Hi, there! I go by Dresa. My full name is Qendresa (pronounced Chen-Dray-Sah), which translates to withstand or persevere in Albanian! Did you know that the Albanian alphabet has 10 more letters than English? I am a proud Albanian-American and have lived in WNC for most of my life. My family and I came to the United States in the late 90s as war refugees from Kosova and are grateful to call Asheville home. I consider myself a professional cat lady and lover of all things cat-related! I enjoy spending time on the Blue Ridge Parkway during warmer weather and connecting with Mother Nature any chance I get. When I’m not wandering in the woods, I love playing pickleball and to getting lost in fiction books — specifically magic, mystery, romance, and adventure! Most recently, I’ve recently become a puzzle enthusiast. Oh, and I’m a lover of good memes so always feel free to share them with me!
In session, I incorporate different therapy models with my clients — including CBT, DBT, ACT, MI, SFBT Narrative Therapy — depending on their unique needs and presentation. I also draw from somatic experiencing, person-centered, and trauma-informed approaches. Primarily, I work with adults on a one-to-one basis and have also worked with younger adults, middle age, and older age adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, grief/loss, interpersonal relationships, substance use and addictions, and trauma.
As a therapy client myself, I have experienced the benefits of having a dedicated place for working through obstacles, fears, worries, and patterns that aren’t serving our best selves. It is always my goal as a therapist to create a space where clients experience gentle and compassionate care. I’m really passionate about highlighting your strengths and collaboratively working with you on areas of growth. My therapist attitude centers on encouragement, instilling hope, and a never-ending curiosity of how we experience life. I offer clients deep empathy, always seeking to understand your experiences, and approaching your challenges without judgment. It is my goal to decrease shame with the humans I provide care for.
I am a dually Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate. I earned my Bachelors in Human Services at Lees McRae College and completed my Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at North Carolina State University in 2022. Go Pack! I have 4 years of post-graduate counseling experience in a wide variety of clinical settings. I have previously worked in community mental health, a residential treatment centers, and substance use outpatient treatment. I have a specialty in substance use addictions having completed my graduate practicum and internship hours at an inpatient substance addictions treatment center as well as working with a residential recovery center in 2023. Most recently, I have worked as an outpatient therapist in private/group practices providing therapy services on an individual and group level.
