Anna Thames Counseling PLLC

03/10/2026

Anxiety often gets a bad reputation, but anxiety itself isn’t the problem.

Anxiety is your body’s warning system.
It’s designed to help keep you safe by alerting you when something feels uncertain, unfamiliar, or potentially dangerous.

That system is incredibly helpful when there is real danger.

But sometimes our body reacts even when we’re safe.
When that happens, anxiety can make us freeze, avoid situations, or believe something is wrong.

What if anxiety isn’t a stop sign?

What if it’s simply a signal that something feels uncomfortable?

Understanding anxiety differently can change the way we respond to it.

03/04/2026

Sometimes the hardest part of healing is that the past doesn’t always stay in the past.

Trauma, anxiety, and painful experiences can continue to show up in our thoughts, emotions, and even our bodies years later. Many people try to push through or “move on,” but their nervous system is still holding onto the experience.

EMDR therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer feel overwhelming.

https://www.annathamescounseling.com/blog/emdr-therapy-monroe-nc

02/23/2026

When people hear “trauma,” they often picture one big event. But complex trauma usually doesn’t look dramatic.
Swipe through to learn what complex trauma actually looks like →
Save this if it resonates.

02/21/2026

Simple Ways I show up for myself

02/13/2026

Meet Two of Our New Team Members

Kathryn is definitely a night owl — no amount of coffee makes mornings feel early enough! She enjoys unwinding in the evenings and brings a calm, thoughtful presence to her work with clients.

Julie, on the other hand, is a true morning person. She loves early starts, fresh coffee, and the quiet energy that comes with beginning the day before the world gets busy.

Different rhythms, same commitment — both Kathryn and Julie are passionate about supporting clients with warmth, connection, and care.

To Learn more about them visit: https://www.annathamescounseling.com/team

02/12/2026

We’re excited to introduce Kathryn, LCSW, who works with teens, couples, and families at Anna Thames Counseling.

Kathryn believes therapy should feel supportive, grounded, and collaborative. She enjoys helping clients better understand their emotions, strengthen relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and connection.

We’re so glad to have her on our team. 💚

02/09/2026

02/04/2026

Therapy + a little fun ❤️‍🔥

01/31/2026

🎨 National Inspire Your Heart With Art Day

I chose this piece because it feels powerful to me in a quiet way.
She is crying — just one tear — yet she still looks composed, dignified, and whole.

There is something deeply human about that.
The way sorrow can exist without erasing strength.
The way beauty doesn’t disappear just because there is pain.

This image reminds me that joy and grief are not opposites — they often live side by side. That resilience can be soft. That strength doesn’t have to be loud. That it’s possible to hold it together while still feeling deeply.

Today, I’m inspired by art that allows complexity to exist without explanation.

💛 Share what inspires you below.

01/31/2026

✨ What is EMDR Therapy — and how can it help?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a research-backed therapy that helps the brain process unresolved or overwhelming experiences so they no longer feel as intense or “stuck” in the present.

Many people seek EMDR for:
• Trauma (childhood or recent)
• Anxiety and panic
• Depression
• Distressing memories or triggers
• Feeling emotionally “on edge” without knowing why

Rather than talking through every detail, EMDR works with the brain’s natural healing process — helping you move forward with less emotional weight and more clarity.

We’re excited to share that Julie Ocker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is now offering EMDR therapy at Anna Thames Counseling. Julie works with adults and provides trauma-informed, compassionate care in both in-person sessions in Monroe, NC and virtual sessions across North Carolina.

Sometimes timing is everything — and Julie is currently accepting new clients if EMDR feels like the right next step for you.

💬 Learn more or request an appointment through the link in our bio.

01/28/2026

✨ Welcome Julie Ocker, LCSW! ✨

We’re excited to welcome Julie Ocker to Anna Thames Counseling, starting February 6th!

Julie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, and depression. She offers EMDR and trauma-informed therapy in a supportive, collaborative space. Julie provides both in-person and virtual sessions.

🧾 Insurance & Payment:
Julie currently accepts AETNA and will soon accept BCBS and MEDCOST. Out-of-pocket options are also available.

We’re so glad to have Julie joining our team and look forward to the care she’ll provide to our clients and community 💛

01/26/2026

✨ Welcome to the Team, Julie Ocker, LCSW! ✨

We’re so excited to welcome Julie Ocker to Anna Thames Counseling beginning February 6th!

Julie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with specialized training in trauma-focused therapy and EMDR, and she brings a grounded, compassionate presence to her work with clients. She is passionate about helping individuals process difficult experiences, build emotional resilience, and feel more connected to themselves and their lives.

Julie takes a thoughtful, collaborative approach to therapy and tailors her work to meet each client’s unique needs. We’re truly grateful to have her joining our team and know she will be an incredible support to those we serve.

👉 Insurance & Payment Information:
Julie currently accepts AETNA and will soon be able to accept BCBS and MEDCOST. She also offers out-of-pocket sessions.

💛Interested in Meeting Julie? Reach out today https://www.annathamescounseling.com/