Integrative Therapists in Jackson County, NC

Every client is an "ideal" client. My job is to be present with you in a way that, together, we facilitate your discovering the life that fits you where you are at the times of our meetings. Our work will involve your discovering how you block creating that life and what results and experiences you create with those blocks and then experimenting with new ways of your living. I continue to work with people with "minor" every day issues and "major" mental health issues.

Over the years, I have worked with individuals who experience challenges with symptoms related to anxiety, who have been experienced challenges in relationships, and those who are wanting to increase stress management skills. Some folks seeking support during times of transition and some folks are interested in focusing on a specific area of their relationship with their partner or their coworkers. Together, we can determine which goals to focus on and how to best achieve the desired outcomes.

I am truly passionate about working with people who are ready to journey into counseling and invest in themselves. I know this can be unfamiliar terrain for many individuals, but my compassionate presence eases this discomfort. I have over 18 years of experience helping individuals suffering from stress, anxiety and depression, difficult life transitions, partner relational issues, interpersonal relationship difficulties, past trauma and abuse, perfectionism, shame, poor body image and low self-esteem. I value the therapeutic relationship where I cultivate a safe space for transformation, hope, and healing.

I believe growth occurs when we courageously stay along the edges of our comfort zone and gently press into that boundary widening it inch by inch. I believe healing occurs when we fully allow ourselves to feel our pain, to sit with it, to befriend it, and to find out that it has edges and boundaries ... a beginning and an end. If you've been struggling with life - that can be big and small things - we can work together to identify challenges and build your capacity to move in the direction of optimal healing and wellness.

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA). As a therapist I feel it's important to have a collaborative therapeutic relationship in which the client is empowered to achieve healing and growth to all areas of their life. Built on trust, safety, and authenticity (and a bit of humor), I strive for a client-centered approach that fits the unique needs of each client.

Everyone faces difficulties in life at some point and can use discreet, compassionate, non-judgemental support to develop strategies to manage and overcome those difficulties. No single therapeutic approach can treat every individual. I believe that recovery and improvement are possible for everyone. Therapy helps find solutions that foster a sense of personal empowerment to make choices in your own recovery. My therapeutic approach focuses on an individual's strengths to engage in their life. Learn skills to help manage and treat anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders, substance use issues, and trauma resolution.

...Life often involves challenges effecting the journey toward personal and professional objectives. There are times when it is only the support of genuine listening, empathy, and guidance that desired outcomes are achieved. Whether you are trying to cope with anxiety, depression, self-esteem/confidence, relationship challenges, communication skills, impulse control concerns, life-transition issues (e.g., military/vet, divorce, job loss, retirement), trauma, grief, physical/sexual abuse, or other life challenges. Life is difficult and requires growth and change that are not always easy or comfortable.

Thanks for taking the time to consider me for potential counseling. You must be experiencing a time of significant distress during this part of your life. I’d like to help if I am a good fit for you! Mental health counseling is an investment in the quality of your life. That’s what we are trained to do, assist persons who can’t seem to find a way out of their suffering and negative circumstances. It offers a combination of human support, professional guidance and evidence-based psychoeducation.

Thank you for taking the time to seek counseling. That is a huge step to trigger the change you want in your current situation. Congratulations! As a psychotherapist, I strive to provide a comfortable and nonjudgmental environment where my clients feel heard. I utilize an eclectic approach,  using a variety of tools according to the situation that the client presents.

It is Fucking exhausting, when you're constantly trying to shrink yourself to fit other people's expectations Perhaps you find yourself screaming into the void, feeling lost and overwhelmed by the pressures of existing in this late-stage capitalist hellscape. Maybe you are transitioning into adulthood, searching for acceptance & understanding. You might be starting a new relationship or exploring your sense of self & identity. For years you've felt frustrated & confused by a world that expects you to be someone you are not. But now, you are ready to take up space.

Life is often full of unexpected twists, turns, and bumps that can leave us feeling uncertain about how to feel or move forward. Although it can seem dauting to take the steps to talk about these challenges, therapy can be an extremely rewarding tool to support validating your experiences and compassionately continuing that journey. My approach to therapy is that it involves understanding how our past impacts current feelings, behaviors, and patterns through a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship that supports positive change and healing. I also believe therapy needs to utilize humor and I enjoy having my dog join in as well.

After 24+ years of practicing in community mental health agency settings and supervising and training clinicians, I am transitioning into private practice in order to more directly serve individuals and families who are struggling with issues of functionality, relationships, identity, self-esteem and other manifestations of life challenges. I have extensive experience working with trauma, mood disorders and behavior disorders and I work exceptionally well with adolescents and young adults although I feel comfortable working with adults of all ages. When you want to better understand your particular challenges and make positive changes, I can assist with your healing/growth process.

My clients come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed or lost. Often, they feel like something is wrong with them because they struggle so much to figure out who they are and how to function and feel like they belong in the world and within their relationships. They struggle with anxiety, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and low self-esteem. Many also suffer from relational wounds and religious trauma/spiritual wounds that complicate their sense of self and trust in the world. I'm a trauma-informed therapist that works with adults age 25+ in North Carolina and Michigan (telehealth only).