Family Therapy in Weaverville, NC

Hi I’m Laurie. Are you looking for a therapist who will help you understand how to meet life’s challenges? Has your stress level escalated to a point where you feel like you can’t carry the weight by yourself? Are you afraid to talk with family or friends for fear of being judged or criticized? I have helped many folks learn how to navigate some of life’s most difficult challenges including divorce, death of loved ones, substance use, gender issues and neurodiversity, with respect and dignity.

As a counseling psychologist by education, I have been blessed to provide individual, group, marital and family counseling for over 30 years in various settings including major medical centers, university counseling centers, and private practices. I prefer to work collaboratively with clients, ages 13 to adult, and assist in their development of life and relational skills to help moderate their anxiety, depression, grief, frustration or relationship distress. My clients are confronting various life transitions including job stress/dissatisfaction, mid-life confusion, betrayal, divorce, adjustment to change or loss of a loved one.

I am an experienced psychotherapist who provides therapy to individuals, couples & families in North Carolina and Florida with a variety of struggles. I am a Social Justice Oriented & LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapist & practice anti-racist principles. I specialize working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction & relationship distress. My services encourage increased personal happiness & health & emotional connection. I believe that as people become more accepting of themselves, & more aware of their thoughts, emotions & actions, they are more capable of making decisions which lead to happiness & fulfillment.

With more than forty years of experience, I've helped clients with a wide range of issues: family of origin/childhood issues, grief and loss, life transitions, communication skills, relationship concerns and more. I work with individuals and couples, focusing on what is at the core of their difficulties. With couples, I've worked with everything from relationship dissatisfaction/boredom, affairs, communication issues, sexual/intimacy concerns, etc. As a civilian counselor on military bases for several years, I've got a clear understanding of the unique pressures and challenges facing service members and families. Let's talk!

I have been a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) for the past 30 years serving diverse/multicultural populations that include adults and older adolescents My goal is to provide a safe and accepting environment where you feel comfortable to explore. discover and remove the blocks that have kept you trapped/struck from moving in the direction you desire. In my "toolbox," I employ various tech/strategies some of which you will learn to use on your own. I have been trained in a variety of modalities CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, IFS, and family systems therapy.

What does it REALLY mean to be holistic and integrative? It means - you are a universe of different thoughts, quirks, capabilities, physical attributes, emotions, neurological functions, shortcomings, and strengths. It means problems aren't created - or solved - in a vacuum. In order to truly heal, we have to address the relationships between mind, body, spirit, and emotions. We have to consider the Universe. I work with members of all faiths (Christian or not) to restore the connection between mental health, physical health and spiritual health.

Lets explore your life experience in a new and exciting way. I see suffering as an opportunity to break free from old patterns, habits, and ways of thinking that are not working for you anymore. It's a call from deep inside saying, "something needs to shift". This shift can come from exploring a relationship to a substance that you are using, and the pain, anxiety, depression, or a general sense of not loving your life that may come with it. Your unique journey is here right now, and experiencing it from a nonjudgmental perspective can be a vital ingredient to moving past whatever is holding you back from living your best life.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! With over 35 years of mental health and substance abuse counseling experience, I believe that anyone can make changes necessary to improve their mood, relationships, and quality of life. My focus is on helping you, your partner, and your family implement practical strategies to solve problems, reach goals, and create lasting change. Areas of focus include helping couples improve communication and avoid patterns which result in conflict, and helping people with behavior, anger, or mood issues. I work with you in a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment, and respect of your needs and desires.

I offer counseling for a variety of mental and emotional health issues, as well as general life, growth, and relationship topics. I believe counseling is a mutual relationship between counselor and client, in which we work together to reach your goals and desired outcomes - whether those are specific and measurable, or simply an increased level of comfort, authenticity, and satisfaction. I provide a safe environment where you can be open and honest and feel comfortable being yourself. I want you to experience true respect and positive regard when we are together. I work with adults, couples, children, and adolescents.

What is psychotherapy? It is deep listening, empathy, guidance. It is a place where you may bring your troubles and challenges, joys, and accomplishments. When it feels like you are falling apart, you may just need someone who can help you to see how things may be falling together. I can help you sort out feelings of anxiety, depression, loss and transition, as well as help to address issues associated with family and relationship conflicts. Whatever brings you to me, I will be honored to welcome you to a space of healing and growth.

I connect easily with clients to feel lighter and clearer in their minds, body, and Spirit. I work with people with stressful careers in medicine, law, finance, and small businesses. Knowing the necessity of keeping a clear head and calm body, yet have been struggling with heartbreak, anxiety, fears, loss and grief that has created overwhelming stress and expectations that limits functioning. It is a challenging balancing act with career, family, relationships, along with finding some quiet time to relax. I help you master these challenges with a very confidential, (no insurance or electronic records) safe, and caring environment.

People come to see me because they are experiencing a life transition, struggling with partnership/ relationships, frustrated with self-defeating patterns that they have not been able to change, having a hard time shifting relational/ family patterns, needing support navigating conflict, creating boundaries or improving relationship dynamics. I work to create a warm, safe environment where deep personal issues can be explored. I believe that we are shaped by our relationships and life experiences. I am often described as warm, intuitive and an active listener who promotes a confident, safe atmosphere for collaborative work.

I have a humanistic and client-centered approach. I view the counseling relationship as a collaboration between myself and you. Together we will work towards self-acceptance and self-awareness by dealing with issues such as moods, attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors that may be standing in the way of happiness and contentment in your life. I use an integrative method including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, reality therapy, positive psychotherapy, and mindfulness training with a mind-body-and-soul model.

Are you feeling alone, anxious or depressed? Unsatisfied with your career, have chronic pain or illness? Relationship stress, extended family issues? My clients tell me I'm warm, easy to talk to, and down to earth. I use a variety of treatment approaches: psychodynamic and relational, combined with CBT, EFT, and EMDR. EMDR can help almost any problem resolve more quickly because it allows the brain to make changes on a deeper level than just talking. We still talk plenty though, before, during and after EMDR. My clients find telehealth to be helpful and convenient. I see regular clients occasionally at my home office.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, sad, stressed or frustrated and don’t know what to do, therapy can help. Taking this first step takes courage but reaching out to an experienced counselor will put you on the path towards creating a more meaningful and intentional life. The struggles of day to day living can have a profound impact on fulfillment and leave you sometimes feeling incompetent and depleted. Juggling the demands of work, home, relationships and family can be exhausting. Learning to simplify, set boundaries and prioritize what is important is life-changing and sets the stage to shift from chaos to calm.

Do you feel overwhelmed? Have you endured unbearable circumstances in the past? Do you feel like you spend your life in a rushed and hurried state, longing to slow down, only to be unable to relax when you have the chance? Do you feel a persistent aloneness or separateness, even in the midst of your acquaintances, friends, family, and colleagues? Do you feel stuck in some area of of your life, be it love, work, home, or even your spiritual life? If so, I can help!

Together we can create a supportive, nurturing environment where you can explore your experiences, thoughts and emotions at your pace. My ultimate goal is to empower you to take steps towards fulfilment, healing, self acceptance and balance in your life. I prioritize empathy and active listening in sessions and help my clients establish personalized goals, always striving to foster a therapeutic relationship based on trust and genuine understanding. I believe in a holistic approach that considers the mind, body, and spirit, recognizing the interconnectedness of these in one's wellbeing.

Our licensed therapists have extensive training and experience in issues affecting adults, couples, children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in treating a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment, addiction, grief, women/men's issues, ADHD, oppositional/defiance, trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, and much more. We also offer extensive effective parenting training if your child is oppositional, defiant, and sometimes even aggressive.

You already know yourself very well. And because of this- You are looking for a different kind of therapy space. You are seeking a space in which you can find humor, grace, and wonder while navigating this human experience. One in which your intuition, spirituality, and inner knowing will be honored and used as a tool to transform your lived experience. A space where context matters and is used to create new perspectives and deeper understanding. A space to unpack your stories, unravel your deepest beliefs, and become friends (yes… I said friends) with your inner shadowy parts.