Family Systems Therapists in Otto, NC

We are products of our environment, experiences and relationships. Along the way, we have gathered deeply internalized beliefs - some that serve our growth and wellbeing, some that don’t - emotions, both positive and negative, and chronic stress or trauma. All of this has impacted our life and much of what has happened in the past still resides deeply in our body, manifesting as behavioral, relational or emotional struggles, often unexplained and sometimes inexplicable.

Are you ready for therapy? Looking for a therapist can feel overwhelming. My goal is to create a nonjudgmental, laidback, safe space where we can work together to tackle hard things. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who are ready to take on challenges but might not know how or where to start. I'm also passionate about working with teachers and other school staff. After working more than 20 years in a school system, I am equipped to help you fight those feelings of burnout and exhaustion.

With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, ranging from residential/enhanced services for children/adolescents to intensive substance abuse counseling and basic outpatient services with adults, I have found it incredibly rewarding to support anyone- be it individuals, families, or couples- in their journey towards recovery and wellness and I enjoy working with all ages (3 to 300)! I find joy assisting those seeking healing from a variety of mental health and substance use disorders including anxiety, depression, oppositional defiance, parenting support, addictions, anger management, trauma, and other stressors.

I am best suited for clients who are ready to work on improving their quality of life. Sometimes we need to address the past, or the present, or our worries about the future. Maybe we are supporting young humans in growing and need some direction for the best ways to set limits and communicate. Regardless of the issue, therapy is a valuable experience and a great weapon to have in tackling both the large and small issues that come up in life.

I currently am not taking new clients. We all, at times, can benefit from walking with a special companion on this journey; someone who is not part of our everyday life, who has skills and experience to bring us insight and comfort. Sometimes our families, friends, or coworkers don't feel like a safe place to turn. My desire is to provide a space for understanding, healing, and hope so that you can begin to experience more fully, who you are and the beauty of your story. I see adults that struggle with anxiety, depression and life transitions challenges.

As a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist I am deeply committed to supporting individuals who are struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, body acceptance, or trauma. I know that full recovery is possible for many and that all are worthy of support whether they get "all better" or not. I am trained in EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Embodied Recovery for Eating Disorders.

There may be points in our lives where circumstances, relationships or life events are impacting our well-being. My goal is to be a collaborative partner and a support as we navigate through the process of self-discovery, recovery and healing. It is courageous to take the first step and I want to respect and honor the vulnerability that comes with the process of beginning counseling. However, there I want to assure you that there is hope and healing is possible. Each client brings their own inherent strengths and experiences to the process that allow them to achieve success.

For over 30 years I have been helping people overcome life obstacles and interpersonal struggles. Clients report significant benefit when they seek help dealing with transforming ideas of self that result from trauma, relationship changes, chronic illness, grief & loss, gender dysphoria, and coming out as LGBTQ. I utilize a variety of approaches including narrative, DBT, ACT, attachment-focused therapy, internal family systems and trauma informed practices. I now am seeing clients in person as well as virtually.

I am part of Thrive Mental Health Center located in Asheville, NC. We are comprised of a diverse group of clinicians specializing in treatment of clients dealing with psychological and behavioral challenges. We offer individual, couple and family therapy. Our core values are quality of care, individualized approach, person centered & cultural competence. My therapeutic philosophy integrates the core tenets of solution-focused therapy and the intricate understanding of the internal dynamics presented by the Internal Family Systems model.

My diverse clinical experience has led me to embrace working with kids through adults; as well as families and couples. My clients are seeking therapy to navigate difficult life transitions, create repair after impactful life experiences, navigate complex relationships, regain their ability to experience a full range of emotion and have accountability without shame. Often, they are aware and understand what should be helpful to them, but struggle to turn that knowledge into change. We will work together to explore your relationship with yourself, how it developed and how it is impacting your ability to live a fulfilled life.

We all have a need to be heard and to be seen. Specific struggles that you seek counseling for can be addressed, but even more important is feeling cared for and considered. As a counselor, I believe that the therapeutic relationship creates safety and trust. When a person feels safe and can trust the process then they are able to explore the issues that led them to seek help. Counseling is different for everyone, some need to tell their story, some need information/resources, some seek a plan/directions, and some seek personal growth. Each person is unique and needs a specialized approach.

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) in North Carolina with certification in Grief and Loss and Trauma and Crisis. I am also a fully-trained EMDR clinician. I have over 20 years of professional clinical experience providing direct behavioral health services and educational/career counseling and parenting skills in private practice, educational institutions, and in the community. My approach to therapy is grounded in Adlerian theory with an emphasis on encouragement and improving relationships in our lives and with ourselves.

My "ideal client" knows to provide loved ones the very best, he or she must also be at an individual best. Short-changing the "self" depletes the ability to offer abundance to others. Whereas prospering in heart, health, mind, and body lead to connections of premium value. My clients look beyond the ordinary, knowing possibilities are endless and will be found with concerted effort and bravery. Keeping life fresh, free and filled with potential, elevates us all. When my clients depart they have renewed joy and gratitude because they are awakened to the gifts that were once just beyond their reach but now part their life scripts.

My areas of focus include: mindfulness, trauma, adolescence, family systems, parenting and co-parenting relationships, ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, life changes, stress management, existential matters, and personal growth.

Wholeness leads to healing. I guide my clients to accept all parts of themselves and find balance in their lives. I entered the field of counseling with a passion for treating trauma (big T and little t trauma). Along the way I gathered some exceptional tools for doing so, including EMDR and a somatic approach to psychotherapy. Not so far removed from trauma, I have also developed a specialty in treating addiction of all kinds. I have seen the power of emotional healing to transform people's lives in ways they always wanted but didn't know how. I am here to help whenever the client is ready to do that brave and powerful work.

My approach is rooted in the experience and belief that we have the answers within. I want my clients to not only survive the challenges they are facing, but to thrive and live a life that they love. My clients are often incredibly intelligent, creative, and driven. I have seen my clients accomplish amazing things when they get clear on their goals and apply their gifts toward a fulfilling and meaningful life. My goal is to help you get beneath the layers (often thoughts, behaviors, and relationship patterns) and get down to your core. Much of our work focuses on aligning your decisions and actions with your own truth.

I believe there are many ways to achieve well-being and recovery. Presence, patience, compassion, acceptance, and curiosity are some of the qualities I possess. I believe competent therapy is a co-creation between the client and therapist and pride myself in embodying everything I expect of my clients. I'm passionate about stewarding people to create greater acceptance, balance, inner attunement and well-being in their lives. I specialize in all addiction disorders (i.e. substance use disorders, behavioral addictions such as problematic sexual behaviors, porn, food, internet gaming, etc.) and/or co-occurring disorders.

I believe as humans we must support each other on our life journey. I enjoy helping clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their thought patterns and emotions, relationships, and navigate and make sense of their world. I believe that clarifying what is important to each individual, their needs, and their goals, helps provide direction and purpose in life. I often help clients explore how past experiences, family dynamics, addiction, and personality affect how we relate and function in this world. I offer individual, couples, and family sessions.