Our Team
Meet Our Staff
A warm, family-owned practice dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care in a safe and welcoming environment.
Margaret Donald(she/her)
Founder & Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Hi, I'm Margaret (she/her), and I'm the owner of A Different Attitude Counseling. I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, but honestly, I've never been particularly interested in doing therapy the "usual" way.
I believe counseling should be a place where you can actually be yourself. No pretending you're fine when you're not. No trying to squeeze yourself into somebody else's idea of who you're supposed to be.
I especially enjoy working with adults and young adults who have spent a lot of time feeling like they don't quite fit in. I work with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent clients and with people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, identity, and all the messy stuff that comes with being a human being.
My ideal client is probably someone who is either unapologetically themselves — or really wants to get there. I love helping people figure out who they are, what they actually want, and how to stop letting everyone else's expectations run their lives.
And yes, I really do mean it when I say weird is wonderful here. I have absolutely no interest in making you less weird.
If you've ever felt like you were the odd one out, you may have found your people. And if you believe in aliens, Bigfoot, and ghosts, we're probably going to get along just fine.
Free Initial Consultation — Because I firmly believe that the key to your success in counseling is the therapeutic relationship, I make the first consultation free.
Amy Brunson
Business & Office Manager
Hi my name is Amy Brunson, Business Manager here at A Different Attitude Counseling located in the heart of Cary, NC. I have 6 years of experience in the health care industry and coming up on 4 years of leadership experience. I have been working at ADAC since the pandemic in 2020.
A little-known fun fact is that A Different Attitude Counseling has grown into a family-owned business. Margaret Donald is the owner of this beautiful counseling company and she just so happens to be my Mother-in-law. I stepped up to help handle all of the back-end responsibilities such as billing, insurance claims, client intake, and employee payroll — ensuring that Margaret was able to focus on providing the best possible care for her clients.
My family and friends know that I am a ride or die Harry Potter fan. They would also tell you that I have a warm personality and like to keep a positive attitude. The cup is always half full in my head. I am so glad you stumbled upon our website — let's get you set up with a free consultation!
Kimberly Hayes
Counseling Intern
Hello! I'm Kimberly Hayes and I'm currently a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Wake Forest University.
I am passionate to work with clients who are working through trauma, anxiety, and depression. I believe everyone deserves to feel comfortable, supported, and like they belong, and my goal is to help create that kind of healing space.
I genuinely enjoy connecting with people, learning their stories, being present with them, and being the ears or the voice they need in that moment. Helping individuals transform into the best version of themselves feels like my purpose. I'm grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside people who may feel alone and to help them leave each session feeling more empowered, grounded, and stronger than when they first stepped through the door.
Ready to Take the First Step?
We'd love to connect you with the right counselor for your needs. Reach out today to schedule your free initial consultation.