AMY HOLLAND, LCMHCA, MAEd

Mental Health Counselor

North Carolina LCMHCA #A17882

The wound is the place where the light enters you -Rumi

AGES: 4- adult

SPECIALTIES: ADHD, Anxiety, Play Therapy, EMDR, EFT (Family/Couples)

Few of us are lucky enough to go through life without challenges or suffering, yet at the same time, discomfort can create opportunities for growth. This is true for me personally; the most painful times in my life have also been the most transformative. Like me, you may need help from a professional counselor during life’s harder moments, someone you can trust who is caring, compassionate, nonjudgemental, and empathetic.

I enjoy working with families whether through a partnership in supporting your kiddo during play therapy or individual therapy; with parents who might be feeling overwhelmed; or even couples who need support in support in reframing negative interactions that lead to conflict and disconnection.

APPROACH:

I offer an integrative approach that honors all aspects of the individual with a particular focus on the link between the mind and body. My theoretical orientation is eclectic, meaning I draw on several different counseling theories, with a wellness approach as the foundation. I view the counseling relationship as a partnership, where you and I are equal partners in the therapy process. I believe you are the expert on yourself and/or your child, with all the inner resources necessary to make positive changes. My goal is to create a place of compassion, acceptance, and respect that allows you to call forth your own motivations, wisdom and abilities.

SPECIALTIES:

I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and am working toward certification through EMDRIA. While many people are aware that EMDR can help heal PTSD and trauma, it can also alleviate anxiety, depression, and any other self-limiting belief/thought that prevents people from reaching their fullest potential. I am also working toward certification as a 200-hr yoga teacher and will incorporate mindfulness activities in our sessions if you are interested.

I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which is a therapeutic system that takes individuals, couples and/or families through stages to help guide the therapeutic process. EFT helps to development bonding (secure attachment), better interpersonal understanding and better emotional functioning.

I am trained in play therapy and filial therapy. Child centered play therapy (CCPT) is a developmentally responsive, play-based mental health intervention for young children ages 3 to 10 who are experiencing social, emotional, behavioral and relational disorders. CCPT utilizes play, the natural language of children, and therapeutic relationship to provide a safe, consistent therapeutic environment in which a child can experience full acceptance, empathy, and understanding from the counselor and process inner experiences and feelings through play and symbols.

Counseling is a second career for me; I spent 10 years as a teacher for students with language based learning differences, many of whom also struggled with ADHD and anxiety. This experience was the catalyst for my counseling career, and in addition to expertise working with individuals who are neurodivergent, I have also served clients working to overcome trauma, depression, addiction, interpersonal violence, anxiety/panic disorder, parenting issues, and relationship struggles. I would be honored to partner with you to overcome life’s challenges and reach your fullest potential.