About Àṣẹ Center for Stress and Trauma (ACST)

Àṣẹ (Yoruba) - generally understood to refer to “vital force”, “power”, and/or “authority” within all living and non-living things (Abiodun, 1994).

The Àṣẹ Center for Stress and Trauma is based in Charlotte, NC. Individual therapy is available to North Carolina residents and coaching is available to residents all over the country.

ACST is a client-centered, holistic, and trauma-focused therapy and coaching mental health center. We meet clients where they are and use different strategies to support recovery and growth. While services may vary from client to client, we are committed to providing competent, quality, and evidence-based services. Our practice understands the importance of social and cultural ties (e.g., race, gender, ethnicity, religion, regional affiliation) and seeks to provide a welcoming and accepting space, especially for historically oppressed groups.

ACST Therapeutic Philosophy

• Within you is the power to heal from your experiences and manifest.
• You, your whole, authentic self, is welcome here.
• Brain-body-mind-spirit cannot be separated. Everything is connected.
• The question is not “what’s wrong with you?” but “what happened to you?”
• Your personal past, present, and future experiences are important.It’s also important to acknowledge the roles of systems/institutions, generational history, and oppression experienced directly or indirectly.

Specialties

• Anxiety (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety)
• Stress (e.g., loss, grief, parenting, finances)
• Trauma (e.g., healing from childhood experiences, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex trauma)
• Life transitions (e.g., transitioning into young adulthood, moving to a new city, changing jobs, entering a new relationship, leaving a relationship)
• Personal development (e.g., goal setting, communication, emotional intelligence, healthy habits)