Anna Shaffner

Ever wish you had someone else there when you need to talk? I can help! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in North Carolina as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Prior to becoming a counselor, I received a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition. I am available more often than my Schedule suggests, and am always eager to remain flexible in order to meet my clients’ needs. I have experience working with young adults who are dealing with depression, anxiety, stress management, confusion about their career, self-esteem issues, body image issues, and relationship difficulties with significant others, family members, or friends. Sometimes in trying to deal with these concerns, people develop certain habits or ways of coping that begin to make life even more difficult. These issues are often part of the struggle of emerging or settling into adulthood, but I believe we can work together to help you figure out what you’d like to change and how you can make this happen. As a counselor, I prefer to take a supportive approach with the intention of helping you find your inner voice amidst the chaos of the various messages you receive about what you should be doing, what you should want, or how you should get it. I think this approach can be especially helpful for younger adults, as it can be difficult to maintain your autonomy and motivation with all of these messages and the pressures they imply. After you have gained more clarity about what you value within yourself and your life, as well as how you’d like to be different, we can begin working on the steps to fulfill the goals you create. This often involves the use of mindfulness exercises or cognitive-behavioral therapy skills to help us examine how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected, and how we can alter these cycles to work better for you. It took a lot of courage to get to the point you’ve already reached – to consider sharing your difficulties and fears with a professional in an effort to find greater peace or fulfillment. I look forward to working with you, and to sharing those burdens with you, and I hope together we are able to piece together a happier, healthier you!