Empowering teens and young adults to
find their inner strength.
Serving clients ages 10–25 throughout Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, and across North Carolina through telehealth.
Do you feel like you’re never enough?
On the outside, you seem like you have everything together. You're responsible, thoughtful, and hardworking. You care deeply about doing well and being there for the people you love. Whether it's school, work, friendships, or family, you want to do your best.
But on the inside, it feels exhausting.
Maybe you replay conversations in your head wondering, "Why did I say that?" You compare yourself to everyone around you and wonder why they seem to have life figured out while you're still questioning yourself. One disappointing grade, one mistake at work, or one awkward interaction can leave you feeling like you've somehow failed.
You set incredibly high expectations for yourself, yet no matter how much you accomplish, it rarely feels like enough. Instead of celebrating what you've done well, you focus on what you should have done differently. The pressure to be perfect leaves you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and constantly second guessing yourself.
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many of the teens and young adults I work with feel this way when they first begin therapy. They've spent so much time carrying the weight of impossible expectations that it's difficult to recognize their own strengths or believe they're enough just as they are.
Imagine what life could feel like if you weren't constantly questioning yourself.
You could make a mistake without it ruining your entire day. You could stop replaying every conversation in your head. You could feel more confident speaking up in class, making new friends, setting healthy boundaries, or trying something new without worrying about getting it exactly right.
My goal is to help you understand why anxiety, perfectionism, and self doubt have taken up so much space in your life while giving you practical tools to manage them. Together, we'll work to quiet your inner critic, build lasting confidence, and help you trust yourself again.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and personalized. I want therapy to feel like a place where you can be yourself, talk openly, and know you'll be met with understanding instead of judgment. You don't have to have the right words or have everything figured out before you walk through the door.
I specialize in working with preteens, teens, college students, and young adults, generally ages 10 to 25, who are navigating anxiety, perfectionism, low self-esteem, people pleasing, overthinking, social anxiety, fear of failure, life transitions, and stress. I provide virtual therapy for clients throughout North Carolina, including Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley, and the surrounding communities.
For Parents
Watching your child struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, or low self confidence can be heartbreaking. You want to help, but it can be difficult to know what to say or do when they seem overwhelmed, withdrawn, or constantly putting themselves down.
Therapy gives your child a supportive space to better understand themselves, build healthy coping skills, and develop confidence that comes from within. They can learn to manage anxious thoughts, handle challenges with greater resilience, and begin believing in themselves instead of constantly worrying that they aren't good enough.
I also value partnering with parents throughout the therapy process. While I protect your child's privacy and create a space where they can speak openly, I believe parents play an important role in supporting lasting growth. Together, we can help your child build the confidence and skills they need both now and in the future.
Ready to take the first step?
Whether you're looking for support for yourself or your child, reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming. Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and finding someone who feels like the right fit matters.
When you're ready, click below to learn more about my consultation process. You'll find information about what to expect, how the process works, and a link to complete the written consultation form. I really look forward to hearing from you!
Getting started is easy.
Consultation Form
Complete the written consultation form at your own pace so you can share what brings you or your child to therapy. I'll carefully review your responses and reach out if it sounds like we'd be a good fit for working together.
Book an appointment
If it seems like we'd be a good fit, I'll reach out to schedule your first appointment. Together, we'll find a time that works for your schedule and get your intake session scheduled. I am currently only offering appointments online through telehealth services.
Fill out paperwork
Once the appointment is booked, I will send you a link to you or your child's patient portal where you will fill out the intake paperwork and sign a few forms. Then all that's left is for you or you and your child to show up to the first appointment!
Sunrise Child Counseling
Katey Smith, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
katey@sunrisechildcounseling.com
Waynesville, NC 28786