Joy Kelly Phifer, PhD, LCMHC, NCC, CCTP, graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling and Counselor Education from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). Her previous degrees include a Master of Science and Specialist in Education dual degree in Couple and Family Counseling, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Studies all from UNCG. Currently, she serves as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of North Carolina.

Joy firmly believes in the power of the counseling relationship in that it has the potential to serve as a catalyst for individual insight, progressive change, and overall mental health wellness. The foundation of Joy’s theoretical orientation lies within person-centered, emotion-focused, and family systems counseling approaches. Also, she maintains special training in Emotionally-Focused (EFT) Couples Therapy through the Carolina Center for EFT and trauma-specific training through the International Association of Trauma Professionals.

Her areas of research expertise primarily relate to the prevention and treatment of victims and survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) where her dissertation focused on the recovery experiences of survivors of IPV from a strengths-based perspective. Her clinical interest and experience areas include treating individuals, couples, and families with various forms of trauma, transition/adjustment issues, family and relationship concerns, and mood-related disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, Bipolar).

In her free time, Joy loves dancing, watching movies, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends.