Carrie May
Career counseling focused on mental health in the workplace is my specialization. I help college students, job seekers, and working professionals who are feeling burned out, anxious, or overwhelmed reconnect with their strengths and bring their best selves to work or college.
Some start with weekly sessions, then transition to bi-weekly or monthly sessions when they feel their symptoms of anxiety or depression improve.
Many of my clients juggle high expectations, relationship challenges, and ongoing stress. They feel stuck, frustrated, or held back by negative self-talk or their environment. Together, we work on recognizing these patterns, challenging self-imposed limitations, and building healthier, more confident ways of thinking with clear steps to overcome challenges. I offer complimentary career exploration assessments, resume reviews, strategies for networking, practice interviews, and salary negotiation. I also offer complimentary business plan development for entrepreneurs and guidance on financial aid (FAFSA) for first-time college students.
First session
During the first session, we will review the intake paperwork and initial results of your mental health assessment. We will explore what brings you to therapy and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. The goal of the first session is to see if it may be a good fit for you and me. You do not have to go through this alone. Let's get you out of survival mode and start to thrive.
Strengths
I am skilled in helping clients identify their strengths, transferable skills, personal values, and resources to support their success. This helps clients make informed decisions, advocate for themselves at work, advance in their careers, or explore options to pivot into a new career. I am an LGBTQ+ ally and neurodivergent affirming. I enjoy working with diversity and attempt to leave my ego/privilege at the door. I rely heavily on motivational interviewing techniques with a short-term solution-focused approach. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas and Michigan, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), a SHRM-CP with the Society of Human Resource Management with over 20 years of experience in career counseling, higher education, and mental health.
Ideal clients
My clients have demanding and high-stress jobs. Some may prefer to be alone, even though it leads to ruminating over traumatic work experiences, poor sleep, and substance use. My clients have demanding jobs and are highly trained to solve problems. However, no one is immune to the long-term effects of stress and trauma. I often work with college students, healthcare professionals, engineers, executive leaders, first responders, nurses, and teachers. Many seek therapy for support in adjusting after a company restructuring or layoff. Some are starting a new position, navigating office politics, and learning how to communicate effectively with a new boss or roommate. Others seek resources to help in choosing a career, their job search, networking, interviewing, and salary negotiation. Resume reviews and career assessments are complimentary for all my clients.
Treatment methods
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I focus on the strengths of the client and finding solutions. I use strategies to build hope and make plans for the future. This includes the 'miracle question' where clients envision a positive outcome and identify specific steps toward their desired change. It encourages them to focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I help clients learn new coping skills to change the way they think and behave, which then impacts how they feel. When clients change the way they think about things, the things they look at change. Learning to manage the symptoms of anxiety and depression helps prevent relapses and is a great supplement with other treatments, like medication.
Motivational Interviewing
When clients want or need to make a change in their life, I assess where they may be in the various stages of change. This includes: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Together, we explore the positive and negative consequences of making progress towards the desired change.
Existential
When clients feel burnt-out, lost, stuck or hopeless, I often strive to help them create more meaning in their lives. We discuss how they fit in the world, their responsibilities and their choices. I help them embrace their autonomy to live authentically and purposefully.
Location
Virtual sessions