What is counseling?

What is a Counselor?

At High Valley Counseling, our counselors are licensed professionals who’ve put in the work—earning at least a master’s degree, completing supervised experience, and passing national exams. More than that, we’re people who genuinely care. We’re here to offer support, education, and a safe space to sort through whatever life throws your way. Sometimes counseling is about big, hard things. Sometimes it’s just about having someone to talk to who gets it.

One of our favorite definitions came from a young client who said,

“I love counseling because I come into your office, and it feels like I took a big poop and leave 10 pounds lighter.”

What a Counselor Isn’t...

Counselors can be kind, compassionate, funny, and curious—but we’re not your friend, and we’re not here to give advice. The beauty of counseling is that it's a one-way street: you bring what’s heavy, and we help you carry it. You don’t have to worry about our opinions, our feelings, or our life stories. Whether we’re asking thoughtful questions or chatting about your favorite Netflix show, it’s all for you.

Are We Good Counselors?

We think so! Each of our team members brings something unique to the table—but what we all share is a commitment to being authentic, ethical, and skilled in our work. We have the degrees, the licenses, the supervision hours, and the continuing education. Many of us specialize in areas like trauma, sex therapy, parenting, ADHD, substance use, and more. We also believe in keeping it real: we’re human, too, and we show up with compassion, curiosity, and humor when it fits.

That said, not every counselor is the right fit for every person. The most important part of therapy is feeling safe and seen. We encourage our clients to trust their gut—if it feels like a good connection, it probably is. And if not, we’re happy to help you find someone who might be a better match.

How Can Counseling Help?

Therapy is a place to pause, reflect, and learn about yourself. Maybe you’re working through depression, anxiety, PTSD, or narcissistic abuse. Maybe you’re navigating life transitions, parenting challenges, or just trying to manage the mental load of everyday life. Counseling can offer tools, insight, validation, and sometimes even a little laughter. We believe that growth and healing can happen side-by-side with real, human connection—and yes, even a bit of fun.

In Summary…

Counseling is awesome. Our team is legit. We might be a good fit for you, and we might not—and that’s okay. The most important thing is that you find the right person (or team) for you. We're here when you're ready, offering flexible scheduling and the option to meet from the comfort and convenience of wherever you are. Your healing matters—and we’d be honored to be a part of it.