People who seek help through the stresses and traumas of life instead of succumbing to them are the bravest people I know. Although therapy may not feel courageous, at some point, we all need the presence and compassionate care of someone committed to our healing process. This is my passion.

I work with courageous people who choose to move toward wholeness while continuing to live and care for the responsibilities of their lives. A large part of my work is devoted to helping men, women, and children work through traumatic experiences in the present and those remembered from the past. My interests in therapy include: Adult and child individual/couples counseling, relationship and parenting concerns, grief and loss, transitions, depression and anxiety, and questions about spirituality and religion. I practice Person-Centered Therapy with inclusive elements of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative, Gestalt, and Experiential Family Therapies. I find clients respond differently to elements from all therapies, and I believe it is important to offer an eclectic approach rather than restrict therapy to one specific path.

At times, we all get sidetracked or overwhelmed and feel like life has become out of control. We begin to believe that we will never be the whole person we were created to become. This is why I became a therapist. I am committed to traveling with clients on their path toward freedom, healing, and wholeness.

Although the choice to engage in counseling can be intimidating, the benefits can be life-changing. I have worked with a wide array of clients from children to geriatric populations and focus on the process of moving through life’s difficulties toward positive change.

Every client has counseling needs that are unique, therefore I use several different integrative therapeutic approaches that stem from attachment theory, cognitive behavioral theory, and a person-centered theory of counseling.

Seeking help can be hard, especially when you are not sure where to start. Attempting to find someone who is knowledgeable, empathetic, and non-judgmental can truly be discouraging. Let me do my part to make it easier by explaining what I do and what to expect when you walk in my door. We will work together to create goals and a plan to achieve those goals.

I have experience working with children, teens, and adults providing individual and couples therapy. I enjoy helping clients navigate the process of change regardless of what they are dealing with. I use facets of cognitive behavioral theory which focuses on how thoughts affect your feelings and behaviors.

Some issues I assist with include, low moods, worry, multicultural issues, inattentiveness, obsessive thoughts, thoughts regarding trauma, LGBT issues, low motivation, and thoughts of death. I would be more than happy to speak with you to better answer any questions about what to expect from therapy, any insurance questions, and what I could offer you.

I have been a professional Pastoral Counselor and Fellow in AAPC (the American Association of Pastoral Counselors) for 40 years. An ordained minister, I have pastored churches in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina and Manila, Philippines. I have been a Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling for more than 30 years, receiving my clinical training in a pastoral counseling residency at Brite Divinity School in Ft. Worth, Texas and my MDiv and PhD degrees in pastoral care and counseling from Southwestern Seminary. I am a Clinical Pastoral Education supervisor, a Board Certified Chaplain (retired), and a Diplomate in the College of Pastoral Supervison and Psychotherapy. Embracing a holistic approach to care while integrating attention to body, mind, and spirit, I like working with couples, families, and individuals. Born and raised in Arkansas, I have worked for years with missionary families. My counseling interests include spirituality, grief and loss, care for families facing acute distress and chronic long-term care situations, and pastoral psychotherapy of ministers & families. I offer seminars, retreats and workshops to clergy and congregations and frequently serve as an interim pastor to congregations. Ecumenical in spirit, I have been blessed for many years by meaningful relationships with persons of faith beyond that of my own Christian community. For fun I tinker with my 1951 Ford tractor, play “gentleman farmer,” and run with my dogs in the woods.

Lydia joined New Hope Counseling and Wellness as an administrative assistant in 2017. Her well rounded experience represents strong organizational skills and office management, all while being a friendly team player. A highly reliable and dedicated worker with over 5 years experience in administrative roles, Lydia enjoys coming up with creative plans for a inviting office environment.

Lydia studied health communications at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and enjoys vacationing with her family in her free time.