Meet Our Team of Counselors in Fuquay-Varina, NC

Welcome – I'm Glad You're Here

I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS) in North Carolina, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). Since beginning my counseling career in 2006 and founding Southern Wake Counseling Center in 2008, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals and couples as they work toward healing, growth, and meaningful change.

My approach is warm, trauma-informed, and tailored to each client's unique needs. I specialize in supporting adults and couples navigating anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma, life transitions, and emotional pain.

Specialized Training and Areas of Focus:

• Somatic Attachment Therapy: I hold a certification in Somatic Attachment Therapy, which allows me to help clients heal attachment wounds and unresolved trauma. This work supports greater emotional regulation, resilience, and deeper relational connection.
• Gottman Method Couples Counseling: I’m trained in the Gottman Method and use many of its research-based tools to help couples strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and reconnect—especially in areas such as infidelity, intimacy issues, sexual concerns, and the impact of guilt or shame.
• EMDR Therapy: I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a powerful tool for helping individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. I understand that trauma can take many forms, and it often weaves itself into our relationships, self-worth, and sense of safety.
• Military and Veteran Support: With over 12 years of experience working with military members and families, I offer informed and compassionate care tailored to the unique challenges faced by the military community.
• High-Conflict Parenting Support: As a certified Parent Coordinator, I assist separated or divorced parents in navigating co-parenting challenges and reducing conflict for the well-being of their children.

I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Campbell University. My therapeutic style blends somatic and attachment-based approaches with mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and other evidence-based methods.

Above all, I aim to create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen and heard—where you can explore your story, connect more deeply with yourself and others, and move toward the life and relationships you truly want.

You are the expert in your life. My role as a therapist is to work with you and to supply you with the education, skills, and resources needed for you to be able to improve your quality of life. I provide an empathetic, non-judgmental space for you to deepen your self-understanding and to explore changes you would like to make to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I take an eclectic, evidence-based approach to individualize therapy to your needs and preferences, while accounting for all aspects of your identity (e.g., culture, sexuality, spirituality). Therapeutic approaches that I frequently use include, but are not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I am available for both virtual and in person sessions.

The thought of starting therapy can be very overwhelming and scary. It takes a lot of strength, wisdom and maturity to start sessions. I feel every individual is a unique and a complex being, therefore, the approaches I take with your concerns are determined by the information you provide regarding any concerns you have of your emotional, mental, physical, social, spiritual, economic, creative, intellectual, environmental and career characteristics. As a team, we will work in collaboration as you identify concerns that you want to work on in session and as we explore options that are available to you to improve those concerns. Then, I support you in the choices that you make about your concerns and present psychoeducation, skills and resources to help you achieve your goals.

It is important that we be open and honest with each other in order for appropriate counseling goals to be established. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client Centered, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Counseling approaches are the basic theoretical foundation of sessions. Depending on your individual needs, I will use various methods of therapy. I will challenge you in a caring and empathetic manner to look at yourself and seek alternative options and strategies for handling life.

I believe a trusting working relationship between a client and a counselor is important, and I strive to achieve that collaboration. I am comfortable working with individuals from diverse cultures and lifestyles; I feel being accepting, objective, respectful and genuine are characteristics essential in working with clients. Overall, counseling is a process in which you the individual gain knowledge and tools that will facilitate continued growth and development after therapy has ended.

As a couples counselor, I understand that relationships are challenging in even the best conditions. When the stress of balancing work, family, friends and taking care of yourself start to weigh on you, relationships can suffer and even fall apart. There is no secret formula or instruction manual for how to have a happy relationship, but I am a firm believer that with hard work, dedication and the right guidance, you and your partner can be happier than ever before. That’s where I come in: combining my clinical experience working with couples, my Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy to help people reconnect and build a happy life together. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to counseling. Instead, I would prefer to partner with you to learn what your specific needs are and collaborate with you to come up with a counseling plan that works best for you. I can help identify the behavior and interaction patterns that contribute to your relationship problems and help you develop new behaviors conducive to your goals. Along the way, expect nothing less than understanding, patience, enthusiasm, safety and empathy from me. If you’re ready to be brave and take that important first step toward personal growth and a happier relationship give us a call. I am available for both in-person and virtual sessions.

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I graduated and received my BS in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Central University in 1999 and went on to receive my Master of Arts in Counselor Education (Agency Counseling) from North Carolina Central University in 2003. I have over 18 years of experience in helping adults, adolescents, and children of diverse backgrounds improve their mental health. I believe strongly that meeting individuals where they are and taking the time to develop rapport are the corner stones in building a healthy therapeutic relationship.My approach is eclectic and evidenced based. I love Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; however, I utilize a variety of approaches to meet client’s individual needs. I have experience in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, self-harm and/or suicidal behavior, relationship issues, psychotic disorders, self-esteem issues, personality disorders, behavioral concerns, and struggles coping with everyday life. I prioritize assisting clients in developing insight and a better understanding of their current mental health. One of my favorite sayings is “Everything Matters”.

I utilize a holistic and integrated approach to counseling, grounded in evidence-based interventions and tailored to the unique experiences of each client. I view therapy as a collaborative process—one that honors each individual’s story, strengths, and needs.

My practice is rooted in a trauma-informed, person-centered philosophy and draws from multiple modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic Experiencing Psychotherapy, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and Couples Therapy. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and hold a Level 1 certification in the Gottman Method for couples work.

I am also experienced and comfortable working with individuals on the autism spectrum and am passionate about supporting military service members, veterans and their families. I strive to provide an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment that meets clients where they are.

My primary goal is to create a safe, transparent space where clients feel fully seen and known. Within this space, I aim to empower individuals to take meaningful steps toward healing, growth, and personal transformation. Upon request, I also offer Christian counseling and spiritual integration as part of the therapeutic process.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have practiced as a Mental Health Therapist for more than 35 years. I will meet you where you are emotionally and will be with you as you take a healing journey. I believe that patience, trust, and humor help regulate us when we are facing life’s inevitable challenges. We will work together to tailor your individual skills toolbox to help with today’s problems and whatever comes.

I attended Boston University where I received my master’s degree. I worked as a therapist in Germany and Kansas before moving to North Carolina to develop and administer NC Department of Corrections Sexual Offender Program called SOAR.

My experience includes working in two state prisons, in a military hospital, at Cape Fear Medical Center psychiatric hospital, and at residential treatment facilities.

I have been a Clinical Director for a Critical Access Behavior Health (CABHA) and other Outpatient agencies in North Carolina. I spent several years working with Special Operations service members and their families.

I specialize in trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, play therapy, and school behaviors. My passion is creating trauma informed communities.

My expertise is in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed CBT, Illness Management and Recovery, sexual offender treatment, play therapy, sand tray, and Seeking Safety.

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate. I received a Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in 2024. I have a Bachelor’s in Psychology from George Mason University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Western Governors University. I worked as an elementary school teacher for fifteen years before transitioning to counseling. I will offer a safe and nurturing space for you to explore your truth. I provide support and encouragement along your healing journey as you hone your inner guidance and move closer to reaching your goals. We will work together to tailor your individual skills to build emotional strength and resiliency.

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, an Army Veteran and a former Police Officer. I am passionate about providing a secure environment for individuals, couples, and families to heal and grow. I believe in a strong counseling relationship that allows you to move past obstacles to achieve your greatest potential.  

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate with a BS in Psychology from Appalachian State University (2021) and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University (2023). With one and a half years of experience, I have supported adults, adolescents, and children from diverse backgrounds in improving their mental health. I strongly believe in the importance of meeting individuals where they are and taking the time to build rapport for a healthy therapeutic relationship. My approach is evidence-based, with a particular liking for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, though I employ a variety of methods to suit each client's unique needs. My priority is to help clients develop insight into their current mental health and understand how their past experiences may be affecting them. I see adolescents and individuals.

In my experience, I have noticed that my clients know themselves better than anyone else which makes them the best resource when it comes to treatment. Therapy is a joint venture or partnership where both of our knowledge and skills are combined to create solutions that work best for you. A good therapeutic relationship includes multiple aspects; however, I believe the most important are trust, authenticity, freedom, and positive outcomes.

I utilize a collaborative, individualized approach with each and every client. Working together, I encourage you to find happiness and meaning in your life. I support and validate clients using Solution Focused, Strength-based, Person-centered, and Trauma-informed approaches, along with mindfulness techniques, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT).

My educational background is from Rhode Island College where I earned a B.A in Psychology, B.S in Chemical Dependency and Addictions, as well as a M.S in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have 5 plus years of experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults in a variety of settings. I have worked or interned at the following locations: Fellowship Health Resources, Caritas ARTS, The Providence Center, Social Sparks, Bryant University, Paradigm Integrated Behavioral Health, United Services Inc, as well as Southbay Community Services which consisted of community-based work, residential rehabilitative programs, case management, individualized outpatient counseling, and substance use specialist.

I believe it is important to establish a warm, non-judgmental, safe space for my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings with courage and a sense of curiosity. My primary interest is working with young adults and adults with depression, anxiety, difficulty with mood regulation, stress management, life transitions, career/academic performance enhancement, and healthy relationships. 

I believe that the best counseling is based on two things, unconditional positive regard and radical empathy. Using these two ideas I strive for a collaborative and healing approach to counseling. I strive to work with clients on fulfilling the individualized needs and goals they want to meet. Through the utilization of Existential theory and some Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, I strive to help clients explore their emotions and reach congruence in their daily lives. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where I obtained my masters in clinical mental health counseling.

Currently I am interning as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor at Liberty University as part of my graduate studies in clinical counseling. I have completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology at North Carolina State University. I follow a holistic approach that focuses on the individuals’ needs at the core of therapy sessions. I strongly value building a relationship with my clients to work together towards achieving therapeutic goals. My approach involves evidence-based practices to offer customized treatments that support healing and growth for individuals in need of support. I believe in creating a safe space where clients are encouraged to explore their challenges and take steps toward personal development. I am passionate about working with a diverse range of clients from teenagers to adults addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, and coping with past traumas. Christian counseling and spiritual integrations are available upon request.    

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly a decade of experience in behavioral health, specializing in support for children, adolescents, and families.  I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and my Bachelor’s in Social Work from Appalachian State University. My background includes years in intensive in-home services, where I worked directly with families navigating complex challenges in their daily environments. This experience taught me the power of resilience and the importance of a strengths-based approach to therapy. I believe in honoring each client’s unique strengths and potential, empowering them to build on what’s already within. I also served as a clinical supervisor and trainer mentor for Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT), helping other clinicians develop their skills in family-centered, strengths-based care. Certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), I bring a compassionate, client-centered approach to my work. Extensively trained in yoga instruction, I incorporate mindfulness and grounding practices to support clients’ connection to mind-body awareness and build emotional resilience. I integrate evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques, along with interactive exercises, to deepen self-awareness and enhance therapeutic outcomes. I address a wide range of mental health issues, from anxiety and depression to family dynamics, and am dedicated to empowering clients to build on their strengths and create meaningful, lasting change. 

I am a licensed clinical addictions specialist associate (LCAS). I graduated from Liberty University in 2013 with my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. I also have a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, 2021. I am a compassionate and experienced counselor dedicated to helping individuals overcome life's challenges. With a focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness based therapy, person centered therapy, solution focused counseling, and motivational interviewing. I can provide Christian psychotherapy as requested by the client. I provide a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I am passionate about empowering individuals to develop  coping skills, build resilience, and achieve lasting change. I am currently accepting in-person and virtual appointments with adults, couples, and families. 

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate with a Master's in Social Work from the University of Nebraska - Omaha. With over nine years of experience in behavioral health, I have worked in public agencies and private agencies.

The eight years I worked in public agencies gave me experience working with children with childhood and family problems and adults with major behavioral health issues.

My practice of counseling starts with compassion. We will then work together to select clear and understandable methods that will help the changes you want. I believe by taking a multi-modal approach it helps for each client to have a personalized plan for their healing journey that addresses your aspirations, your social needs, your psychological needs and your physical needs.

I am passionate about working with individuals from marginalized and historically oppressed communities. My priority is to help you manage emotions and behaviors you find troublesome at work, home, and school. I see children, adolescents, and adults.

I am a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, with a specialized certification in Accelerated Resolution, and a certified Meditation Transformation Teacher. I received my master’s degree in Counseling from Campbell University and Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of North Carolina in Wilmington.

I consider my approach eclectic and tailor treatment to the individual needs using aspects of varying modalities, such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Based Therapy, Somatic Based Therapy, and Person Centered therapy. I have a unique certification in Accelerated Resolution Therapy. ART is an evidence-based psychotherapy that allows clients to experience rapid recovery by reprogramming how the brain stores traumatic memories using rapid eye movements. ART can be used for to resolve all types of psychological, emotional, behavioral, traumatic, and spiritual issues. It can help with decision making, learning to cope, and overall is the precursor to improving quality of life.

I consider my area of expertise to be trauma focused, however; I have 15 years of experience in working with relationship issues, intimacy issues, men and women’s issues, shame based thinking, boundary issues, sexual topics, anxiety, panic attacks, and mood disorders. I am available to work with teens, adults, couples, and families.

As a mental health provider, I believe that clients are the experts of their personal experiences, and possess the best knowledge about themselves regarding what their mental health needs are.

Coming from a theoretical foundation of Person-Centered Therapy, I strengthen the client-counselor relationship with my empathy, kindness, and unconditional positive regard for the client. I integrate Solution-Focused Theory through addressing client’s strengths and previous successes regarding presenting concerns. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist the client in identifying and reframing unhelpful thought patterns.

Additionally, I have completed relevant coursework in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which enhances my work with clients on emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness strategies.

My clinical interests include working with adolescents and college-age/emerging adults, offering general mental health services and psychoeducation related to developmental milestones and

life transitions.