Phillip Bass

My approach

I am a creator of the Nurture/Play/Structure Model of Therapy. At times, we all feel as though our lives are out of balance. Balance brings a sense of peace, enjoyment, and fulfillment to our lives. Whether the imbalance is caused by an outside event or an internal struggle, I work with clients to understand what may need adjusting or reframing to achieve balance in their lives. This practice is helpful for individuals, couples, and families. You can learn more about this model in Nurture Play Structure: Finding the Balance to Be Yourself, as well as the companion workbook, Nurture Play Structure: The NPS Therapy Workbook.

I believe that our lives were meant to experience joy. We can only do so when we are our authentic selves. I work with clients to "unlearn" ways in which we have all been trained to perform to the expectations of others.

Areas of experience

I offer services to individuals, couples, families, and other social networks. The following are some of the areas my services include:

• LGBTQ + Issues, including Gender Identity

• Trauma

• Couples, Families and Relational Issues, including poly and ENM families

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Grief and Loss

• Spiritual and Religious Concerns, including Religious Trauma

Training & education

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, and a member of the American Counseling Association. I am also a Licensed Qualified Supervisor. I earned a Master of Counselor Education, Mental Health track, at North Carolina Central University in August of 2013. I also hold a Master of Divinity (2006) and a Master of Theology (2009) from Duke University Divinity School. In addition to being a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, I am also an ordained priest in the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina.

I have completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and I employ Gottman Methods Couples Therapy in my work. I have also completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). This method works well for trauma recovery, as well as many other issues clients may be experiencing. When appropriate, I like to include Sand Therapy as a tool to assist clients in working towards their goals. To learn more about my experience, you may review my CV.

View CV →

Books & articles

Phillip created the Nurture · Play · Structure (NPS) Model and has written three books on it:

• Finding the Balance to Be Yourself

• The NPS Therapy Workbook

• A 90-Day Reflection Journal

He also writes about the NPS Model and finding balance in everyday life. Read the NPS articles.

Clinical Supervision

Phillip Bass is a Licensed Qualified Supervisor in North Carolina. He is currently accepting associate level counselors for supervision. Phillip offers individual and dyadic supervision. Supervision is offered in person, as well as online.

If you are an associate level counselor seeking supervision, please be aware that Phillip utilizes a psychodynamic approach to therapy. He is trained in EMDR, and specializes in trauma therapy. Phillip has also completed Level 1 training in Gottman Couples Therapy. In addition, he often uses Sand Tray therapy as a therapeutic tool. Phillip's goal in therapy is to assist clients in finding a balance between Nurture, Play, and Structure in their lives. You can learn more about a Nurture, Play, Structure approach at nurtureplaystructure.com.

Phillip is especially interested in supervising those who desire to learn more about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, relationship therapy, and trauma. Please contact Phillip if you are interested in supervision.