Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate
Ariana Guzman
MSW, LCSWA
You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out
Therapy for adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity, relationships, and emotional challenges.
Welcome
We can start exactly where you are
I’m Ariana Guzman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) with a Master’s in Social Work from Florida State University. I provide compassionate, individualized care to both adolescents and adults, supporting them as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions.
My Approach to Therapy
Warm, collaborative, practical and human
My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in empathy, authenticity, and respect. I practice from a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens, honoring each client’s unique identity, lived experience, and individual needs. I believe therapy is most effective when it is collaborative and tailored to the person sitting in front of me. Together, we will identify your strengths, gain clarity, and work toward meaningful and lasting change.
My primary area of focus is supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals in a safe, affirming, and judgment-free environment. I provide a space where clients can explore their identities, relationships, life experiences, and mental health with curiosity and compassion. I am committed to providing gender-affirming care that honors each person’s unique journey while supporting authenticity, resilience, self-acceptance, and a deeper sense of connection to themselves.
Together, we may work to process difficult emotions and past experiences, develop effective coping strategies, navigate life transitions, strengthen self-compassion, and build confidence in living authentically. My goal is to foster a therapeutic relationship where you feel genuinely seen, respected, and empowered to move toward a life that feels aligned with your values and the person you want to become.
Areas of Focus
What we can work on
LGBTQIA Communities
Providing a supportive, affirming, and judgment-free space where clients can safely explore their identities, relationships, life experiences, and mental health.
Anxiety & Depression
Support in managing symptoms, building coping skills, and restoring balance.
Autism Spectrum (ASD) Support
Supporting individuals and families in understanding, navigating, and thriving with neurodiversity.
Life Transitions
Guidance through changes like school, career shifts, or parenthood
Relationship Dynamics
Improving communication, boundaries, and connections.
Identity & Self-Exploration
Space to explore cultural identity, gender, orientation, and values.
Stress Management
Tools to regulate emotions and build resilience.
Therapeutic Techniques & Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Building skills to manage emotions and strengthen relationships.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cultivating acceptance and aligning with personal values.
Mindfulness Techniques
Supporting presence, calm, and emotional regulation.
Credentials
Education, credentials & experience
Education
BFA in Dance: University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Master of Social Work (MSW): Florida State University
Licensure
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate: North Carolina
Professional Experience
I bring over 5 years of experience providing therapy to diverse individuals, families, and minority communities, which has strengthened my commitment to offering inclusive and affirming care. My background also includes working in private practice settings, where I supported individuals and families as they navigated complex mental health challenges.
In addition to my clinical work, I have spent the last 8 years as a professional dance artist and educator. This experience has profoundly shaped my therapeutic approach by fostering an understanding of the body–mind connection and the power of movement as a form of emotional expression. Working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds through dance has further enhanced my ability to meet clients where they are and honor the unique ways each person communicates and heals.
Personal
Get to know me
A Little About Me
Outside of my professional role, I enjoy staying connected to the performing arts through dance, as a performer, educator, and an ongoing creative spirit. When I’m not in the office or studio, you can often find me exploring local coffee shops, spending time with my partner and our two dogs, or getting lost in a compelling documentary or a good book. I'm passionate about continuous learning, both in and out of the therapy setting, and I look forward to walking alongside you on your path toward growth, clarity, and well-being.
Practical Information & Next Steps
The details that make it easy to start
BCBS
Blue Home w/ UNC Health Alliance
Aetna
SHP
Healthy Blue
Out-of-network for all others
Insurance Accepted
Session Availability
Virtual and In-Person sessions offered
Location
8392 Six Forks Rd Suite 203
Raleigh, NC 27615
800 West Williams Suite 231 D
Apex, NC 27502