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Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

Stefanie LawsonS

Stefanie Lawson

Psychotherapist
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
Like many therapists, I came into this field because of a desire to help people heal from whatever they are going through. I have been in your position before and understand that opening up to a therapist can be difficult. I understand the importance of finding a therapist that “gets it.”
Have you struggled with loving and accepting your body? Have negative thoughts and insecurities about your body caused you to experience depression, anxiety or affected your self-esteem? Have you used food as a means of managing negative feelings and emotions that have been spiraling out of control? The sad truth is that we live in a world where society’s unrealistic beauty standards that are rooted in patriarchy, toxic diet culture, traditional media, and negative social media images and messaging constantly tell us we’re not good enough, we’re not thin enough, we’re not curvy enough, we’re not beautiful or desirable enough. My name is Stefanie Lawson! I'm a licensed therapist in NC who helps clients to regain control over their relationship with food, body and inner-self while following the Health at Every Size model! I have over 7 years of clinical experience, as well as a personal understanding of what it's like to recover from disordered eating and make peace with my body. I know that seeking therapy can feel scary and finding the right therapist who is a good fit for you can be challenging and exhausting! Contact me to schedule your free, 15 minute consultation where we can decide how I can best help you! Need to schedule a consultation right away? Visit my calendar where you can "self schedule" a free telephone consultation!
Kim McguinessK

Kim Mcguiness

M.Ed., LPC, NCC
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I chose to become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor later in life. I had spent 20 years in Corporate America and Human Resource Consulting when I noticed a gap in therapy services. When family members were needing help we found it difficult to find a good fit. And moving from one provider to the next was complicated. So I left my work and went back to school with the intention of being a different type of counselor; one that focused on educating clients on strategies to use in their daily lives, delivered empirical-based approaches to therapy, created a space to breathe and maybe for a moment a chance to feel joy. I think about my time with clients as an opportunity to sort out one’s strengths and challenges. Then given my life and work experiences I work with a client to add resources and tools into their thinking to promote changes in how they feel and how they respond to situations. I value questions and feedback along the way and truly find joy in the “a-ha” moments of a client. For me therapy isn’t a job or a task to complete, it’s a way of living an intentional life knowing our strengths and how to manage to those when we are in need.
Your emotions are valuable clues...and sometimes they can overwhelm, frustrate, or create conflict in our lives leaving us feeling hurt, anxious, disappointed, taken for granted or lost. I can help you get to the core meaning of the clues your emotions, your body, and your relationships are giving you. It’s a difficult step to ask for help to sort things out. I believe we weren’t meant to figure life out on our own and I would be honored to be a part of your exploration to find more meaning within your life. What my clients say is that my approach immediately creates a sense of relief that “someone gets it” and starts an excitement to look at the whys and hows of what they feel so they can allow space for change.
Yvette PayneY

Yvette Payne

Licensed Professional Counselor
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because of my deep desire to help individuals navigate life's complexities and achieve a more fulfilling life. My journey in mental health care has been driven by a passion for understanding human behavior and a commitment to supporting others. What motivates me to continue is seeing the positive impact therapy can have on people's lives. Witnessing my clients' growth, resilience, and transformation inspires me every day. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, effective care and empowering my clients to unlock their full potential.
Welcome to my professional space! I'm Yvette Payne, a passionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Duncanville, Texas. With an active license in Texas since 2019, however, I have over 28 years of experience in the helping field. I bring a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to therapy. My journey in mental health care is marked by a deep understanding of human behavior and a commitment to helping individuals navigate life's complexities. Whether you're facing personal challenges, dealing with trauma, or seeking support for your family, I am here to offer individualized care and guidance. I specialize in creating tailored treatment plans that address your unique needs, employing proven methods such as cognitive behavior strategies and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to foster healing and growth. My expertise extends to supporting those with complex trauma and I am well-versed in the intricacies of group therapy dynamics. My background includes working with adolescents, adults, and families across various settings—from private practice to program therapy at Metrocare Services. I've also provided vital mental health services at Hickory Trail Hospital and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Communication is key in my practice. I strive to ensure that you feel heard and understood every step of the way. My goal is to empower you with the tools and insights needed for positive change. Thank you for considering me as your partner on this journey toward wellness. Let's work together to unlock your full potential and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling life.