AVERY ROBBINS
Counselor InternAVERY ROBBINS
Counselor InternAvery Robbins is a clinical mental health intern at RPC and a graduate student at Liberty University working towards completing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prior to her graduate studies, Avery earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Global Studies, Religious Studies, and Psychology from Liberty University.
Avery recognizes that we all have places of pain and disruption in our lives, and she desires to cultivate a space where clients can feel seen and heard while taking steps towards healing. She takes a holistic approach recognizing the importance of the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual components of each person. She utilizes an integrative approach that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Person-Centered Approaches. In conjunction with her theoretical orientation, she believes that reflecting on one’s own story assists individuals in recognizing patterns and deeply held beliefs in their lives. Avery is seeking to gain more experience in working with individuals in areas such as, but not limited to, anxiety, eating, self-esteem, body image, trauma, and spiritual concerns. She also has experience in collegiate athletics.
Avery sees spiritual integration as a significant part of the therapy process. She approaches counseling through a Christ-centered lens, but she respects each person, meets every client where they are spiritually, and never imposes her own beliefs on a client.
VICTORIA HALLER
LCMHC-AVICTORIA HALLER
LCMHC-AVictoria received her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate in the state of North Carolina (License A18365). Victoria acknowledges that coming to counseling takes a lot of courage and therefore desires to provide a welcoming, safe, nonjudgmental, and comfortable environment for all clients.
Victoria has a heart for working with women who feel lost, broken, unloved, and confused with their life circumstances. She believes in providing a space for clients where they feel seen, heard, understood, encouraged and where hope can be instilled. Victoria works with clients who have a variety of presenting concerns, including anxiety, spiritual/faith concerns, relationships issues, life adjustments, self-esteem, family of origin, boundaries, and guilt/shame. She utilizes a collaborative holistic approach to healing as she believes it provides the most beneficial long-term outcomes. Some specific theories she uses are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Art Therapy, Mindfulness, and Strengths Focused interventions. She is a SYMBIS (Save Your Marriage Before It Starts) certified pre-marital counselor.
As a Christian Counselor, Victoria conducts her counseling from a Biblical perspective acknowledging that Christ is the one who provides true and lasting healing. She desires to be a calm and immovable anchor for clients while helping them realize that they are overcomers and fully redeemed by Jesus Christ.
In her free time, Victoria enjoys baking, playing tennis, traveling to new places, spending time with her friends/family, and reading.
MEREDITH KOONTZ
Counselor InternMEREDITH KOONTZ
Counselor InternMeredith Koontz is a clinical mental health intern at RPC and a graduate student at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte working toward a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling. She received a Bachelor of Science in History, Secondary Education and a minor in Philosophy and Religion from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.
Meredith has experience working with a range of ages, including adolescents and young adults, in educational, professional, and volunteer settings. She is seeking to gain more experience working with individuals desiring to address areas including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, transitional life phases, trauma, and grief. She uses an integrated approach to counseling with Rogerian Person-Centered Therapy as her foundational modality.
In keeping with her theoretical model, Meredith believes in the importance of establishing therapeutic relationships based on respect, trust, and unconditional positive regard. She adheres to the biblical teaching that everyone is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion (Genesis 1-2). Her view is that the counselor’s role is to be a conduit of God’s love and comforting presence through the act of coming alongside clients as they walk together through their pain and various life challenges. She believes God is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Her perspective is that people often experience the nearness of God through the people who are present with them in the midst of their suffering. Her desire is to foster a safe environment for clients to process and explore their emotional, relational, and spiritual landscapes. While Meredith’s Christian faith is at the core of her identity as a counselor, she would never impose her personally held beliefs on her clients. Instead, Meredith seeks to meet clients wherever they are in their own journey, whether that includes faith and spirituality, or none at all.
Meredith is originally from Western North Carolina and enjoys spending time in the mountains with her family. Her mountain heritage has developed in her a deep appreciation for the healing beauty found in the natural world. Some of her favorite pastimes include reading, journaling, and daydreaming with a cup of coffee.
RACHAEL PARENTE
MS, LCMHC, NCCRACHAEL PARENTE
MS, LCMHC, NCCRachael Parente is a native of Greensboro, NC, and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies from UNC-Chapel Hill. She worked in Sports Marketing for five years before changing careers out of an earnest desire to impact the lives of others. She received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UNC-G and is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor ( #14966) in NC.
Rachael works with adult clients who have a number of presenting concerns, including anxiety, trauma, spirituality/faith concerns, relationship issues, stress management, and life adjustments. She utilizes techniques from many theoretical approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered therapy, and solution- focused brief therapy as the client presents with specific needs.
As a Christian Counselor, Rachael believes that true healing comes from the Lord through the work of the Holy Spirit. She views clients and their needs through a Biblical lens and believes counseling is an instrument of God’s healing. Rachael will always meet a client where they are spiritually and will let the client decide how and if spirituality will be incorporated into therapy.
In her free time, Rachael is active in her church and enjoys traveling, visiting coffee shops, playing board games, and reading books.
BETH WATKINS
MA, LCMHC, LCASA, NCCBETH WATKINS
MA, LCMHC, LCASA, NCCBeth received a BA in psychology from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, and a MA in pastoral counseling at Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln, Illinois. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (#14358) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate (#LCAS-A-24211) in the state of North Carolina. Her counseling expertise includes the areas of trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, Autism, substance abuse, grief, and adjustment.
Beth utilizes a holistic approach to working with her clients. She strives to establish and maintain a counseling relationship characterized by respect and collaboration. Therapy provides a safe and supportive place to process and discover new insights. She is passionate about working with couples, singles, and adolescents who are adjusting to life’s challenges, need a little help meeting their life goals, or just want to develop spiritually. Beth also provides substance abuse and addiction counseling. She uses a cognitive-behavioral approach and has experience using Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
As a Christian counselor, Beth conducts her counseling from a Biblical perspective where Christ provides healing. She relies on the Holy Spirit to lead the session through the therapeutic relationship. Of course, she will meet each client where she is spiritually and will only include spiritual components at the client’s level of comfort.
CASEY T. WEST
MA, LCMHCCASEY T. WEST
MA, LCMHCCasey West earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Meredith College in Raleigh, NC, and a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (#14749) in North Carolina.
Casey has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families with trauma, anxiety, depression, body image/self-esteem, anger management, problematic behaviors, and stress management. Casey uses an integrated approach to counseling depending on the specific needs of the client. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Problematic Sexual Behavior Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the School-Aged Child (both group and family models).
Casey believes that true healing comes from the Lord, and it is her desire to be His instrument to assist girls and women in their journey of healing. She provides counseling from a Biblical perspective to help others grow in all areas of their lives and to be able to find fulfillment and joy. However, Casey wants the client to feel comfortable and will not ever impose personal views or beliefs on a client.
CONNIE BROWN
MS, LCSWACONNIE BROWN
MS, LCSWAConnie Brown received a Bachelor’s degree in 1992 in Social Work from Bennett College and a Master of Science in Education (M.Ed.) in 2004, from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, both in Greensboro, NC. Most recently, Connie received a Master of Science in Social Work (MSW) from Simmons University, Boston, MA. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Associate (License #P015325).
Ms. Brown has experience treating individuals with depression, anxiety, trauma, and anger management. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and has over 20 years of experience working in both the mental health and social work fields, with many years of training related to trauma and crisis experiences.
Connie enjoys working with adolescents (ages 13-17) and individual adults (age 18 and over). Her primary therapeutic method is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which looks at how your beliefs, feelings, and self-talk influences your behaviors. In addition to CBT, Connie uses Solution-Focused Therapy, empowering individuals to focus on current and future solutions while identifying goals and resources for a strengths-based approach to enhancing their quality of life.
As a Christian/biblical counselor, Connie is committed to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, seeking to look at human problems from the perspective of God’s Word. She holds to the belief that God is the One who changes people and sees herself only as an instrument in the hands of the One who can create change superior to anything a counselor or counselee could ask or imagine.
ELIZABETH (LIZ) NEWTON
MA, LCMHC, LCASELIZABETH (LIZ) NEWTON
MA, LCMHC, LCASLiz Newton earned a Bachelors Degree in Bible Theology and Christian Counseling from John Wesley College in High Point, NC, and a Masters Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (#10585) and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialists (#22551) in North Carolina. Liz is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of North Carolina (LPCANC).
Liz has experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families with depression, anxiety, bipolar, marital issues, substance use, and adjustment to various life experiences, as well as personality disorders. Liz takes an eclectic approach to counseling, which often includes, but is not limited to cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, and solution-focused brief therapy; as well as offering counseling from a biblical worldview. Liz is trained in the use of Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, and in DBT skills; however, her approach in therapy will depend on the unique needs of her clients and their personal goals for therapy.
HOLDEN EHLINGER
MS, LCMHC, NCCHOLDEN EHLINGER
MS, LCMHC, NCCHolden Ehlinger earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Management and Society from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of North Carolina (license #14938) and a National Certified Counselor (#1232244). Holden’s areas of experience include but are not limited to working with individuals struggling with grief/loss, identity issues, family of origin, depression, boundaries, guilt/shame, and anxiety.
Holden believes that as persons become more aware of their own story (history), thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and beliefs, they have increased ability to face challenges and overcome difficulty more successfully. Her goal is to work collaboratively with her clients to help them find alternatives to address the challenges that they face. Holden utilizes a blended approach, including but not limited to aspects of cognitive-behavioral (CBT), psychodynamic, mindfulness, and person-centered lenses. She seeks to work with her clients, taking into consideration their strengths and needs, in order to create a collaborative and holistic therapeutic approach. She is honored by the opportunity to sit across from her clients and hold parts of their stories in order to promote healing and growth.
Holden believes spirituality can be a powerful vehicle for healing. She feels strongly about incorporating a Christ-centered perspective in a way that brings healing to the client but does not simplify or diminish their experience. Holden will always meet a client where she is spiritually and will never impose her beliefs on a client.
HOPE HOWARD
LMFT-AHOPE HOWARD
LMFT-AHope Howard received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy both from Lee University in Cleveland, TN. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (LMFTA) in the state of North Carolina (license #2297A). Hope’s areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, family and relational issues, parenting skills, anxiety, depression, stress management, phase of life issues, and couples counseling.
Hope believes in a client-centered approach, which means clients set the goals of therapy while the counselor chooses the best interventions to help clients achieve their goals. Hope sees each client and family through a Family Systems Theory lens, meaning each person is emotionally and relationally impacted by the people in their family unit, whether they are present in therapy or not. In therapy, Hope will help you explore how your closest relationships impact the way you understand yourself and relate to others. She believes having an opportunity to share your story and gain a greater understanding of your emotions in a safe, non-judgmental setting can have a profound impact on the healing process.
Hope believes that people experience positive change through restorative relationships and the ultimate example of that is through having a relationship with God. She considers being a therapist an honor and a true calling from God and desires for each person and family she meets with to experience what it is like to feel known and loved regardless of their struggles. Hope is passionate about blending the knowledge of Psychology and the truth of Scripture to more deeply understand God as the Creator of both. However, she feels clients should have the ability to decide how much faith and spirituality is integrated into their therapeutic experience.
Hope is married and lives with her husband. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, being involved in her church, reading, watching sports with her husband, running, and going on road trips.