Tory Kusam
LCMHCA M.ed
Tory recently graduated with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Rehabilitation Counseling from NC A&T. She is trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which allows clients to change their relationships with difficult thoughts and feelings. Her passion is helping clients find flexibility and acceptance with their chronic pain/illness and rebuild a life full of meaning.
Tory has recently completed her internships with Chronic Hope Counseling and Vocational Rehabilitation which gives her experience helping people find purpose, acceptance, and understanding of their chronic illness as well as finding or maintaining employment.
Tory’s experience with chronic pain began during her teen years when doctors discovered severe scoliosis in late stages which required a back brace for years and eventually fusion surgery. Through 20’s she had several more back and neck fusion surgeries due to fusion failure. Years of medication, doctor invalidation, and a “suck it up” attitude led to depression, anxiety, and shame culminating in dropping out of college just a few classes short of graduating. Tory learned Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which helped her gain a new perspective on chronic pain and living purposefully. Through mental health therapy, physical therapy, and medication management, Tory was able to set small goals which eventually resulted in reenrolling in college and finally graduating with her M.ed.
Tory is excited to bring her personal experience and training to her clients at Chronic Hope!
Accepts BCBS Insurance
$135 Intake Session
$120 for sessions after intake for individual sessions