I believe that every person is a light in this world, and in order to heal from pain and suffering we must discover our inner strength, inherent worth, and greater purpose. Everyone is subject to the same universal crises in life. Some of these include meeting our needs in a competitive society, discovering who we are, understanding the meaning of our lives, and coping with changes in our health, relationships, and circumstances. When stress becomes overwhelming, and when life becomes a struggle, this is the time to reach out for help.

My approach to helping clients is very much influenced by humanistic psychology. Understanding the nature and dynamics of suffering is important, but I believe my most important task as a therapist is to help clients learn strategies for regaining wellness and fulfilling their potential. In my role as a therapist I incorporate counseling techniques that are based on cognitive-behavioral theory, polyvagal theory, psychodynamic therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.

Professional Experience
I have over 10 years of experience working with vulnerable client populations in different roles. Before working as a private therapist and college counselor, I worked as an outpatient therapist for a community mental health clinic during the COVID-19 Pandemic. While pursuing my graduate degree, I worked in the child welfare field for abuse/neglect courts in Robeson County. Prior to graduate school, I worked as a tobacco cessation specialist in the public health field, where I facilitated support groups for clients with nicotine addiction. My journey into the helping professions started in 2005 when I began working as a certified nursing assistant and caregiver for clients with developmental disabilities and the elderly. For many years, I have been motivated to help and heal others.

Personal History
I have been living in North Carolina for the past 9 years. I grew up on the West Coast in Washington State. I have traveled to Canada, New Zealand, and Mexico. As a young adult, I worked with a therapist to overcome problems with anxiety symptoms. Later on in my 20s, I started receiving treatment for endocrine disease, including PCOS. While I was in college, I started my own business. I was married for 12 years, and have rebuilt my life after divorce. I survived the loss of a friend to suicide in high school, and the sudden passing of my father in 2015. I have also experienced loving someone through their recovery from opioid addiction. I love gardening, cooking, reading, and rescuing animals. My interest in philosophy has led me to explore many worldviews. I have many years of experience practicing both Christianity and Buddhism. I enjoy working with clients from different cultural backgrounds and exploring the ways that our personal and social identities impact our mental health and well-being.

Thank you for reading about my personal counseling philosophy. I am looking forward to working with you!

“You are not your illness. You have an individual story to tell. You have a name, a history, a personality. Staying yourself is part of the battle.”

Julian Seifter