Fanteema Barnes-Watson

Fanteema Barnes-Watson recognizes that the abundance of information available online can give the impression that self-help is straightforward. In her experience, however, people who try to navigate problems alone often lack an objective listener and someone to help them apply the tools they find. That is why she emphasizes the value of working with a therapist during the process of personal growth and change.

If someone feels overwhelmed or unfulfilled, Fanteema can assist with emotional concerns such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, anger, and stress. She also addresses the ways these issues can spill over into relationships, communication, parenting, work, or education. She works comfortably with people of all faiths and cultures and is affirming of LGBTQQIA individuals.

Her clinical approach blends Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy - a structured method that helps people identify the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and practice exercises to shift unhelpful patterns - with mindfulness techniques that cultivate present-moment awareness and focused, positive goal-setting. Together these strategies aim to increase accountability, reduce relapse into old habits, and leave clients with clearer understanding of who they are, what they want, and how to achieve it without unnecessary stress. Her stated purpose is to help people move from surviving to truly living. Still unsure if this approach is right? Visitors are invited to review testimonials to learn how others experienced the work.

Fanteema brings 25 years of social work experience to her practice, having served as a therapist, researcher, teacher, and trainer across a range of settings including inpatient and outpatient treatment, K-12 public schools, and colleges and universities. She is the founder of The SWEET Network, LLC - Supporting Women to Empower and Enhance Themselves - a counseling service offering individual and couples therapy with a specialization in women of color and trauma.

She is a licensed clinical social worker in both New York and North Carolina and is based in North Carolina. Her goal is to equip clients with simple, practical tools they can apply in everyday life to manage stress, cope with change, and build healthier relationships. Her specialty areas include stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, depression, grief, anger, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue.