Dr. Rachel Harris

Dr. Rachel Harris, PsyD

Dr. Rachel Harris, Psy.D. is a North Carolina native and lives in Wilmington with her family. She is a highly trained, experienced psychologist who has worked in various settings, from Veterans Affairs to hospitals, but her vibe remains down-to-earth, grounded, and easy with a laugh. In sessions, Dr. Harris’s clinical philosophy is grounded in psychodynamic theory with an integration of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. 

Dr. Harris is especially interested in Health Psychology, knowing that a medical diagnosis affects more than just the physical body. Throughout her career, she has worked with patients suffering from both acute and chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, cardiac disease, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders, organ transplants, and terminal illnesses. Learning how to navigate the world and relationships after diagnosis can be scary, lonely, and overwhelming. Rachel wants you to know that if you have been impacted by a medical diagnosis, you don’t have to suffer alone. 

Rachel is passionate about working with people who have trouble sleeping. Whether it’s insomnia or sleep anxiety, she knows sleep difficulties are insidious and impact every facet of an individual’s life: work, friendships, parenting, appetite, energy, mood. When sleep is wrong, nothing is right. The sleep deprived are often so desperate to sleep, they are driven to use any means possible to achieve it, including drugs or alcohol, which only exacerbate the issue. If you suffer with sleep issues, Dr. Harris can help you find peace and rest.

“Toxic and trying” is how Rachel lovingly refers to another of her specialties. Do you continue to attract the same type of person but not in a good way? Are you stuck in a cycle, choosing the same relationship over and over? Rachel understands how lonely and frustrating this can feel and is ready to help you break free. She knows that most of her clients are aware of their patterns but lack the tools or support to change them. Dr. Harris offers the guidance you need to stop making choices from a place of coping and start making them from your authentic self, so you may find genuine connection and companionship. 

 

Fun Fact: Rachel studied percussion for 6 years and was a competitive tap dancer.