therapy and marriage counseling services in North Carolina. Expert therapists offer intensive counseling sessions for couples.

12/20/2024

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

We’re thrilled to share that Asheville Family Counseling’s own Suzy Elle was featured in a WLOS News 13 story about seasonal depression and the emotional challenges many face during the holidays.

Suzy shared her heartfelt insights on how grief, sadness, and feelings of “not doing enough” can surface this time of year—and offered compassionate advice for navigating those emotions. She reminded us all of the healing power of allowing space for grief and the importance of simply being present for those who might be struggling.

We’re so proud of Suzy for representing Asheville Family Counseling so beautifully and for being a voice of support and encouragement in our community.

Check out the story here: https://wlos.com/news/local/finding-comfort-grief-local-resources-offer-support-for-holiday-blues-asheville-seasonal-depression-mental-health

Thank you, Suzy, for your incredible advocacy and dedication to raising awareness about mental health. You inspire us every day!

Mental Health America claims that on average, 5% of Americans typically suffer from seasonal depression.

10/27/2024

We’re thrilled to share that Asheville Family Counseling’s own Suzy Elle has been featured on Anchormoms: The Podcast and also on WLOS News! 🎉

Suzy shared her expertise on supporting families through challenging times, offering invaluable insights on helping kids process crises and trauma. We couldn’t be prouder of Suzy’s dedication and the impact she’s making in our community. 🌟

Catch her on the podcast or check out her segment on WLOS (link for the podcast in the comments) to see the incredible work she’s doing to support families in our area. Way to go, Suzy! 👏

Mental Health Counselor Suzy Lynch talks about how to help children get through the traumatic experience of a natural disaster, like Helene in Western North ...