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  • Meet Our Founder
  • Huntersville, NC Office
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  • More
    • You Found US
    • Meet Our Founder
    • Huntersville, NC Office
    • Huntersville, NC Office
    • Hickory, NC Office
    • Concord, NC Office
    • Gastonia, NC Office
    • Rock Hill, SC Office
    • Getting Started
    • Billing & Insurance
    • TTOTC Weekly Blog
  • You Found US
  • Meet Our Founder
  • Huntersville, NC Office
  • Huntersville, NC Office
  • Hickory, NC Office
  • Concord, NC Office
  • Gastonia, NC Office
  • Rock Hill, SC Office
  • Getting Started
  • Billing & Insurance
  • TTOTC Weekly Blog

Meet our Gastonia, NC Trauma Therapy Team.

980-987-7224

Address: 2922 Audrey Dr., Gastonia, NC

Sydney Cheek, MSW, LCSWA

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

Direct Line: 980-920-3114

Direct E-mail: scheek@traumatherapyofthecarolinas.com


 Hello, my name is Sydney and I am so happy you’re here! 


Finding the right therapist is the first step in your mental health journey. 


Whether you’re experiencing life changes, chronic struggles with mental health, 

or you’ve experienced a trauma that you no longer wish to carry it with you.


• I have a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

• I have an Associate License in Clinical Social Work in North Carolina.


I’ve worked with a wide range of age groups, and populations:


  • My passion is working with elementary age children, as well as women who’ve experienced a trauma such as a past domestic violence relationship. 
  • Prior to my therapeutic career focus, I worked as a domestic violence advocate. 
  • My clinical past includes working with children and their families, including processing traumas both recent and past in both individual and family sessions.
  • My therapeutic style is flexible for each client, meaning I implement different styles based on preferences or needs of clients. 


Therapeutic approaches and specialties include:


• Anxiety/Panic Attacks

• Depression

• Trauma/PTSD (child & adult)

• Relationship Issues/Past Dating Violence (DV)

• Family Therapy

• Processing Trauma Through Play

• Music & Art Implementation

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Solution-Focused

• Strength-Based  

• Spirituality 


I am also comfortable implementing Spirituality into our sessions,

such as though the power of manifestation, journaling, crystal healing, meditation, 

targeting the vagus nerve, and more.


On a personal note, I enjoy yoga, live music, and spending time with my loved ones 

including my dog, Violet!


If you have any questions about whether I’d be a good fit for you, 

please feel free to reach out. 


I look forward to hearing from you!



Luz Cruz, LCMHC

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC

Direct Line:     980-399-7073

Direct E-mail: lcruz@traumatherapyofthecarolinas.com


Hi, my name is Luz (pronouns are she/her/hers) and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). 


I worked as a teacher for over 15 years before switching careers into mental health. 


I have Experience in:


  • Mobile crisis response, trauma, and forensic mental health concerns. 
  • My therapeutic perspective is to provide empathetic, non-judgmental, compassionate guidance, and support in an atmosphere of respect and safety while allowing clients to process their traumas through EMDR.   
  • Finding a therapist that's the right fit can be a challenging task but, taking that first step towards a healthier you is worth it. 
  • I look forward to working with you on your healing journey. 


Top Specialties:


  • Depression and Anxiety
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Coping Skills
  • Grief
  • Life Transitions
  • Peer Relationships
  • School Issues


Outside of holding therapy sessions, I enjoy running races, cuddling with my dogs, and practicing mindfulness, 

guided meditation, aromatherapy, and Reiki.




Jennifer McDaniel, LCSWA

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate 

Direct Line:  (980) 301-9241 

Direct E-mail:  jmcdaniel@traumatherapyofthecarolinas.com 


Hi, my name is Jenn (pronouns she/her/hers).


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA).


  • I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Marshall University. 
  • A Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky. 


With a strong background in case management across inpatient, and outpatient settings, 

I have extensive experience working with individuals navigating trauma,

as well as mental health challenges such as:


  • Substance use disorders
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress, and chronic illnesses. 
  • My therapeutic approach is practical
  • I take a person-centered approach, empowering clients to explore and transform their weaknesses into strengths. 


As an LCSWA, I integrate the following Modalities and Techniques:


  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy 
  • Solutions focused strategies 


I think therapy is much like getting in a car with your therapist. 

You’re the driver, I’m a passenger, 

and together we cruise to your ultimate destination. 


I have a map to guide you, but you’re in control of getting us to that destination — 

and I am honored to join you on the ride to where you want to be. 


I am a therapist who will guide you in reflecting on your life,

to deepen your understanding of how your lived experiences

have shaped who you are. 


I take a holistic, trauma-informed approach to therapy, 

blending ecological systems and psychodynamic theories to understand your life. 


My focus: 

  • Person-centered care
  • Resilience-based practices
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Self-reflection 
  • Self-compassion
  • Goal setting 
  • Coping Strategies: mindfulness, meditation, journaling, 
  • Teaching self-help by Incorporating media and role play


I provide a judgment-free space to be open with not only me, but yourself. 


I take pride in being an ally to all,

and providing unconditional positive regard. 


I can create a safe space for anyone, and I will always provide culturally sensitive support. 


I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward healing and growth. 


Whether you’re taking your first steps or continuing along your path, 

I am here to work alongside you, 

offering guidance,

compassion, 

and encouragement every step of the way. 


Together, we can work towards building the life you envision for yourself. 


I am a Charlotte transplant from West Virginia and I am a proud Appalachian person!


___

See your therapist in person.

Trauma Therapy of the Carolinas Gastonia

2922 Audrey Dr., Gastonia, NC 28054

Trauma Therapy of the Carolinas has 5 convenient Locations:

Huntersville, NC LocationHickory, NC LocationCONCORD NC LOCATIONGASTONIA, NC LOCATIONRock Hill, SC Location

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