Caroline Rusk
LCMHCA
Caroline Rusk (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate with a passion for creating supportive spaces in which clients can be their authentic selves. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from UNC Chapel Hill and a master’s in counseling from North Carolina State University. Caroline’s diverse experience includes working with adolescents in high school settings, coaching women’s soccer, and serving as programming coordinator at the NC State LGBTQ Pride Center. These roles have expanded her understanding of and empathy for academic stress, family issues, emotional trauma, and advocacy efforts for queer and trans youth.
Growing up in a blended family as the youngest of six siblings in Davidson, North Carolina, Caroline has a deep appreciation for complex family dynamics and the challenges of adjustment. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, she understands the difficulty of being in spaces where one cannot fully express their authentic self. Her experience within a strict evangelical organization offers her a unique perspective on healing from religious trauma. These lived experiences developed a natural compassion for others with these and other layered identities.
Caroline’s therapeutic approach is eclectic, integrating various frameworks to meet the unique needs of each client. Grounded in Person-Centered and Narrative Therapy, she creates a supportive and empathetic environment where clients can articulate their stories and find their voices. She embraces a culturally responsive approach, emphasizing cultural humility and inclusion to support each individual's identity development.
Caroline works with adults and teenagers (12+) on a variety of presenting concerns, including LGBTQ+ concerns, ADHD, autism, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, family or relationship challenges, narcissistic abuse, grief, and religious trauma. While her experience is largely with adolescents and young adults, she is dedicated to supporting clients across all developmental stages, and committed to providing a transformative counseling experience. Caroline also has a special passion for supporting athletes in their unique experiences related to identity, high achievement, and performance.
