Relationship Issues Therapists in Blowing Rock, NC

Although we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can move toward greater self understanding and more fulfilling relationships in the present. I engage with you based on a relationship of two people coming together as equals within the safety of the therapeutic container. My focus is on interpersonal relationship, however, I include art, music, movement, play, and guided imagery as another means to connect with each other and to free the imagination for self discovery.

Hello, I have been working in therapy, or mental health and addictions recovery, for the past 20 years. I enjoy working with adults who are going through a transition, change, need extra support, or are dealing with on-going struggles. Some areas I specialize in include managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, bi-polar, past trauma, parenting struggles, pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders, relationship issues, coping with a loved one's mental health or addiction, and addictions recovery.

During any stage of life we are faced with challenges of many kinds. And these trials can keep anyone in the dark, not realizing that hope can be found. If you're someone who is trying to figure out who you are in the world, trying to find their way, or who just needs a solid connection with a partner; if you recognize a problem and a longing for change or struggling with overwhelming thoughts and emotions that keep you pushed away, leaving you in the dark, then you’re not alone and I’m here to help.

*Wait list only* I enjoy working with and supporting individuals who are curious and motivated to move through the "stuck places" we all find ourselves in from time to time. I believe that our bodies have an inherent wisdom that, when listened to through mindfulness, will help direct and focus the therapy. I enjoy working with a wide variety of clients and presenting issues including anxiety, depression, relationship/personal growth challenges, as well as people dealing with unresolved overwhelming experiences. I find great joy in walking with people on their journeys towards a more authentic, vibrant self...your own "True North"!

I rely on evidenced based interventions, often using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal Psychotherapy to address depression, anxiety, sleep problems, low self-esteem, social isolation, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, and to manage Bipolar Disorder. I also work with students who are struggling emotionally with the goal of succeeding with school. I also work with older adults who are seeking to address distress, grief, transitions, relationship problems, and chronic health challenges. I provide Psychological Evaluations, ADHD evaluations, court assessments and required Fitness for Practice Evaluations.

I am a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (license #S3106) with more than 30 years of training and experience working with adults and adolescents in the fields of mental health, employee assistance, vocational and psychosocial rehabilitation, and workplace training and consultation. I have extensive experience working with medical, psychological/emotional, substance abuse/chemical dependency, relationship, and career issues. I have been in private practice for 20 years. I am also a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor.

At times in our lives we will face challenges where we do not know how to move forward, we might feel stuck or abandoned, lost or overwhelmed. My approach to counseling is that of a journey we walk together. It is one of conversation, exploration, uncovering, and understanding. I believe that the key to a successful counseling experience is built from our sense of connectedness, mutual respect, trust, and honesty - not only with each other but with ourselves. I trust that you have the ability to create and enact the changes that you want and need in your life and I am here to walk this journey of self-discovery & unfolding with you.

It is important for you to find a therapist you feel comfortable with. I seek to provide a space of hope, non-judgment, and authenticity. I support individuals navigating a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and relationships. My primary populations are emerging and young adults; I work with people ages 14+. I am passionate about human rights, social justice, reproductive rights, and I am an LGBTQI+ ally. Through holistic person-centered empowerment, the individuals I work with take steps to grow, heal, and create a life worth living.

Welcome! My goal is to create an open, non-judgmental space where we can work together to help you manage your situation and feelings while also exploring how to do things differently. We will work together to gain insight into your relationship dynamics, personality, commitment styles, beliefs, and family systems. My practice areas include: chronic health conditions/injuries, depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. I work with individuals and families. Openings for couples/family therapy are now available with the intern therapist at my practice (offered at a reduced cost).

Accepting New Clients. As a counselor I operate from a Person-centered approach. This means I will work hard to create a warm, non-judgmental, and empathetic space for us to do our work. I am interested in the way you think and conceptualize things and we can use a variety of approaches based on your specific needs. I will provide warmth and respect in our sessions.

People seek therapy for a variety of reasons. Some are in crisis, others are at a turning point in their lives, many want to understand and change longstanding patterns that are self-defeating or unsatisfying. I've been in practice for 38 years, and I continue to be deeply curious and interested in people. I'm glad to have the opportunity to assist my clients on their journeys towards more balanced and meaningful lives. I have a general therapy practice, and I've been specializing in the treatment of eating disorders since 1993. I moved to Boone and opened a part time practice here in September 2016.

Over the past 9 years, I have provided counseling for individuals, students, families and couples. My licensure is in Marriage and Family Therapy, so I not only love to work with individuals, but with couples and families as well. I have a passion for helping couples strengthen and improve their marriages, as well as learn to work together as a team. I also enjoy working with individuals who are facing difficult or transitional times in their lives. I maintain an encouraging and supportive approach to help individuals identify their struggles and anxieties, as well as develop coping mechanisms to overcome the difficulties they are facing.

I approach my work with deep compassion for those who have been affected and shaped by the struggles of an addicted loved one. Like many in the mental health profession, my passion springs from my own painful experiences in a family with generational addictions. I am committed to bringing my authentic self to each therapy session. It is an honor to be fully present and to hold your trust as you discover the strengths and courage to address the obstacles that are preventing you from living a meaningful, values-based life.

My counseling style is a compassionate, cognitive-behavioral approach to problem-solving and self-discovery. I believe therapy is a dynamic process that involves active engagement for both the therapist and the client. My goal is to provide a nonjudgmental atmosphere for you to share your life, relationships, and concerns. Honesty on your part will help me understand your thoughts, feelings, and concerns.

I work with both individuals and couples, empowering people to cultivate their relationships into the source of strength, hope, and life that is needed. In individual work I focus on cultivating resilience, emotional girth, and strategic approaches to difficult circumstances and relationships. In couples work my goal is to preserve and expand relationships, helping couples to grow together through life challenges in a way that is mutually beneficial and supportive. As a Christian, I also integrate matters of faith with these goals appropriate to the unique needs of each client.

It can feel like distress, vulnerability, or loss are all that bring us to counseling. With these, though, I see courage & strength. Maybe you’ve been around the therapy block before and know exactly what you’re looking for. Maybe this is all new for you. Either way, courage brought you here and Fortitude Counseling is all about honoring that courage and partnering with you to strengthen identity, process trauma, and gain momentum where you’re stuck. I believe we all have courage and the "stuff of fortitude" in us. Sometimes we need someone to come alongside us and help us dig deep, find our courage, & let it take root.

I view clients as whole people in the context of their lives. You are more than a diagnosis. It's important to me to collaborate in setting goals, selecting an approach to therapy, and checking in along the way. I've worked with people from a broad range of backgrounds on anxiety, relationships, stress, depression, life transitions, and LGBTQ+ issues. I also specialize in couples counseling for smart, committed partners who want to improve communication, feel more loved, work as a team instead of against each other, or just get unstuck from an old issue or pattern.

I invite you to utilize my over 30 years of mental health/addictions education and experience, empowering you with highly effective and enduring therapy, resolving long term and recent issues that block your happiness and success. Adults, youths, couples and whole families are carefully taught needed skills and facilitated actual healing processes, step by step, to remedy thought distortions, repressed feelings and dysfunctional behaviors and attitudes that impair your relationships, socialization, work or school success. Treatment is customized in consideration of individual schedules, preferences, strengths, obstacles and goals for lasting growth and change. Christian counseling is available upon request.

Over 15 years of practice. Working with people is a privilege & a humbling experience. I work with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, couples, and families. I concentrate on clients' strengths, and addressing dysfunctional thinking and behaviors that creates mental unrest. A great percentage of our happiness is felt in response to having healthy relationships. When we experience distress in relationships with others we feel a sense of betrayal and loss. In therapy, you will learn to identify and regulate feelings to communicate your needs in a non-defensive manner. It is my privilege to walk that journey with you.