Meet Rachel, Co-Owner, LCSW 

Taking the brave step to seek support is a testament to your courage and commitment to becoming your best self as you navigate the complexities of human emotions!

Hi, I'm Rachel, and I eagerly anticipate connecting with you! Individuals pursue therapy for countless reasons, and sometimes, the true underlying cause only reveals itself after several sessions. Simply initiating the process is a courageous act, as change, self-awareness, and confronting emotions can be daunting and overwhelming. Perhaps you're seeking a safe haven where your voice can be heard, or perhaps you're ready to address deep-rooted trauma that has remained untouched for years. Whatever has led you to me, I am honored to be a part of your journey, however long it may be. My objective is to meet clients where they are and empower them to cultivate mindsets that foster their unique evolution. I firmly believe that mental health is paramount and influences every aspect of our lives!

My academic journey includes a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services and a minor in Social Work from Appalachian State University (2016), followed by a Master's in Social Work from North Carolina State University (2019). My professional background spans various agencies across North Carolina, encompassing non-profit initiatives, foster care/adoptions, in-home programs (Multisystemic Therapy - MST and Intensive In-Home), school programs (Day Treatment), and outpatient therapy delivered in schools, office environments, and via telehealth. I have actively collaborated with numerous key stakeholders within client treatment teams to further support their mental health, as I firmly believe that leveraging diverse supports can significantly contribute to clients' success. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), my areas of specialization include assisting clients and families with trauma, stress, attachment/relationship issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, self-exploration and life transitions, supporting the family unit (including parenting skills and couples communication), and various other overlapping areas. While I possess several areas of expertise, I also prioritize my own clinical growth and am dedicated to continuous learning throughout my career.

I deeply value working with individuals across all life stages: children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults. As I mature, I find myself increasingly drawn to working with adults, yet I remain committed to honing my clinical skills and continue to enjoy working with children and adolescents, recognizing the valuable lessons they have to teach me. I am dedicated to cultivating a warm, inviting, and safe environment, consistently prioritizing confidentiality and inclusivity for all populations I serve. My approach is client-centered and strength-based, integrating a diverse range of evidence-based treatment models, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Circle of Security, Solution-Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and trauma-informed therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and other therapeutic approaches. I do not subscribe to a one-size-fits-all approach and instead tailor my methods to suit each client's unique needs. Furthermore, I enjoy incorporating creative elements like art, mindfulness, movement, aromatherapy, and journaling into sessions, as emotions can be expressed in a multitude of ways.

Outside of my professional endeavors and pursuits of passion, I cherish spending time with family and friends, engaging in outdoor activities with my husband and our two beagles—Cedric and Zeus, pilates, reading, shopping (perhaps a little too much!), indulging in creative pursuits (arts and crafts, house projects, gardening, and cooking/baking), and traveling to explore diverse places and cultures (though there are far too many places I wish to visit and never enough time!). I am also continuously seeking ways to enhance my well-being through self-care, embracing the journey of my own personal growth, as I recognize I am a continuous work in progress, and that is perfectly alright with me. Life would be rather dull if I had it all figured out!

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. I hope you will consider embarking on your journey with me at Evolving Mindsets; I look forward to hearing your unique story!