NATIVE AMERICAN SERVICES


Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Provider of In-Person and Teletherapy Services in Matthews, NC.

⸻ Welcome to Mehana Wellness Center

Empowering Journeys in Native American Services for Healing Hearts

At Mehana Wellness Center, we believe that healing from trauma requires empathy, expertise, and a strong connection between counselor and client. We proudly offer Native American services to support individuals and families on this meaningful journey. Serving the Matthews area, our dedicated therapists understand the profound grief and emotional distress that accompany experiences such as loss, cultural disconnection, and identity challenges. Our holistic approach, informed by leading experts, provides compassionate care tailored to your unique needs. Explore healing with us and begin your path toward renewed hope by reaching out today.

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"We thank you for everything you have done for us.  The counseling experience was amazing." S&T, May 2023

Specialized Care for Individuals, Couples, and Families

Our Approach: Therapeutic Focus and Areas of Practice

Our therapy approach is warm, genuine, and down-to-earth. We believe the connection you build with your therapist is the heart of meaningful progress—it’s built on trust, honesty, and accountability. Over time, that trust grows, often bringing moments of laughter, ease, and even joy along the way.


We’re proud to work with clients from all backgrounds and identities, honoring each person’s unique race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and cultural or religious perspective. We truly meet you where you are.


Our work draws on several proven approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and the Gottman Method for couples. Below, you’ll find more about the kinds of needs and experiences we commonly support.

  • Individual Counseling - Children and Adults

    Are you longing to be your most authentic self? Wishing you could just be “you” unapologetically? Are you "coming out" about "something" if only you knew what that "something" is? We can help. We are not meant to live this life by ourselves, and sometimes we just need a little support to get all the racing thoughts out of our heads and onto a drawing board for what we want for ourselves. 


    At Mehana Wellness Center, we believe in the life-changing effects of therapy. Our compassionate counselors specialize in supporting both children and adults on their unique journeys toward well-being and growth.



    Child and Adolescent Counseling:


    Understanding Young Minds: Our child therapists create a safe space for children (ages 5+) to express their feelings, fears, and hopes. From anxiety to behavioral challenges, we’re here to listen and guide.


    Play Therapy: Through play, children communicate and process emotions. Our play therapists use creative techniques to help kids navigate life’s complexities.


    Trauma-Informed Care: Whether it’s grief, abuse, or family changes, we address trauma with sensitivity and evidence-based approaches.


    ADHD: Support children and adolescents with ADHD and Autism in developing coping skills, emotional regulation, and organization strategy.



    Adult Counseling Services:


    Individual Therapy: Adults face diverse struggles—depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and career transitions. Our therapists offer personalized support.


    Life Transitions: Whether it’s parenting, divorce, or aging, we guide you through life’s transitions with empathy and practical tools.


  • Couples Counseling

    Have you lost that loving feeling? Does it seem like every conversation ends in an argument or worse: complete silence?  Do you want to get back to the love?  We want to help you and your partner figure out how to listen to each other with empathy, to feel vulnerable enough to discuss the tough subjects you keep avoiding and build trust to resolve issues that seem to never get resolved.  Using the Gottman method and Emotionally Focused Therapy, we use these modalities to make sense of your House of Love and what keeps you stuck in a negative cycle.  


    The number one request from couples I see is “Help us improve communication!”


    Together we focus on: 


    • Identifying Patterns: Recognize negative communication patterns and barriers.
    • Assertive Communication: Practice assertiveness rather than passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive styles.
    • Turn Towards Each Other: Commit to turning towards your partner instead of away.
    • Daily Appreciations: Communicate daily appreciations and genuine fondness for each other.

    Consensual Non Monogamy and Polyamory


    We provide support to relationships with consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) and polyamorous experiences. Polyamory/Consensual Non-monogamy (CNM) is a relationship arrangement in which all partners involved consent to multiple sexual and romantic relationships.  Just as we all come in different sizes and shapes, our relationships can also take on various forms. I am here to support you regardless of your affinity or configuration. Here’s how we can help: 


    Consensual Non-Monogamy: It’s like opening a treasure chest of intimacy. Whether you’re exploring open relationships, swinging, or polyamory, CNM is about consent, communication, and courage.


    Navigating Jealousy: Our skilled therapists help you sail through choppy emotional waters. Jealousy? It’s a compass guiding you toward deeper self-awareness.


    Love in Technicolor: CNM relationships come in all shades—romantic, platonic, and everything in between. Let’s paint your love story with authenticity.



    Did You Know?


    • 12% of people reported that CNM is their ideal relationship.* 
    • 4-5% of people in a relationship are currently part of a CNM relationship.*

    * Citation: Moors, A. C., Ramos, A., & Schechinger, H. (in press). Bridging the science communication gap: The development of a fact sheet for clinicians and researchers about consensually non-monogamous relationships. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.

  • LGBTQIA+

    The Mehana Wellness Center is a safe space for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.  Professionally, I have been providing therapy services for over 4 years; however, my personal experience began 20 years ago with my son/daughter coming out as gender fluid.  At that time, resources for parents were either vague or unavailable.  I have provided over 50 group counseling sessions for parents whose children are transitioning and provided over 1,000 hours of free counseling services to LGBTQIA+ individuals.  I was named the Transgender Ally of the Year in 2021 for the greater Corpus Christi, Texas, area.  


    Today, I currently work with the PATH program managed by Charlotte Transgender Health to provide mental health services for transgender individuals. I have extensive training in gender-affirming care for the LGBTQIA+ community. I work with individuals in transition care and couples where one or both are in transition.  I work with ages 8 through adults to identify gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation.  



    Did You Know?


    • 56% of LGBTQ young people who wanted mental health care in the past year were unable to get it.*
    • 41% of LGBTQ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year—and young people who are transgender, nonbinary, and/or people of color reported higher rates than their peers.* 

    *2023 US National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQIA+ Young People

  • Family Therapy - Adoption and Reproductive Trauma

    At Mehana Wellness Center, we understand that the path to parenthood isn’t always straightforward. Reproductive trauma—whether due to infertility, pregnancy loss, or adoption-related challenges—can leave deep emotional imprints. Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you through healing and growth.



    Reproductive Trauma Therapy:


    Understanding the Journey: Our therapists specialize in supporting individuals and couples navigating infertility and pregnancy loss. We recognize the physical and psychological impact of these experiences.


    Grieving and Coping: Reproductive trauma disrupts the ideal future parents envision. Together, we explore your reproductive story, allowing space for grief, coping strategies, and healing.


    Holistic Approach: We work with LGBTQIA+ parents as well as discuss advances in reproductive technology, ethical considerations, and cultural influences. 


    We adhere to Dr. Karen Kleiman's work and receive training from Postpartum Support International (PSI), a prominent provider of perinatal mental health resources. We have the tools and experience needed to assist you with reproductive mental health needs. The following are areas of reproductive mental health in which we are knowledgeable and able to assist:


    • Preconception consulting
    • Infertility
    • Miscarriage/Pregnancy loss
    • Postpartum depression
    • Postpartum anxiety
    • Intrusive thoughts
    • Partner/Spouse support and supporting a loved one through reproductive mental health needs


    Adoption Trauma Support:


    Adoption-Competent Therapy: Our therapists understand implicit memory—the loss experienced before language development. We provide a trauma lens, supporting adoptees and their families on their lifelong journey. For adoptees, separation trauma from birth mothers can linger even though their new adoptive parents are wonderful.  


    Individualized Approaches: Whether you’re an adoptee, adoptive parent, or birth parent, we tailor therapy to your unique needs. Play therapy, somatic therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy are used to traverse experiences. 

  • Group Counseling and Workshops

    At Mehana Wellness Center, we believe that healing happens not only in individual sessions but also within the embrace of a supportive community. Our group counseling and workshops provide a space where you can share, learn, and grow alongside others who understand your journey.



    Group Counseling Sessions:


    Themes That Matter: Join our themed group sessions led by experienced therapists. Whether it’s anxiety, grief, relationships, or self-compassion, we’ve got you covered.


    Shared Wisdom: Connect with fellow participants. Share insights, challenges, and triumphs. Sometimes, the most profound healing comes from hearing someone else’s story.


    Empathy and Validation: In a safe and confidential environment, you’ll find validation and empathy. Together, we explore coping strategies, resilience, and hope.



    Workshops That Ignite Transformation:


    Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Learn practical mindfulness techniques to navigate life’s storms. Discover the power of presence and self-awareness.


    Creative Expression: Unleash your inner artist, poet, or storyteller. Our workshops blend therapy with creativity—because healing can be colorful and expressive.


    Single Parenting Support: Parenthood is a journey of growth. Join our parenting workshops to exchange tips, discuss challenges, and celebrate small victories. 



    Marry Me! – A Self-Commitment Workshop for Women


    Marry Me! is a transformative workshop designed for women who are ready to honor, celebrate, and commit to themselves. This empowering ritual invites participants to “marry themselves”—not in isolation, but as an act of deep self-recognition, self-affirmation, and renewal. Through guided reflection, meaningful exercises, and a closing self-commitment ritual, participants explore their strengths, values, and hopes for the future. The workshop offers space to release the belief that fulfillment comes from finding a partner and instead to embrace wholeness, purpose, and joy from within. You’ll leave feeling grounded in your worth, clear in your vision, and inspired to live with love and intention—as your best partner in life.

  • Native American Ceremony

    At Mehana Wellness Center, we pay homage to the wisdom of Native American traditions. These sacred ceremonies connect us to the land, our ancestors, and the rhythms of life. Whether you seek healing, celebration, or remembrance, our ceremonies honor your journey. We work with you to design meaningful rituals to honor your life experiences. 



    The Five Sacred Rites of the Hopi, Navajo, and Cherokee Nations:


    Crying for a Vision: Embark on a vision quest to receive guidance from the spirit world.


    The Sun Dance: A powerful dance honoring the sun, life, and renewal.


    The Making of Relatives: Celebrate unions, adoptions, and chosen family bonds.


    The Girl’s Coming of Age: Mark a young woman’s transition into womanhood.


    The Boy’s Coming of Age: Mark a young man’s transition into manhood. 



    Life Events We Honor:


    Birth: Blessings for newborns, welcoming them into the circle of life.


    Puberty: Guiding young ones through their transformative years.


    Marriage: Unite hearts, weaving threads of love and commitment.


    Death: Honoring those who journey to the spirit world.


    Adoption: Embracing chosen family bonds.


    Healing: Restoring balance and well-being.

Start Exploring Your Options

Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day saying,

‘I will try again tomorrow.

Purple butterfly silhouette against a white background.

Connect with Mehana Wellness Center Today

Ask a question or book an appointment below. For emergencies, please call 911 or visit your nearest hospital.

We accept Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicaid

Mental Health Therapy