Kaleigh Beddingfield, LCSW
I believe that my path in becoming a therapist has been shaped by many influences—my education, my professional experiences, and my commitment to my own personal growth as a client. My journey began at UNCC, where I earned degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. At first I thought I would pursue the criminal justice field with an interest in becoming a detective or behavior analyst (I might have watched a lot of Criminal Minds back then).
However, my path shifted when I decided to pursue graduate school at UNCW, where I earned my Master’s in Social Work in 2020. During my time there, I worked as a domestic violence shelter advocate, supporting resilient women in crisis. This experience deeply shaped my understanding of trauma and the importance of empowering individuals to take control of their healing journey at their own pace. It reinforced my belief in the power of choice, self-advocacy, and creating safe, supportive spaces for growth.
In my professional journey, I’ve worked in a variety of settings—from community mental health to inpatient facilities—giving me the privilege of partnering with individuals at different stages of their mental health journey. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the diverse ways people heal, grow, and overcome challenges.
I also believe in the importance of doing my own work. I began my own therapy journey as a graduate student, which continues to be an essential part of my life. I hold myself accountable to participate in the healing process I encourage for my clients. This means that while I am a therapist, I am also human, and I understand firsthand the vulnerability, courage, and dedication that goes into healing.
A peek into my life beyond the therapy space…
I was born and raised in North Carolina
Outside of the therapy room, you'll often find me unwinding with a good book or indulging in my guilty pleasure: reality TV. I also enjoy practicing yoga and attending group fitness classes.
I make it a priority to spend quality time with my friends, family, and my significant other, and I cherish those moments of connection.
I'm a huge hockey fan—Go Canes!
My significant other and I share our home with our sweet rescue dog named Goose (who you might even meet during a virtual session).
I have a personal goal of integrating yoga into my therapy practice and becoming a certified yoga instructor to better support clients on their journey to mind-body balance.
A few things that encourage me to slow down and be present:
the calming sound of the ocean, savoring a perfect cup of coffee, witnessing the beauty of a sunset, the feel of a truly great pen, and the unique honor of supporting clients as they embrace their humanness and discover strength in vulnerability.
Questions you may have for me about therapy
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My approach to therapy is collaborative—we work together to set goals that reflect your current stage of life. Each session, I create space for you to check in and invite you to prioritize your needs, allowing us to tailor our work to what matters most in the moment. I take a trauma-informed, compassionate, and values-based approach, which means we go at your pace, focus on what feels most important to you, and create a space where you feel heard and supported. I welcome feedback and will regularly check in to ensure that therapy aligns with your needs and goals.
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My primary modality is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, which facilitates deeper emotional and somatic processing. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which often focuses on the cognitive aspects of the brain, EMDR offers a more holistic healing approach. It can be especially effective in treating trauma and has also been shown to help with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and more. In addition to EMDR, I also offer talk therapy and integrate other modalities as needed, such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, somatic techniques, IFS, and solution-focused therapy.
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I have worked with clients ranging from ages 5 to 70, with a focus on adolescents and adults, particularly those who identify as female or as part of the LGBTQ+ community. I specialize in helping clients address a variety of concerns, including trauma, anxiety, attachment issues, relationship challenges, communication and boundary setting, life transitions, identity exploration, and women's issues.
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While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, the beauty of therapy is that it’s tailored to your unique goals, pace, and the work you put in. Some clients reach their goals and 'graduate' within six months, while others benefit from longer-term therapy over the course of several years.