Hi, I’m Carlene!
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Simpsonville, SC specializing in women’s mental health wellness. I’ve been a therapist for many years. I work with women like you, helping them find hope and breaking free from what has been keeping them stuck in overwhelm, anxiety, and depression. Through counseling not only do you become ‘unstuck’, you also learn exactly what direction you want to take in your life moving forward, and the actions that will get you there. With support, patience and compassion I use effective evidence-based treatment to help you reach your counseling goals. The fact that you’re here, means you’ve been struggling and looking for help. Just being here is a big and brave first step. I’m so glad you stopped by – I hope you’ll call to schedule an appointment so we can get to work on what’s getting in the way of you living a healthy, happy and meaningful life. I look forward to meeting you and helping you every step of the way in your journey to a healthier, happier you!
So here’s a few things about me: I’ve been married 39+ years. Yep, that’s a long time! And it’s been filled with good times, great times, and the worst of times. Long relationships are like that. We’ve got two adult children – and we think their awesome, despite the fact that we’re not perfect parents (is anyone?).
My Christian faith is the point of reference, the compass, for my life – it influences how I choose to live daily. I love reading books, blogs, mags – I’m curious about a lot of things and I love learning. When I’m not reading I’m usually listening to podcast or music (no particular genre – variety is the spice of life!). I try walking more days out of the week than not and working out 3x weekly to keep healthy throughout life, but truth is I really don’t like to exercise because it keeps me from doing other things I enjoy so much more. Like traveling, decor projects, watching great movies, reading, eating good food (which is why I make myself do the exercise thing), and I absolutely love spending time with my family and friends (some more than others…..just being honest!).
If you want to know more of the resume’ type stuff about me, I’ve provided that for you. During your first session, if there’s something you want more information on about my training, therapeutic approach, etc. just ask and I’ll be glad to help you get to know me to see if I’m a good fit for you to work with towards meeting your counseling goals.
I graduated with a double major and B.A. in Psychology and Education.
I earned a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and completed licensure requirements for the State of SC. I did internships in a private practice setting, a non-profit women's shelter for victims surviving domestic violence, a non-profit center counseling female adolescents and women who were survivors of sexual trauma, and in a university college counseling center. I have many years of experience working as a Mental Health Counselor in a college counseling & career services center, adjunct faculty member teaching psychology, and as a Psychotherapist with a successful private practice in Greenville, SC.
I work with women from all walks of life - different faiths, races, and cultures - with various issues that bring them into counseling. My focus is client-centered...meeting you where you are in your circumstances without judgement and valuing who you are with acceptance. I work hard supporting my clients in their journey to achieve their counseling goals. I love what I do and I believe therapy is beneficial for everyone who chooses to engage in the process.
I specialize in women's mental health wellness. Areas of expertise: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Postpartum/perinatal disorders, Grief Recovery, Divorce Care, and Personal growth (self-esteem, setting boundaries, perfectionism, decision making, life transitions, self care, etc).
My approach to counseling/psychotherapy is holistic – an integration of healthy psychological models with a foundation of biblical precepts. People are physical, social, spiritual, and psychologically thinking and feeling human beings. I work collaboratively with clients to help them develop healthy patterns of thinking, behaving, and relating so they can experience satisfying relationships and thrive in daily life. My style is relaxed and relational. I provide a safe and supportive environment where people feel accepted, valued, heard, and cared for as they navigate the challenges and transitions of life.
I love what I do and believe therapy is helpful. I work hard to provide the highest quality of care to my clients. I’m an excellent clinician trained in various modalities and skilled in meeting the needs of my clients. I work hard and strive to be the very best mental health professional I can be for my clients. When a potential client’s needs are not in my scope of training or expertise, I try to provide them with the best referrals possible to help them find the treatment most beneficial for them. I treat people and care for clients the manner in which I want for my loved ones and for myself.
I use the following therapy models:
Person-Centered Therapy; Existential and Psycho-dynamic Therapies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Narrative Therapy; Acceptance-Commitment Therapy; Grief Recovery Therapy
Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Prepare-Enrich for Pre-marital & Marital Counseling
Emotionally-Focused Therapy
Life Mapping, and Motivational Interviewing
Mindfulness-Stress Reduction
I’m available to lead workshops, and speak to groups or organizations on a variety of topics related to mental health wellness. Some of the topics I speak about are – but not limited to:
Parenting teenagers, Parenting college-age young adults, Marriage, Family
Work-Life Balance, Life stages and transitions; Women’s Mental Health
Impact of social media/screen time on mental health & relationships/communication
Building healthy relationships, Conflict resolution, Setting healthy boundaries
Stress & Stress-reduction, Mindfulness, Healthy self-care, Resilience building
Self-worth, Impact of the comparison trap and letting go of insecurity, Perfectionism
The value and challenges of personal growth, Time management, Goal setting
Anxiety, Depression, Postpartum Depression, Perinatal Disorders, Suicide awareness & prevention, Grief/loss and Grief recovery
Emotionally healthy spirituality; The Trauma of Infidelity
Recognizing mental illness and how/when to refer for counseling
Licensure:
Licensed Professional Counselor
South Carolina #6399
Certifications:
Certified Grief Counselor
Certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator for Couples Counseling
Education:
B.A. in Psychology and Elementary Education (double major), Columbia College
M.A. in Mental Health Counseling, Webster University
Memberships:
American Counseling Association
National Board of Certified Counselors
American Association of Christian Counselors
