Bonnie Summey
Bonnie Summey
(she/her)
Hi, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in North Carolina. I received my Masters from Winthrop University and have been practicing for 4 years. I work with children and teens who are navigating the ups and downs of growing up. I know how overwhelming and confusing this time can be, and my goal is to offer a safe space where young people feel truly seen, heard, and supported. With a deeply empathetic approach, I meet each client where they are and help them explore their emotions at their own pace. I often use mindfulness-based tools to help them feel more grounded, build resilience, and reconnect with their inner strengths. It’s an honor to walk alongside each client as they grow in confidence and self-understanding.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, the focus is on getting to know each other and starting to build a strong, trusting relationship. I’ll take time to learn about what’s been going on in your life, what’s bringing you to therapy, and what you’re hoping to get out of our work together. There’s no pressure to share everything right away—we’ll go at your pace. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable, heard, and respected from the very beginning.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my core strengths is my empathetic listening ability. I create a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. I believe in the power of being truly heard, and my clients often describe me as approachable and supportive. This trust lays the foundation for meaningful exploration and healing. I incorporate mindfulness and spiritual practices into my work, enabling client to connect with their higher selves and access deeper insights. By guiding them in practices such as deep-breathing, meditation, visualization, and guided imagery, I help them cultivate self-awareness and foster a sense of inner peace. This holistic approach not only promotes personal growth but also enhances their emotional resilience. Another strength is my ability to encourage open dialogue about identity, purpose, and values. Individuals face many challenges, from peer pressure to self-esteem issues, and I strive to facilitate conversations that empower them to navigate these complexities. By helping them uncover and embrace their authentic selves, I support them in building confidence and a positive self-image.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I’m best suited to work with children and teens who are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling with challenges like trauma, identity questions, or school stress. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space where they can explore their thoughts and emotions, build confidence, and learn tools to cope with life’s difficulties. Whether the goal is to feel more in control, improve relationships, or better understand themselves, I’m here to help them move forward with compassion and care.
About Bonnie Summey
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
In my practice, I have found mindfulness-based therapy to be a powerful tool when working with adolescents. I integrate mindfulness techniques such as guided breathing, body scans, and present-moment awareness into sessions to help children and teens manage anxiety, improve focus, and increase emotional regulation. Many of the adolescents I work with respond positively to these practices, often reporting a greater sense of calm and control in their daily lives. I also encourage them to apply mindfulness outside of sessions—during school, social situations, or moments of stress—so they can build lasting coping skills. This approach has become a core part of how I support young clients in developing resilience and self-awareness.
Compassion Focused
In my work with clients using Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), I focus on creating a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their emotions without judgment. I help clients identify and challenge their self-critical thoughts, guiding them to cultivate a more compassionate inner dialogue. Through targeted exercises—such as compassionate letter writing, guided imagery, and mindfulness practices—I empower clients to develop self-compassion and emotional resilience. By fostering an understanding of their shared human experience, I encourage clients to face difficult emotions with kindness and support, ultimately promoting their overall mental well-being.
Psychoeducation
I help clients understand addiction and its effects on their lives by providing information about the biological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. I also empower clients to recognize their behaviors and the triggers that lead to substance use. This understanding helps unravel their experiences, reduces feelings of shame, and fosters a sense of control. Additionally, Psychoeducation can introduce clients to coping strategies, support resources, and the importance of a supportive community, enhancing their chances for recovery.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
In counseling sessions using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I help clients develop skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.