I am a professional counselor, consultant, human development and nature healing specialist. I am licensed with the state of North Carolina Board for Licensed Professional Counselors (#6516) and a National Certified Counselor (#229164). I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 1996 and both Masters and Specialists degrees of Education in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Florida in August of 2000. My continuing ed & training focus has mainly been on trauma and dissociation throughout the last 26 years. The majority of my life experiences have centered around learning as much as I can about trauma and dissociation; how we can increase our awareness in order to increase our "window of realness." We often hear about improving our "window of tolerance" in order to tolerate the ever more increasing demands of our world. By increasing our "Window of realness" we move toward our most authentic selves. I often use an eclectic approach bringing together a variety of types of therapy to help my clients express what they need to express from the various different developmental levels that traumatic material gets stuck within. For example in one session you may find we start out by talking and end by drawing, playing, or dancing. Whatever brings you in: trauma, grief, struggling with dissociation, anxiety or depression, it's my hope that by providing a soft place to land, you will feel comfortable enough in your own skin to begin to be curious to explore what's on your mind. You'll feel acknowledged, respected and empowered as an individual, as a human being, with rights and needs, through the compassionate and empathic way that I will relate with you. From, the very first session, you can begin to claim back your power.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

When working with my clients I approach each case with an open mind. During your first session we will establish a diagnosis for your treatment, some primary goals that you want to work on and from there you are in charge. Your diagnosis will become part of your client record. I believe that any counseling therapy or developmental work is only successful when the person seeking the growth is fully aware of their goals and any steps in the process to reach those goals. We will establish a master goal plan during our first meeting broken down into smaller more attainable goals that are time oriented, measurable, realistic, and specific to your needs. These will be developed with your input and written in your words so that you will be able to fully take command and ownership of your goals. I fully believe that this process requires active participation from you and me. Therefore, I will provide you with tools and an environment, in which you can create, discover or discuss your strategy for reaching your goals. I will actively listen, reflect, and provide resources for you to engage in an enlightening process of problem solving and self-discovery.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My driving passion in life is to be a greater expression of love everyday. This translates into my work by helping you to come home to yourself by experiencing unconditional acceptance and positive regard. I develop rapport with you as a client from the first phone call by identifying and validating key aspects of your life that you are experiencing. After that you are in the driver seat with a champion in your corner to root you on and provide a sounding board as you navigate life's varied experiences and move towards full healing by learning to love and accept yourself as a human being.

About Mandie Overocker

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