(she/her)
New to Grow
Hello! My name is Rebecca (Becky) Hegwood, and I'm glad you're here! I am a 2015 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Masters degree in rehabilitation counseling and have worked in the counseling field for 10 years. I received my Licensed Professional Counselor designation for the state of South Carolina in 2018 and have most recently received my Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor designation in the state of North Carolina. I have worked in a variety of settings since beginning my journey in this field, beginning with community non profit work, and adding experience in state mental health, group, and private practices since then. I have worked with both children and adults in group and individual settings. Outside of work time, I enjoy time at my little country farmhouse with my husband, our dogs, cat, and ducks. Being creative and listening to music are a couple of additional things that make my heart happiest!
I always describe therapy as an exchange of energy; I believe it is a unique and powerful alliance that opens up space to feel safe while talking about vulnerable things. It's important to me that we go at a pace that you feel good about, and the first session is most often a time to get to know each other. I want to hear about your life; I want to hear what you want and need me to hear! I always welcome questions, and will ask some questions too. It truly is a time just to become familiar with what the therapy process looks like and to get to know each other, no pressure, no expectations! The therapy experience is different for everyone and we will begin to talk about how to specifically tailor therapy to your needs.
My therapeutic approach is always person centered, meaning that regardless of the other theories or modalities I may draw from, first and foremost I believe in the individual's innate capacity to heal; I am a fellow traveler for a season on your life's journey! It's important to me that I communicate from a place of empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard for you as a human while also offering other perspectives and at times challenging what’s not working. Because of this, I consider myself more collaborative in nature, encouraging time with thoughts and emotions in order to build self awareness and identify options for forward movement and optimal living. I also believe that while we experience many challenges in life, our perceptions of life events can also serve to either perpetuate or relieve suffering. When we find personal empowerment through how we think and respond and what we give energy to, the game changes. I am passionate about helping others to restore a sense of power, resilience, and agency in their own lives, even in the midst of the storms life sends our way.
I enjoy working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and with a variety of presenting concerns. Some of the more common concerns I've encountered and continue to work with regularly are anxiety, depression, family conflict, life transitions and adjustments, grief, and trauma. I believe the single most important aspect of therapy is the therapeutic alliance itself and therefore prioritize ensuring that individuals are feeling valued and safe during our time together. Through person centered collaboration and rapport building, I believe that the vulnerability and curiosity necessary for long term healing and empowerment is nurtured. I encourage the people I serve to enter sessions with a willing and open mind, even if the path forward isn't immediately visible. Goals are accomplished one step, sometimes one breath, at a time!
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I have found many benefits to this approach in my personal and professional life and often utilize techniques outlined in ACT in order to encourage others to accept the thoughts and emotions that they experience as a way to work through them rather than avoid them. It is my belief that through acceptance of what's there, then determination of whether something is immediately "changeable" or within our control, we can make informed choices about how to move forward in life in meaningful and healthy ways. Another important facet of this approach is keeping in mind that we are not our thoughts and emotions; these are all natural parts of the human experience. The good news is, we get to choose what we do with them or what messages to take from them! If we are aware that our thoughts and emotions don't define who we are, we are empowered to spend time with and navigate them accordingly.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems has been a game changer in so many ways and can be used to identify and interact with core wounds as well as the defense mechanisms that we may develop in order to keep ourselves safe. This therapy operates under the belief that we all have a core self that we can connect with by healing and integrating all "parts" of ourselves over time. I often use this in my practice to help with identification of core wounds, implementation of self compassion, and encouragement of a return to the core self.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have found that utilization of Dialectical Behavior therapy blends nicely with ACT; it is also a bridge between the "acceptance" piece of things and implementation of behavioral changes based on what we can control. By holding space for acceptance of our own thoughts, emotions, and even external things that are outside of our control, we free up the energy to address and change the things that are truly within our power and control. I believe personal empowerment is a key component in the therapeutic journey!