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.

Children and adolescents are often faced with a myriad of obstacles, adjustments and stressors throughout their growth cycles. Through an integrative approach, I work with children and their caregivers to find ways best suited to master these obstacles and surmount life's challenges. As stated by Erik Erikson, "Play is the most natural method of self-healing childhood affords" and I dedicate much of my work to empowering children to use their inner strengths and abilities in creative ways that meet their needs. Just as adults process with their words, children do so in their play.

Living a life with anxiety and depression can seem overwhelming and hopeless. It is hard for you to envision a bright future. These feelings have started to affect your normal day to day life in school, work, or even your relationships. The feelings of agitation, tension, worthlessness, and guilt prohibit you from moving forward, accomplishing tasks, and being at your best. Often, you may even wonder if you will ever feel yourself again, or if this path of darkness is your new normal.

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.

It has been a privilege in my many years of experience to work with clients struggling to find their way at a particular time in their life. I find it is often a state of worry, doubt, confusion or stress and yet they still have the hope that someone will reach out to help. I can help guide you across that bridge. In therapy, we together establish a collaborative and trusting relationship in which we will set specific goals that you want to address. I use a variety of successful treatment modalities to assist you in dealing with these challenges.

I work with my clients to empower self-discovery and healing from past and present hindrances. We journey together to work towards change and better outcomes. As a life coach and clinical therapist for over 10 years I've been given the ability to assess your "old paintings" in how you viewed yourself. I aid you in rewriting/correcting the wrongs as you gain insight on who you can become. My goal: help you to create a new canvas to life along with the tools to sustain it!

Confidentiality, compassion, creativity and expertise are elements I bring to every client session. Understanding that each person is unique, my 20+ years of experience and broad range of training in mental and emotional healthcare give me both versatility and adaptability; allowing me to meet you where you are in your life today. Through the building of a mutual trust, we'll explore the nature of the challenges you may be facing. We'll identify your strengths and your sensitivities, as well as the inner and outer resources you may not yet know how to access.

*Currently not accepting new clients. Referring to Laura Albrecht-Munk at my same practice on Psychology Today! Are you tired of being a prisoner to your own negative thoughts, trying everything to ease your sadness and frustration, but feel like you are going in circles? Maybe you've tried self-help books, talking to friends, staying busy, but to no avail. Have you gone through something recently or in the past, which was traumatic and painful, where you feel like keeping to yourself is safest, and doing whatever you can to not get hurt again? Maybe you feel unsure about the world, anxious, unmotivated, and don't know why.

I am an LCSW and have worked with adults, couples, adolescents, children and families dealing with many life situations and psychological challenges for 28 years. During this time I worked for twelve years as a civilian psychotherapist with the Army and Air Force here and overseas. I am grateful for the immense experience I have gained. I service the Lake Norman area and North Charlotte. I provide individual, couple and family psychotherapy. I am also eager to serve military personnel/veterans/families. Additionally I have increased my practice to include First Responders (EMS, Law Enforcement and Fire personnel).

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.

I enjoy working with adults, adolescents and children. I treat the whole person (emotionally, physically and spiritually). I help to motivate you toward realistic lifestyle change by meeting you where you are in the process. I treat those with ADHD, parenting, depression, anxiety and marital issues to name a few. I believe the family is an important component to the treatment process; therefore family therapy is strongly encouraged, especially for children. I use different approaches based on the needs of the individual or family. At the top of my list are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family/Marital Therapy and Mindfulness Approach.

At Hosford Lifestyle LLC, we endeavor to provide counseling and educational services for children, adolescents, and adults in a warm and nurturing environment. Whether you are seeking counseling or psychological testing you will find your experience to be professional and confidential.

Everyday, for the best of 16 years, I have had the privilege of working with many wonderful clients; embarking on a journey to commit to themselves, committing to change, and making a commitment to improve their lives. I consider myself honored to be a part of someone’s journey to physical, emotional, and spiritual growth through this process. Together, in a trusting clinical alliance, is where this growth occurs.

Taking steps towards achieving emotional well being isn't always easy but therapy is often an important step in the right direction. I feel grateful that my job allows me to be able to witness people on their journey towards achieving their goals and to see positive changes take place in people's lives. I believe that all individuals and families possess inherent strengths that can aid them in overcoming life's challenges. I work to provide a safe, supportive atmosphere where change is able to take place.

I understand that it takes courage to begin the process of therapy. My goal is to provide compassionate, supportive and non-judgmental counseling in a safe and nurturing environment. I use both professional and personal experiences to help individuals reach goals. I realize life can be difficult and we may feel alone in our problems. I believe clients enter therapy with a desire for change and willingness to take on a journey of self discovery. I support the client in entering this process in whatever way feels right for them.

Do you feel anxious, lost or alone? Is it difficult for you to share your feelings with others? Do you long for more love, joy and meaning in your life and relationships? Do you feel so busy taking care of others that you have neglected yourself? Would you like to experience more freedom, connection and passion? Psychotherapy is an effective, dynamic, interpersonal experience that can help transform your life and relationships. Using an interactive, sincere and supportive style, frustrating patterns can be unraveled to create more satisfaction, pleasure and balance in your life.

ONLINE VIDEO THERAPY ONLY. Do you want to: Stop feeling stuck and take control of your life and relationships? Gain a new and profound perspective on your relationship? Stop pushing your loved ones away with your anger or other symptoms? Break your dissatisfying and reactive patterns? Stop having the same fights over and over again? Communicate and resolve conflicts easily, and mutually meet your needs? Deeply understand yourself and your loved ones, as well as experience warmth, love, and passion again? Feel a strong connection, enjoy reciprocity and synergy with your partner?

I am the owner & founder of Counseling Associates at the Lake, Inc. and have over 27 years of clinical experience as a therapist. I feel incredibly privileged to do the work I do every day! The connections I make with my clients and being there in some of the toughest times of their lives and sharing in their journey as they grow stronger, as they heal, as they strengthen themselves and their relationships, as they reach their objectives and as they make change and prosper is truly an extraordinary privilege and one that I cherish. I am truly passionate about my work and my clients!

If life seems confusing, heavy or difficult, I believe that together we can empower you to successfully face areas of concern; we can look at patterns that have developed and how to lessen their grip on you; we can learn new coping skills to help you maneuver in a supportive and connecting manner; we can find joy and hope in your life. Together we can develop strategies to help you reach your unique goals and develop a strong sense of self to embrace life.