I hold a master’s degree in counseling from Appalachian State University (Boone, NC 1989) and an advanced certificate in expressive arts therapy from the European Graduate School of Expressive Arts Therapy (Leuk-Stadt, Switzerland, 1999). I have been working in the field of counseling for 31 years. During that time, I have worked as a counselor in multiple educational settings such as public school, community college, university - as well as in community settings such as mental health, private practice and wilderness therapy.
My methods are strength-based and concentrate on building upon existing strengths and discovering new resources. My therapeutic approach is client-centered and individualized. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process. I see myself as a resource and support and a sounding board. I will work together with you to identify and learn skills for coping with and expressing emotions, practicing self-care, problem-solving, decision-making, planning and pursuing new life directions. I use counseling skills to encourage sharing and to process therapy experiences. I often use cognitive and/or cognitive-behavioral techniques in problem-solving and goal-setting. However, sensory experience can be a great complement to understanding/insight, so at times we might use a combination of talk therapy and non-talk techniques such as mindfulness, expressive arts, body centered techniques, or Gestalt approaches, etc.
My primary areas of expertise are in the areas of anxiety/depression/anger management, grief and loss, processing past and recent trauma, current life events, and developmental life transitions such as blending of families, deaths, divorces, relationship issues, moving, career changes, etc. I have a strong background of experience and skills in the areas of outdoor education, experiential education, and expressive arts therapy. I believe that humans have endless capacity for change and positive growth -and that many situations can be improved through a combination of self-reflection and increased self-awareness, information, self-care, and supportive collaboration.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Depression, Coaching, ADHD, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Blended Family Issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Life purpose, Men's issues, Military and Veterans Issues, Mood disorders , Multicultural Concerns, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-Harm, Self-love, Sexuality, Somatization, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy
NC LCMHC #2389
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Terri Chester. 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.
Terri is a wonderful therapist and guide as I dig deep into my inner work. I’m very grateful for her support and wisdom. She has helped me navigate some of the most challenging times of my life. Thank you
Written on Dec 20, 2022 after therapy with Terri for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Terri is warm and welcoming. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge with current therapy techniques and research. She is easy to talk to and i have every confidence in her abilities. Very excited to work together.
Written on Oct 28, 2021 after therapy with Terri for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes