LPC, 18 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi-I'm Carolyn and I am so glad that you are here. Eighteen years of counseling has taught me that healing begins with clarity, compassion, and practical tools. I pursued my master's degree in professional counseling and my Doctorate in Christian Psychology out of my love for people who are hurting. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and I specialize in helping individuals navigate emotional regulation, boundary-setting, and people-pleasing patterns. Above all, I’m here to support your autonomy. My role isn’t to tell you what to do—it’s to help you uncover what’s true for you, and to equip you with the skills and confidence to move forward with clarity and strength.
In our first session I want to get to know you. You get to tell me your story. I actively listen to what you say verbally and non-verbally. I may ask you, "when our time together is over, what would need to be different in order for you to know that your time in counseling was effective?". This question carefully points us in the direction of your needs and goals. I will share with you the tools that I use, like reflection worksheets, self-assessments, and visual metaphors—to make abstract concepts tangible and actionable. Whether you're facing challenges in family dynamics, workplace stress, or personal growth, we'll tailor our sessions to meet your unique needs and goals.
My greatest strength is that I genuinely care. I direct my knowledge, my faith, and my compassion towards your needs, your hope, and your dreams.
My strategies, skills, and knowledge are particularly helpful for the adult male or female who is looking for a space that’s structured yet flexible—where we explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with curiosity, not judgment. I’ll guide you through evidence-based strategies that help you understand your patterns, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward change.
In our sessions, we'll use CBT to help you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected—and how small shifts in one area can lead to meaningful change in others. Thoughts: We'll gently explore the patterns of thinking that may be contributing to stress, anxiety, or self-doubt. Together, we'll identify any unhelpful or distorted thoughts and learn how to challenge and reframe them. Feelings: We'll look at how your emotions respond to certain situations and thoughts. CBT helps us name and understand these feelings, so they don’t feel overwhelming or confusing. Behaviors: We'll work on practical strategies to change behaviors that may be keeping you stuck. This might include setting boundaries, practicing assertiveness, or building routines that support your goals. Triggers: We'll identify what tends to set off difficult emotions or reactions—whether it's a situation, a memory, or a relationship dynamic—and develop tools to respond more calmly and effectively. Coping Skills: You'll learn and practice techniques like mindfulness, grounding, and thought-stopping to help you manage stress and regulate emotions in real time. Patterns: We'll look for recurring themes in your experiences—like people-pleasing, perfectionism, or avoidance—and explore where they come from and how to shift them. Empowerment: Most importantly, CBT is about giving you tools. You'll leave each session with something practical you can use in your daily life to feel more in control, more confident, and more aligned with your values.