Norena Gutierrez (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in NC and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health & Marriage & Family Therapy from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, CBT, SFBT, and Play Therapy.

Specialties:

-Family & Couples Therapy

-Play Therapy (children & adolescents)

-LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy

-Adoption & Reproductive Trauma

-ADHD

Norena works with multicultural clients across the lifespan, including LGBTQIA+ clients, adoptive and birth families, and children. She uses art-based play therapy and evidence-based strategies to build coping skills, improve relationships, and help clients thrive emotionally.

Availability: Weekdays 10 AM – 8 PM, including evenings and Saturdays.

Therapy is different for everyone, but you get out of it what you put in. At Mehana Wellness Center, sessions are spaces for openness, honesty, and reflection. Together, we’ll define goals, track progress, and adjust as needed.

You can expect to explore emotions, relationships, and patterns while gaining insight, emotional balance, and strategies to create joy and meaning. My mission is to help you feel grounded, connected, and empowered.

It depends. Some clients attend a few sessions for situational concerns; others work through long-standing patterns. We typically meet weekly for the first 3–6 weeks to build rapport, then adjust based on your needs.

For couples and families, progress often appears around eight sessions, with deeper emotional connection and fewer negative cycles by 12–14 sessions. Therapy can also be a lifelong resource, revisited as needed.

We take an active, collaborative approach using exercises, handouts, art, and games to explore triggers, emotions, and deeper patterns. Sessions balance curiosity, humor, and reflection.

We focus on relationships — with partners, family, friends, and past experiences — and integrate evidence-based strategies to manage stress, regulate emotions, and strengthen connections. Mindfulness, assessments, and practical skills guide much of the work.

Sessions can be in person, online, or via Walk & Talk at select Charlotte-area parks. Most clients start weekly for 3–6 weeks, then adjust frequency based on goals and comfort. Some meet biweekly, others more often initially.

Therapy is collaborative — we find a rhythm that supports your growth. Sessions spaced more than three weeks apart may slow progress.

Therapy is both a financial and emotional commitment. The initial diagnostic session is 60 minutes and includes a full history and treatment plan. Ongoing sessions are 60 or 90 minutes. Insurance often allows longer continuity, with copays due at each session. Sliding scale fees based on income are available.

Fees:

-Initial Diagnostic (60 min): $185

-Individual (60 min): $165 | (90 min): $185

-Couples (60 min): $180 | (90 min): $200

-Family (60 min): $200

Sessions are usually in Our offices, unless teletherapy is needed via a HIPAA-secured platform. We also offer Walk & Talk therapy at select Charlotte-area parks.

For virtual sessions, please find a private, distraction-free, and comfortable space to engage fully.

In the first session, we’ll discuss why you’re seeking therapy, your support systems, work or school, history of stress or trauma, prior therapy or medication, and interests or motivations. You’ll also have time to ask questions.

We’ll review your therapy goals, timeline, and I may suggest exercises or reflections to work on before the next session.

We accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare and Medicaid.

Payment is accepted via cash, credit/debit, and HSA cards. We file insurance as a courtesy, and copays are due at the time of session.