Sage Dunston
Sage Dunston (he/him) is pursuing a master’s degree in counseling from NC State University in his journey to become a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate. Previously, Sage was in public service, specifically in the United States Senate, Tribal government, and other positions of public trust. In his posts, he routinely advocated for and with communities for the policies and changes they wanted. Sage is profoundly dedicated to helping empower individuals and strengthening their voices.
Sage is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Long Hair Clan. A Western North Carolina native, Sage has been visibly othered in many spaces since childhood. As a boy, he learned the importance of deeply believing his inner voice that said, “I belong here.” While working in politics, Sage heard people’s stories. His passion and advocacy for their voices, solutions, and hope led him to pursue this work in counseling. Proud to have grown up in a Matriarchal society, he understands the importance of having support and unwavering commitment. Sage is dedicated to creating and sustaining a safe place to discuss various concerns.
As an Indigenous cisgender man with the unique perspective of growing up in a tribal community, Sage sees therapy as medicine. He believes that decolonizing one’s mindset, understanding one’s environment, and having consistent support are vital to success. He utilizes an existential and person-centered therapeutic approach to counseling while tailoring sessions to client needs.
As a student clinician, Sage is committed to serving adults from various backgrounds, addressing belonging, identity, anxiety, and work-life balance. He especially enjoys working with men who are uncomfortable coming to counseling for the first time, supporting them in the search to become their best selves. Sage also supports those adjacent to or personally affected by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) epidemic.
