Solstice East welcomes Primary Therapists Sophie Williams and Alex Veillieux, two highly skilled and compassionate professionals, to a growing team of clinicians. With their diverse backgrounds and dedication to supporting individuals and families, Sophie and Alex bring a wealth of experience to Solstice East. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Sophie and Alex to our team,” said Executive Director Carla Shorts. “Their extensive experience, person-centered dedication, and diverse skill sets will enhance our ability to provide exceptional care and support to our students and their families. We are excited to have Sophie and Alex on board and look forward to the positive impact they will undoubtedly make in the lives of those they serve.”

Sophie Williams’ journey to Solstice East is a testament to her commitment to helping others. With over eight years of experience working with families in a school-based setting, Sophie’s career began as an elementary school teacher, where she earned the prestigious “Teacher of the Year” recognition. Her passion for mental health led her to pursue a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Western Carolina University in North Carolina. She is currently registered as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHC-A).

Sophie’s expertise is working with anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, grief/loss, and relational conflicts. Drawing from her background as a teacher, she is dedicated to meeting clients where they are and believes in the individual strengths and talents each person possesses. Sophie’s therapeutic philosophy centers on the idea that every person has the answers they need within themselves, and she aims to guide and support students and their families in discovering those answers.

Sophie’s commitment to providing trauma-informed, person-centered care is evident in her use of modalities like Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), expressive art therapy, and mindfulness. She is dedicated to furthering her clinical skills and learning new modalities. She hopes to become certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and expand her knowledge of somatic modalities and equine therapy. Above all, Sophie is driven by her desire to support families during challenging times. Her work is grounded in a relationship-based, empathic perspective, where trust is central to all client relationships.

Also joining the Solstice East clinical team is Alex Veillieux, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate (LCAS-A). Alex Veillieux’s path to Solstice East has been marked by diverse experiences shaping his unique approach to mental health support. Before pursuing a career in mental health, he served as a Wilderness Field Instructor for several years, providing him with valuable insights into the human experience. After graduating from Western Carolina University, Alex led the clinical team at a community-based crisis stabilization and detoxification program in downtown Asheville, NC.

Alex specializes in addressing anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, loss, and substance abuse issues. Alex fosters acceptance and unconditional positive regard in his work, drawing from his experiences in the service industry, metalworking, farming, coaching, and outdoor leadership. He is multilingual, speaking conversational French and Spanish, which allows him to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and cultures.

His therapeutic approach incorporates Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and somatic methods. He aims to help clients develop a sense of capability, paving the way for lasting personal growth. Alex is passionate about meeting clients where they are and supporting them on their unique journeys through laughter, tears, physical activity, and thoughtful contemplation. He is dedicated to providing ethical, high-quality, evidence-based care to each person he works with.

In welcoming Sophie and Alex to the Solstice East team, the program gains two incredibly talented therapists and individuals who are deeply passionate about positively impacting the lives of those they serve. Their diverse backgrounds, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to supporting mental health align perfectly with Solstice East’s mission to provide compassionate, evidence-based care. Undoubtedly, Sophie and Alex will play pivotal roles in enhancing the well-being of students and their families, fostering growth, resilience, and healing. 

About Solstice East

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for young women ages 14-17 nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Solstice East is committed to treating each student through a combination of individual, family, equine, and adventure therapies as well as treating and diagnosing a range of issues including (but not limited to) trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviors, attachment, and identity issues. Solstice East assists adolescents and their families in developing excellence in relationships, influence, character, and health throughout their life journey. Our holistic approach acknowledges that mental health diagnoses are only one piece of the puzzle; we strive to help young women succeed in multiple areas of their lives.