Therapists in Monroe, NC

Feeling frustrated? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Not sure how to engage effectively with your children? Whether it is school/peer anxiety, relationship issues, parent/child/sibling conflict, or something completely different, I welcome the opportunity to help children, teens, and adults work through life's challenges. I will help to highlight focus areas and to identify smaller steps to make the process feel manageable as you work toward your goal.

My drive in life has always been to advocate for those who don't feel like they can advocate for themselves. As a former teacher, I knew that mental health was not a priority when it needed to be. I want to help my clients learn more about their innermost self, and help to come up with goals and plans that are reachable, no matter how small they may be. No goal is too small or unattainable , and it is important to be kind to yourself, find little stepping stones, and grow from there.

There is a solution. There is hope. And there is healing. Anxiety, depression, disordered eating, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, disruption in relationships, substance abuse, and on and on. These are curable, changeable, healable issues. When you go straight to the root of the issue, you can bring deep, lasting change. And we now know that the root of every mental health disorder (and many physical diseases as well) is some form of unresolved trauma. Trauma refers to any moment in our lives that we were unsafe in some way. Big or small, single events or years-long patterns-if we aren't able to process it, we store it.

I am passionate about working with individuals and families. I believe the client/ therapist relationship is a critical component of the therapeutic process and place emphasis on maintaining a nonjudgmental, caring, and safe environment for my clients. My compassion and use of evidence-based research models provide a space for me to empower and support clients. I believe that the therapy process is collaborative, both therapist and client work together to develop strategies and tools to help clients transition through stressful times. Using both long and short-term therapy approaches, I create an individual approach for clients.

Don't over-think therapy. It's just not that complicated. When things get difficult, it's often hard to ask for help. We all face challenges, and we often overcome them on our own. Sometimes it takes much longer than we'd like, and that's when therapy comes into play. Why spend months or years taking on a situation or challenge by yourself, when you could work through it in far less time? Insanity is doing the same things, over and over, and expecting different results. Try something new, and break those old patterns.

I work with female and male teens, young adults, and adults who are struggling with meeting their goals, maintaining healthy relationships, identity issues, and navigating the transitions and stressors life throws. I also enjoy working with couples who have hit road blocks and need guidance and a third party perspective. My approach is interpersonal and I offer a space for clients to gain feedback and accountability through the development of a strong therapeutic alliance. I lead an adult Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group and incorporate skills training into my practice.

My mission is to provide the very best counseling and coaching services to help people grow and enrich their lives. I specialize in individual, marital, family, and career counseling as well as professional coaching. Rather than narrowly focusing on problems or diagnostic labels, I help people develop productive lifestyles. As a result, my clients have the satisfaction of improving their own health and having a positive influence on their world.

I counsel an array of emotional and behavioral aspects including ADHD/ADD, depression, personality disorders autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, anger management, juvenile crime prevention, men's issues, spirituality conflicts marriage therapy and substance abuse. I believe that people can change and grow throughout their lifespan identifying life challenges and making positive cognitive choices. Counseling can facilitate self-understanding as well as understanding of others. My clients range from adults and older adolescents dealing with individual life challenges, to couples dealing with relationship issues.

I have 30+ years as both a psychotherapist and executive and life coach. I work with individuals, couples, families, leaders and teams to improve mood and achieve positive change. My work is solution focused helping clients resolve inner and relational conflicts, alter bad habits promoting healthy life choices and lifestyles. I utilize well researched methods including CBT, IFS and mindfulness, assisting with issues including ADHD, anxiety, communication and sleep problems. I help clients learn how to live more intentionally and passionately thru mindfulness, problem solving and by developing positive habits.

I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) and a registered play therapist (RPT). While I still work with children and adolescents, I have also expanded my practice to work with more adults. I believe the foundation of counseling is building a trusting relationship with my clients and making them feel at ease. I approach therapy as an interactive process and I enjoy working collaboratively with clients and utilizing methods that best fit each individual's needs.

"Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step"-Mariska Hargitay. That first call (or email) will be the hardest but also the bravest step in your healing journey. With the twists and turns that life can throw at us, it can feel very overwhelming and we may not know where to go for help. If you are reading this, it is a great first step. The goal I have for my clients is to help guide them through the storm and help them to gain insight into their thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are preventing them from reaching their full potential.

In 2011, I decided to start studying to become a therapist after working as a classroom educator for 16 years, because I saw the failing of the educational system and the struggles of the family system. I started working as a therapist in 2016, and today, we all face a variety of emotional issues that are difficult for to express, name, and discuss. Many people feel as if no one is listening or will listen to them, especially adults on the Autism Spectrum who already struggle with communication. I want to help empower all people on the Autism Spectrum and their support systems.

As a counselor, my first priority is to welcome my clients without scrutiny or judgment. I consider my clients as whole people, create space for their authenticity, autonomy, and self-advocacy. I am Clinical Mental Health Counseling intern with nearly a decade of experience working with special needs students in a school setting. I'm especially passionate about working with teens and young adults as they are discovering their neurodivergence - what that means to them and learning self-acceptance. As an avid ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, I welcome clients exploring their sexuality, coming out, and processing with their loved ones.

My passion for helping others stems from my belief in the inherent resilience that lies within every person. I am a firm advocate for de-stigmatizing mental health challenges and fostering an environment of understanding and acceptance. I understand that seeking help can be a courageous step, and I am here to provide a judgment-free space where individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, and concerns. My approach to therapy is rooted in a combination of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Trauma-Focused Therapy. I enjoy working with Neurodivergents.