Photo of Lola Sanford, Licensed Professional Counselor in 28105, NC
Lola Sanford
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105
Ideally, you would like to live a life that is fulfilling and authentic. Maybe there have been roadblocks that have slowed you down or perhaps brought you to a dead stop. I am committed to seeing people move from emotional limitations into freedom, able to maximize potential and walk in their full destiny. You are not a victim! Be brave and address anger, self-esteem, grief, emptiness. It is important to deal with painful issues of the past. We will work creatively to address the distinct areas of your life that may be hurting.
Ideally, you would like to live a life that is fulfilling and authentic. Maybe there have been roadblocks that have slowed you down or perhaps brought you to a dead stop. I am committed to seeing people move from emotional limitations into freedom, able to maximize potential and walk in their full destiny. You are not a victim! Be brave and address anger, self-esteem, grief, emptiness. It is important to deal with painful issues of the past. We will work creatively to address the distinct areas of your life that may be hurting.
(704) 869-2635 View (704) 869-2635
Photo of Abbey Vann, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 28105, NC
Abbey Vann
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105
Do you ever find yourself saying "It is not supposed to be this way"? At times we have all felt lost in life, or found ourselves in a place we do not wish to be. Whether it be at the hands of trauma, loss of self-esteem, familial discord, or failed relationships, sometimes we all need some guidance getting back to our best version of ourselves.
Do you ever find yourself saying "It is not supposed to be this way"? At times we have all felt lost in life, or found ourselves in a place we do not wish to be. Whether it be at the hands of trauma, loss of self-esteem, familial discord, or failed relationships, sometimes we all need some guidance getting back to our best version of ourselves.
(704) 665-5963 View (704) 665-5963
Photo of Chelsie Ciminelli, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 28105, NC
Chelsie Ciminelli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW-A
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105
It’s okay to ask for what you need. This is something I need to remind myself of on a daily basis. So many of us focus intently on making sure everyone else is taken care of and we completely abandon ourselves and ignore our own needs. This leaves us feeling exhausted, depleted, and quite frankly, resentful because we think to ourselves “why isn’t anyone taking care of me?” I teach my clients what a healthy relationship looks like because if this wasn’t modeled to you at some point throughout your life, no one can expect you to know what it means.
It’s okay to ask for what you need. This is something I need to remind myself of on a daily basis. So many of us focus intently on making sure everyone else is taken care of and we completely abandon ourselves and ignore our own needs. This leaves us feeling exhausted, depleted, and quite frankly, resentful because we think to ourselves “why isn’t anyone taking care of me?” I teach my clients what a healthy relationship looks like because if this wasn’t modeled to you at some point throughout your life, no one can expect you to know what it means.
(980) 243-4918 View (980) 243-4918
Photo of Katie Stenmark, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 28105, NC
Katie Stenmark
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105
Are you feeling stuck repeating the same cycle over and over again? Are your usual ways of handling stress not working anymore? Are you struggling in your relationship with your partner, family, or friends? Maybe you know something needs to change but you are feeling powerless to make that change. At some point we all encounter difficulties in our life and feel unsure of our next steps. This is common but can feel lonely and isolating.
Are you feeling stuck repeating the same cycle over and over again? Are your usual ways of handling stress not working anymore? Are you struggling in your relationship with your partner, family, or friends? Maybe you know something needs to change but you are feeling powerless to make that change. At some point we all encounter difficulties in our life and feel unsure of our next steps. This is common but can feel lonely and isolating.
(704) 459-3133 View (704) 459-3133
Photo of Hope Again Counseling, Susan Steier, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in 28105, NC
Hope Again Counseling, Susan Steier
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105
I am licensed for Telehealth in Florida. Helping couples is an extreme passion for me as it's the most important relationship in an individual's life. The ability to have a healthy, thriving marriage is my goal in working with couples. This growth is often painful and joyful but worth it! I also work with partners of sexual addiction/infidelity to aid in healing from the trauma, setting boundaries and the process of formal therapeutic disclosure (including polygraphs where desired). I also utilize Gottman interventions. For couples looking for a more intense approach, I offer a 6 hour one day intensive.
I am licensed for Telehealth in Florida. Helping couples is an extreme passion for me as it's the most important relationship in an individual's life. The ability to have a healthy, thriving marriage is my goal in working with couples. This growth is often painful and joyful but worth it! I also work with partners of sexual addiction/infidelity to aid in healing from the trauma, setting boundaries and the process of formal therapeutic disclosure (including polygraphs where desired). I also utilize Gottman interventions. For couples looking for a more intense approach, I offer a 6 hour one day intensive.
(704) 703-7509 View (704) 703-7509
Photo of Tori Vollmer, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 28105, NC
Tori Vollmer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
Matthews, NC 28105
Are you struggling to find solutions to your most pressing concerns? Do you find it difficult to communicate with others? Are you feeling bullied, depressed, angry, frustrated, or misunderstood? Are you struggling with understanding your or a family member's sexual identity? Have you experienced physical or verbal abuse and find the trauma is overwhelming you? Have you experienced thoughts of suicide? If any of these questions resonate with you, then let's chat a bit. It is my goal to help you identify and achieve yours!
Are you struggling to find solutions to your most pressing concerns? Do you find it difficult to communicate with others? Are you feeling bullied, depressed, angry, frustrated, or misunderstood? Are you struggling with understanding your or a family member's sexual identity? Have you experienced physical or verbal abuse and find the trauma is overwhelming you? Have you experienced thoughts of suicide? If any of these questions resonate with you, then let's chat a bit. It is my goal to help you identify and achieve yours!
(980) 290-7272 View (980) 290-7272
Photo of Manu Counseling LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in 28105, NC
Manu Counseling LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105  (Online Only)
Life can feel overwhelming. When it does, it’s not unusual for individuals to find a counselor who can help them deal with the obstacles life throws! Whether you are struggling in your relationship with yourself, your partner or your family, our goal is to create a safe, trustworthy, and confidential space to process through the difficult emotions and to see your painful experiences in new, life-giving ways. We can help you learn coping skills and specific strategies to help you grow from what you may be going through.
Life can feel overwhelming. When it does, it’s not unusual for individuals to find a counselor who can help them deal with the obstacles life throws! Whether you are struggling in your relationship with yourself, your partner or your family, our goal is to create a safe, trustworthy, and confidential space to process through the difficult emotions and to see your painful experiences in new, life-giving ways. We can help you learn coping skills and specific strategies to help you grow from what you may be going through.
(984) 205-4740 View (984) 205-4740
Photo of Ray Castillo, Marriage & Family Therapist in 28105, NC
Ray Castillo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105
Everyone has a story! I am interested in yours because it matters. Regardless of how simple or deep it may be, we all deserve to be heard. I find it very rewarding working with individuals, couples and families in their recovery process. Utilizing effective techniques that will allow them the freedom to accomplish their goal of healing and recovery! I take it personal in providing my clients with an environment that is safe, where their voices are heard, empowered and without judgment.
Everyone has a story! I am interested in yours because it matters. Regardless of how simple or deep it may be, we all deserve to be heard. I find it very rewarding working with individuals, couples and families in their recovery process. Utilizing effective techniques that will allow them the freedom to accomplish their goal of healing and recovery! I take it personal in providing my clients with an environment that is safe, where their voices are heard, empowered and without judgment.
(980) 236-1660 View (980) 236-1660
Photo of Carolyn J Henderson, Licensed Professional Counselor in 28105, NC
Carolyn J Henderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, QS, NCC, BCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105
I am an interactive, cognitive behavioral client-centered therapist who focuses on the development of healthy relationships that have been impacted by trauma, grief and loss, infidelity, life transitions, depression, domestic and substance abuse. My empathetic and compassionate approach provides support and practical feedback while building on client's strengths using an empowerment model and the development of deeper self-discovery and awareness. The goal is to identify effective coping strategies to manage what clients are currently experiencing. I endeavor to walk alongside of clients in the midst of their pain and their joy.
I am an interactive, cognitive behavioral client-centered therapist who focuses on the development of healthy relationships that have been impacted by trauma, grief and loss, infidelity, life transitions, depression, domestic and substance abuse. My empathetic and compassionate approach provides support and practical feedback while building on client's strengths using an empowerment model and the development of deeper self-discovery and awareness. The goal is to identify effective coping strategies to manage what clients are currently experiencing. I endeavor to walk alongside of clients in the midst of their pain and their joy.
(704) 946-5674 View (704) 946-5674
Photo of Hannah Fligel, Counselor in 28105, NC
Hannah Fligel
Counselor, LCMHCA, NCC, MEd
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105
Whether you are navigating life transitions, seeking clarity, or addressing challenges, our collaboration will be centered around fostering a meaningful connection with your inner self. One of my specialties is helping to navigate the beautiful and challenging stages of the perinatal and postpartum periods of life. Whether you're moving through the joys or grappling with the complexities, I am here to provide support to folks going through the life stages of conception, pregnancy, postpartum, loss, and infertility. I am also passionate about the importance of therapy for therapists.
Whether you are navigating life transitions, seeking clarity, or addressing challenges, our collaboration will be centered around fostering a meaningful connection with your inner self. One of my specialties is helping to navigate the beautiful and challenging stages of the perinatal and postpartum periods of life. Whether you're moving through the joys or grappling with the complexities, I am here to provide support to folks going through the life stages of conception, pregnancy, postpartum, loss, and infertility. I am also passionate about the importance of therapy for therapists.
(704) 387-6339 View (704) 387-6339
Photo of Mike Vaughn, Licensed Professional Counselor in 28105, NC
Mike Vaughn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHCS, CSAT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My practice is focused on treating sexual brokenness and addiction, trauma (relational, single event, PTSD) and marital issues, including infidelity. Many times, these three treatment areas are linked together and experience in all three leads to more comprehensive therapy. I have also worked with clients with many different presenting issues over 19 years of private practice. I believe this experience helps me address the varied needs that my clients present.
My practice is focused on treating sexual brokenness and addiction, trauma (relational, single event, PTSD) and marital issues, including infidelity. Many times, these three treatment areas are linked together and experience in all three leads to more comprehensive therapy. I have also worked with clients with many different presenting issues over 19 years of private practice. I believe this experience helps me address the varied needs that my clients present.
(704) 498-4152 View (704) 498-4152
Photo of Kristy Yetman, Licensed Professional Counselor in 28105, NC
Kristy Yetman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105
I am passionate about helping people get to know themselves more deeply and to find opportunities for growth in all circumstances. I believe deeply in the process of therapy and feel strongly that all of our experiences hold potential for growth and insight. I offer a compassionate and understanding perspective in an environment that values your confidentiality.
I am passionate about helping people get to know themselves more deeply and to find opportunities for growth in all circumstances. I believe deeply in the process of therapy and feel strongly that all of our experiences hold potential for growth and insight. I offer a compassionate and understanding perspective in an environment that values your confidentiality.
(980) 295-1059 View (980) 295-1059

Experiential Therapy

How does experiential therapy work?

Experiential therapy works by allowing an individual to use their creativity to re-imagine themselves and their lives in an effort to process their emotions. Experiential therapy may take many forms, including engaging clients through art, re-enactments, role-playing, music, or forms of physical recreation. By focusing on these activities, experiential therapists help individuals identify the emotions they associate with previous experiences and work together to cope with negative reactions, like fear, anger, or shame.

Is experiential therapy evidence-based?

Experiential therapy incorporates many therapy modalities, some of which have been more closely researched than others. Music therapy, for example, has been shown to help with sleep problems. Some studies find that art therapy can be beneficial for those with eating disorders or personality disorders, while other research suggests that such approaches have little impact.

How long does experiential therapy last?

The duration of experiential therapy will depend on the type of therapy used as well as the severity of the challenges an individual faces. Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Art therapy may comprise 10 to 15 weekly sessions. Music therapy sessions generally last between 30 and 50 minutes and can be scheduled weekly or on an as-needed basis. For each therapy type, clients should periodically discuss their goals with their therapist to make sure the two are aligned on process and progress.

Does experiential therapy help with trauma?

Trauma is one area where experiential therapy may be useful. Traumatic experiences such as combat or childhood abuse can be so painful that articulating them can be too scary or painful; creating visual art allows people to express themselves without words, and tell their story in a different way. Listening to music can be relaxing, while making music as part of a group provides plenty of opportunities to connect with other people. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, or who have been physically or emotionally abused.