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ABOUT THE CEO/FOUNDER

Counselor to the Core

                                                                             

 In addition to my private clinical practice, I am also a practicing licensed therapist at a major medical facility.  I obtained my undergraduate degree from East Carolina University and graduate degree from the University of North Dakota. I have been working in various capacities as a Licensed Mental Heath Therapist since 2011, specializing in helping everyday people identify and achieve their personal goals by coping more effectively with the issues that are causing them distress, anxiety and/or depression. I also have over 15 years of experience counseling and providing personal development and coaching to individuals, families, students, offenders, groups and community organizations. I have an innate ability to communicate in a down-to-earth way with a wide variety of client systems. Outside of my profession, I've spent the past 20 years volunteering and serving the community through various organizations and charities. I am also a proud member of a national public service sorority who continuously advocate for and serve marginalized and vulnerable communities.       I feel humbled to know that I have a professional reputation of being able to naturally see, identify and bring out the greatness in clients, even when they do not see it themselves. I take an integrated approach when working with clients. My theoretical approach takes in consideration of your values, experiences, cultural identity, and all the factors that make you, you. Every client and client system is unique, therefore my approach in working with you is also unique. I integrate psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapies according to your needs and goals for therapy. Regardless of the approach, a good working relationship with you is key to you making progress and feeling better. I bring a broad range of life experiences and practical approaches to therapy and coaching while drawing from my professional, personal and educational background. I take great pride in the progress and success of my clients, and look forward to helping you! As a therapist, I have worked primarily with adults, families, groups, professionals,  college students, domestic violence survivors and batterers, persons struggling with anger management, parenting, work-place stress, relationship issues as well as mental and physical health issues. Let me help you learn better ways to handle the issues that are standing in the way of your pursuits because.....YOUR BEST LIFE AWAITS!

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH)

Certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS-II)

Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC)

WELCOME AND CONGRATULATIONS! 

YOU ARE ONE STEP CLOSER TO LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE

Katrina Porter, MSW, ACSW, LCSW - Your Counselor & Coach

Founder & CEO

              CEO/THERAPIST SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH)

Certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS-II)

Employee Assistance Specialist-Clinical (EAS-C)

We offer services that have empowered our current and previous clients with not only the critical clinical tools but also the hope, motivation and desire to live their best life.  Our primary theoretical orientation is (CBT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, yet we also employ other therapy modalities including (SFT) solution focused therapy, interpersonal therapy and psychoanalytic therapies. My staff and I have between 10-18 years of clinical experience providing exceptional individual, family, and group therapy ( depression, anger management, trauma, domestic violence and wellness groups). Your Best Life Awaits Counseling & Coaching Institute, PLLC is a safe, warm , non-judgmental space to explore and transform; to look deeper for answers and perspective related to many of the common struggles listed below.

 

•Abuse / Survivors of Abuse
•Adjusting to Change/Life Transitions
•Anger Management Issues
•Anxieties and Fears
•Assertiveness/ Boundary Issues
•Career Decisions
•Communication Problems
•Conflicts in families

•Depression

•EAP
•Emotional / Psychological/Physical/Sexual Abuse
•Family of Origin Issues
•Health Illness and Medical Issues
•Identity Issues
•Legal Issues (court-ordered anger mgt.or mental health evaluations and treatment)
•Loss or Grief
•Parent/Child Relational Issues
•Parenting Challenges
•PTSD 

•Racial Trauma resulting in anxiety, depression, etc

•Relationship Issues
•Self Esteem/Self-Worth Issues
•Holistic Self-Care & Wellness (Physical, Emotional, Mental, Spiritual ,Social)
•Substance Abuse Issues
•Teen/Adolescent Adjustment Issues

•Trauma

• Unhealthy Relationships ( friends, family, co-workers)
•Women Issues
(Self-Care, Depression, Work-Life Balance, Parenting Demands, Relationships, etc)
•Work Place Issues

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

Get the Most out of Life

Mental Health Counseling can be one of the keys to living your best life. Life can be challenging at any age and talking with a counselor/therapist in a supportive environment can help. If you are struggling, you are not alone. We all experience times when life deals us a difficult blow and we feel completely overwhelmed. It can be difficult to ask for help but it is a sign of courage to reach out to a caring professional. Therapy can help you work through all of your feelings and past hurts and finally heal the open wounds. I see therapy as a collaborative process. We will work together to discover your path of healing and well-being. We will review your progress jointly to see if we are on the right path. In therapy, I will personalize your treatment and we will work together to develop a new set of skills for you to make the necessary changes in your life to find clarity and relief. Please know that it is possible to experience happiness again and find meaning in your life! Call now to schedule a session.

LIFE COACHING

Get the Most out of Life

Life Coaching can be one of the keys to a happier, healthier life. Are you looking for more than just traditional counseling and talk therapy? Have you tried other types of therapy and still feel a need for additional guidance and support? Are you looking to incorporate strategies to help you feel better and confident as you navigate through life challenges ? Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. My job is to give you the tools and techniques to achieve a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. After several Life Coaching sessions, most clients will become well-versed at handling issues whenever and wherever they arise. Call now to schedule a session.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN THE WORKPLACE.

Mental Health First-Aid in the workplace.

Your Best Life Awaits Counseling & Coaching Institute, PLLC offers specialized seminars/workshops addressing
Mental Health and Emotional Wellness in the workplace. What we have learned in the 21st century is that ignoring mental health in the workplace doesn't make good business sense – research shows that FTSE 100 companies that prioritize employee engagement and well-being outperform the rest of the FTSE 100 by 10%.

We know that performance and effectiveness at work is largely dependent on mental health and well-being - with as many as one in four of us experiencing problems with our mental health and emotional wellness in the course of a year, organizations understand that this is an important issue for them and their staff.

Your Best Awaits Counseling & Coaching Institute, PLLC offers a seminar entitled "Healing the Healers" to help dedicated, compassionate and hardworking Service Providers and Professionals who see, hear and experience things everyday that others could never imagine . Providers who rarely have a healthy and safe space to adequately process those challenging, overwhelming and often times traumatic experiences that could negatively effect not only how they perform their jobs but also how they view themselves, others and the world. In reality, our families and friends are not trained to deal with the complexities of trauma and grief. Schedule a workshop for your unit, department or entire organization. I also provide individual sessions for employees dealing with trauma.

Contact Your Best Life Awaits, Counseling & Coaching Institute, PLLC and see how we can help you overcome your personal and/or professional limitations.

Moving On, Moving Forward

COUNSELING, COACHING & CONSULTING SERVICES I PROVIDE

We offer services that empower our clients with tools to live their best life! Our goal is to create a counseling, coaching, and consulting environment that is relaxed and safe so you can feel comfortable talking openly.  Has the pandemic created additional challenges in your life? Are you suddenly feeling more disconnected, anxious, lonely, or overwhelmed? Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, self doubt, fear, anger, resentment, and hurt? Do you feel overwhelmed trying to juggle the demands of family, work or school, and relationships? Is there a sense that something needs to change but you can’t figure out what? Are you interested in learning more? You deserve to be understood, valued, and given the opportunity to gain the tools for a more fulfilling life. Are you a CEO, Manager, or HR Director who struggle with balancing the needs of the company and the emotional and mental health needs of your employees? Are you a Pastor/Clergy who struggle with balancing your primary role and dealing with the emotional and mental heath needs and concerns of the members of your congregation? Do you sometimes feel stuck or helpless in trying to help your members or employees with emotional or mental health issues? Do you sometimes feel like you are operating outside of your skill set and need a licensed mental health professional?  If so, we are also here to help businesses, churches, community groups, and organizations.  During our counseling, coaching, or consultation sessions,  we always provide personalized attention to help each client/systems identify their personal values, strengths, and abilities in support of their personal, professional and overall life or business goals. We will walk with you on your journey of self-discovery, and together we will uncover your unique strengths, develop coping skills, increase self-confidence, and work toward restoring balance in your life. Schedule a session and to learn the tools for personal and professional success.

EFFECTIVE COUNSELING & COACHING SERVICES

Help for Your Life

We offer a variety of counseling and coaching services to help you move past the obstacles in your life. We will help you identify your personal values, strengths, and abilities in support of your personal and professional goals. Contact us to see how we can help you develop different perspectives and achieve the outcomes you’re striving for.

SPECIAL RATES FOR SPECIALIZED LIFE COACHING AND CORPORATE SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS

Put Your Life and Business Into Focus

We offer packages for a variety of needs. All of my workshops and coaching sessions are flexible and fully customizable depending on the circumstances and experiences of each specific client. Personal Life Coaching and Consultations are a few great choices to help you manage the challenges in life and/or business. Give us a call so we can come up with your personalized consultation/coaching package together.

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PERSONAL LIFE TRANSFORMATIONAL COACHING

4, 6, 10 session packages (Call for pricing)

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CORPORATE-BUSINESS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS (ON-SITE)

WORKPLACE TRAUMA HEALING WORKSHOPS

Starting at $250 (call for pricing)

FAQS

Call for pricing

Your Questions Answered

Welcome to the Your Best Life Awaits, Counseling & Coaching Institute, PLLC Help Center. Here you'll find a series of questions that we hear again and again. If you're interested in learning more about therapy, corporate workshops or coaching and my techniques, or have any additional questions after going through the FAQ list, get in touch and we'll get back to you ASAP.

WHAT FORM OF PAYMENTS YOUR BEST LIFE AWAITS, COUNSELING & COACHING INSTITUTE,PLLC ACCEPT?

Major Credit/Debit Cards, Cash, Paypal, Cash App, HSA/FSA Card, Cashiers Checks and Corporate Checks. Personal Checks are only accepted from established (>3 months) clients.

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?*

To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, please contact your representative to review your benefits. Your Bests Life Awaits Counseling & Coaching Institute, PLLC is considered an In Network Provider for most major insurance companies in the service area. It should be noted that we are considered an Out of Network Provider with all other plans and after each session we provide you with the necessary statement (superbill) to submit for your insurance reimbursement (out of plan) or tax purposes. Working outside of the managed care system protects your confidentiality and what we are required by law to share regarding your mental health and gives you the ultimate control over the course of your therapy sessions and treatment. . Some helpful questions you can ask your insurance representative include:
•What are my mental health benefits?
•What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
•How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?

•What is my co-pay?
•How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
•Is prior approval required from my primary care physician?

Most of our providers participate directly with the following insurance companies*:

                                             (In Network Provider)

  • United Healthcare

  • Optum

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS

  • Medcost

EAP Providers

  • McLaughlin Young Group (NC)

  • Anthem EAP

NOTE:* Selected therapists are out- of-network and PRIVATE PAY ONLY. Please inquire when setting up your initial appointment 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PSYCHOTHERAPY

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy treatment involves a conversation, a focused method of having your therapist carefully listen, ask questions, and help you elicit and understand the patterns and beliefs that underlay actions. Each psychotherapy session provides you an opportunity to tell your story, find pragmatic solutions, and make the changes that help you reach your goals. As licensed psychotherapist, we will work with you to establish a safe environment so that you can freely talk and think through your issues and your solutions.

Will it work for me?

Clinical experience shows that if you are motivated and set realistic goals, psychotherapy is likely to be of great benefit in addressing symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and other concerns.

What does it cost?


Individual, family or couples sessions are $120-$175 for a 50-90 minute session.

Does it mean that I am ‘crazy’ if I’m in psychotherapy?

No! Individuals seek psychotherapy for variety of reasons. Some desire help balancing the demands of parenting, work and family responsibilities, coping with health issues, improving relationship skills or managing other stressors that can affect any of us. Yet others need help coping with major life transitions or changing problem behaviors: grieving the death of a loved one, the loss of a job or a divorce or break-up. But others pursue psychotherapy for treatment of depression, anxiety, addictions or trauma- related experiences. Regardless of how you were referred, psychotherapy aims to treat people with issues of personal development which may have developed recently, or may have developed over many years, sometimes right from early childhood. The aim in psychotherapy is to look more deeply into the emotions, conflicts and distress behind these diagnoses.

How often are the sessions?

Since the pandemic, most psychotherapy sessions are weekly or bi-weekly. It depends on the needs of the client.

What benefit should I feel afterwards?

Research has shown that psychotherapy is effective in reducing symptoms, improving relationships and self-worth. However, as each person is an individual, it is difficult to generalize at the beginning as to which benefits a person may feel. The exploration and the journey is often as important as the goal.


How do I get started?
The initial clinical intake assessment for Therapy (Individual, Family or Group ) is $150-175.00 
To set up your first session, call 252-220-4140 or email: cme4thrpy@awaitingyourbestlife.com.

WHAT IS CORPORATION/BUSINESS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID AND AWARENESS TRAINING WORKSHOPS/SEMINARS?

Mental health awareness training allows companies, businesses, community organizations, and churches to genuinely demonstrate concern and support for their members, staff, colleagues, etc. in this area of concern while enhancing the delivery of the business and services you provide. We offer customized workshops, seminars and presentations to fit your individual or team’s needs and budget such as:

•Lunch and Learn
•Keynote speech for your company sponsored event
•Executive/Leadership Team Annual Retreat
•Half or full day workshop/seminars

 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PSYCHOTHERAPY AND LIFE COACHING?

Therapist are licensed and regulated by the state. With therapy, confidentiality (with certain limitations) is protected by law. Therapy focus on both the past and present and can greatly help heal wounds from the past. Therapist are qualified to treat a mental health and /or substance abuse problems and is generally covered by insurance because it treats a health problem.

Coaching is distinct from traditional therapy because it is not focused on the past or designed to address psychological issues. Coaching and therapy both create a positive, healing relationship between the coach or therapist and client that is the medium for change. Coaches and therapists are trained in understanding human behavior and motivation. Both help clients set and achieve their goals.

For some, it will be important to first work with a therapist and resolve some core issues and then work with a coach later for help achieving particular goals. Coaching focuses on setting and achieving goals in the present and future. Coaching does not involve a mental health diagnosis. Coaching helps mentally well people function and achieve at a higher level. Coaching is not covered by insurance and there is no licensing or particular training or credential required. As a coach and licensed therapist, our primary focus of life coaching is to help you identify your calling and purpose, achieve them, and develop a disciplined and balanced life. With Psychotherapy,  we can help you heal the wounds of the past so that they do not interfere with your ability to live your BEST LIFE, now and in the future!

SHOULD MY COMPANY INVEST IN A WORKPLACE TRAUMA HEALING WORKSHOP? WHEN AND WHY SHOULD FIRST RESPONDERS AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP?

The workshop include psycho-education and coping skills training. First Responders, Medical Professionals, CPS/Foster Care Social Workers and other helping professionals are typically exposed to more human suffering and pain than anyone should have to see. The fast-paced nature of their work settings limits opportunity for expressing feelings about what they see. Exposure to trauma is an occupational hazard for first responders and medical professionals, and as such, it is necessary to know the signs when trauma is taking a toll personally and professionally. Research shows that many of these heroes suffer in silence because they feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Employers can help eliminate the stigma by taking part in My Best Life Awaits Counseling & Coaching Institute, PLLC on-site "Healing the Healers" workshop/seminar for their employees.

OPERATING HOURS:

* Monday-Friday 4:45pm - 7:45pm

    ​​Saturday: 8am- 4pm
​~By Appointment Only~
*Workshops and Seminars may be scheduled outside of the listed hours.

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     107 S.E. Main Street

    Rocky Mount, NC, 27801

    YOUR BEST LIFE AWAITS, COUNSELING & COACHING INSTITUTE, PLLC 

    Katrina Porter, MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II, C-SWHC, LCSW

                                                                                             CEO/Psychotherapist

                                                                                               Owner & Operator

    (O) 1-252-220-4140 

    (F) 1-888-267-2141

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