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

Gastonia, NC

(704) 948-5009

2922 Audrey Dr., Gastonia, NC 28054

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.


Transform Your Life with Trauma Therapy of the Carolinas

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!


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