About
Supporting individuals, couples, children and families through the twists and turns of life through the amazing power of personalized therapeutic services.
What to Expect
For child therapy we first meet with parents and caregivers only to complete a comprehensive assessment to discuss your child’s early development, current functioning and presenting problem.
At the next session, we typically meet alone with the child where we begin to form a connection. During this phase, your child will be getting used to the therapist, the playroom, and the play therapy process.
For individual therapy, we will meet with you to complete a comprehensive assessment to gather pertinent information and identify the presenting problem. In subsequent sessions, we will build rapport and work towards agreed upon goals specific to your situation.
In parent or family sessions, we will meet with parents and caregivers to complete a comprehensive assessment to discuss the relationships within the family and the presenting problem. In the following sessions, we will use engaging activities to increase attachment, communication, and family bonding.
In couples/marriage therapy we will meet with one or both of you to complete a comprehensive assessment to discuss the relationship dynamic and the presenting problem. In later sessions, we will determine the ways in which you would like to see your relationship improve.
We are partners throughout the process, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
What We Do
We help a variety of clients with different needs using evidenced-based treatments such as play therapy, trauma-informed therapy, Theraplay, sandtray and sensory play. These treatment models help children express their traumas, find positive coping skills and restructure the parent-child relationship to promote greater bonding and security.
We also help clients with a variety of other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, defiance, and more. We also use cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based approach, family systems theory, and the Gottman method.
Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Our Team
Andrea Abbott, MSW, LCSW, RPT
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is also a Registered Play Therapist. As a Registered Play Therapist, I have obtained specialized education, training and clinical supervision specific to Play Therapy. I believe in the healing powers of play and in helping children to reach their full potential.
I have worked with children and families within the community for several years and I love to help parents and children feel confident again.
I started Healing Hearts Therapeutic Services because I saw a need in the community for more therapists trained specifically to work with children and families and wanted to help!
I would love the opportunity to assist you and your family get back on track and feel confident about the future again. I help children feel better so that they can behave better. I love to help parents feel confident in their parenting again.
I know what it is like to have a challenging child and it’s scary to reach out and ask for help. I pride myself on creating a supportive and encouraging environment, where families can express their needs in a judgment-free zone. My goal is to provide children with the coping skills they need now that will last them a lifetime.
If you feel your child is struggling, then please contact me today for a free phone consultation.
Education
- BSW from Fayetteville State University
- MSW from Fayetteville State University
Training
- Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Sandtray
- Theraplay
- Child Centered Play Therapy
CERTIFICATIONS
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- License # and State: C010933 / NC
- Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
Tina Berrien, MSW, LCSW
Tina Berrien is a Licensed Clinician Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Therapist (CATP), and a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS). Tina has over 10 years’ experience working with youth and families, to help better manage and cope with unresolved issues. As a therapist, her goal is to provide a safe environment where people feel comfortable to talk about their concerns, while also producing positive change through acceptance, empathy, and trust.
Tina has experience working in the school system as a School-Based Mental Health Counselor, including knowledge in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process. She specializes in anger management, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), grief, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to trauma, autism, oppositional defiance disorder (ODD), anxiety, conduct disorder (CD), and self-esteem with individuals and groups. Tina is also working to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
Education
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from University of North Carolina Pembroke
- Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Southern California
Tyra Cole
Tyra Cole is a newly practicing play therapist who specializes in play therapy for ages 1-10. She holds a master’s degree in Professional School Counseling From University of North Carolina at Pembroke and working towards receiving my LMCHA and RPT licensures. Tyra has experience in providing counseling to young children in various settings primarily in school settings and utilizes a play therapy and compassionate approach to child counseling in an effort to foster hope, healing, and growth for children through play.
Tyra enjoys creative writing, spending time with family/friends, traveling, and being outdoors during her free time. Tyra has also spent time working and employed as a school counselor within an elementary school setting.
Education
- Master of Professional School Counseling from University of North Carolina Pembroke
Dora Eller
My clientele history consists of working with at-risk children/teens, families, and adults. My work settings have included: in-home, schools, residential facilities, military installations, and community based programs. I’m currently focusing on providing individual therapy primarily. I’m skilled with using Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality and Multisystemic Therapies to help others understand past and present experiences/ behaviors. I believe in using person-centered/ strength-based approaches to promote positive and effective changes. My objective is to meet you where you are, but not to keep you there!
Training
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Reality Therapy
- Multisystemic Therapy
Ellen Hanley, ATR, LCMHCA
Ellen is a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) with her Master of Science in Art Therapy and Counseling from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She is also LCMHCA through the NCLMHC board. Ellen is working toward taking the board exam through the Art Therapy Credentials Board to become ATR-BC.
Ellen is a clinical mental health therapist working with individuals, both children and adults, and has experience working with groups and families. Ellen’s goal as an art therapist is to hold a safe space for vulnerability and self-expression while fostering acceptance and trust in the therapeutic relationship, family relationships, and the client’s relationship with their Self.
Ellen uses an integrated approach and specializes in self-esteem, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief and loss, trauma, and identity. She has extensive experience working with people living with eating disorders and varying comorbidities, and actively practices LGBTQIA affirmative therapy. Ellen continues to pursue specialized trainings within the field of mental health and Art Therapy practice.
Education
- Master of Science in Art Therapy and Counseling from Eastern Virginia Medical School
- LCMHCA through the NCLMHC
Jessie Lane, LCMHA
My name is Jessica Lane. I received my graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. I am currently a licensed clinical mental health associate (LCMHA). I have several years experience working with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, life transitions, mood and anxiety disorders, conduct disorders, ADHD and more. I have experience working in a school setting, as a mental health specialist in the emergency department, and have received certification as a certified trauma professional.
Some areas I have had training include child centered play therapy, sand tray therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I strive to build trusting relationships with my clients and provide a safe space for them to process and work through their journey.
Education
- Graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University
- LCMHA
Training
- Child-centered Play Therapy
- Sand Tray Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Akejah McLaughlin, LCMHCA
Akejah McLaughlin, LCMHCA, is a provisionally licensed counselor and certified play therapist raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Akejah received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Methodist University and a Master of Arts in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Upholding the belief that each person possesses the inner strength to persevere, Akejah empowers clients from all walks of life who struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, and other life stresses. Her therapeutic styles align with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Client-Centered modalities. Serving ages two and up, Akejah is devoted to healing minds one session at a time.
Outside of the office, Akejah enjoys video games, creative writing, and dancing with her two left feet.
Education
- Master of Arts in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Norther Carolina Pembroke
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Methodist University
Meg Smith, MSW
Meg holds a master’s in social work (MSW) from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) and a master’s in library science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Meg completed her graduate school clinical internship at Healing Hearts Therapeutic Services. She is particularly interested in working with caregivers and children who have experienced ruptures in attachment by building healthy relationships between parent and child.
Meg is currently pursuing her Play Therapy Graduate Certificate through UNCP with the goal to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). With a background in early literacy, Meg has more than 15 years of experience working alongside families. As the first North Carolina Albert Schweitzer Fellow from UNCP, Meg provided educational sessions to expectant parents and moms with babies up to 18 months of age on the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). She currently supports grant initiatives at UNCP through research and evaluation efforts within the Department of Social Work.
As OPTIMISE Student Success Advocate, Meg assists graduate students in their goal to provide mental health services in rural North Carolina through a $1.9 million U.S. Health Services and Resources Administration’s Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program Grant. Passionate about decreasing stigma and increasing access to mental health services, Meg operates from a strength-based approach, recognizing that children and their families are the experts in their own lives and that relationships are essential to improving behavioral health and wellbeing.
Education
- Masters in Social Work from Unversity of Norther Carolina Pembroke
- Masters in Library Science from University of Wisconsin Madison
Wendy Wong, LCMHCA
Wendy Wong is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate. She obtained her master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Wendy has five years of experience working with school-aged children in both the school setting and private practice. As a therapist, her goal is to provide an environment in which the clients are able to develop a sense of self-knowledge, and emotional acceptance and become their best selves through unconditional positive regard, empathy, and trust.
Wendy utilizes a child-centered approach to work with children and adolescents with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. She is also studying to become a registered play therapist.
Education
- Masters from Unversity of North Carolina Pembroke
Kristian Young, LCSW-A
Kristian is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Associate (LCSW-A). She earned her B.S. in Mass Communication and master’s degree in Social Work from her alma mater at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP). During her time at UNCP, she was inducted into the National Social Work Honor Society as a result of her 4.0 GPA. Kristian has one year of experience as an intern working at Healing Hearts. She is training to be a Registered Play Therapist, as she has already completed and received the Play Therapy certificate from UNCP’s program.
Kristian believes that children’s best communication form is achieved through play. She aspires to provide a safe space for the children at Healing Hearts while helping them express their feelings and cope with their stressors. She aspires to continue her journey of receiving her Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) and her Registered Play Therapist (RPT) licensure.
Education
- Masters Degree in Social Work from University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Training
- Play Therapy
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