Welcome. I’m so glad you’re here.

Brendan Bellavia, MaEd, LCMHCA

Brendan Bellavia (they/them), MaEd, LCMHCA, Practice Owner

Located in Charlotte, NC and serving clients virtually 18+ throughout North Carolina

I have always been drawn to the tender spaces people carry — the parts of us that long to be seen.

Later in life, I was diagnosed as Autistic and ADHD. My own unmasking journey — embracing the fullness of who I am — shaped the way I view healing: not as changing who we are, but coming home to ourselves.

I believe every mind holds its own beauty, and that compassion is the soil where healing takes root. I became a therapist to offer the kind of space where your truth is welcomed, your differences are celebrated, and you can begin to rediscover the beauty within you.

My approach to therapy is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and deep respect for your lived experience. I believe healing happens when we are given the space to explore our stories without judgment — and when we are met with warmth, curiosity, and kindness.

In our work together, I honor the wisdom of your nervous system, your identities, and the many parts of you that have adapted to survive. I practice through a neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed lens, integrating approaches such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, mindfulness-based practices, and somatic awareness to support deeper healing.

I trust in your inner resilience, and I will walk alongside you as you reconnect with your truth, your strength, and the beautiful way you were always meant to be.

Services

I am honored to support clients in a variety of areas, always through a lens of compassion, authenticity, and affirming care:

  • Autism-Affirming Therapy

  • ADHD Therapy

  • Trauma Therapy (including EMDR)

  • Anxiety and Depression

  • Identity Exploration and Self-Discovery

  • Neurodivergent Unmasking and Self-Acceptance

  • LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy (including queer and genderqueer identities)

  • Walk & Talk Therapy (in Charlotte, NC)

Education/Specialties

I am fully qualified to provide compassionate, evidence-based, and affirming care through my education, training, and professional licensure:

  • M.A.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of North Carolina at Pembroke

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA), North Carolina

  • EMDR Trained Therapist, EMDR Consulting

  • Special Considerations for EMDR with Autistic and ADHD Clients – Part 1 (Continuing Education)

  • Affiliated Autism provider through Charlotte Autism Consortium

Special Interests

Beyond my work as a therapist, I am passionate about many things that bring color and meaning to my life:

  • Comfort shows: Parks and Recreation, Scrubs, Friends, The Good Place, etc.

  • Critically acclaimed dramas: Breaking Bad, LOST, Six Feet Under, etc.

  • The Last of Us video game series & HBO show

  • David Lynch films, Twin Peaks

  • MUSIC: my biggest passion

  • Basketball and the NBA

  • Everything The Legend of Zelda

  • Everything Conan O’Brien

  • Nature walks and hiking

  • Playing the hand-pan drum and exploring rhythm and sound

  • Neurodivergence, psychology, and the beauty of different minds

I’m always curious to learn what lights others up — perhaps we even share some special interests. I would be honored to discover yours.

Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here. If you feel called to take the next step, I would be honored to walk alongside you.

When you are ready, I invite you to reach out and begin this beautiful process of healing and self-discovery.

Begin Your Journey

When you are ready, I invite you to reach out and begin this beautiful process of healing and self-discovery.