Therapy for Filipino & Tagalog-Speaking Clients in Asheville
Your experiences are your own. If family, culture, faith, migration, language, or community are part of what you are carrying, they can have a place in the conversation—without assumptions about what they mean to you.
Care shaped around you
You bring the context. We begin with listening.
There is no one way to be Filipino, to belong to a family, or to move between cultures. You can bring the parts of your story that feel important—relationships, responsibilities, traditions, faith, identity, language, or the experience of living between places—and decide together what deserves attention.
Therapy can offer space to understand patterns, ease anxiety or overwhelm, work through relationship concerns, and make choices that feel more connected to your values. The work is collaborative and evidence-based; it starts with what has been happening in your life, not with assumptions about your background.
Dr. Athena Dacanay holds a PhD in Educational Psychology and a Master of Family Life and Child Development from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. That background is one part of her perspective; your own experiences and priorities guide the conversation.
Language and fit
Let’s talk about what would help you feel understood.
If you prefer to speak in Tagalog or a mix of languages, please ask the practice about language options before scheduling. The practice will confirm what is available and whether the service is a good fit.
Ask about language and fitMeet Dr. Athena Dacanay
Dr. Athena Dacanay
Licensed Psychologist
10+ years in practice
My Filipino background informs my appreciation for kapwa—our shared humanity—and the importance of family, connection, and belonging.
I understand that cultural expectations can shape how we express distress, ask for help, and care for one another.
Whether you immigrated yourself or your family’s roots here span generations, questions of identity, belonging, and family expectations may still matter.
You may find yourself balancing different cultural values or navigating messages about mental health that make it difficult to speak openly.
It takes courage to ask for help, and I’m glad you’ve taken the first step.
You do not have to leave your culture at the door; we can explore what it means to you, what sustains you, and where you need room for change.
I hold a PhD in Educational Psychology from Ball State University and a Master of Family Life and Child Development from the University of the Philippines, Diliman.
I am licensed as a psychologist in North Carolina and Illinois, with active PSYPACT APIT authorization.
My clinical training includes ERP through the IOCDF Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), S.P.A.C.E. with Dr. Eli Lebowitz, and Gottman Method Level 3 training.
PhD in Educational Psychology
Ball State University
Master of Family Life and Child Development
University of the Philippines, Diliman
ERP training through BTTI
S.P.A.C.E. trained by Dr. Eli Lebowitz
Gottman Method Level 3 Trained
Licensed Psychologist in North Carolina and Illinois
Active PSYPACT APIT authorization
Member: IOCDF, OCD North Carolina, WNCPA, and NCPA
- OCD
- Anxiety
- Relationship Issues
- Psychological Evaluations
Adults — often educated or working in professional settings, many with families — frequently seeking therapy during transitions such as new work, raising children, loss, or adjusting to new roles, or seeking to learn better ways to cope with difficult or even traumatic experiences. Couples and parents are welcome. You do not need a diagnosis or crisis to begin.
My therapeutic approach is grounded primarily in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I also incorporate Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) Treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to meet each client's unique needs.
In Person or Online
Office Location
ICF Psychological Services 1095 Hendersonville Road, Suite A-4 Asheville, NC 28803
Our Asheville office is a thoughtfully designed space for focused conversation, reflection, and meaningful work. If you prefer to meet remotely, telehealth appointments are available through HIPAA-compliant video platforms, including Zoom and SimplePractice, allowing you to connect from wherever works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don't have to choose alone.
Start with a conversation about what you are looking for, your location, language preference, and whether the available care feels like a fit.
Complimentary Consultation