A smiling woman with long, wavy red hair sitting at a wooden desk with a computer and a wooden bookcase in the background. She is resting her head on her hand and wearing a beige cardigan over a dark blue blouse, in a cozy office setting.
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Owner & Founder

Licensed Psychologist & Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSP-P) in North Carolina

Trauma & PTSD Specialist

I’m so glad you’re here!

I am Dr. Cierra Listermann! I am a licensed psychologist and health service provider in psychology (HSP-P) in North Carolina. I have significant training and expertise in providing tailored trauma treatment to adult clients (18+) via teletherapy.

Since we will be talking about very personal and difficult experiences during our work together, we don’t need to be so official! Please feel free to call me Cierra!

I believe that every client deserves to feel welcome, supported, and heard throughout the course of their therapy experience. I aim to provide a warm environment and foster authentic therapeutic relationships within each session. Fostering a supportive, collaborative, and genuine connection with each of my clients is one of my major focal points during treatment.

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Research indicates that establishing a strong therapeutic alliance is the most important factor in successful outcomes in therapy independent of the specific type of treatment. My ultimate goal for the end of every session is to have each client feel safe, understood, and cared for; creating the best environment for the trajectory of our work together.

To me, the trust and rapport-building process is essential when clients are seeking help with vulnerable and emotionally difficult concerns that take a lot of courage to discuss. The majority of my clients have expressed that I am typically the first person they have shared their story with due to feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame (these are normal trauma responses that we will work on improving). I understand how challenging it is to open up about what has happened to you, as everything in your mind and body is screaming to keep it hidden and bury it deep. This is why I take cultivating our therapeutic relationship so seriously, and wear client’s trust in me as a badge of honor.

Work With Me

having coffee with an old friend. A friend that you have cultivated a strong and trusting relationship with over time. Someone who you know will be honest with you and has your best interests at heart. A friend who cares about your well-being and empowers you to do the things you love. Someone who you can let your guard down with. A friend who supports your agency and power of choice without fear of judgement. Someone who you feel connected to and can be vulnerable with, despite how hard it can be sometimes. The only difference between me and your most cherished friend is that I have extensive education, training, and clinical experience to effectively provide proven methods to reduce the impact of your trauma and foster recovery that is rooted in what works.

I understand that trauma is complex, and I believe that each person’s path to healing is unique where no two experiences of trauma are the same. I tailor my approach to therapy to meet your specific needs through collaboration, as you are the expert of your own experiences. Together, we will set goals that feel right for you. I will never push you to move faster than what you’re ready for, but I will guide and encourage you when you're ready to take steps forward. You are in control of your healing process, and I’m here to support your growth every step of the way.

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My Mission

Honoring Your Unique Journey

At Carolina Trauma Recovery, I believe that healing from trauma is not just possible, but empowering. The strongest people I have ever met have been, undoubtedly, the survivors of trauma I have had the pleasure to work with over my career. My approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration, ensuring that every client feels heard, valued, and safe. I understand that trauma impacts my client’s in unique ways, and I honor the complexity and intersectionality of each of their lived experiences.

Text with the quote: 'Working With Me is Like' at the top, on a black background.

having coffee with an old friend. A friend that you have cultivated a strong and trusting relationship with over time. Someone who you know will be honest with you and has your best interests at heart. Someone who cares about your well-being and empowers you to do the things you love. A friend who you can let your guard down with. Someone who supports your agency and power of choice without fear of judgement. A friend who you feel connected to and can be vulnerable with, despite how hard it can be sometimes. The only difference between me and your most cherished friend is that I have extensive education, training, and clinical experience to effectively provide proven methods to reduce the impact of your trauma and foster recovery that is rooted in what works.

I understand that trauma is complex, and I believe that each person’s path to healing is unique where no two experiences of trauma are the same. I tailor my approach to therapy to meet your specific needs through collaboration, as you are the expert of your own experiences. Together, we will set goals that feel right for you. I will never push you to move faster than what you’re ready for, but I will guide and encourage you when you're ready to take steps forward. You are in control of your healing process, and I’m here to support your growth every step of the way.

Education & Training

Specialized Training for Trauma Healing

I earned my Master of Arts (M.A.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Clinical Psychology from the University of the Cumberlands. I hold a Bachelor’s of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies from Eastern Kentucky University.

I have extensive clinical, assessment, and research experience working in various mental health settings to include inpatient units, correctional facilities, university counseling, and outpatient clinics. I worked in a forensic private practice conducting forensic assessments such as competency to stand trial evaluations and psychosexual risk assessments. Additionally, I facilitated juvenile and adult sex offender treatment groups. I also completed training in a university counseling center and community outpatient facility where I conducted individual and family therapy.

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I completed my pre-doctoral internship at The North Carolina Department of Public Safety working with correctional populations at Central Prison and the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh, conducting individual and group therapy. I also completed my post-doctoral training in community mental health at a private practice conducting individual therapy for various mental health disorders.

Since working in group private practice settings for the past seven years, I have cultivated my clinical areas of expertise, developed mastery in numerous evidence-based treatment modalities, and received extensive training opportunities to foster specialization in treating survivors of trauma.

Additional Trainings

I have received extensive training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), LGBTQ-Affirmative Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Safe Zone Training.

A home office with a dark wooden desk, a white iMac computer, a white keyboard, a mouse, a notebook, and a pen. On the left side of the desk, there is a white vase with white hydrangea flowers. The desk is near large windows with blinds and curtains, with a patterned rug underneath. A white armchair with dark trim is in the background, and a wall with decorative molding is also visible.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Begin with intention. Schedule your complimentary consultation call and experience a refined, no-pressure space to ensure this therapeutic work aligns with what you need.

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