Meet our Gastonia, NC Trauma Therapy Team.

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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!

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.

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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