Behavioral Issues Therapists in Banner Elk, NC

Hi! I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress management for children, teens, and adults. I like to utilize a creative approach to therapy to help tailor to you as an individual. I view myself as an eclectic counselor as I like to pull from various theories to best fit your needs. I mostly tend to utilize cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, expressive art therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I chose to become a counselor because I love to witness the growth that others achieve. I have a passion for healing and counseling allows me to be a part of others’ healing journeys almost every day.

Are you struggling with depression or anxiety? Are you having difficulty bouncing back after a traumatic experience? Are you having difficulties in a relationship? I can help! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 20 years of experience providing trauma-informed services to children, adults, families, and couples. Areas of specialization include: anxiety and mood disorders, PTSD, grief and loss, child/adolescent behavior problems, adjustment and phase of life issues, and interpersonal relationship problems.

I love working with people who are taking steps to better understand themselves and how they relate to the world around them. I work with children, teens, adults and families who are looking to realize their full potential and confront challenges in doing so. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, family conflict, life transitions, academic struggles, work-life balance and relationships. I love working with children and parents to support empathy building in family relationships.

Crossnore Communities for Children offers services to outpatient clients utilizing a trauma-informed model of care. We provide each client with a complete clinical assessment to ensure they receive personalized services and the best care for their needs. Our clients work with a therapist in a consistent, structured, and collaborative environment that promotes growth and healing.

I strive to assist distressed individuals in regulating emotions, improving mood, cultivating positive thinking, changing unproductive behaviors, and in creating wellness, life satisfaction, and self-acceptance. By exploring and identifying unique, personal thinking patterns, challenges, needs, and strengths we work in therapy to promote the meaning in life, responsibility, and the pursuit of genuineness and the best in self, life and relationships. My approach is compassionate, backed by extensive training and I have over 30 years of experience in education, community service, and psychotherapy with children, students, adults, couples, families, and groups.

Life can be challenging, and making change alone can be a real struggle; however you are not alone! I want to do life with you and provide support. I have learned that one of the most important factors of success is making a connection and feelings comfortable with the person you choose to work with. In addition, I feel like you are the expert of your life and you have the answers within yourself; however sometimes it take someone coming along beside you to provide the support needed to help guide you to find those answers. I would love to get to know you and to have the opportunity to be a support for you!

I have over 20 years of experience in mental health. I am trained in EMDR, Hypnotherapy and CBT. I enjoy using humor to ease tension and lighten the mood, as I build rapport and help people feel supported. When working with clients, I help them identify natural support systems, set healthy boundaries, develop coping skills, gain work/life balance and process trauma. I have a holistic collaborative approach to care focusing on building resiliency using active listening, empathy and unconditional positive regard.

I am committed to enhancing the emotional and spiritual growth of people, individually and in relationships. The purpose of my counseling is to help people overcome the hindrances that keep them from reaching their potential to be fully loving and responsible - towards themselves, in relationship to other people, and in their spiritual journey.

I am pleased you are considering working with me. We all have issues which need improvement. Life is a journey of change in which therapy can be a supportive tool.

Now accepting new individual therapy clients for telehealth sessions! By now, you feel like the pain will never go away. It seems like the harder you fight to free yourself from the torment in your heart and in your mind, the more tormented you actually feel. It's like being weighted down, unable to breathe, unable to act. There is hope! I work with individuals (typically age 16 and up) seeking to improve mood, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. I can help you understand your unique situation, find a healthier new perspective, and develop the tools you need to alleviate your suffering and keep it from returning.

My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients are able to explore issues and improve the quality of their lives. I use an integrative style of psychotherapy that pulls from many different approaches with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My work with clients is based on a collaborative approach that promotes a strong alliance and allows for open and honest communication. Within this foundation, clients develop the safety and freedom to challenge behaviors and beliefs and discover new attitudes that promote change.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist licensed in North Carolina with over 9 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and substance use disorders. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and compassionate. I believe in treating anyone with respect. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. I am also trained and offer EMDR.