Motivational Interviewing Therapists in Sylva, NC

Sometimes what we need most is to be seen, heard, and appreciated just as we are. Through my own personal counseling and my professional training, I’ve witnessed the power of healing through connection with another and this is the foundation of my work as a therapist. When we are able to be vulnerable with another person, to be truly seen and heard it can be liberating. I bring this approach to my work with a variety of concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, attachment wounds, emerging adulthood, and substance use.

Way to go! You're making a hard decision! I'm so glad you're choosing to take care of yourself! Are you struggling with knowing who you are beyond a parent, partner, sibling, student, etc..? Maybe it's left you feeling ways you don't understand. Some phases in life are just so hard. I want to help you navigate through these phases with hope; not tell you how to live your life. When we struggle with our mental wellness, the systems around us also struggle, whether that's your family, kids, pets, relationships, work, friends/social life. In my sessions, you lead the way and I will challenge and encourage you to see beyond the surface.

Founded on a person-centered approach, I believe that the professional relationship is a large part of the therapeutic work. Although I integrate several evidence-based modalities including cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, somatic, psycho-dynamic, & motivational interviewing interventions, I welcome any presentation for both adults as well as youth.

Everyone goes through hard times. Whether this is your first time, or it feels like it has been a lifetime, I specialize in helping adults who have found various challenges like anxiety and depression, substance use, or trauma (often a combination) to be sources of distress and suffering. I come from a place of understanding, not judgment. Being able to feel safe, heard, and understood are important parts of creating positive change and healing. I partner with you to create the goals you want to see come from our work together, and I use evidenced based methods to help you move forward in those directions.

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.

I specialize in working with youth of all ages, from elementary age to teenagers. I take a casual, fun and relatable approach to therapy that allows youth to feel more comfortable in the space. I enjoy helping youth find their voice, improving communication and the quality of their relationships, becoming more mindful in daily practices, etc. I'm passionate about collaborating with kids and their families to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, or any other challenging life phases.

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.

Now more than ever, your mental health and well-being is important. I understand the thought of opening up to a stranger can be intimidating. My style of therapy is informal and relaxed. It is important to me that you feel comfortable. I won't push you to share if you're not ready. I will always take a nonjudgmental stance. I can assure you I will be comfortable with any subject you'd like to discuss. I am a sex positive/kink positive therapist with experience working with issues related to sexuality and gender, nontraditional relationship types (i.e., nonmonogamy), and nontraditional lifestyles in general.

Your decision to engage in counseling is to be appreciated and honored as it often involves courage, commitment, vulnerability, and a willingness to change. It is important that you feel heard, understood, and accepted for who you are and what you have already experienced. I view my role as giving you the support, safety, caring, and respect you deserve while facilitating you doing that for yourself. I will also provide cognitive, emotional, and behavioral models, "tools" and experiences to enhance your self-awareness, self-expression, and self-care; and help you learn to trust in your basic goodness and wisdom.

Hello! Let's start with two important questions, what brought you here today? And how can I help? My style as a therapist is warm and inviting, with a healthy amount of empowerment to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself. I draw from a variety of theories and techniques centering around talk therapy and include a solution focused, mindfulness, strengths based, and nonjudgemental approach. I believe that in working together we can make progress and improvements in the areas you are seeking help with, at a pace that feels good to you. I treat each client as an individual and tailor my approach in ways that benefit you most!

I believe that we are all on a similar journey in life....to be fully connected and authentic people, and to integrate the different parts of ourselves so that we can experience love and joy and meaningful relationships. In our work together it is my hope that we can explore the different parts of yourself that keeps you from these connections and explore what it means to feel safe. Through exploring shame and early childhood trauma, depression and anxiety, as well as body love and acceptance, we can work together to support a deepening of your self-awareness and find compassion and connection to heal and nurture your deepest self.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS (Telehealth - available) Discussing personal challenges can often be difficult. The fact is that "life can be difficult", and there are times we all requre help "aligning our compass". Finding a therapist can be an important step in one's search for a "life worth living". For 10 years I have worked to develop compassion and empathy in assisting individuals and the families that have solicited my support in meeting the challenges and stressful situations that seems to be an unavoidable part of life.

I enjoy working with clients who actively participate in their therapy. It is important to be ready to enter into therapy. The focus of therapy is on you not the others in your life - for after all you cannot change other people but rather the only person you can change is yourself. I can help you make the changes you want to make. Want to survive a trauma, stay sober, lose weight, interact better with others, recover from a loss, examine a troubled intimacy? This is what I do.

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.

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.

You are doing life--going to work, to school--but it's not easy! And it's exhausting presenting as if all's OK all the time: to put on the smile, to muster the energy. But that little voice still whispers negativity in the back of your head: All. The. Damn. Time. You don't know how to take appreciation, much less see it in yourself. You don't know how to say no. And you just want some peace and the sense that you exist outside the needs of others.

I know how hard it is to seek help when you’re struggling. I get it because I have been there too. You deserve to live fully. You deserve better than scheduling problems, long drives, big bills, and weak outcomes. Maybe you’re afraid it will take years of counseling just to start feeling better. I believe therapy should be a lot more than learning how to cope or survive something. It should help you achieve your goals, thrive in relationships, and live more fully.

I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate with experience helping children, adolescents, adults, and families. I offer both in person and virtual counseling to residents of North Carolina. I aim to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for my clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in an open and caring way. I work to encourage clients to develop skills and strategies to overcome challenges and live more fulfilling lives. My goal is to empower individuals and families with the resources they need to heal.

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.