About Us

Kim Engel-Hughes, MA, NCC, LPC, LPCS-C, LCMHC

Kim, an EMDR Certified therapist and an approved Gottman Relationship member, brings a wealth of experience rooted in a diverse background of mental health services. Over the years, her unwavering dedication has not only shaped her professional journey but has also cultivated meaningful and enduring relationships with clients. This commitment is reflected in the enduring connections with past clients who turn to her for ongoing support in their journey toward long-term well-being.

With training and experience in organizational and industrial psychology, Kim extends her expertise beyond individual therapy. She provides valuable consultation, supervision, and training to fellow community professionals. Since 2006, Kim has been immersed in private practice, taking the entrepreneurial leap to establish her own practice, Carolina Counseling Psychology, LLC, in 2011.

Kim describes her therapeutic approach as both creative and integrative. She humorously notes, “sometimes we talk… other times we’re doing planks.” Beyond the laughter, her primary goal is to guide clients towards a state of health and independence, ultimately working them right out of therapy.

As the owner of Carolina Counseling Psychology, LLC, Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Meredith College in Raleigh, NC, and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education from the University of Colorado at Denver.

Why Counseling Psychology?

For Kim, Counseling Psychology transcends a mere profession—it embodies a dedicated commitment to diverse, culturally sensitive practices aimed at enhancing clients’ well-being, alleviating distress, resolving crises, and improving overall functioning. Setting her apart from other therapists is her unwavering focus on fostering growth and providing support across the lifespan. Schedule time with Kim to personally experience the distinctive approach she brings to counseling.

My approach to therapy.

Comprehensive

We employ diverse, culturally sensitive practices to enhance well-being, address crises, and navigate developmental events while emphasizing our commitment to quality care.

Integrative

Integrative therapy is an individualized approach that utilizes techniques from different therapeutic schools of thought depending on the client's needs.

Collaborative

Therapy is a collaborative process where active involvement is essential for making meaningful, lasting changes, emphasizing the absence of quick fixes.

Feedback-oriented

I prioritize open transparent communication and feedback, and if treatment progress is not evident, I adhere to ethical considerations for discontinuation.

Relational

Individuals seeking an active role in shaping their therapy, valuing a collaborative partnership in the therapeutic relationship, will find my approach resonant.

Overview of Modalities

Kim's training encompasses a diverse range of modalities and approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. The selection of modalities and methods is woven into the fabric of individualized client care and treatment goals.

ACT

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapeutic approach that cultivates skills to navigate challenging thoughts and emotions. It involves identifying core values to guide behavior and maintaining focus on meaningful actions, fostering resilience and enhancing overall well-being.

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), an extensively researched and effective therapy, aids individuals in recovering from trauma and distressing life experiences. It addresses issues like control, power, shame, intimacy, safety, and trust commonly linked to these experiences.

IFS

In Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), clients delve into exploring and understanding their "sub-personalities" or parts, each with unique qualities. Healing unfolds as these parts are liberated from extreme roles, trust is rebuilt in the Adult Self, fostering collaboration among the parts and the Self.

Mindfulness and Experiential

Mindfulness-based therapy emphasizes the cultivation of present-moment awareness, fostering a heightened sense of self-compassion, and facilitating the exploration of one's inner wisdom. Experiential therapy is about doing things, not just knowing. It's about actively engaging in experiences to bring about positive change.

Psychodynamic

Psychodynamic therapy, a type of talk therapy, aims to enhance self-awareness by delving into unconscious thoughts that shape current behavior. Through open discussions, it helps individuals understand and navigate the complex interplay of their thoughts and actions, fostering personal insight and growth.

CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) stresses the link between distorted thinking and intensified emotions, which, reciprocally, can contribute to maladaptive behaviors. This underscores the essential connection between cognitive processes, emotional experiences, and behavioral outcomes.

DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an offshoot of CBT, centers on four pillars promoting mental well-being. These include mindfulness and self-awareness, effective emotion regulation, resilience in distress tolerance, and the cultivation of healthy relationships and communication skills.

Family Systems

Family systems therapy, firmly rooted in systems theory, acknowledges the link between an individual's behavior and the complex dynamics of their family of origin. In essence, achieving a comprehensive understanding of an individual requires thoughtful consideration within the broader context of their relationships.

Gottman Method

Gottman therapy, led by trained professionals, provides evidence-based relationship assessments and interventions to enhance communication, intimacy, and understanding. The Gottman Method, utilized by mental health professionals, focuses on improving various aspects of the couple's connection.

Somatic Therapy

Somatic therapy explores how the body holds and expresses painful experiences. Using mind-body healing techniques, it comprehensively supports individuals on their healing journey, promoting understanding and integration of physical and emotional well-being.

Schedule a Consultation

Ready to embark on your path to self-healing? Reach out to Carolina Counseling Psychology today and take the first step towards a brighter and more fulfilling future.