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My name is Whitney Gatling, MS, LCMHCS. Therapy is a journey and I am a facilitator, poised to go on the journey with you. My dream is to elevate women and veterans, support the mental health journey of underserved populations, and support growth and healing with each encounter. We will work to forge new paths that enable us to attain all of our goals in life and to celebrate those accomplishments.
My approach
I believe that every individual has the potential to live a fulfilling and purposeful life. My approach is centered around helping my clients cultivate self-awareness, identify their values and goals, and create actionable steps toward achieving them. I am committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their inner world and work towards their desired outcomes. I often utilize CBT as a base for therapy and from there integrate specialized training such as EMDR, IFS, and Positive Psychology.
My focus
I typically work with veterans (including Special Operations Forces), women in life transitions (motherhood, retirement, career change, etc.), and college students (particularly Senior year and graduate school level). I am most comfortable working with PTSD, anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorders.
My communication style
I tailor my approach to each individual. I am a direct communicator, but I am also compassionate and understand where to filter and when to be direct. I have a very welcoming demeanor and people often feel very comfortable with me quickly.
My journey to mental healthcare
I’m the daughter of two Army Veterans, a native of Fayetteville, NC, and a trauma-trained therapist who has been working with the military community through research and psychotherapy for 15 years. Working in mental health has been my plan since I was in high school and I am very happy to say that I do not feel like I work every day. I enjoy going on the journey with people, seeing then achieve the results that they are after, and living a healthier, happier life.
My goals for you
Therapy is a journey that we are going on together. I am a facilitator in the process, but you are the leader in your own destiny. We will curate goals together based on what you would like to achieve and what my clinical opinion determines. Where applicable, I love to use metaphors, analogies, and humor in our sessions. I will laugh with you, not at you, as laughter is some of the best medicine we can have!
My first session with you
In our first session, I want to hear what you have been experiencing. I will review the questionnaires that you completed before our appointment and if necessary I will have you complete others. We will talk about history, what's happening in the present, and where you want to go in therapy. We may create goals in this first appointment, but sometimes we do that in the second appointment.
