I have completed all educational requirements and have received a Masters of Art, Professional Counseling degree from Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA. I was granted licensure with the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, [LCMHC certification number 11888]; and through the National Board for Certified Counselors obtained my NCC [certification number 626753.] I have spent the last 17 years in the counseling field working in a variety of settings and serving a diverse population of people.
I have worked and currently work with individuals with mental health and substance abuse diagnosis in the schools, community, residential, through virtual e-counseling platforms reaching people around the world and office based settings. Additionally, I provide extensive trauma work by assessment and psychotherapy to survivors of Human Trafficking through project FIGHT; and work in tandem with The Shepherd Youth Ranch to incorporate Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to these survivors. My professional experience in counseling includes 17 years in mental health providing individual and family counseling to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
While working in the mental health sector in North Carolina, I have also served as a mentor to at risk youth and a caseworker and advocate for low income families. I have extensive experience with a diverse range of emotional and behavioral issues, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief, adjustment disorder, ADHD, self-esteem, parenting, and peer relationships. During my master’s program I provided individual and family therapy to stabilize current home situations and networked with other community professionals to ensure continuity of care is achieved. I have adopted a philosophy that the families and individuals that I work with are the “experts” and I encourage their existing strengths to build a working relationship that provokes a motivation for change.
My theoretical orientation is from an eclectic approach to counseling which provides a balance of the different types of therapies to meet the client where he or she is, and to help him or her achieve developed goals. My primary therapeutic orientation, however, is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a Person-Centered approach. I also have acquired special training which provides an opportunity for me to work with children dealing with different traumas they have experienced. These trainings have included Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengthening Families, and Real Life Heroes. I utilize straight forward, cognitive-behavioral techniques, based on evidence-based practices that are effective and practical. I ascribe to treating the whole person and to helping the individual to become his or her own best therapist. It is my belief that as an individual becomes more aware of their thoughts, actions, emotions and beliefs that they have increased ability to face challenges and overcome difficult situations more successfully.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, ADHD
NC LCMHC 11888
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Jody Youmans. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Jody is probably the first person in my life that doesn’t judge me. He accepts me for who I am and helps me find the ways to accept myself. He doesn’t come straight out with what he thinks I should or shouldn’t be doing. Instead, he helps guide me along the path so I come to the conclusion or the answer on my own. His guidance has been helpful and amazing all at once. He’s the first therapist I’ve stayed with for any length of time and over the span of a few decades, that’s saying something!!
Written on May 05, 2019 after therapy with Jody for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Although I've only used this service for a few weeks now, my counselor Jody has been amazing. He's very supportive and friendly to talk to. He has offered me a few great tools to help with what's been going on in my life and I am so pleased with the overall knowledge he has.
Written on Feb 03, 2019 after therapy with Jody for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and family conflicts
Jody is a great guy, we’ve been making good progress together. He’s helped me lift a lot of the uncertainty and doubt regarding my past experiences, which enables me to face what’s coming with more confidence and serenity.
Written on Jul 03, 2018 after therapy with Jody for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family, self esteem, and career
Jody listens to you, and more importantly he remembers you. I'm so glad that I've met such a nice counselor in a very tough time.
Written on Apr 18, 2018 after therapy with Jody for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, and self esteem
Jody understands, listens and is so compassionate. I feel like he is always there for me and provides a lot of guidance whilst also making me think about what it is that I want.
Written on Mar 19, 2018 after therapy with Jody for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship, grief, and self esteem
Where do I even begin? Jody has been such an amazing supporter for me in helping me through one of the toughest times in my life and I would recommend him to anyone and everyone! I had gone through two other counselors before meeting him, but he went above my expectations. Very open, nonjudgmental, and has a very subtle way in guiding you in the right direction of your goals.
Written on Mar 12, 2018 after therapy with Jody for 2 months on issues concerning depression, addictions, and family