Stress Therapists in Burnsville, NC

Sometimes life seems to pour stress and anxiety onto us from a bucket. My specialty is helping you get back in the drivers seat. Creating the life you want by aligning values with time. Helping you show up in the world in a way you can feel proud of. Having a full balanced life is an option.

If you’ve found your way to this site (and let’s be real…if you’re a human being), I know life has handed you or your child many stressors and challenges and you/ they are likely experiencing strong or even overwhelming emotions - perhaps anxiety, sadness, outbursts or numbing, low self-worth. I believe many of our common difficulties stem from experiences of disconnection - with ourselves, others, and the natural world - and that what most of us are seeking is a path toward belonging, joy, a sense of calm, and meaning. These gifts of life grow when we begin connecting, inward & outward, and immerse ourselves in the world around us.

I specialize in assisting individuals who struggle with depression and anxiety. I enjoy working with adults (both young-at-heart and old souls) who are willing to try new things and open to change. I’m enthusiastic about therapy. I love talking about and challenging how we see ourselves and our world. I believe that change is possible though examining our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I believe in the healing that can come with a daily mindfulness practice and learning to live in the present moment.

Living authentic lives aligned with our true values & beliefs is challenging at times. When out of alignment, we may recognize we no longer function well, feel stuck, or lack a sense of meaning and purpose. Previous coping strategies may no longer be sufficient to deal with life’s unexpected events. We may need help to access our innate wisdom & strengths, claim our own voice & self-worth, & free ourselves to move towards our goals.

Licensed in North Carolina and Florida. I have 41 years of experience as a psychotherapist helping individuals heal and flourish. I partner with you to assist you in developing positive emotional states, a fulfilling sense of empowerment and a meaningful life. We address anxiety and depression due to loss, abuse, transitions, interpersonal tension and confusion about how to live authentically in a complex world. We can also focus on relationship difficulties to build mutual respect and mature love. If you are a change-maker committed to making a positive difference in your community, we can work on any challenges you are facing.

One of the bravest things you can do is to explore your own patterns and notice the ways they do or do not serve you. Maybe you keep hitting the same wall in your relationship to your self and with others. Maybe anxiety is controlling you or you feel disempowered in your daily life. I commit to support you in noticing your strengths and finding compassion for your stumbles. Together we will grow joy and presence in your life, while learning to attend to, and possibly resolve, unhelpful feelings and patterns. I believe in finding space to be ok in our humanness, while also staying accountable for telling ourselves the truth.

Sometimes we find ourselves submerged in complicated feelings that are confusing and scary. This becomes a window into some of the core truths of our inner lives, of internalized relationships, longings, and past experiences. I accompany people through an exploration of this inner life and provide a supportive space to move through stuck points, process issues towards closure, and emerge to more genuinely appreciate your life and relationships.

Appalachian Counseling and Psychological Services is a full service testing center providing psychological and neuropsychological testing. We provide diagnostic testing for assessments for mood disorders, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, learning disabilities, giftedness, parental fitness evaluations, assessments for cognitive functioning, and post-concussion cognitive assessments.

Hearing from the heart and seeking help with paralyzing personal challenges can be a daunting experience. Finding someone to connect with in the process of personal healing is half the battle to a solution. Keeping the person at the center of the therapeutic process is a goal for me. I have employed this approach for over 16 years of practice in Western NC. While this majestic mountain setting is a place of unique beauty it is not free of personal challenges that may need a calm and skilled approach to navigating life' s challenges.

Problems happen. Some feel like little more than speed bumps, some feel like giant mountains that are almost impossible to overcome. Whatever life throws at you and your family, support is here. Whether it is behavioral issues impacting your children, arguments occurring in your relationships, or utter chaos wreaking havoc on your family. There is HOPE. Let's chat about ways to address and overcome this problem.

I bring integrative and trauma informed approaches to the healing relationship. There is an opportunity that exists during or after a crisis event or transition. Curiosity without judgement can help you take the next steps. Reach out if you are experiencing family or relationship issues, problems in your life from trauma or difficult experiences, school or work related stress, or problems from chronic health conditions.

Ready to take the first step towards creating the life you want? It takes courage and awareness. Make the changes within yourself to improve life's journey. I am here to help you realize your inherent strength, wisdom, and access to your own inner healer... all the while providing encouragement and support along the way. Licensed as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Clinical Addictions Specialist, I have 15 years of experience working with women, men, and couples, of all ages and backgrounds. I believe in your ability to create transformation for yourself through commitment and our work together.