Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Gastonia, NC covered by Aetna

Im Kendra, I have a bachelors in fine art, and I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2022. I draw on four years of working in community mental health with folks recovering from substance abuse and behaviors that no longer helpful or are directly harming relationships and mental health. I have lived experience with recovery and loving people struggling with addiction. I have been described as a warm, curious, compassionate, and empowering counselor. I offer trauma‐informed care that is inclusive to all humans, healing happens when you can show up as your authentic and full self!

I know how hard it is to learn to talk about difficult things. That made me want to help others learn to do the same. I started by volunteering at rape crisis and domestic violence shelters. When I was at these places I did outreach in the community and ran support groups for both. For a time, I took rape crisis hospital calls to support people who had come in for sexual assault exams. This work that taught me to be comfortable talking about anything, at any time, with anyone. I have worked with all types of individuals from ages 12 and up. My first Masters was an intensive dive into Human Rights. My second Masters was in Counseling so I could work with individuals to help them beyond the crisis moments. My passion is to help people progress towards healing.

I'm Janna Williams, and my path to becoming a therapist is anything but traditional — and I think that's exactly what makes me effective. After 30 years with the State of North Carolina, I retired and did what most people wouldn't: I started over. I became a mobile crisis team responder, showed up for people in their hardest moments, and discovered exactly where I was meant to be. I hold a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from UNC Charlotte (Go Niners! 🤘) and earned my Master of Social Work from UNC Pembroke in 2022 (Go Braves! 🏹). My background spans the judicial system, child welfare, substance use, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention — which means I've seen a lot, and very little surprises or intimidates me. I'm here with you at Greater Vision Counseling Services, Southern Pines, and I am genuinely honored to be part of your story.

My desire is to create a safe, non-judgmental environment to aid in facilitating change and growth. Whether you're going through a life transition or relational strain, anxiety or depression, my goal is to empower you to find the tools within yourself to initiate a positive transformation within your life and relationships. Let's focus on navigating and guiding you through the change process to cultivate a deeper self awareness to discover a more peaceful state of mind.

I'm a licensed psychologist with 19 years of experience providing counseling and guidance for people like you. I'm passionate about helping people know their true identity and worth. I love to help people gain hope and move forward from the painful situations or relationships that have led to them feeling "stuck" and believing lies about themselves.

I have a doctoral degree (PsyD) from Rosemead School of Psychology (2010). In addition to generalized training, I have training in grief, women's issues, adoption and infertility, divorce, and abuse recovery. I have done intensive training in ADHD assessment and treatment across the lifespan, and intensive training in Gottman Method Couples counseling.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Addiction Specialist — and this work is not just my profession, it is my calling. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating substance and behavioral addictions, and I also hold space for something that often goes unaddressed: the family members of addicted loved ones, who carry their own profound pain and deserve their own healing. I am trained in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Relapse Prevention, and Self-Compassion practices. But beyond the credentials, here is what I want you to know about me: I believe that therapy is about walking beside you — not directing you, not fixing you — with the quiet understanding that we are all, in our own way, walking one another home. That belief shapes everything about how I show up for my clients.