About me
I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) specializing in online counseling across the state of North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and internationally.
I have 18 years experience as a therapist in various settings: private practice, community mental health, and university.
I'm also a clinical supervisor for other therapists.
Who I am.
I believe that everyone does better when everyone does better.
I embrace people and all their differences with curiosity, openness and love.
Yes it's cheesy but it's also true.
I want to welcome & affirm you and everything that makes you who you are.
I value and respect your race, sexual orientation, gender identity & expression, ability or disability, body size, culture, background and every experience & trait & quirk that makes you unique.
Even if you don't like it about yourself.
Beyond the professional qualifications, I'm a human like you.
I get that your life is incredibly hard at times. That life can be unpredictable and painful. It can feel unmanageable and worth escaping. I have been there.
I understand what it feels like when you hit low points that feel insurmountable. And I also know what it takes to find your way back out towards a life that you actually want to wake up to.
I am passionate about helping you unhook from strong emotions that keep you up at night or make days seem unbearable.
I get energized by helping people use new strategies to communicate and relate effectively with others in their lives and to shift out of patterns that don't work.
I believe that every person has the ability to live the better life they want to be living. But having ability and making change are not the same thing. My sincere passion is to help you bridge that gap.
Schedule a free 15 min video consultation to discuss your needs & see if we're a good fit.
Are you ready to feel differently?
I've worked with hundreds of clients over nearly two decades. This experience lets me help people see patterns they cannot see from inside their own awareness.
There's no shortage of mental health & coping info out there. And I do love a good self-help podcast, app, book, or article!
But what's harder to find is someone who will help you take what you learn and turn it into actual, lasting change in your life.
That's what I do.
I provide action-oriented therapy for those who want clarity paired up with strategies and the guidance needed to achieve their goals.
If you're ready to head towards the life you want to be living, I'm excited to head down that road with you!
My qualifications to do this.
Education
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Master of Science in Community Agency Counseling from North Carolina State University
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Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from The University of Texas at Austin
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Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Spanish Language from The University of Texas at Austin
Licenses and Certifications
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Nationally Certified Counselor (#238983)
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Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (#7963)
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Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (#S7963)
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Florida out-of-state Telehealth Provider (#TPMC1399)
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Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) (#1017)
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Intensively Trained Clinician, through Behavioral Tech (an affiliate of the Linehan Institute)
Professional Memberships
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American Counseling Association
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Licensed Clinical Counselors Association of North Carolina
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American Telemedicine Association
Where I came from.
I am originally from Texas. I'm a middle kid and am blessed to have 2 wonderful siblings. I like them...now. They have amazing children who call me Aunt Heather and these 6 nieces & nephews fill my heart.
Growing up, I had always planned to be a teacher. After a brief stint teaching middle & high schoolers, I realized I hadn't quite found my ideal career fit, but I knew I was on the right track.
At the University of Texas in Austin (worth a visit!), I supervised student leaders in Residence Life and landed on my passion for helping people develop into the version of themselves that feels most true & meaningful.
So, I came to Raleigh, NC in 2004 and pursued a degree in counseling at NC State University while continuing to work in Student Life at NCSU. I've counseled with folks at a college counseling center, in their homes, at community mental health agencies, and eventually at my private practice.
Where I am now.
I absolutely love what I do. I love being part of helping people to change their lives and feel the way that I think we're all meant to feel.
And I now call NC home (unless I'm at my childhood house with Mom) and I try to enjoy all this lovely state has to offer.
When I'm not counseling, you might also catch me doing some writing, biking (fundraising for Bike MS!), running, gardening, watching/reading something a client recommended, spending quality time with my partner or 6-toed cat, connecting with friends, or planning my next trip for some rejuvenation time.
Some favorite shows so you can assess my vibe: Ted Lasso, Six Feet Under, This is Us, Abbott Elementary, Schitt’s Creek, Paradise, The Pitt, Parks & Rec. And a recent book I couldn't stop thinking about: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.
If you think we might be a fit, set up a free consultation to discuss what we can achieve for you with online counseling!