Angela McNeil
As a trauma-informed therapist, I believe that each person has strengths and abilities within them that can help them navigate life's challenges, whether those challenges come from external circumstances or internal struggles. My role is to help you recognize those strengths, gain a better understanding of yourself, and learn how to use them to create meaningful change and live a more empowered life. My approach to therapy is eclectic, meaning I draw from different therapeutic approaches to meet you where you are and consider what will best support your needs and goals. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, and mindfulness techniques to help you explore patterns of thinking and behavior, better understand your experiences, and develop healthy ways of coping. When requested, I also welcome the integration of biblical principles and faith-based perspectives into our work together. I believe therapy is a collaborative journey. You bring your experiences, strengths, and desire for change, and I bring a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can explore, learn, and grow together.
Helping You Understand Your Story and Create a New Path Forward.
First session
Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin understanding what brings you to therapy. I may ask questions about your family history, current experiences, relationships, strengths, and what you hope to gain from therapy. This will help me better understand your experiences and what you are looking for as we begin working together. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I understand that talking about personal experiences can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first time in therapy. Remember, you are not expected to share everything at once. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Taking the first step toward therapy is an important part of your journey toward healing and growth. Many people experience a sense of relief simply by having the opportunity to express what they have been thinking and feeling in a space where they are heard and understood. My goal is to make sure you feel supported as we begin this journey together.
Strengths
Life has presented me with challenges and experiences that have contributed to my own personal growth and shaped how I view and relate to others. I understand that navigating life's challenges is not always easy, and sometimes we need someone who can offer a different perspective, help us recognize what we may not see in ourselves, and encourage us to move forward. As a therapist, I strive to create a space where you feel heard, supported, and understood. At the same time, I believe growth sometimes requires us to look beyond what is comfortable. I will gently challenge you when I recognize patterns, perspectives, or blind spots that may be getting in the way of your growth. My goal is not to judge or tell you what to do, but to help you gain greater self-awareness, recognize your strengths, and feel empowered to make choices that support your well-being. I recognize that taking the step to seek therapy requires courage. You don't have to have everything figured out before you begin. I am here to walk alongside you, offering support, perspective, and encouragement as you navigate your journey.
Ideal clients
Regardless of where you are in life or what stage you are navigating, we all experience challenges that can affect how we see ourselves, relate to others, and move through life. Some of these challenges may be rooted in childhood experiences, family dynamics, past relationships, trauma, loss, or other significant life events that continue to influence how we think, feel, and respond today. You may be struggling with your sense of self-worth, low self-esteem, grief or loss (whether sudden or anticipated), relationship concerns, or difficulties with communication. Perhaps you recognize that something needs to change but aren't quite sure where to begin. I work with individuals who are open to exploring their experiences, gaining a better understanding of themselves, and discovering new ways to navigate life's challenges. You don't have to come to therapy with all the answers. Together, we will identify what matters most to you and establish goals that reflect the changes you want to see in your life. My hope is to support you in moving beyond simply managing life's challenges toward developing greater self-awareness, building confidence, strengthening relationships, and creating meaningful, lasting change. If you are willing to take that first step, I welcome the opportunity to support you along the way.
Ongoing work together
Progress in therapy looks different for everyone. Together, we will establish goals that reflect what you hope to accomplish through our work. As we move forward, we will revisit those goals and identify the changes you are experiencing in your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and relationships. I often incorporate activities or "homework" between sessions to encourage you to practice what we discuss and apply what you are learning to your everyday life. These activities also provide opportunities to reflect on your experiences and recognize areas of growth. You will begin to recognize progress as you develop greater self-awareness, identify patterns, apply new coping strategies, and become better able to articulate the changes you are making. Progress isn't always about having all the answers or getting everything right. Sometimes, it is recognizing a pattern, responding differently to a situation, or giving yourself permission to see things from a new perspective. My goal is to help you recognize not only how far you have come, but also the strengths and skills you are developing along the way.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I often help clients recognize the connection between what they think, how they feel, and how they respond or behave. Sometimes, we are not fully aware of how our thoughts influence our emotions and actions. These patterns can create a cycle that either reinforces negative thinking and behaviors or supports positive thinking, healthier responses, and personal growth. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I work with clients to identify and explore their thinking patterns, recognize unhelpful thoughts, and consider alternative ways of viewing situations. Together, we examine how these thoughts may be influencing their emotions, decisions, relationships, and overall well-being. My goal is to help clients develop greater awareness and strengthen their ability to respond to life's challenges in healthier and more productive ways. CBT is an evidence-based approach that provides practical tools clients can use both during and beyond therapy sessions. With practice and commitment, these skills can support meaningful, lasting change.
Psychodynamic
I use psychodynamic approaches to help clients explore how past experiences, childhood relationships, and significant life events may influence their current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sometimes, we develop patterns of responding to situations or relating to others without fully understanding where those patterns began. Through exploration and reflection, I help clients make connections between past experiences and present-day challenges. My goal is to increase self-awareness, uncover patterns that may be limiting personal growth, and help clients develop healthier ways of understanding themselves and navigating relationships.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I incorporate mindfulness techniques to help clients become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in the present moment. Often, we become so consumed by past experiences or future concerns that we lose sight of what is happening within us right now. Through mindfulness, I help clients develop skills to slow down, manage stress, regulate emotions, and respond to challenging situations with greater awareness and intention. My goal is to help clients become more present, develop healthier coping strategies, and strengthen their ability to navigate life's challenges.
Faith-based therapy
For clients who desire to incorporate their faith into therapy, I welcome the opportunity to integrate biblical principles with psychological concepts and practices. I believe faith and psychology can complement one another in supporting emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. This approach may include exploring scripture, examining thought patterns, strengthening personal values, and applying biblical principles to everyday challenges. My goal is to provide an approach that respects your faith while supporting your emotional healing, personal growth, and overall well-being. Faith-based integration is always guided by your preferences, beliefs, and comfort level.
Location
Virtual sessions