page rutledge lcswWHY CHOOSE ME?

Because you want experience and expertise if you are going to make this investment.

Whether you need couples counseling or one-on-one for anxiety, make your time and money count. I see couples in conflict and individuals who struggle with anxiety.

Anxiety’s Self-Chatter

When you constantly anticipate dire outcomes, it can be paralyzing. From a scary job interview to a relationship you really want to work, how do you make that happen?

  • What if my boss/peers find out I really don’t know what I’m doing? (Imposter syndrome)
  • What if I have nothing to say to the person I’m dying to attract?
  • What if I can’t make it out of the grocery store before another panic attack?
  • What if I lose my lover or partner because I can’t please them? (Co-dependency)

When we are anxious, our chattering, noisy brains tell us these stories are cold, hard facts when they are simply masquerading as the truth. I can teach you what works.

Couples In Conflict

Couples who seek my services are typically at their breaking point. There may be a past affair that has broken trust, unmanaged conflict, communication style differences, or sexual desire discrepancy (a very common issue). Or perhaps some education is needed on how to communicate effectively if one partner is neurodiverse. We are not born knowing how to do that.

What Is It Like To Work With Me?

My clients will tell you that I am quite direct, that I don’t waste your time, and I am kind. I’m a bit serious, as this is serious stuff we are talking about with your lives together, but we do have a few laughs on occasion. I also give homework as the need comes up.

On to the professional credentials…

I am an education geek. Flat out. I hold two Masters Degrees, one in Public Health & Policy, and another in Clinical Social Work. I am licensed in North Carolina. I also hold Graduate Specialist Certification in Gerontology (the study of aging) and have undergone in-depth training on sexuality and desire differential (Did you know that is the #1 sex issue couples come to me with?) with the Institute for Relational Intimacy. I have studied both Gottman and the Developmental Model of relationships. I am certified in clinical hypnosis and have over 200 hours of additional training in this therapeutic mode. I have published a number of articles in the Star News and the NC National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Newsletter. And I constantly read in my field and attend the latest findings at conferences simply because I love my work and I love to learn.