Laurie Fulper

Like many people I have had struggles, hardships, and even traumas throughout my life, particularly in my childhood. From a very young age I was given a peace in believing that there was reason for my pain and that someday God would use that pain for a special purpose. Now, as an adult and with over ten years of experience being a therapist, that purpose is clear. I am able to empathize and sympathize with others because I've been there too. I may not have experienced exactly the same struggles, but I do know what it means to hurt and be sad, angry, scared, and many more emotions, particularly for children. I want to be there for our children. The greatest gift I can offer is to help our children learn how to deal with the ups and downs that life will bring so that as adults they can realize their purpose too. So our children can live the lives they deserve, filled with joy and peace.

Natalie Huston

One time I was asked in a job interview in college which Star Wars character I am most like and why. I answered "Yoda" because people often come to me for advice. I have just always been a counselor by nature. I even remember
analyzing people and family interactions when I was as young as four years old. I believe God gave me the ability to have insight into problems, and compassion for people in emotional pain. I have deep concern for the people who cross my path. They are not just a client or a person I do business with, but they are people with a story and meaning in life, and I concern myself with the deep inner-workings of their soul whether I show it all the time or not.

Amanda Houston

Why I became a therapist... there are many reasons why I wanted/want to be a therapist. I think the main reason is that I am very passionate about helping others. Ever since I was a teenager, I knew I wanted to help people--it was just in my heart. I have personally seen the positive impact therapy can have on a person's life, as I have had my share of struggles and strife. God has blessed me with an innate ability to make others feel safe and to build rapport with clients. These are two things that are essential to the therapeutic relationship; I believe a trusting environment is necessary if true sharing and healing are to occur. I have my undergraduate degree in psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill and my master's degree from Boston College. I love the work I do and look forward to the opportunity, to walk with you, on your path towards healing.

Kathee Varner

I, too, struggled with eating problems starting in middle school by using food to escape emotional pains and avoidance of life discomforts for many years, even while I was studying nutrition in college. I believe many of us who work in nutrition were attracted to this field because we were searching for personal answers to our struggles. This was certainly true for me. I overate, underate, binged and went through different weight ranges. Had I known about purging, I believe I would have done that as well. Today I can say my struggle and recovery has turned into a blessing as it has led me to who I am and to the depth of who I am today. As a nutritionist, it also allows me to offer you the
understanding and compassion as you seek a healthier relationship with food and your body. I have an understanding of the journey one passes through to become free from distorted eating and thinking. I make every effort to provide a safe and nurturing environment that lessens the threat and shame that can hold someone back from seeking help because I was there too.

Mya Hart

I never really dreamed of being a speech therapist growing up. I knew that I loved children and loved helping people, so I figured I’d be a teacher. After observing a speech therapist during my senior year of high school, my plans changed and I decided to pursue the profession of speech pathology.

As I have grown as a professional my career has also become a part of my ministry. I have had the ability to help children improve their communication skills as well as give families the joy of effectively communicating with their children.

Jennie Brown

As early as elementary school, I remember helping those in pain. It seemed people felt safe to let down their guard with me and share what was happening below the surface. I felt honored for such a privilege and found joy in helping people process their emotional distress.

I also know what it’s like to struggle. For many years I lived in a confusing world of depression and self-worth issues. But I eventually let others into my pain, and I experienced the compassion, patience, and safety that has helped me on my life journey. As such, I seek to offer that same care to others.

Furthermore, and not lastly, Christ’s redemptive work compels me to counsel. We are all broken and incomplete, looking for more than what this life offers. Christ offers us Himself as the ultimate healing relationship. Knowing the hope He offers to all people awakens in me a desire to share His grace, acceptance and compassion to others, especially the hurting. There is hope. And the hope He offers lasts forever. For more information on this hope, check out www.jenniebrownreflections.blogspot.com.

I wouldn’t necessarily say that I “became a therapist,” but rather being a therapist is a part of who I am. Even at an early age, it seemed as though I viewed the world through a different set of “lenses” than most people. The insight that I gain from this allows me to help clients from all walks of life whether they are suffering from deep emotional wounds or simply need someone to provide them with a safe, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space to give voice to their struggles and to explore their options. All too often we feel we are alone in our struggles even when we are in the midst of family and friends and it is important to me that people understand that the journey toward healing and wholeness does not have to be undertaken alone.

Joseph Campbell, an American professor of mythology, once said, “…we have not even to risk the journey alone; for the heroes of all time have gone before us; the labyrinth is thoroughly known; we have only to follow the thread of the hero-path…where we had thought to be alone, we are with all the world.”