Meet Your Therapist
Hi, I'm David. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, a University of South Carolina and Western Carolina University graduate, and a Level 1 trained Internal Family Systems therapist.
I was drawn to Internal Family Systems (IFS) because, as a social worker, I think about things from a strength-based perspective. I don't like the idea of a "disorder." I will do my best to never shame you. IFS doesn't require labels to work. Instead, it is based on a few beliefs that resonate with me and will hopefully resonate with you.
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We are all multiple- we all have parts inside us that take on behaviors to protect us from being hurt in ways they don't trust we can survive.
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These parts and their behaviors are not disorders- IFS is completely non-pathologizing. Your coping mechanisms are adaptive, normal, and even expected, even if they're a little extreme or sometimes not helpful. We don't always understand the reasoning of our parts, but we can get to know them better. ​
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You, and everyone you've ever interacted with, have a Self. The Self is unburdened, whole, connected. It's the You that feels easy- calm, clear, compassionate, curious, confident, courageous, creative, and connected. When I experienced IFS as a client, I knew it was how I wanted to work with and interact with the world.
Credentials
IFS Training Level 1
Master of Social Work, Western Carolina University, 2023
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate
What We Do
At Hazel Valley, we primarily use an internally focused individual therapy modality called IFS, or Internal Family Systems, whose adage is, "There are no bad parts."
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IFS therapy can help with a wide range of issues: anxiety, depression, chronic pain, trauma, and anger are some of the struggles we can address together. There are many parts that collectively make up… YOU. IFS can help you get to know them and their wonderful intentions for you, and they all do have wonderful intentions.
How We're Different
Everyone's therapy journey is different, and three sessions are often only the beginning of the healing journey; they say it takes three sessions for us to begin to trust each other. Often, clients come with a specific goal but end up surprised when therapy teaches them that they love to draw, play piano, give back to their community, or eat ice cream, even without shame.
I created Hazel Valley Therapy not so I could promise to heal you. I created Hazel Valley Therapy so I could promise you that, here, every part of you is welcome.
Individual Therapy
(55 minutes) $130
During an individual therapy session, you can expect a guided discussion about your experiences and your reasons for getting help. Our goal is to help you recognize your innate healing intelligence, creativity and curiosity. To help you accomplish this goal we are here to listen and provide the tools you need. Ultimately, your system is in charge, and we will trust your wisdom. Therapy will only move at the speed you want it to.
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Individual Therapy is available in person in our 2nd floor Rutherfordton office or online via a secure Telehealth platform
What Does This Help With?
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Trauma
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Grief
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Anger Management
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PTSD
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Bipolar
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Life Transitions
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Substance Use
Hazel Valley Therapy is proudly
LGBTQ+ informed and friendly
Insurance
David is happy to accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna.
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Additionally, we are able to provide a superbill, which you can submit to your insurance company. Please check with your insurance company to see if this would be an option for you. If this is something you're interested in, please let us know on our initial call.
FAQs
Will Therapy Work For Me?
Success in therapy varies on an individual basis. It really depends on how open you are to the process and the commitment you’re willing to give it. That said, if at any point we discover that you require a higher level of care, Hazel Valley Therapy will work with you to identify an appropriate referral.
Do You Work With LGBTQ+ People?
Yes! You are welcomed here with open arms! We celebrate all types of diversity and cannot wait to get to know you in your unique individuality. Hazel Valley Therapy is LGBTQ+ informed and would love to help you in your healing journey.
Is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Better Than Other Therapies?
IFS is an evidence based therapy modality. Does this make it better than other modalities? How effective a particular modality is really depends on the individual. We have found that IFS is very widely applicable to whatever you’ve been through in your life and can help most people. Read the following links if you’d like to learn more about the growing IFS evidence base.
Address
431 S Main St, Suite 7
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
