Rate Terri Chester

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.