Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Sharon Dresbach, PhD, is a skilled and compassionate clinical psychologist with a doctorate and specialty training in the area of behavioral medicine, including the psychological study of pain and medical disorders. She's been an integral part of the team at Johnston Pain Management, P.A., which has three convenient locations in Jacksonville, New Bern, and Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, since 1996. Dr. Dresbach received her Ph.D. at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook and completed her internship training at Yale-West Haven VA Medical Center. She has had several clinical appointments specializing in the management of acute and chronic pain and psychological disorders related to medical conditions. As a respected member of the medical community, Dr. Dresbach is also responsible for a number of original research papers in the areas of pain and depression. Dr. Dresbach looks forward to welcoming new and returning patients to Johnston Pain Management, P.A.
Natalie Newton, PhD, is a licensed psychologist, writer, and world record cyclist. She offers compassionate care to patients at Johnston Pain Management, P.A., which has three convenient locations in Jacksonville, New Bern, and Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. She has 25 years of experience working with adults, seniors, and top-level professional athletes. Dr. Newton received her PhD from the Professional Psychology Program at Union Institute & University in 1995 and holds a Master of Arts from Antioch University and Bachelor of Arts from North Carolina State University. Having held licenses in four states, Dr. Newton recently returned to her hometown of New Bern. Dr. Newton is considered an expert in her field and has been quoted in major newspapers and spent many years offering keynote addresses. She has appeared on programs such as TODAY, Good Morning America, and Good Morning Australia. Dr. Newton offers cognitive behavioral therapy at the office in New Bern. Dr. Newton looks forward to welcoming patients to Johnston Pain Management, P.A., and helping them improve their sense of wellbeing.
Audrey Ahlvers is a performance psychologist and executive coach with over 15 years of experience helping high-achievers—business leaders, professional athletes, and neurodivergent professionals—go beyond “good” to reach their full potential.
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, and MBA candidate, Audrey combines clinical insight with real-world leadership. Her background as an Army Logistics and Medical Officer (2004–2012) gave her firsthand experience coaching senior military leaders and operating in high-pressure environments—skills she now brings to her civilian coaching practice.
Since 2012, Audrey has provided assessment-driven, solution-focused coaching to clients seeking immediate and lasting change. Her approach includes executive functioning support, EMDR for performance enhancement, and BIFF communication strategies to build resilience, clarity, and confidence under pressure. She also specializes in ADHD and neurodivergence coaching, helping clients harness their unique cognitive strengths.
Audrey is known for her direct, future-focused style and integrates innovative tools like animal-assisted therapy with her certified therapy cat, Burger. As a published author and dedicated practitioner, she supports high performers with practical strategies and flexible scheduling that fit demanding lives.
I offer a compassionate and safe space for individuals and families to explore challenges, restore balance, and build resilience. With over 40 years of experience in behavioral health and clinical social work, I’m here to help you move forward — with clarity and confidence.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a background spanning medical hospitals, psychiatric care, and community mental health. My approach is grounded in empathy, clinical expertise, and the belief that each person holds the potential for change.
From managing trauma, depression, and dual diagnoses to supporting families in crisis, my work is always tailored to the unique needs of my clients.
I offer individual and family therapy for adults, Areas of focus include:
I bring decades of clinical experience from Duke Regional Hospital’s Behavioral Health Unit and outpatient mental health clinics. My practice reflects a balance of hospital-based care and private therapy — integrating structured assessment with human connection.
I'm passionate about helping women and families find calm and clarity through life’s biggest changes. I specialize in maternal mental health, supporting women through fertility struggles, pregnancy, and postpartum anxiety or depression. Along with maternal mental health, I support clients through major life transitions that can feel overwhelming or uncertain. I work with young adults adjusting to independence and older adults navigating retirement, health changes, or loss—helping each find balance, resilience, and renewed meaning in life.
Blending DBT, ACT, somatic approaches, and mindfulness, my goal is to help clients build emotional balance, confidence, and a deeper connection to themselves. I strive to create a space where you can bring your whole self — the parts that feel strong and capable, as well as the parts that feel uncertain, tired, or scared.
Certain life transitions can stir up complex emotions: joy mixed with fear, gratitude mixed with guilt, hope intertwined with grief. My goal is to help you find steadiness in that mix. If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, I’d be honored to walk alongside you—reach out and let’s start together.
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