Taking the initial step to call can be difficult. It's scary to reach out for support, especially if it hasn't been there in the past. Those feelings of doubt usually go away after making that call and beginning to tell your story. Counseling is a place of acceptance where you can learn to see your true value. You hold the keys to your happiness. You just need support to unlock that door. Doing it alone will keep you stuck. You can learn to trust again. Begin your healing and personal growth, call today for a free consultation.

So often, dealing with emotional and mental health challenges can feel isolating and confusing, not to mention exhausting. The stress of daily life combined with past experiences can reek havoc on our internal and external functioning. Finding a therapist who can listen to truely understand your experiences, offer compassion and empathy, and provide space to heal, regardless of where you are in your struggle, can sometimes feel overwhelming.

As someone struggling with mental health, or the parent of a child or teenager going through that struggle, you likely feel overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about what your next steps should be. Often the hardest step is just showing up, and you have already accomplished that by navigating how to start the process!

Sometimes when we find ourselves struggling, it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I want you to know that even when you don't see it, I will continue to encourage, guide, and support you until you are able to see it again. I will continue to remind you that things will get better and that you are not alone. We are a team and we will work towards whatever it is that you want to accomplish.

WAITING LIST. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist with 9+ years of experience. I've worked with adults who have substance use disorders and co-occurring diagnoses, like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I have had extensive training and experience to assist adults and adolescents with issues and concerns related to: sexual orientation, gender identity, gender dysphoria, gender-queer, gender non-binary, gender transition, and therapy letters. I provide support and education to the families of LGBTQ individuals, when seeking resources, reconciliation, and/or reunification.

Thank you for taking the first step in seeking help and achieving your best self! My goal is to provide you with a safe and non-judgmental space, guiding you in discovering the very strengths that you already possess. Life presents challenges and you may be dealing with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship problems, school/employment struggles, parenting issues, or are simply going through life adjustment difficulties.

Currently accepting in person and Telehealth session.Are you feeling overwhelmed with life and not sure how to cope? Are you struggling with unresolved childhood issues? Is your past impacting how you are functioning in your daily life? Are you having issues with your friendships, marriage, or children causing you to feel overwhelmed or confused? I can assist you with creating goals to reclaim your life. I provide a nonjudgmental environment while supporting you on your journey to healing. I am passionate about assisting each individual with developing their strengths and effective coping skills to promote a healthier lifestyle.

I have experience with clients of all ages from all walks of life. I utilize a strengths-based approach in which I empower clients to take charge of their symptoms and develop effective coping skills to manage those symptoms effectively. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, anger issues, relationship problems, low self-esteem, or are simply going through a rough patch in life, I am here to help. We can work together to identify how you can best overcome your challenges.

I, Christina Jean Luke, have obtained a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, granted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2010, with over ten years of pre-graduate and post graduate experience in the counseling field. I am a Licensed Practicing Counselor in NC.

I particularly enjoy working with people struggling with addiction, depression, and anxiety. I employ Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused Therapies to help clients to progress towards their goals quickly and to better understand how their thoughts impact their feelings and behaviors. I believe in an integrative and holistic approach to treating mental health and work closely with other providers to meet each client's unique needs.

I am currently not accepting new clients. I have been working with children and adults of all ages in individual therapy / family therapy and play therapy for over 18 years. My expertise is in the areas of working with anxiety, depression, psychosis, grief, suicide, trauma, relationship concerns, aging, PTSD, substance abuse, and diversity issues. I specialize in comprehensive neuropsychological and diagnostic assessment for Autism, ADHD, Personality, medical necessity, forensic, fitness for duty, educational, TBI, etc. I speak several languages and have won several awards for multicultural and diversity focused work.

TELE-PSYCH available through HIPAA compliant video app. I have a broad scope of trained experience as well as unique learning/training experiences from some of the best. I use a variety of techniques, but the common factor is that I use what has been shown to work. If you are experiencing life challenges like mood changes, self-criticism, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and more I would love to earn your trust and show our efforts in your journey. Counseling is also an opportunity to Maximize and not just get back to a "regular day".

My preferred modalities are Motivation Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) and accountability to form an eclectic style suited to each individual client. I value the innate potential each client has to gain insight and make the commitment to change their life when they are both ready and willing. I use compassion and accountability to provide a genuine platform for clients to reveal themselves without fear of judgments. In my therapeutic approach, I believe that each individual is unique. My treatment approach is customized to bring greater self-awareness, psychological healing, and inner satisfaction.

**Thank you so much for your interest. My practice and wait list are currently full and I am unable to accept new patients at this time. I appreciate your understanding.** We are sometimes presented with challenges that can leave us feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or just not quite like ourselves. As a therapist, my greatest passion is providing a fresh perspective and working with clients as they learn to navigate these difficulties and regain a sense of empowerment and joy.

We were not made to suffer, struggle, or change alone. Sometimes we need a push, a shove, or a gentle helping hand. Melissa sees the counseling process as an opportunity to increase self-awareness and build resilience together. Melissa enjoys helping to empower her clients by walking beside them working towards a common goal. Melissa has worked extensively with complex mental health and substance use cases, both as a counselor and program clinical supervisor. Melissa works with adolescents (14 and above) and adults of all ages.

*Currently offering Online Sessions Only* Building on a strengths and resiliency model to obtain health, wellness and stability, I am dedicated to the forward movement, continuous growth and development of the individuals, couples, and families that I work with. Whether you are seeking assistance for yourself or a family member, I am dedicated to partnering with you to support through life's many transitions and challenges.

Are you spinning your wheels? Have you tried, again and again, to just get this thing called life to work for you, but nothing seems to stick? I've been there, and I get it. Our lives are the stories of our being in the world, and I work with individuals, couples, and families to look at the big picture of the story of YOUR life. We will explore not only the “how” of your life and the challenges that it brings, but also the “why” of these same issues, so that you can finally make some progress and begin to live with greater fulfillment and ease of being in the world.

Ready for healing and growth? My desire is be your guide as you journey toward the truest version of yourself. I believe your pain is real, your story is special, and your future can be bright. My aim is to walk with you to bring awareness to your struggles and opportunities to overcome them using your strengths. I trust in the power of the therapeutic relationship because I have seen it work. My commitment is to show you empathy, genuineness, and acceptance while being your accountability partner in counseling. Collaboratively, we can create a new narrative for your current season that aligns with your desires.

At times we are thrown into different situations in life that can change our world without warning and the year 2020 it’s a tangible proof of this. Nevertheless, one thing will always remain true, changes are never easy. It is during these times that we most benefit from a positive, objective, empathetic point of view that can guide us to find our inner strength. Someone that can help us conquer our fears and help is reach our objectives and our own personal victory. At Victory Family Counseling our goal is to help you find that power within you.