Our Counseling Team

Christi Kurtz, MA, LCMHC, LCAS

Hi, I’m Christi Kurtz, and I’m glad you’re here. Reaching out for therapy can feel intimidating, especially when you’re carrying anxiety, trauma, depression, or patterns that no longer serve you. My role is to offer a safe, supportive space where you can talk openly about the hard stuff—without judgment—and begin to make sense of what you’ve been through.

I specialize in EMDR, trauma therapy, anxiety, depression, and substance use treatment. I enjoy helping clients work through experiences that may feel overwhelming or difficult to put into words, while building practical tools to navigate everyday life with more confidence and clarity. Together, we’ll focus on healing from the past while strengthening your ability to cope in the present.

I also work with teens who are navigating life transitions, school stress, friendship challenges, anxiety, and mood concerns. Supporting adolescents as they build confidence, independence, and healthy coping skills is an important part of my work. I believe in helping people find the balance between learning to handle challenges on their own and knowing when it’s healthy to ask for support. My goal is to help you feel more capable, grounded, and empowered to face life’s difficult moments—one step at a time.

Adam Kurtz, MS, LCMHC, LCAS

Hello and welcome! I'm Adam Kurtz, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist. I completed my Master's in Clinical Counseling from East Carolina University in 2018 and my Bachelor's in Psychology from Davidson College in 2015.

I firmly believe in the transformative power of positive change and resilience in every individual. My approach is solution-focused, drawing from techniques like Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Rogerian therapy to empower my clients.

Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, as well as Gottman Level 2 couples therapy, I strive to cultivate a supportive environment where clients can grow, leverage their strengths, and embrace personal development opportunities.

With a wealth of experience, I've assisted clients dealing with various challenges like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, behavioral issues, ADHD, and major life transitions. My practice caters to individuals of all ages, with a primary focus on working with Men, high school and college-age individuals, life transitions, substance use, and trauma.. Coming from a background as a former college athlete, I particularly enjoy working with athletes and other high-performing individuals.

I am dedicated to guiding you on your path towards mental wellness and a more fulfilling life. Reach out to start your journey towards personal growth and well-being today.

Deborah Kurtz, MA, LCMHC, LCAS

I am wholeheartedly committed to providing compassionate, client-centered care that helps individuals and couples navigate their unique challenges with resilience and confidence. My mission is to create a safe and supportive environment where you feel heard, valued, and empowered on your journey to mental well-being.

Therapeutic Approach: Specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma and substance abuse, I use a variety of evidence-based techniques to address and alleviate the impact of these complex experiences. Trained in EMDR, EFT, and IFS, I offer a gentle approach to reprocessing traumatic experiences, fostering hope for the future. In couples counseling, I emphasize enhancing communication, understanding, and connection to help partners build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. My methods are grounded in the research of Drs. John and Julie Gottman and the principles of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy developed by Sue Johnson.

Together, we can create a brighter future, one session at a time.

Justine Lemire, MA, LCMHCA, NCC

With a passion for service and healing, Justine Lemire began her journey as a Tactical Combat Casualty Care Flight Medic in the United States Air Force. For nearly a decade, she provided critical care to wounded individuals during medical evacuations. Witnessing the deep impact of trauma, she realized that true healing extends beyond the physical body, sparking her desire to focus on mental health care.

Justine pursued her clinical education, earning a Bachelor's degree from Queens University and later a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

As a therapist, Justine supports both adolescents and adults facing a wide range of life’s challenges. She is committed to creating a safe, welcoming therapeutic environment where clients are empowered to heal and grow. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while also incorporating humanistic methods from Gestalt, Client-Centered, and Existential therapies within a holistic framework.

Justine specializes in trauma-focused therapy, utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients process and heal from traumatic experiences. Drawing from her personal experiences, she has a particular focus on helping caregivers and service providers. Additionally, she specializes in human sexual health and wellness, fostering a trusting space for individuals to explore core beliefs and work toward overall well-being and a higher quality of life.

Allena Mclaurin, LCMHCA

I believe that every story leads you here, to a space where it all matters. In our sessions together, I see myself as a guide—here to help you explore and rediscover parts of yourself that may have been forgotten or hidden. I work from a person-centered, humanistic approach, integrating interventions and modalities that best suit your unique needs, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and solution-focused techniques.

My goal is to help you meet or return to your true self, whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, life transitions, relationship challenges, or the many complexities life can bring. I work with individuals from middle school through adulthood, providing a safe and empathetic space for self-exploration and growth.

In my personal life, I love the beach, thanks to my time completing my undergrad in psychology at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. I’m a fan of nature, road trips, and good music. After completing my master's in clinical mental health counseling at North Carolina Central University, I developed a deep appreciation for coffee shops and nature walks, which are perfect for reflection and relaxation.

I am eager to help you uncover your inner strength and move toward the life you deserve.

Alexander Piro, LCMHCA

Hi, I’m Alexander Piro, and I am passionate about helping children, teens, and adults navigate life’s unique challenges. I have a special heart for working with kids and adolescents, creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where they feel seen, heard, and understood. I believe a strong counseling relationship is the foundation for meaningful change. Using a client centered approach, I meet each person where they are and walk alongside them in their growth.

I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rogerian Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to foster resilience and lasting change. I am trained in Play Therapy and follow Gary Landreth’s Non Directive Play Therapy approach, believing that play is a child’s natural language for expressing emotions and processing experiences.

I also have experience working as a collegiate sports counselor, supporting athletes through confidence struggles, injury recovery, and life transitions beyond sport. As a former NCAA men’s soccer player at Belmont Abbey College, where I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology, I understand the mental demands athletes face. I later completed my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Wake Forest University and gained experience working in an inpatient psychiatric hospital with children and adults experiencing acute psychiatric disorders. I look forward to walking alongside you or your child on this journey.