Peggy Gorel

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a strong background in school-based and community mental health settings. I received my Master of Social Work from Liberty University, where my education emphasized ethical practice, trauma-informed care, and working with individuals and families across the lifespan. I currently work within school systems, which has strengthened my ability to support children, adolescents, and families while collaborating closely with caregivers, educators, and multidisciplinary teams.

In addition to my work with youth and families, I am trained in infertility, pre- and post-partum mental health, and grief related to pregnancy loss. I understand how deeply personal and complex these experiences can be and strive to offer care that is compassionate, validating, and sensitive to each client’s unique journey.

I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Gottman Method Level 1 for couples, and dementia care. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples, with experience addressing trauma, emotional regulation, anxiety, mood concerns, relational challenges, life transitions, and grief. I value cultural humility and aim to create a space where clients feel safe, respected, and understood.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, trauma-informed, and client-centered. I believe therapy is most effective when clients feel emotionally safe and actively involved in their care. I draw from evidence-based practices, including DBT skills, attachment-informed approaches, cognitive and relational frameworks, and tailor treatment to meet each client’s needs, strengths, and goals.

I work to balance validation with accountability, helping clients gain insight while also developing practical tools they can apply outside of sessions. I am mindful of the impact of systems such as family, school, and community, and I integrate these influences into treatment when appropriate. Above all, I view therapy as a partnership built on trust, openness, and mutual respect.

During the first session, clients can expect a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. We will spend time discussing what brings you to therapy, your current concerns, and what you hope to gain from the process. I may ask questions about your background and experiences to better understand your needs, but you are always in control of what you choose to share.

I will also review confidentiality, answer any questions you may have, and explain what therapy with me may look like moving forward. By the end of the session, we will begin identifying goals and next steps. My hope is that clients leave feeling heard, respected, and supported as they begin their therapeutic journey.