Nakumia Nowlin

About me

Qualifications/Experience: I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina Central University (December, 2011) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from North Carolina Central University (May, 2005). In February 2012, I obtained certification as a National Certified Counselor (#291252). In March 2014, I obtained licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (#9304).

I began counseling work during my graduate practicum in January 2011 at a community mental health agency located in Raleigh, NC. I continued my training during my internship in August, 2011 at a community mental health agency located in Durham, NC. I have ten years of post-graduate experience providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults in individual, group, couples, and family settings. Areas of treatment have surrounded personal, behavioral, emotional, relationship, and family difficulties, as well as working with clients with histories of trauma.

Nature of Counseling: There are many reasons people seek counseling; regardless of the reasons, I believe an enhanced sense of self understanding and acceptance is essential including understanding how past experiences have shaped the way we view ourselves, as well as how we understand and relate to others. Therapy provides the opportunity for growth, self-discovery and insight in the context of a safe, supportive environment. Each client is unique and presents with his or her own counseling needs and concerns. For this reason, there is no one approach that may work best for everyone. Overall, I have an eclectic and multicultural approach in providing psychotherapy. With this principle in mind, I utilize integrative models involving Rational Emotive Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-focused Therapy, and Reality therapy. I may occasionally request that you do “homework” by way of providing you with further reinforcement to concepts discussed in session or simply to prompt further insight and self exploration.

Effects of Counseling: It is important to understand the risks and benefits of counseling. Since therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, or frustration. On the other hand, psychotherapy has also been shown to have many benefits. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, significant reductions in feelings of distress, and an overall improved well-being. Given the nature of psychotherapy, it is difficult to predict exactly what will happen in terms of therapeutic outcome or to provide a clear estimate of time required in order for a client to reach his or her personal goals. One of the best indicators though for success in therapy often involves the motivation level of the client such as being open to the process of change, being consistent with attending sessions, and working on goals outside of sessions.

Guided Philosophy: My belief is that clients have the capacity to learn, change, and grow so that they may experience more meaningful, healthier, and happier lives. The fact that you are seeking counseling demonstrates your commitment to your mental and emotional health as well as your inner strength in identifying when seeking support is necessary. My role is to facilitate that process and partner with you on your journey, whatever that journey may be. Whether it is healing emotional wounds, enhancing life coping skills or simply general self-improvement, I look forward to helping address whatever counseling needs you may have.

Counseling Relationship: Although our sessions may be very intimate emotionally and psychologically, ours is a professional relationship rather than a social one. As such, maintaining professional boundaries is a vital component in the therapeutic relationship, and I will uphold those boundaries in order to ensure an appropriate therapeutic relationship.

Use of Diagnosis: I utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) to make clinical diagnoses. While I do accept insurance, it is generally important for clients to understand, that if a client is using insurance, it is typically necessary for a diagnosis to be given in order for claims to be serviced. In addition to a diagnosis, insurance companies may also request treatment plans or summaries. This information, including the diagnosis would become part of the client’s permanent record. Another scenario whereby diagnoses and other clinical information may be shared (upon client’s consent) is if a client transfers to another therapist or collaboration is necessary with a client’s physician or psychiatrist, for example.

Confidentiality: Discussions between you and me, and even the fact that you are in therapy with me, are confidential. In psychotherapy, very intimate and personal details of yourself and your life may be revealed and for this, I regard with the utmost care and respect. Having confidentiality and trust is essential to your therapeutic experience and therapeutic outcome. However, exceptions to confidentiality do exist. These exceptions include, but are not limited to, the following situations:

1. If I determine that you may be in danger to yourself or others.
2. If you provide information that leads me to believe that a child (under 18 years of age), elderly person, or disabled adult is or has been abused or neglected.
3. A court order has been issued to release information about you and your clinical record.
4. If you request in writing that I may release information about you.

Client Rights: Some clients achieve their goals in only a few counseling sessions; others may require months or even years of therapy. As a client, you are in complete control and may end our counseling relationship at any time, though I do ask that you participate in a termination session. You also have the right to refuse or discuss modification of any of my counseling techniques or suggestions that you believe might be harmful.

Professional experience

Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting issues, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Antisocial personality, Avoidant personality, Blended family issues, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Dissociation, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Fertility issues, Forgiveness, Infidelity, Intellectual disability, Jealousy, Life purpose, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Multicultural concerns, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Personality disorders, Phobias, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sex addiction, Social anxiety and phobia, Young adult issues

Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems

Reviews

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