Stafford & Associates Counseling, PLLC

04/16/2026

WHAT? That doesn't even make sense!

What looks irrational on the surface is often deeply logical underneath. Many of the reactions people judge most harshly in themselves—shutting down, overexplaining, people-pleasing, anxiety, emotional reactivity, or staying in unhealthy patterns—did not come from nowhere. They often began as pr...

04/15/2026

What is Schema Therapy?

Learn how Schema Therapy addresses chronic characterological issues and "felt truths" where standard CBT plateaus. A clinical guide on imagery rescripting, modes, and limited reparenting.

04/14/2026

Games families play----I am not talking about scrabble either!

Family dynamics and games families play aren’t fun sometimes. It’s never a fun game of scrabble when you have family dysfunction. Read about how these games play out.

04/13/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1383125000525985&set=a.353615310143631&type=3

A yearslong push by domestic violence advocates to criminalize coercive control is taking major step forward this week, with a state Senate panel ready for input on the issue.

READ MORE | https://www.wspa.com/news/state-news/criminal-coercive-control-bill-to-appear-before-south-carolina-lawmakers/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WSPA_7News

04/02/2026

www.staffordgroupnc.com/thats-exactly-how-it-feels-blog/how-do-you-feel-safe-around-someone-who-is-dangerous-understanding-trauma-bonds-survival-and-emotional-safety

How Do You Feel Safe Around Someone Who Is Dangerous? Understanding Trauma Bonds, Survival, and Emotional Safety

Why do people feel attached to someone who is unsafe? Learn how survival, trauma bonding, and nervous system adaptation can make danger feel like safety in unhealthy relationships.

03/17/2026

Speciality training with Dr. Dan Siegel Certified Attachment & Personality Specialist Training DC

03/13/2026

I had the pleasure of speaking on WSIC last week! Here is the link to watch and listen!

Dr. Nanci Stafford, psychotherapist and owner of Stafford & Associates Counseling, PLLC, joined Good Morning LKN to discuss how therapy can help individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. Since launching her practice in 2018, Dr. Stafford and her team have supported clients acr...

03/06/2026

Hi everyone! 👋

Our trauma-informed group practice in Mooresville, NC (Lake Norman area) is looking for a therapist interested in couples work to take evening appointments.

We have a strong referral stream for couples navigating relationship distress, communication breakdown, and betrayal trauma. This is a great opportunity for a clinician who enjoys relational work and complex dynamics.

Licensed or associate-licensed clinicians welcome (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT or associate equivalents).

Feel free to message me or comment if you're interested or would like more information.

— Dr. Nanci Stafford
Stafford & Associates Counseling Group

02/23/2026

Many parents equate sacrifice with security.

“I gave you everything.”
And maybe you did.

But what children remember most is not what was purchased — it’s how they felt in your presence.

02/16/2026

When we get hurt, a common response is to push everything and everyone away. It feels like the safest thing to do. But, it has a lot of consequences. Relationships are hard, just plain hard.

02/12/2026

When love requires you to:

Minimize your feelings

Over-function emotionally

Silence your needs

Stay quiet to keep peace

That isn’t intimacy.
That’s self-abandonment.

Explore how to build relationships rooted in mutual respect without losing yourself. Learn the difference between love and obligation in emotionally healthy relationships.

02/11/2026

Most people believe healthy relationships are defined by how little conflict they have.

Discover why repair—not perfection—is the foundation of healthy relationships. Learn how emotional repair strengthens trust and intimacy after conflict.