Experiential Therapy in Hickory, NC
Amy brings a patient and calming spirit to therapy, along with her good spirited humor, creating a safe environment for her clients to address their needs. "Therapy can be hard work. It is important to feel accepted in the therapy space and have faith that your therapist "gets you" and is ready to bear witness to whatever need you bring to each session. I am truly grateful to get to witness this with my client and join them in their growth process." Amy enjoys working with individuals, couples, children and adolescents.
Amy brings a patient and calming spirit to therapy, along with her good spirited humor, creating a safe environment for her clients to address their needs. "Therapy can be hard work. It is important to feel accepted in the therapy space and have faith that your therapist "gets you" and is ready to bear witness to whatever need you bring to each session. I am truly grateful to get to witness this with my client and join them in their growth process." Amy enjoys working with individuals, couples, children and adolescents.
Brenton Queen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LCAS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hickory, NC 28601
My ideal client is someone who is ready for new results. I love helping people create what is really important for their life, and I am committed to being someone who can push them to have it. The most successful couples I work with have struggled with infidelity, considered divorce, or lost the fireworks in their marriage. The most successful individuals I work with have struggled with anxiety, addiction, intimacy issues, death/loss, or finding a purpose. All of my clients who succeed are open to exploring new ideas and hungry for change. Our conversations are action-oriented and results driven. Most of our sessions are fun.
My ideal client is someone who is ready for new results. I love helping people create what is really important for their life, and I am committed to being someone who can push them to have it. The most successful couples I work with have struggled with infidelity, considered divorce, or lost the fireworks in their marriage. The most successful individuals I work with have struggled with anxiety, addiction, intimacy issues, death/loss, or finding a purpose. All of my clients who succeed are open to exploring new ideas and hungry for change. Our conversations are action-oriented and results driven. Most of our sessions are fun.
I can provide you with a laid back space to unwind your mind. We can sit in my office or go outside, the choice is always yours. Life is tough…but it doesn’t have to be navigated alone. Laugh, cuss, cry…I'm here for it all. I want to hear your story. I want to help however I can.
I can provide you with a laid back space to unwind your mind. We can sit in my office or go outside, the choice is always yours. Life is tough…but it doesn’t have to be navigated alone. Laugh, cuss, cry…I'm here for it all. I want to hear your story. I want to help however I can.
Liza M. Shaw
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ACHT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hickory, NC 28601
I consider it my personal mission to reduce the divorce rate in the United States, 1 couple at a time. But preventing divorce will only be succesful if, in place of unfulfilling or chronically dysfunctional marriages, couples develop truly thriving marriages & deeply fulfilling relationships. Even in the most hopeless-seeming cases, couples can heal the damage from the past and move forward in a healthier way. Not all marriages can be saved, but when couples do the work to heal the past, their future can be happier, no matter what the outcome for the relationship.
I consider it my personal mission to reduce the divorce rate in the United States, 1 couple at a time. But preventing divorce will only be succesful if, in place of unfulfilling or chronically dysfunctional marriages, couples develop truly thriving marriages & deeply fulfilling relationships. Even in the most hopeless-seeming cases, couples can heal the damage from the past and move forward in a healthier way. Not all marriages can be saved, but when couples do the work to heal the past, their future can be happier, no matter what the outcome for the relationship.
Tammy Virginia Shingleton
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hickory, NC 28601
Throughout my life I have become so aware of the importance of having someone who will listen, someone who will offer compassion without judgment. Throughout my career I have strived to place that understanding in focus as I worked with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and the lifelong pains of trauma.
Throughout my life I have become so aware of the importance of having someone who will listen, someone who will offer compassion without judgment. Throughout my career I have strived to place that understanding in focus as I worked with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and the lifelong pains of trauma.
Kathryn Shanks
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hickory, NC 28601 (Online Only)
I work with people who feel overwhelmed - by relationships, big transitions, life. They want to become more fully aware of and confident in themselves, and long to find freedom from the patterns that hold them back in life. My attachment training and relational approach tends to draw folks who are looking for support around relationships with partners, family, friends, and themselves. Many of them identify as queer, non-monogamous, and/or neurodivergent. They usually share that our work together has helped them to feel more at home in their own skin and more confident in their own strength, beauty, and wisdom.
I work with people who feel overwhelmed - by relationships, big transitions, life. They want to become more fully aware of and confident in themselves, and long to find freedom from the patterns that hold them back in life. My attachment training and relational approach tends to draw folks who are looking for support around relationships with partners, family, friends, and themselves. Many of them identify as queer, non-monogamous, and/or neurodivergent. They usually share that our work together has helped them to feel more at home in their own skin and more confident in their own strength, beauty, and wisdom.
Brittany Starbuck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA, MSW
Verified Verified
Hickory, NC 28601 (Online Only)
Brittany loves helping families work through challenges and coming up with strategies that best support each person’s individual needs. Brittany always provides a safe therapeutic environment for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, offering a supportive space of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment. Brittany also enjoys working with postpartum women/adults seeking help with parenting skills and mental health support after pregnancy and childbirth. As the mom to a young child herself, she understands the complexities of postpartum life and offers specialized support to new moms.
Brittany loves helping families work through challenges and coming up with strategies that best support each person’s individual needs. Brittany always provides a safe therapeutic environment for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, offering a supportive space of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment. Brittany also enjoys working with postpartum women/adults seeking help with parenting skills and mental health support after pregnancy and childbirth. As the mom to a young child herself, she understands the complexities of postpartum life and offers specialized support to new moms.
Thrive Counseling and Wellness
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LCSW, LPC, LCAS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hickory, NC 28602
Are you feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or just not like "you?" Does it feel like extra work to just get through the day? We get it. We're here to help you feel at peace, calm, and hopeful - no matter what is happening in your world.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or just not like "you?" Does it feel like extra work to just get through the day? We get it. We're here to help you feel at peace, calm, and hopeful - no matter what is happening in your world.
John E. Dyson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS/EdS, NCC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Hickory, NC 28602 (Online Only)
I believe that authentic relationships bring about the change that people are seeking. I provide unconditional positive regard in a safe space in order for clients to begin to reach their full potential. I work with older teens and adults regarding a wide range of issues. I provide services in the areas of relationships, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, parenting support, leadership, career counseling, college students and other areas. My theoretical orientation includes elements of Person-Centered and Reality therapies and may also include cognitive and behavioral therapies along with other modalities.
I believe that authentic relationships bring about the change that people are seeking. I provide unconditional positive regard in a safe space in order for clients to begin to reach their full potential. I work with older teens and adults regarding a wide range of issues. I provide services in the areas of relationships, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, parenting support, leadership, career counseling, college students and other areas. My theoretical orientation includes elements of Person-Centered and Reality therapies and may also include cognitive and behavioral therapies along with other modalities.
Feel lost and alone. Unable to find your way and exhausted from feeling lost? You desperately feel the need for relief. You feel like there’s no hope to find happiness again. I know you know. Because I was also there. I had lost myself. I was on the wrong path leading deeper into despair. I read all kinds of self-help books and even went to counseling but I still felt lost. If you can relate then trauma recovery coaching might be right for you. I found my way back and I can help you find your way back.
Feel lost and alone. Unable to find your way and exhausted from feeling lost? You desperately feel the need for relief. You feel like there’s no hope to find happiness again. I know you know. Because I was also there. I had lost myself. I was on the wrong path leading deeper into despair. I read all kinds of self-help books and even went to counseling but I still felt lost. If you can relate then trauma recovery coaching might be right for you. I found my way back and I can help you find your way back.
Online Therapists
Victoria Mexcur
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHCS, LIMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Iron Station, NC 28080
I offer equine interactions, somatic awareness, experiential therapy, EMDR and both traditional office and farm settings.
Coming here, clients like to take the time to get a deeper understanding of their needs and wants for personal growth. I offer a holistic, judgement free space combining traditional counseling services along with the opportunity to build relationships with horses to work through challenging experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Including horse interactions offers a different way of exploring these areas free of judgement or explanation, allowing us to heal naturally. It takes courage to explore the things that cause us distress and take the time to learn new things about our own abilities to “Tread Deep”.
I offer equine interactions, somatic awareness, experiential therapy, EMDR and both traditional office and farm settings.
Coming here, clients like to take the time to get a deeper understanding of their needs and wants for personal growth. I offer a holistic, judgement free space combining traditional counseling services along with the opportunity to build relationships with horses to work through challenging experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Including horse interactions offers a different way of exploring these areas free of judgement or explanation, allowing us to heal naturally. It takes courage to explore the things that cause us distress and take the time to learn new things about our own abilities to “Tread Deep”.
Marissa Kent-White
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
*Trained in Pragmatic Experiential Therapy for Couples (PET-C) by this theory's developer, Dr.
As a trained couples' and family therapist, I use a systemic approach with my clients which emphasizes the development and maintenance of healthy relationships and communication. Evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral/solution focused therapies are examples of the theoretical orientations from which I work. I believe wholeheartedly that change comes from a blend of internal and external factors with a team approach between the therapist and client(s). My philosophy is not to "fix" people, but rather serve as a partner to support my clients toward defining and reaching their expressed personal values and goals.
*Trained in Pragmatic Experiential Therapy for Couples (PET-C) by this theory's developer, Dr.
As a trained couples' and family therapist, I use a systemic approach with my clients which emphasizes the development and maintenance of healthy relationships and communication. Evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral/solution focused therapies are examples of the theoretical orientations from which I work. I believe wholeheartedly that change comes from a blend of internal and external factors with a team approach between the therapist and client(s). My philosophy is not to "fix" people, but rather serve as a partner to support my clients toward defining and reaching their expressed personal values and goals.
Allison Whaley McLaurin
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MEd, NCC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Waxhaw, NC 28173
Additionally, I provide CCPT, ACT, and Experiential therapy.
I am a believer in the human experience and normalizing the suffering that is a part of that experience. I do not take a pathological approach to individuals' mental health. I believe you will suffer within your lifetime and that we can work together to build your capacity for resilience. That being said I understand that some individuals have a chemical imbalance, or may experience psychosis if that is the case we can work together to take the proper steps for your health. Presently I work with children from ages six and up as well as adults.
Additionally, I provide CCPT, ACT, and Experiential therapy.
I am a believer in the human experience and normalizing the suffering that is a part of that experience. I do not take a pathological approach to individuals' mental health. I believe you will suffer within your lifetime and that we can work together to build your capacity for resilience. That being said I understand that some individuals have a chemical imbalance, or may experience psychosis if that is the case we can work together to take the proper steps for your health. Presently I work with children from ages six and up as well as adults.
My style is narrative in nature, utilizing Experiential Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brainspotting, Motivational Interviewing and other modalities.
Are you struggling? Life shows up and things get difficult. Maybe there are behaviors you want to change or a relationship you would like to see improve. Is there something in your past you would like to let go of? There is no reason to be alone in your pain. Pain is often a motivating factor for change.
My style is narrative in nature, utilizing Experiential Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brainspotting, Motivational Interviewing and other modalities.
Are you struggling? Life shows up and things get difficult. Maybe there are behaviors you want to change or a relationship you would like to see improve. Is there something in your past you would like to let go of? There is no reason to be alone in your pain. Pain is often a motivating factor for change.
Each person's story is unique, so I use a variety of treatments like Play Therapy, Experiential Therapy, CBT, & Attachment Therapy to help promote long-term change.
Navigating parenthood can be challenging, & sometimes you need extra support. If you feel overwhelmed seeing your child struggle with things like anxiety, anger, big emotions, trauma, tantrums, transitions, depression, then you’ve come to the right place! I specialize in working with children and teenagers utilizing a play-based approach to promote growth and change while partnering with parents to give new parenting tools. Play is the "language" of every child which allows them to process their emotions. With teens, we play games, draw, listen to their music & more to "get into their world" so they feel seen, heard, & understood.
Each person's story is unique, so I use a variety of treatments like Play Therapy, Experiential Therapy, CBT, & Attachment Therapy to help promote long-term change.
Navigating parenthood can be challenging, & sometimes you need extra support. If you feel overwhelmed seeing your child struggle with things like anxiety, anger, big emotions, trauma, tantrums, transitions, depression, then you’ve come to the right place! I specialize in working with children and teenagers utilizing a play-based approach to promote growth and change while partnering with parents to give new parenting tools. Play is the "language" of every child which allows them to process their emotions. With teens, we play games, draw, listen to their music & more to "get into their world" so they feel seen, heard, & understood.
In therapy, I often utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy, experiential therapy, and attachment theory, but I ultimately tailor the therapeutic services to the clients’ specific needs.
My goal is to walk alongside you during a time of healing and seeking connection. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA) in North Carolina, as well as a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator. My interests lie in populations such as emerging/young adulthood; premarital, marital, and couples counseling; and difficulties surrounding life transitions. I offer in-person and Telehealth sessions throughout the week.
In therapy, I often utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy, experiential therapy, and attachment theory, but I ultimately tailor the therapeutic services to the clients’ specific needs.
My goal is to walk alongside you during a time of healing and seeking connection. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA) in North Carolina, as well as a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator. My interests lie in populations such as emerging/young adulthood; premarital, marital, and couples counseling; and difficulties surrounding life transitions. I offer in-person and Telehealth sessions throughout the week.
Inobeme Polk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-CP, LCAS-A, CAMS-II
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28262
I utilize an integrated approach of MI, REBT, Family Systems Theory, and Experiential Therapy, because I believe the therapeutic process should be holistic to address the whole person in becoming more congruent.
I provide services to a vast and diverse population. I have the education, training and experiential knowledge to treat trauma, psychological, emotional and behavioral symptoms that interfere with day to day living. I work with teens, adolescents, adults, couples and families.
I utilize an integrated approach of MI, REBT, Family Systems Theory, and Experiential Therapy, because I believe the therapeutic process should be holistic to address the whole person in becoming more congruent.
I provide services to a vast and diverse population. I have the education, training and experiential knowledge to treat trauma, psychological, emotional and behavioral symptoms that interfere with day to day living. I work with teens, adolescents, adults, couples and families.
As a LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), I use relationship based therapy, experiential therapy including trauma-focused equine assisted psychotherapy, somatic work, inner child work, mindfulness and meditation to help you unearth who you really are!.
Here’s the thing: you are much more magnificent and brilliant than you ever thought possible! You may just need guidance & support to go inward and discover this truth. You may have already gone to therapy and still find yourself stuck in patterns of victimhood, scarcity, unworthiness, disempowerment, shame, anxiety, depression, and fear, just to name a few. Do you still get caught up in your old habits and stories, which causes suffering for you and those you love? Do you have anxiety and fear around stepping into your power and dream life?
As a LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), I use relationship based therapy, experiential therapy including trauma-focused equine assisted psychotherapy, somatic work, inner child work, mindfulness and meditation to help you unearth who you really are!.
Here’s the thing: you are much more magnificent and brilliant than you ever thought possible! You may just need guidance & support to go inward and discover this truth. You may have already gone to therapy and still find yourself stuck in patterns of victimhood, scarcity, unworthiness, disempowerment, shame, anxiety, depression, and fear, just to name a few. Do you still get caught up in your old habits and stories, which causes suffering for you and those you love? Do you have anxiety and fear around stepping into your power and dream life?
Natalie R Hill
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, QS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28805
Welcome! I'm so glad you've made the decision to embark on your journey towards healing, you deserve it! If traditional talk therapy hasn't quite hit the mark for you or your teen, experiential therapy might be a game-changer. I’ve found that activities like hiking, climbing, working with horses, or engaging in art can offer more effective results. I bring a playful, youthful energy to my work—I’m a big kid at heart! I believe in balancing laughter with the seriousness of our sessions. I view therapy as a space where we can embrace the full range of emotions, combining humor and authenticity with deep, empathetic support.
Welcome! I'm so glad you've made the decision to embark on your journey towards healing, you deserve it! If traditional talk therapy hasn't quite hit the mark for you or your teen, experiential therapy might be a game-changer. I’ve found that activities like hiking, climbing, working with horses, or engaging in art can offer more effective results. I bring a playful, youthful energy to my work—I’m a big kid at heart! I believe in balancing laughter with the seriousness of our sessions. I view therapy as a space where we can embrace the full range of emotions, combining humor and authenticity with deep, empathetic support.
Hello! I am a counselor licensed in North and South Carolina with over 22 years of experience. I’ve worked with a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, family and parenting issues, ADHD, behavioral issues, and more. I determine effective therapy strategies for each unique client, and employ a combination of Cognitive Behavioral, Schema Focused, Narrative, and Brief Solution Focused techniques. My clients tell me they appreciate that I am direct, honest, and hold them accountable, while also being compassionate. I am very practical and teach techniques that can be applied to most all situations in life.
Hello! I am a counselor licensed in North and South Carolina with over 22 years of experience. I’ve worked with a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, family and parenting issues, ADHD, behavioral issues, and more. I determine effective therapy strategies for each unique client, and employ a combination of Cognitive Behavioral, Schema Focused, Narrative, and Brief Solution Focused techniques. My clients tell me they appreciate that I am direct, honest, and hold them accountable, while also being compassionate. I am very practical and teach techniques that can be applied to most all situations in life.
See more therapy options for Hickory
Nearby Experiential Therapy Searches for Hickory
- Belmont
- Blowing Rock
- Cornelius
- Davidson
- Denver
- Gastonia
- Huntersville
- Lenoir
- Mooresville
- Morganton
- Sherrills Ford
- Statesville
Experiential Therapy
How does experiential therapy work?
Experiential therapy works by allowing an individual to use their creativity to re-imagine themselves and their lives in an effort to process their emotions. Experiential therapy may take many forms, including engaging clients through art, re-enactments, role-playing, music, or forms of physical recreation. By focusing on these activities, experiential therapists help individuals identify the emotions they associate with previous experiences and work together to cope with negative reactions, like fear, anger, or shame.
Is experiential therapy evidence-based?
Experiential therapy incorporates many therapy modalities, some of which have been more closely researched than others. Music therapy, for example, has been shown to help with sleep problems. Some studies find that art therapy can be beneficial for those with eating disorders or personality disorders, while other research suggests that such approaches have little impact.
How long does experiential therapy last?
The duration of experiential therapy will depend on the type of therapy used as well as the severity of the challenges an individual faces. Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Art therapy may comprise 10 to 15 weekly sessions. Music therapy sessions generally last between 30 and 50 minutes and can be scheduled weekly or on an as-needed basis. For each therapy type, clients should periodically discuss their goals with their therapist to make sure the two are aligned on process and progress.
Does experiential therapy help with trauma?
Trauma is one area where experiential therapy may be useful. Traumatic experiences such as combat or childhood abuse can be so painful that articulating them can be too scary or painful; creating visual art allows people to express themselves without words, and tell their story in a different way. Listening to music can be relaxing, while making music as part of a group provides plenty of opportunities to connect with other people. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, or who have been physically or emotionally abused.