Wellness Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
I’m Celine, and I’ve been Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina since 2007. That’s nearly two decades of sitting with people through their hardest moments, celebrating their wins, and figuring out this whole therapy thing together.
Here’s the truth: I didn’t always know I wanted to be a therapist. I started college thinking I’d become a neurosurgeon. I was fascinated by the brain—how it works, what happens when things go wrong, all of it. But somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn’t as interested in operating on brains as I was in understanding the people attached to them. Everyone has a story, and I wanted to hear their stories.
So I switched to psychology, fell completely in love with it, and never looked back.
Meet Celine
How I Can Help?
Trauma & Abuse
My niche is working with women who’ve experienced domestic violence. If you’re figuring out who you are after leaving an abusive relationship or learning what healthy relationships look like, I’m here to support you through it.
Anxiety & Depression
Are you really good at burying feelings, only to have them surprisingly unleash? Experiencing anxiety, flashbacks, or thinking about things over and over? I can help you calm your system and make things feel more manageable.
Chronic Pain & Illness
Dealing with chronic pain or illness and feeling anxious or depressed? Wondering how you’re going to adapt to your new reality? I can help you develop coping skills and mind-body tools to calm your system and find ways to live well again.
LGTBQ+ Affirming Care
I love working with all my LGBTQ+ folks! Whether you’re navigating identity, relationships, life transitions, or just need a space where you can show up exactly as you are and don’t have to explain yourself—you’re safe here, and I get it.
The Journey
After earning my Master’s degree in Community Counseling from Appalachian State University in 2007, I dove headfirst into the mental health field. I’ve worked in foster care, outpatient practices, alternative behavioral schools, and crisis clinics. I’ve worked with people of all ages and backgrounds across North Carolina, and each experience taught me something new about what people need when they’re struggling.
I’ll be honest—there was a brief period where I left the field entirely. I thought maybe I needed a change, something different. But therapy kept calling me back. The work is hard, sure, but there’s nothing else I’d rather do. Getting to witness someone rediscover themselves, learn they’re stronger than they thought, or finally feel heard? That’s what keeps me showing up.
What makes me different
I see therapy as a partnership, not a diagnosis. I’m not here to tell you what to do or fix you—because you’re not broken. I’m here to walk alongside you, help you make sense of what feels overwhelming, and give you tools that actually work for your life.
Beyond the Office
Therapy is serious work, but I am a real person outside of it — and I think you should know a bit about who that person is.
I was born in Belgium and moved to the U.S. as a child. I speak Flemish fluently, have a working understanding of French, and have lived in several states along the Eastern seaboard, so moving and navigating different cultures is something I know well. My extended family is scattered across different countries, and I visit them whenever life allows.
Health has also been a big part of my story. I have faced a number of health complications over the years, and that road — though hard — taught me a great deal about self-care, the mind and body connection, and what it really feels like when a diagnosis turns your life upside down. That experience is a big part of why supporting people through chronic illness and pain feels so personal to me.
Outside of the office you will find me on a pickleball court — and yes, I am weirdly competitive about it. I love being outdoors, connecting with family and friends, and learning ASL. Animals have always been a huge part of my life. I used to horseback ride and still visit horses whenever I can. There is something about being around them that just settles you. I am also that person who asks strangers if she can pet their dog. The love of my life was my dog Piper, pictured here, who has passed but will always hold a big place in my heart.
I share all of this because when you are trusting someone with your story, it helps to know they are human too.
MY APPROACH & WHO I HELP
My Philosophy
Therapy that’s real, supportive, and sometimes even a little funny. Come exactly as you are. Having a bad pain day? Lay down during our session. Can’t stop moving because you’re anxious? That’s fine too. Therapy shouldn’t add to your stress—it should actually help you carry less of it.
I work from a trauma-informed using an eclectic blend of interventions to fit you, because each person is different and unique. Trained in EMDR, CBT for chronic pain and illness, and use of somatic skills to help regulate your nervous system. Not what worked for someone else or what some textbook says should work. What helps YOU feel better in your real life.
I believe strongly in the mind-body connection. Your body holds onto stress and trauma in ways that talk therapy alone can’t always reach. That’s why I use body-based techniques alongside traditional talk therapy—because sometimes your nervous system needs to be calmed down before your brain can even process what’s going on.
My job isn’t to fix you—it’s to help you figure out what you need and give you the tools to get there.
Who I specialize working with
I specialize in working with adults 18+ across North Carolina — particularly women, people living with chronic illness, and other therapists and mental health professionals. I am also LGBTQ+ affirming and welcome all who are looking for a safe, judgment-free space.
If you’re trying to figure out who you are outside of those past relationships, I’m here for you.
I also work with other therapists and mental health professionals. Being a therapist can be isolating work, and sometimes you need someone who gets the unique challenges of doing this job. You don’t have to explain the weight of it—I already know.
If you’re living with chronic pain or chronic illness and your body won’t cooperate, therapy can help you adapt to the changes. And if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or life transitions, we can work on that together—no matter who you are.
And here's something important
Please feel free to come as you are. Having a bad pain day? Lay down during our session. Need to take breaks? Take them. Therapy shouldn’t add to your stress—it should actually help.
My Core Values
Compassion
You deserve kindness—especially from yourself—and we’ll work on that. We’re often harder on ourselves than we realize.
Authenticity
I’m going to be real with you, and I hope you’ll be real with me. I’m not here to judge. —I’m here to listen
Connection
Therapy works best when we’re actually connected, not just going through motions
Inclusivity
Come as you are—this is a safe environment where you’re heard and seen. I work with people just like you
Empowerment
Change and growth is possible. My job is helping you trust yourself again and figure out what you’re actually capable of.
Integrity
I’ll always be honest with you, even when the truth is uncomfortable
Professional Training & Credentials
License & Credentials:
I have 15 years of experience and am licensed in North Carolina.
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC #10088)
I earned my degree in 2007 and completed years of supervised clinical training before becoming licensed. Staying licensed means I’m required to complete ongoing continuing education every year, which I actually love—it keeps me sharp and makes sure I’m offering you current, quality care.
Verified Member, Psychology Today
Psychology Today is one of the most recognized and trusted mental health directories in the country. Being a verified member means my license and credentials have been confirmed, and you can view my full profile, read more about my approach, and even reach out to me directly through their platform.
Education & Training:
I stay current with training in the most effective therapeutic approaches so I can best support you.
Master of Arts in Community Counseling - Appalachian State University (2007)
My graduate training at App State focused on community-based mental health, which taught me to work with diverse populations across different settings. This foundation prepared me for everything from crisis intervention to long-term therapy.
EMDR Training - EMDRIA-approved provider (2021)
I’m trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) by an EMDRIA-approved provider. While I’m not currently offering full EMDR sessions, I integrate parts of EMDR into my trauma work—using techniques that help your brain process difficult memories in gentler, more manageable ways.
Tailored Interventions for Chronic Pain and Illness
I use an eclectic blend of interventions to fit you, because each person is different. Trained in EMDR, CBT for chronic pain and illness, and use of somatic skills to help regulate your nervous system.
I help you develop coping skills to manage pain flare-ups, work through the anxiety and depression that often comes with chronic conditions, and find ways to live fully despite ongoing symptoms.
Ongoing trauma-informed care training
Trauma-informed care means understanding how trauma affects the brain and body, and creating a safe, empowering therapeutic environment. I commit to ongoing training because trauma research is always evolving, and I want to offer you the most current, effective approaches.
Professional Experience:
I’ve spent nearly 20 years working with diverse communities across many different settings in North Carolina.
Fifteen years providing mental health counseling in North Carolina
Since earning my degree in 2007 and then obtaining my license, I’ve worked with hundreds of clients across all ages and backgrounds. Every person I’ve worked with has taught me something, and that experience helps me meet you exactly where you are in your journey.
Experience in foster care, outpatient settings, alternative schools, and crisis intervention:
Working in foster care taught me about trauma and resilience. Alternative schools showed me how to reach kids others had given up on. Crisis intervention taught me to stay calm in chaos and meet people in their hardest moments. All of it shaped how I practice today.
Working with Survivors of Trauma and Abuse
This is my niche and my passion. I help women who’ve experienced domestic violence figure out who they are after leaving an abusive relationship. We work on recognizing red flags, building healthy boundaries, and learning what safe relationships actually look like.
View My Psychology Today Profile