Emotionally Focused Therapists in Matthews, NC

Have you been holding onto a burden since you were a child or a young adult? Are you ready to grow into the person you want to be and utilize the skills needed to cope with life’s difficulties? Do you want a counselor to see you for who you really are and give you a safe space to work through any concerns you bring to counseling? As a genderfluid counselor, I can help you onto the path to true healing whether that be from PTSD, C-PTSD, and trauma-related concerns, dissociation, LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, etc.

At Walgren Counseling, PLLC we have 13 therapists. Although each has a unique set of training & experience, our approach to working with you is similar. We all have a holistic, client-centered, and tailored approach. Rather than identifying an ideal client, we believe in developing a relationship with you that will be most helpful to you. Our therapists strive to bring out each person's ability to find balance and healing from within. Our entire office, from office staff to clinician, is committed to making you feel well-cared for.

Trauma is interwoven through so many of your experiences and you continue to experience the effects to this day. You are looking for a therapist that can help you attain goals of healing, processing of the past events, and fulfilled living. My skill & passion is working with clients like you on the central theme of Trauma that often starts, then reinforces your problems. Treating this trauma is the solution. I enjoy working with clients who are motivated and ready for therapy while appreciating a nurturing therapist who is consistent & direct when needed. My work moves easily between modalities that are effective and supportive.

I help people with problems and passions. What are you looking for more of?? Love, joy, excitement, peace, connection, success?? A new job, new or improved relationship, better health? What are you looking for less of??? Stress, depression, anxiety, loneliness, frustration?? Bad habits? My clients typically feel stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated but are also ready and motivated to TRY SOMETHING NEW!!

In my practice, I work to help my clients feel comfortable and understood. I believe there are no right or wrong thoughts or feelings. I will support you and I will not judge. My experience is diverse as I have worked with children, adolescents, individuals and families in various settings. My methods include evidence based treatments tailored by my keen intuition and my client's individual needs and goals. I find success with my client's utilizing CBT, client-centered and psycho-dynamic therapies along with DBT skills. The benefits of DBT have proven to be tremendous and can be applied to many issues where appropriate.

Our team of therapists are ready to help for individual or couples counseling! We offer in person and virtual session! Specialties include but not limited to: trauma, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, behavioral problems and transitions into college. Please visit our website at www.lavidacounseling.com for more details about our therapists and services we offer. We offer counseling services and Immigration Evaluations to clients from age 5 years-Adult and video sessions and in person sessions. ¡Se habla Español!

Most of my life has been devoted to professional counseling. I bring passion and dedication to my clients. I work with both adults and adolescents. I experience my greatest joy as they achieve their goals and experience healing.I use an integrative approach to therapy inspired by a variety of evidence based practices, including, but not limited to, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution focused therapy, and mindfulness. I've received advanced training in CBT, having successfully completed a cognitive behavioral therapy certificate course led by Dr. John Ludgate, who trained under Dr. Aron Beck, founder of cognitive therapy.

As a professional counselor, YOU are my focus. I view counseling as a series of small stepping-stones, each representing success, when joined together, provide a path for change. Teamwork is the most important foundation in counseling. I am here to help guide you towards meeting goals and resolving challenges that life throws at you. As your therapist I aim to work with you to overcome any obstacles that you are facing in your life and embark with you on your journey. It is my hope that throughout our time together, you will create a path towards understanding and being able to resolve your own obstacles and challenges.

Kathi helps individuals and couples emerge through struggle to healing, freedom and positive growth. Her approaches are rooted in depth psychology, appreciating the impact of early experiences and relationships. She helps clients see and emerge from unhelpful patterns of thinking and relating - leading to enduring freedom and vitality, not short-term solutions. Kathi's strength is personal growth and life coaching. She also walks with those experiencing troubled relationships, loss, grief, anxiety, depression, childhood or adult trauma, infertility, life-changing illness or disability, and body image challenges.

Mandy, a licensed psychotherapist, has been in private practice since January of 1993. For her, being a professional counselor and helping people grow is sacred work. She is committed to helping people pursue their own potential and views her work as a therapist as a life-calling. Mandy has a diverse background and range of experiences from working with birth mothers and adoptive families to corporate consulting and executive coaching. As a therapist, Mandy has helped hundreds of people struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, sexual abuse and trauma as well as many other issues.

There is an old saying: “The more you run from something, the more you run into it.” That is a scenario that can play out time and again for persons struggling with mental health issues. And avoidance is tempting. But the key to experiencing less pain and to living life with more enjoyment is in effectively confronting mental health challenges. This is where an ally is required—an ally trained in helping you find strengths within yourself and in aiding you in developing coping skills.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate in the state of NC, and received my Masters of Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill. I have experience working at inpatient behavioral health settings, hospital systems, multidisciplinary collaborative primary-care clinics, and in private practice. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR(trauma),and utilize other therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational Interviewing, talk-therapy, and solution-focused. I am proud to serve clients with a wide rage of ages (early adolescence through older adulthood), and from a wide range of backgrounds.

My experience as a therapist focuses on working with individuals struggling with disordered eating, low self-esteem, issues related to perfectionism, anxiety, and navigating adulthood. I am passionate about meeting people in the midst of their struggles and helping them navigate the delicate balance of acceptance and change.

The prospect of starting counseling can be scary. The worries of what other people may think, the stigma of counseling, and the thought of "am I weak'. I have been in this field for over 20 years, in a variety of setting and I heard from many who shared their hesitation for reaching out. It takes courage to ask for help! I am here to guide you through counseling. I offer education, support, and evidence-based treatments to 'normalize' how you may feel because at moments you may feel alone. Through education on how the brain is functioning, CBT, Mindfulness, and EMDR, we work together to accomplish the goals that you set for yourself

I am passionate about helping others with their mental health and I strive to provide a safe space where clients feel supported and encouraged to move towards positive growth and change. I empower my clients to achieve their goals by utilizing multiple therapeutic approaches including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and non-directive and directive Play Therapy for children.

​ Are you feeling like something is off? Maybe feeling disconnected from yourself or others in your life? This can be a very difficult place to be that creates loneliness, isolation, and hopelessness. Luckily, you don’t have to travel this journey alone. I am here to assist you in taking charge of your life and use self determination to choose your future. I will be your fellow traveler on the path to happiness and joy, wherever that may take us. I specialize in substance abuse, codependency, trauma, depression/anxiety, relationships, mood disorders, as well as other life stressors. I enjoy working with clients of all ages