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# Oak City Psychology

Serving the City of Raleigh and Surrounding Areas

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://oakcitypsychology.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Psychologically Minded](https://oakcitypsychology.com/?page_id=23)
- [Love Your Body](https://oakcitypsychology.com/love-your-body/) - When I practiced in Atlanta a local charity group focused on raising eating disorder awareness sponsored Love Your Body Month every February. I got used to thinking of February as a time to not just honor relationships that we value but to also work on valuing our relationship with our own bodies. As a female
- [Welcome to Oak City!](https://oakcitypsychology.com/welcome-to-oak-city/) - As many of you know, I recently moved with my family back to our home state of North Carolina. I will admit, this has not been the easiest transition for me personally or professionally. Change is hard. Waiting for things to happen is hard. Trusting that you are making the right decisions is hard! Luckily,
- [Five for Friday - 5 Reasons for Oak City Psychology](https://oakcitypsychology.com/five-for-friday-5-reasons-for-oak-city-psychology/) - I thought I'd do a less "waity" topic for this 5 for Friday (see what I did there? If not then you need to read my last 5 for Friday) Folks who are North Carolina natives probably understand the reference to Oak City in the name of my practice but I thought I'd give my
- [Five for Friday:  5 Things To Do While You Wait](https://oakcitypsychology.com/five-for-friday-5-things-to-do-while-you-wait/) - So Tuesday's blog was about how difficult waiting can be. It's so hard to mark time while we wait for something exciting or something we're afraid of or something we're worrying about. So in this inaugural Five for Friday, I'm going to share some tips for waiting. These things are not going to make waiting
- [The Difficulties of Waiting](https://oakcitypsychology.com/the-difficulties-of-waiting/) - I've been doing a lot of waiting lately. Waiting for interviews, waiting to hear about jobs, waiting on people to send me paperwork so I could wait on other people to approve the paperwork, waiting for the right office to appear, waiting, waiting, waiting. Let me tell you, I am not a good waiter. Waiting
- [Mommy Olympics](https://oakcitypsychology.com/mommy-olympics/) - I've been wondering lately what it is about being a mom that makes people feel the need to judge and ultimately belittle other moms. It is almost inevitable that if you put a group of moms together they will start judging and criticizing any other mom within viewing distance, including the ones on TV, in
- [Ambiguous Loss](https://oakcitypsychology.com/ambiguous-loss/) - For so many women pregnancy and delivery proceed as planned. They never have a need to read the section of the pregnancy book about c-sections and other complications. They never know the fear associated with a child being placed in NICU (Newborn ICU) and they never have to worry about later consequences. For other women,
- [Making Peace with Women's Bodies](https://oakcitypsychology.com/making-peace-with-womens-bodies/) - After too long of an absence, one of my clients finally broke my writer's block. Unfortunately, this experience is so common among women there's no way confidentiality will even be threatened by my sharing this. My client expressed her deep seated fear that if she gained weight, people would no longer like her and would
- [Big Ben](https://oakcitypsychology.com/big-ben/) - Anyone who listens to the radio, watches TV, or reads the paper has probably heard about the issues surrounding Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the issues regarding a possible sexual assault he perpetrated on a young woman in Georgia. You probably have also heard that he will not be facing charges for
- [Mommy Survivor](https://oakcitypsychology.com/mommy-survivor/) - Soon after Mother's Day I received an email from my cousin that made me laugh and then made me really sad. Here's the email and then I'll explain what I mean:THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks. Each kid
- [Father Hunger:  The Importance of the Father Daughter Relationship](https://oakcitypsychology.com/father-hunger-the-importance-of-the-father-daughter-relationship/) - "Father hunger is a deep, persistent desire for emotional connection with the father that is experienced by all children." - Margo Maine, Ph.D.Any female can tell you that her father has had a huge impact on her life, either by presence or by absence. For those lucky enough to have a positive relationship with their
- [The Secret of Happiness](https://oakcitypsychology.com/the-secret-of-happiness/) - We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. - Thomas Jefferson If you're American, you know these words by heart almost from birth. It's the foundation upon which
- ["Politics" are Personal](https://oakcitypsychology.com/politics-are-personal/) - Today was a day of landmark decisions by the Supreme Court related to marriage equality. Many people will focus on what this means for civil rights, legal arguments in states that do not yet allow same sex marriage, and the change of definition for "traditional marriage." All of these aspects are great for debate and
- [I Can't Believe I Ate the Whole Thing](https://oakcitypsychology.com/i-cant-believe-i-ate-the-whole-thing/) - Because of my specialty in eating disorders, I often get comments from family and friends about their eating habits. Anything goes, from "Well maybe you can help me stop eating then." to "What is an eating disorder anyway?" There is a lot of confusion out there about what is healthy eating vs. disordered eating vs.
- [Feeling Privileged and Why That's Not a Good Thing](https://oakcitypsychology.com/feeling-privileged-and-why-thats-not-a-good-thing/) - When I was in college at UNC, I read an article that had a profound effect on the way I view my life. Peggy McIntosh wrote about White Privilege. This is the idea that some of us have "an invisible package of unearned assets that [we] can count on cashing in each day." (p. 30*)
- [Being a Witness - What Our Soldiers Have Taught Me](https://oakcitypsychology.com/being-a-witness-what-our-soldiers-have-taught-me/) - Over the past 6 months I've been doing assessments with veterans who are suffering from various psychological concerns. The most common by far is PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). This disorder occurs when someone experiences something so traumatic (war, rape, attempted murders, 9/11) that their brain just doesn't know how to cope with it. Symptoms include
- [Toning Shoes for Girls?!?](https://oakcitypsychology.com/toning-shoes-for-girls/) - I was signing into my personal email account the other day, when a news item caught my attention. Skechers Shape-Ups . . . for girls! Now these ridiculous shoes have already made it into the closets of many women, even though there is no evidence they follow through on the leg toning abilities they claim
- [Is this an Eating Disorder?](https://oakcitypsychology.com/is-this-an-eating-disorder/) - Because of my specialty in Eating Disorders, my family and friends are constantly telling me about the bizarre diet and exercise habits of someone. Whether it's the person who's at the gym constantly or the one who will only eat wheat toast, (with no butter!) for breakfast, the common question is, "Is that normal?" Let
- [Unbreakable Bonds](https://oakcitypsychology.com/unbreakable-bonds/) - "At a very young age, the trainers capture young elephants in the wild and bring them to a forest camp. One of their feet is bound with a chain so large that there is no possibility of escape. For a while, the young animals struggle to free themselves, but very quickly learn that it is
- [Surviving Thanksgiving](https://oakcitypsychology.com/surviving-thanksgiving/) - For most people, Thanksgiving is a time of celebrating the things that we are thankful for, be it family, friends, or just lots of football. It is also a time where binge eating is the norm. The expectation is that we will all eat ourselves into a coma and feel full for a week. For
- [Our National Eating Disorder](https://oakcitypsychology.com/our-national-eating-disorder/) - I recently finished reading Michael Polan's The Omnivore's Dilema (which was an amazing book), in which he talks about our "national eating disorder." No he's not saying that all Americans have Anorexia or Bulimia. What he is arguing is that we have lost touch with the food that we eat, to the point that we
- [Review: Trauma and Recovery](https://oakcitypsychology.com/review-trauma-and-recovery/) - I've recently been reading Judith Herman's classic book Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence - From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. It has completely changed how I view the world of trauma as well as the therapist's role in healing the trauma. As a clinician, I hear of the struggle people have to move
- [Motherland](https://oakcitypsychology.com/motherland/) - In honor of the start of my new group for new moms. I wanted to take the next couple of weeks to talk about some issues that are central to the moms in our lives. The purpose of this new therapy group is to give moms a place to gather where they can talk about
- [We're Gonna Make a Resolution](https://oakcitypsychology.com/were-gonna-make-a-resolution/) - So it's that time of year again when everyone makes big plans for what they want to accomplish in the new year and then quickly ditch them for the easier, less stressful, more practical, or simply realistic way of life. That's right, it's time to make and then break those New Year's Resolutions. So why
- [ANXIETY!!!!](https://oakcitypsychology.com/anxiety/) - On a recent flight, I sat beside one of the most anxious people I have ever been around. By the time we landed, I thought I was going to have a panic attack. Not only was she miserable for most of the flight, but she was rude to her husband and definitely didn't make my
- [Attacking the Science of Psychology](https://oakcitypsychology.com/attacking-the-science-of-psychology/) - On October 2, 2009 a Newsweek article caught my attention that I just can't stop thinking about. Granted, I am a few weeks behind in my reading so I really just read this about 2 weeks ago, but that's beside the point. In this particular artical (Ignoring the Evidence) Sharon Begley makes the assertion that
- [Putting the Thanks back in Thanksgiving](https://oakcitypsychology.com/putting-the-thanks-back-in-thanksgiving/) - According to the popular history of America, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated with the Pilgrims and Native Americans in honor of the collaboration and new friendship between the two groups. It was time to give thanks for not dying during the first hard years in the New World and to honor the Native Americans who
- [Simple vs. Easy](https://oakcitypsychology.com/simple-vs-easy/) - I had a client say to me recently, "Just because it's simple doesn't mean that it's easy." This hit me as such a profound statement. I think it's probably something we are all aware of on some level, but never actually verbalize. Some of you reading this might be thinking, "Wait a second, I learned
- [Much Ado about Happiness](https://oakcitypsychology.com/much-ado-about-happiness/) - This may be the most often made statement in therapy - "I just want to be happy." It's amazing to me how often the person making this statement cannot answer the logical follow up question - "Well, what do you think would make you happy?" Don't get me wrong, I don't think they necessarily have
- [How do you become a therapist anyway?](https://oakcitypsychology.com/how-do-you-become-a-therapist-anyway/) - After "Do you think I'm crazy?" this may be the most asked question I get. Since starting my training to become a Psychologist, I have come to learn that people have no idea what it takes to get the required training to be licensed as a Psychologist. I've also learned that this is partially because
- [Welcome!](https://oakcitypsychology.com/welcome/) - Welcome to my blog. The purpose of this blog is to share information on the field of psychology, new research, advice, and my own thoughts about the world around us. When people find out that I am a therapist, they always want to know what the job entails, what kind of training I have, and

## Pages

- [Welcome!](https://oakcitypsychology.com/) - Mental health therapy and nutritional services for children, adolescents, and adults of all genders, in all bodies. Oak City accepts insurance and self-pay.
- [FAQs](https://oakcitypsychology.com/faqs/) - Informed Care Starts Here Does Oak City Psychology take insurance? Yes! All of our providers are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna, including marketplace plans and the state health plan. We have self-pay options for those with other insurance plans. We are able to file out of network and provide superbills. Do I
- [Taryn Ward, LCMHCA- Therapist](https://oakcitypsychology.com/taryn-ward/) - Currently accepting new clients! Learn more about Taryn Ward, LCMHCA- Accepting BCBS + Aetna insurance plans, including marketplace plans. Inquire today!
- [Elizabeth Johnson, LCMHCA- Therapist](https://oakcitypsychology.com/elizabeth-johnson/) - Currently accepting new clients! Learn more about Elizabeth Johnson, LCMHCA- Accepting BCBS + Aetna insurance plans, including marketplace plans. Inquire today!
- [Erin Smith, LCSWA- Therapist](https://oakcitypsychology.com/erin-smith/) - Currently accepting new clients! Learn more about Erin Smith, LCSWA- Accepting BCBS + Aetna insurance plans, including marketplace plans. Inquire today!
- [Contact Us](https://oakcitypsychology.com/contact-us/) - We're just a call or email away! Contact us for appointment requests, billing inquiries, or any concerns at Oak City Psychology.
- [Meet the Team](https://oakcitypsychology.com/our-team/) - Our experienced team provides therapeutic and nutritional support for clients with a variety of clinical concerns. Learn more about the Oak City Psychology team!
- [Groups](https://oakcitypsychology.com/groups/) - Group Therapy at Oak City Psychology Check out our current group therapy options. Insurance or self-pay is accepted for group therapy at OCP.Current groups: All Gender General Process Group with TarynFULLTuesdays at 12 pm in person$65/ sessionWomen’s General Process Group with ElizabethGathering interest$65/ sessionInterested in joining a group? Complete the Group Therapy Inquiry Form! Group Therapy Inquiry
- [Cole Urh, Psy. D.- Therapist](https://oakcitypsychology.com/dr-urh/) - Currently accepting new clients! Learn more about Cole Urh, Psy. D. - Accepting BCBS + Aetna insurance plans, including marketplace plans. Inquire today!
- [Heather Ryan, Psy. D.- Therapist](https://oakcitypsychology.com/dr-ryan/) - Currently accepting new clients! Learn more about Heather Ryan, Psy. D.- Accepting BCBS + Aetna insurance plans, including marketplace plans. Inquire today!
- [Britt Schuman-Humbert](https://oakcitypsychology.com/britt-schuman-humbert/) - Britt Schuman-Humbert, RD, CSP, CSSD, LDN, CSCS- Learn more about Oak City Psychology's trusted dietitian. Request an appointment with Britt!
- [Kimberley Benton, Psy. D.- Therapist](https://oakcitypsychology.com/dr-benton/) - Currently clients on waitlist! Learn more about Kimberley Benton, Psy. D. - Accepting BCBS + Aetna insurance plans, including marketplace plans. Inquire today!
- [Inquiry Form](https://oakcitypsychology.com/inquiry-form/) - A brief intake appointment is the best way for new clients to find the best-matched provider. Complete the inquiry form to meet with our Intake Coordinator.
- [Jennifer Patterson](https://oakcitypsychology.com/jennifer-patterson/) - Jennifer Patterson For current clients, please email Jennifer for any billing or insurance concerns. billing@oakcitypsychology.com

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- [Custom Footer](https://oakcitypsychology.com/elementor-hf/custom-footer/) - Contact Us 919-322-4620 | info@oakcitypsychology.com Our Team Inquiry Form Oak City PsychologyPhotography by MojoMix Media

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Michael Polan](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/michael-polan/)
- [relationship with food](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/relationship-with-food/)
- [eating disorders](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/eating-disorders/)
- [PTSD](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/ptsd/)
- [veterans](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/veterans/)
- [soldiers](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/soldiers/)
- [therapy](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/therapy/)
- [V-Day](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/v-day/)
- [violence against women](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/violence-against-women/)
- [Valentine's Day](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/valentines-day/)
- [domestic violence](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/domestic-violence/)
- [food](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/food/)
- [trauma](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/trauma/)
- [book review](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/book-review/)
- [father daughter relationships](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/father-daughter-relationships/)
- [father hunger](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/father-hunger/)
- [mommy guilt](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/mommy-guilt/)
- [competition](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/competition/)
- [mommy myth](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/mommy-myth/)
- [relaxation](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/relaxation/)
- [anxiety](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/anxiety/)
- [depression](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/depression/)
- [Thanksgiving](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/thanksgiving/)
- [recovery](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/recovery/)
- [happiness](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/happiness/)
- [how to](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/how-to/)
- [education](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/education/)
- [therapist](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/therapist/)
- [changes](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/changes/)
- [waiting](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/waiting/)
- [5 for Friday](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/5-for-friday/)
- [body image](https://oakcitypsychology.com/category/body-image/)