Banyan Tree Counseling & Wellness

02/23/2026

It's National Eating Disorder Awareness Week! We’re challenging the idea that eating disorders have a certain look. Recovery is valid in every body.

Read our latest blog post, written by psychotherapist, Abbey Lefko: https://www.banyantreecounseling.com/blog/you-dont-look-sick-how-stereotypes-and-weight-stigma-create-barriers-to-eating-disorder-recovery
Abbey is accepting new clients.

Weight stigma and harmful stereotypes can prevent people from receiving support for eating disorders. Learn how the belief that someone must “look sick” creates barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and recovery and how we can challenge these misconceptions.

02/19/2026

We’re celebrating a special milestone… 🎉 the 1-year anniversary of our sister company, Banyan Integrated Health!!

Over the past year, we’ve had the honor of supporting our community through psychiatric services, medication management, and nutrition counseling. We are deeply grateful for the trust our clients and partners have placed in us.

Pictured is our very first psychiatric provider, Miriam Dineen, MMS, PA-C, CAQ-Psych, whose leadership helped bring BIH to life. Since our launch in February 2025, we’ve grown to include Larisa King, MSN, PMHNP-BC, and Abby Olmstead, MS, RDN.

We’re so proud of how far we’ve come and incredibly thankful for everyone who has been part of this journey. Here’s to many more years of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our community 💚

02/19/2026

We’re honored to share that we’ve been nominated in three categories for the Triad Moms On Main Choice Awards!

If you’ve experienced our work or believe in our mission, we would truly appreciate your vote. Your support helps amplify the impact we strive to make in our community each day. 💚

Vote for us here:

02/17/2026

Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day! 🫶 Psychotherapist Alexa Brenner DeConne, MSW, LCSW shares ways to make kindness part of your daily routine. Read more here:

Discover how small, intentional acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day and strengthen connections. In celebration of Random Acts of Kindness Day, therapist Alexa Brenner DeConne, MSW, LCSW, shares practical tips for incorporating kindness into your d

02/10/2026

02/10/2026

February is about love, but love has not always been safe.

This Black History Month, we reflect on Loving v. Virginia and how safety and belonging shape mental health and healing.

🔗 Read our latest blog here:

Love has not always been safe or protected. Learn how safety, belonging, and historical trauma shape love, relationships, and mental health.

02/04/2026

Introducing our newest psychotherapist, Abbey Lefko, MA, LCMHCA! ✨

Abbey works with teens and adults (13+) and brings a holistic and affirming approach to therapy. She has specialized training in eating disorder treatment and trauma-focused care using EMDR, and works with individuals and families.

Scan the QR code or visit banyantreecounseling.com/abbeylefko to learn more about Abbey and see if she feels like the right fit for you 🌿

02/03/2026

The post-holiday season can surface grief in many forms. In our newest blog, psychotherapist, Christine Ridley, MSW, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP reflects on grief, healing, and the power of holding two truths at once.
A thoughtful read for anyone navigating loss and change.

Find compassionate grief counseling after the holidays in North Carolina. Learn how to cope with loss, post-holiday blues, and emotional healing with professional support.

02/02/2026

We are thrilled to celebrate Chantal Hayes, Founder and CEO of Banyan Tree Counseling & Wellness and Banyan Integrated Health, on being named a WTWH Healthcare Frontline Honors Behavioral Health Awardee, Class of 2026! ✨👏

This national recognition honors healthcare professionals who go above and beyond in service, compassion, and impact. Chantal was selected for her dedication to behavioral health and the meaningful care she champions every day.

We are so proud to see Chantal’s work recognized! 🥳

01/28/2026

Many of us are carrying a lot right now.

Our founder and CEO, Chantal Hayes, shares a gentle reflection on letting yourself feel, remembering you are not alone, and finding steadiness in moments of care.

If this season feels heavy, know that support does not require a crisis. We are here. 💛

A gentle reflection on collective stress, uncertainty, and finding steadiness through connection, compassion, and care during difficult times.

01/26/2026

Pregnancy brings change, growth, and a lot of feelings. Our FREE virtual support group led by counseling intern, Leandra Ottman, offers a nurturing space to care for yourself while you care for new life.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoQY7Id_g4RZ4xakxv4S623GEd7NPGBRKOfyUlYSsm8lTU0Q/viewform

Feel free to share!

01/13/2026

✨ New on the blog ✨

Life transitions are rarely clean or linear. Psychotherapist Vika Hunter, MA, LCMHCA writes about the quiet, tender space of the in-between, where grief and curiosity coexist, identities soften, and something new begins to take shape.

Sometimes, the most meaningful work happens while you are simply standing at the threshold.

Take a moment to read and sit with it here:

Psychotherapist