Find a Therapist in Hickory, NC

Laurie Ann George is a passionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, holding a Master's Degree from Lenoir Rhyne University. She believes that life can be a beautifully complex journey, where individuals often face challenges that require support. With a comprehensive approach to counseling, Laurie customizes her services to meet the needs of adults, children, teens, families, and couples alike. Her expertise spans various issues, including women’s issues, adoption, and family dynamics. She confidently addresses concerns such as depression, Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, and self-esteem, collaboratively charting a tailored path to wellness. In her practice, Laurie fosters a safe environment for those grappling with relationship difficulties, domestic violence, and trauma. With years of experience working with victims of abuse and neglect, especially within the foster care system, she is committed to empowering each individual to realize their potential. Lauren understands that every person is a unique individual deserving of compassion, advocacy, and support. She envisions a community where everyone can thrive together and encourages clientele to embark on their journey toward becoming their best selves. Laurie looks forward to guiding individuals through this transformative process.

Cindy Austin, MSW, LCSW, is a compassionate clinical social worker and therapist who has transitioned from being a former Clinical Director to opening her own private practice, welcoming new clients for both in-person and telehealth sessions. Individuals feeling stressed, stuck, exhausted, anxious, or overwhelmed can find solace in Cindy’s understanding approach. She is skilled in assisting those who have experienced significant life events or medical diagnoses that have left them feeling isolated and misunderstood. With the demands of modern life, especially heightened by COVID-19, Cindy is here to provide the support and guidance needed to navigate through these trying times. Passionate about sowing seeds of hope and healing, she collaborates closely with clients in all stages of life, helping them work towards their dreams. With over 13 years of diverse experience, including being a founding member of the NC Infant Mental Health Association and certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cindy is equipped to provide personalized strategies for success. Her process emphasizes collaboration and clarity, guiding clients through a structured plan that illuminates the path toward recovery and growth. "Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us." – Samuel Smiles.

Ken Doyle is a compassionate counselor dedicated to supporting individuals who seek help, desire change, or wish to enhance their lives. His ideal client includes survivors of trauma, couples, and anyone feeling that their life could benefit from professional guidance. As an empathetic professional who values understanding and acceptance, Ken offers an extensive range of therapeutic services, including EMDR and Brainspotting. With a wealth of experience working through personal trauma as a disabled veteran, he is deeply committed to helping others navigate their own struggles. Ken utilizes various therapy types, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), ensuring tailored approaches for his clients. His goal is to foster overall progress and well-being in a safe, supportive environment.

Shauna Allen, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (MA, LCMHC), brings warmth and understanding to her work with individuals and couples navigating the challenges of fertility, pregnancy, and early parenthood. The journey toward parenthood is often accompanied by a mix of excitement and overwhelming emotions, and Shauna recognizes the complexities that can arise, including feelings of anxiety, grief, and isolation. She specializes in supporting those who may feel lost in the transition to parenthood, offering a compassionate space for them to express their struggles and find balance. Utilizing techniques such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Brainspotting, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Shauna helps her clients build stronger connections with their loved ones. Through her specialized focus, she aims to make the experience of fertility and early parenting less isolating and more fulfilling, ensuring that every client's story is honored during this transformative phase of life. Shauna is committed to providing the support needed for personal growth and emotional change in this intricate journey toward becoming parents.

Todd Byrd is dedicated to supporting older adolescents and men as they navigate life's challenges and struggles, with a special focus on their unique concerns and needs. He offers individual, marital, and family counseling, addressing a wide range of issues including relationship concerns, men's issues, adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, spirituality, communication, intimacy, attachment, self-esteem difficulties, and trauma work. His area of expertise lies in assisting individuals and couples impacted by sexual addiction, working diligently to help them rebuild healthy, meaningful connections with themselves, with others, and with a higher power.

Tia Evans is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist who specializes in guiding individuals through their personal journeys. She understands that many people may feel as though something essential is missing in their lives—be it joy, fulfillment, success, or meaningful relationships. Tia is committed to helping her clients overcome these feelings, emphasizing that they are not alone in their struggles. With a focus on their needs and goals, she provides the support necessary to reclaim the life they desire and deserve. Tia's expertise encompasses a wide range of issues, including relationship concerns, sexuality, and counseling for those identifying as Transgender at all stages of their journey. Her therapeutic modalities include Culturally Sensitive, Family/Marital, Narrative, and Person-Centered approaches, among others. With a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental style, Tia listens attentively to her clients' concerns and collaborates with them to identify objectives for their therapeutic experience. She takes pride in facilitating a space where individuals can heal from trauma, explore their identities, and embrace their true selves, all while empowering them to take significant steps towards their goals. Tia is enthusiastic about fostering progress and helping clients to not only felt understood but also to thrive.

Marissa Million is a compassionate clinical social worker and therapist who excels in guiding individuals willing to invest in themselves. She works closely with those looking to navigate the challenges in their lives and take actionable steps toward personal change. Marissa is particularly passionate about supporting clients who have faced past trauma and are eager to understand its ongoing impact, promoting a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. She believes that everyone deserves the time, effort, and support necessary to uncover and transform their true selves. With expertise in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Brainspotting Phase 1, Psychodynamic Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion Focused Therapy, Marissa is equipped to tailor her methods to meet each client's unique needs. Her philosophy emphasizes that seeing a therapist is not an indication of helplessness; rather, it is an empowering step towards feeling heard, understood, and creating a space for exploration of what success looks like for each individual. As a therapist, Marissa is committed to being the supportive ally clients need on their unique paths to success.

Aaron Horn, a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience, understands the importance of having someone to talk to in times of need. He has successfully worked with a diverse range of clients, including children, individuals, and couples, recognizing the unique challenges that each group faces. With a compassionate approach, Aaron believes in helping clients navigate their struggles—whether they stem from internal conflicts, external pressures, or relational issues. His extensive knowledge in various therapy types, including Play Therapy, Family and Marital Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), allows him to tailor his methods to meet the specific needs of each client. Aaron is particularly passionate about working with motivated individuals who aspire to create positive change in their lives. He is adept at guiding clients through their journey, helping them uncover their inherent strengths and discover unique solutions to their challenges. Aaron's commitment to fostering personal growth and relational harmony makes him a valuable partner in the therapeutic process.

Pamela Schultz, MSW, LCSW, is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist who supports adults and adolescents facing the complexities of daily life and the weight of past experiences. Known for her straightforward communication style, Pamela creates an environment where clients feel safe and understood. She works with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, identity issues, grief, stress, and relationship challenges. Her ideal clients are those who are ready for change or are exploring their first steps toward it. Through teletherapy sessions, she offers a warm and inclusive space for BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+/trans/poly individuals, and neurodivergent clients. With a strong reputation for connecting with teenagers and young adults, Pamela is viewed as relatable and trustworthy. She also assists adults in navigating life transitions and self-identity exploration. Pamela emphasizes the importance of validating clients' feelings and experiences, aiming to reduce stigma and shame. She believes that with the right support, individuals can take charge of their growth and confidently make challenging decisions.

William Karslake is a compassionate counselor with extensive experience in addressing the needs of preteens, teens, and adults. Many individuals seek his guidance for symptoms that respond well to LENS Neurofeedback therapy. This innovative approach has proven to be exceptionally effective in treating Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Depression, and concussion-related symptoms such as feelings of overwhelm, brain fog, and explosiveness. Additionally, substance abuse treatment comprises a significant portion of his practice, where William provides support and direction for clients transitioning to a clean and sober life, drawing from his own successful recovery journey of over 20 years. LENS Neurofeedback is increasingly utilized in addiction treatment, enhancing motivation and self-esteem. This non-invasive therapy returns the brain to a natural, healthy state of flexibility, often diminished due to head trauma, emotional traumas, or accumulated life stress. Clients experience a supportive environment where they are not required to take, do, or feel anything, and treatments are quick, typically taking only a few minutes. A course of treatment generally involves 8 to 12 visits with results that are often lasting. Recognizing that anxiety can be a common aftereffect of past head injuries, William understands the lingering effects of a racing mind and anxious feelings, helping clients achieve rapid and transformative results.

Rikki Rogers, MSW, LCSW, CFT-I, is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist known for her compassionate approach to helping adults and elders navigate life's challenges. With a wealth of experience in financial therapy, trauma, and PTSD, Rikki specializes in supporting individuals through pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum periods. Her practice is rooted in various therapeutic modalities, including Trauma-Focused therapy, Attachment-based therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Rikki also utilizes EMDR and Family Systems therapy to foster a deeper understanding of her clients' needs. Emphasizing a person-centered and strength-based approach, Rikki creates a safe, nurturing environment where individuals can explore their thoughts and feelings, promoting healing and growth.

Kristin Lackey, a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA, MA), believes that the discovery of one's true self is essential for self-liberation and understanding one’s relationship with others. With extensive training and experience, she has adeptly navigated presenting issues such as couple and marital distress, divorce and separation, blended families, and life-cycle transitions. Kristin is also skilled in addressing LGBTQ+ issues, sexual orientation, self-harming behaviors, maladaptive coping strategies, depression, PTSD, BPD, attachment injuries, somatic experiencing, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, anger management, childhood sexual abuse, oversexualized behaviors, autism spectrum disorder, and eating disorders. Her systemic treatment focus fosters a safe therapeutic environment, allowing clients to explore and improve various aspects of their lives. Throughout her career, Kristin has worked with a diverse clientele, enriching the perspectives from which she provides her invaluable services.

Liza Shaw is a compassionate and experienced Marriage & Family Therapist, holding an MA, LMFT, and ACHT. With a deep commitment to empowering individuals and families, she specializes in life coaching, relationship issues, and parenting. Liza works with a wide range of clients, from preteens to seniors, creating a safe and nurturing environment where healing and growth can thrive. Her therapeutic approach is informed by a variety of modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Experiential Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), ensuring tailored support for each individual’s unique journey. Liza’s expertise encompasses several therapeutic types such as Play Therapy, Brainspotting, Hypnotherapy, and EMDR, along with family and marital counseling. Through her warm and genuine approach, Liza inspires hope and resilience, helping clients navigate life’s challenges and strengthen their relationships.