Trauma Focused Therapists in Havelock, NC

I have worked with individuals throughout many different life stages and events in an attempt to improve their quality of life. It is my goal to meet clients where they are currently at in the therapeutic process and work with them to help meet their goals. I have experience working with all ages to include children/adolescents, teens, adults, and older adults. I utilize a trauma informed, strengths based perspective with my clients to assist with an array of challenges and strive to identify an effective and appropriate evidence based clinical intervention with clients.

Everyone has times in their life that are challenging, confusing, and/or hard to figure out. Life gets that way sometimes. There is wisdom in seeking help to sort through these challenges. Sometimes a professional can help you see things from a different angle, provide other thoughts to consider, and be there with you as you figure out the hard things in life. We all want the very best for our marriages, our children, our families, and yes, even ourselves- at home and at work. Sometimes we experience unimaginable, unspeakable trauma. There is hope for the future, hope for your life, beyond what happened. Life gets better.

Its a TOXIC WORLD, social media and COVID have devastated our lives and caused so much pain. Its hard to know where to turn and who can actually understand or help. Having somewhere to go where you are understood and accepted is the first step. What comes after is amazing!

HEALING IS AN ACTION WORD. It can be overwhelming finding a therapist. Reaching out for help can be difficult in itself. You’ve already taken the biggest step! Its important that the provider you choose understand you as an individual, your needs, YOUR definition of the problem (not anyone else’s). Even if we are not the best fit for you, we can provide a safe, confidential space to examine your needs in order to find the best provider for you.

EMDR Trained and Certified. Many people find themselves stuck in unconscious patterns that obstruct success, joy and the life they were meant to live. I work with you in exploring your daily patterns and how your experiences may have shaped you. After careful assessment, we work together to establish minor adjustments that set you on a course of optimal balance. Small changes can have profound effects. We target the root of the emotions, which have positive results in enhancing self-confidence, relationships, career, success, and ultimately bringing you back to your highest, most authentic self where you can experience true joy.

I believe counseling is a process by which we gain insight into ourselves.It is my responsibility to provide you with a safe environment to explore your thoughts and feelings. I use a combination of therapies, cognitive behavioral, reality based, person centered and motivational interviewing. I understand that every individual &situation is different, I will adapt to best fit the you. We will look at your cognitions and behaviors, to understand where you are and where you hope to be. My goal is to provide you with the strength to succeed, & with tangible resources and techniques that you can use outside of the counseling session.

From my experiences as a veteran, wife, daughter, mother, and a licensed marriage & family therapist, I have a great appreciation for the healing that can occur when life's difficulties are confronted and understood in the context of relationships. Research shows that more progress is made when individuals have natural supports involved in their treatment. These supports may come in the form of family members, friends, significant others, coworkers, or another professional in your life.

Finding a therapist you can trust is key when pursuing mental health services. I believe that all aspects of a client's life are relevant and contribute to their overall mental health. I work with individuals/ families experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, irregular mood, stress, trauma, and behavioral issues. I also work with clients who are having a hard time adjusting to life changes, grief, and loss. I utilize a variety of interventions in order to provide the best quality of treatment for each client.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed to practice in North Carolina. My approach is trauma informed and client centered. I use elements of Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy depending on you as my client and your needs. Therapy is as individual as each client and is not a one size fits all process. I've worked with adults at all life stages from young adulthood through senior citizen. I want to work with you to find the approach that works best for you and your expectations of therapy.

Do you find life overwhelming at times and afraid of the next “storm” coming? Do you sometimes wake up wishing the day was already over? Do you question if life will ever get any better than this? Do you feel misunderstood, unheard, or disconnected from other important people in your life? Life doesn’t have to be this difficult. And you shouldn’t have to walk this journey alone. Populations I primarily serve include both adolescents (ages 11+) and adults. I also identify as an LGBTQIA ally.

With a deep specialization in PTSD, cPTSD and a wide range of mental health issues, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. As a certified EMDR practitioner, a Board-Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC) and a member of The American Art Therapy Association, I have honed my skills in working with individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. One of my strongest convictions lies in the transformative potential of art and psychodynamic theory. I have witnessed firsthand how artistic expression can be a powerful tool for healing, enabling individuals to navigate their emotions and gain profound insight.

*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* We all have difficult or negative experiences that occur in our lives. Unfortunately, these experiences continue to affect us without processing and getting past them. I would love to help you process and get past these experiences to ensure they do not continue to affect your life or the relationships you value most. I also specialize in providing trauma treatment to military personnel, veterans, first responders and victims of physical/sexual assault. I was active-duty military for 15 years and deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Italy. I have been a volunteer firefighter here for over 10 years as well.

We all arrive at turning points in life, a place in which we realize that our current path no longer suits our needs or reflects our values. Often, we develop ways of coping with life’s stressors and continue to use these outdated coping methods long after they have lost their purpose. Therapy is most effective when it addresses bio-psycho-social wellness in all areas. I will listen to your needs and desired outcomes to help you create your ideal plan for recovery and wellness.

09.01.23 - Practice accepting new clients! You have been through some things - things you choose not to talk about. You have been dealing with things in your own way, but it’s not working anymore. You need a place where you can talk. You want to know you won’t be judged. You want support and understanding. You are tired of these thoughts and memories coming up over and over. You are ready to move on from the nightmares, anger issues, anxiety, depression, and feeling stressed out. You want to have healthy relationships and be able to actually live life, instead of just making it.

Currently accepting new clients (BCBS, Medcost,and self pay). I am a licensed clinical social worker, addictions specialist, and trauma specialist who works with adults and adolescence (16+) with trauma (PTSD), addiction, depression, anxiety, and other diagnosis. I am trained in providing brainspotting as a progressive form of therapy intervention to treat all things from PTSD to mental blocks with sports. I integrate other trauma informed approaches as each individual has unique goals and complex needs. Together, lets work towards better understanding the course of your symptoms and finding solutions to bring you to your best self.

Do you ever feel a disconnect and you do not understand why? Perhaps, you play scenarios internally time and time again with little to no resolution. Maybe things from your past have never fully been resolved making it hard to streamline your thoughts. If you are seeking to find resolution, apply self-care, and enjoy the moment, I welcome you to contact me today. Together, we can determine goals applicable to your desired outcome, and strive to increase your overall level of wellness.

Having support and guidance with life challenges can be empowering for healing and self growth! Many times we just need someone to listen as we talk through our life challenges. A good working relationship between a therapist and client begins with rapport and trust. With a Person Centered approach in our therapy sessions, I will utilize therapeutic interventions, such as CBT, TFCBT and expressive therapies so each session is individualized to the client. I completed my Phd coursework for Advanced Studies of Human Behavior in 2015 and I completed my master's degree of Community Counseling in 2009.

Are you in tune with your true self and living your best life? If you feel like your inner purpose or clarity is lacking then let me reassure you: you're not alone! There are patterns of dissonance in everyone, it's part of the human condition. These patterns are passed down through generations and affect each of us in our experience of wellness. It’s the childhood programming or traumas and painful experiences that create wounds carried throughout a lifetime. Being confused about your true nature or downright believing the lies you tell yourself can feel like a prison of your own making.