Meet Caroline!

Caroline Rutledge

Durham, North Carolina

Interested in working together?
I offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you decide if I’m the right fit.

Based in Durham, NC
Offering in-person and telehealth for clients across North Carolina

caroline@fearlessfoundationsnc.com

(984) 281-7481
Weekday appointments available

Hi, I’m Caroline Rutledge (she/her), a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate based in Durham, North Carolina.

I specialize in helping clients heal from eating disorders, trauma, substance use, and anxiety. I bring warmth, honesty, and a collaborative approach to our work. My style is supportive, but I’m not afraid to gently challenge you when needed. I believe therapy should feel both safe and empowering.

I’m trained in EMDR and use a range of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, ACT, motivational interviewing, and Maudsley Family Therapy (FBT). I’m currently working toward certification as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS).

I earned dual Master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from North Carolina Central University, and my BA from UNC-Chapel Hill in Journalism (PR) and Political Science. Go Heels!

When I’m not in session, I’m likely spending time with my husband and our Maltese sidekicks (future therapy dogs in training), catching up on podcasts or reading a good book, playing a little tennis, dreaming up travel plans, or laughing with friends and family. I also love winding down with movies, good shows, music, puzzles, and board games—anything that helps me recharge and connect with joy.

In addition to my clinical work, I’m deeply involved with the Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders (CRC)—the only nonprofit in North Carolina focused solely on eating disorder support, education, and advocacy. I currently serve as Vice President of the Board of Directors, serve as an adult support group facilitator, and am an active member of CRC’s statewide professional network. This work allows me to stay connected to the broader eating disorder recovery community and contribute to lasting, systemic change that improves access to care across our state. I’m passionate about advocating for education, access to care, and systemic change—and I’m honored to contribute to CRC’s mission of expanding awareness, resources, and hope across NC. 

My Core Values

I meet every client with empathy, curiosity, and respect. I understand that many behaviors began as survival strategies, and I work to create a space that feels safe, validating, and judgment-free.

I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. I tailor our work to who you are—your story, your identity, and your goals—while honoring the connection between mind, body, and environment.

Even when recovery feels out of reach, I hold hope for you. I believe change is possible—and I’ll support you in discovering what healing looks like on your terms.

I practice from a Health at Every Size® and weight-inclusive lens. I affirm all body sizes, gender identities, sexualities, races, and lived experiences—and I continually work to offer an anti-oppressive, inclusive space.

I believe therapy works best when we work together. You are the expert on your life, and my role is to support, guide, and empower—not to dictate or fix.

I bring my full, human self into the therapy room. I value honesty, real conversations, and the courage it takes to do this work. I’ll offer both compassion and gentle challenge as we move toward growth.

These are the values that guide how I show up—every session, every client, every step of the journey.