Carla McGhee, Ph.D, LPC, BC-DMT
Independent Contractor Therapist, Supervisor
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
— Anais Nin
As a seasoned therapist who has worked in the mental health field for over 14 years, I believe that all individuals have the capacity to heal, change, and grow. Life is not always easy, and there are times when we are faced with the unexpected such as a loss or trauma. There are also times in life when we feel stuck, or times when we just find ourselves overwhelmed with the everyday stress of life in a way that impacts our mental health. Whether facing life challenges, or a mental health concern, an outside perspective can help us gain new insight, heal, and overcome any barriers that appear to be holding us back in our life. It is my goal to help you heal, grow, and connect to the internal wisdom that is already within you.
My philosophy and training are rooted in both traditional psychology theories as well as body centered therapies. Depending on my client’s needs and preferences I can work solely through traditional talk therapy and/or incorporate my work as a dance/movement therapist to include body-based interventions. Our bodies hold a great deal of wisdom. The way we move our body can be a metaphor for the way we move through life through life emotionally and psychologically. Even the way we hold our posture can say a great deal about how we are feeling. We also hold memories in our bodies, both positive and negative. Hence, we can use our bodies as an avenue for healing.
My style as a therapist is collaborative and culturally sensitive. I understand everyone is unique and that one size does not fit all when it comes to therapy. I am flexible and open minded and will work with you in a way that aligns with your preferences, comfort level, and needs.
My specialties include the following areas:
Past or Recent Trauma
Domestic Violence (and/or emotional & psychological abuse in relationships)
Grief and Loss
Mental Illness (any and all diagnosis)
Addictions and/or Codependence
Autism and Asperger’s
Cultural and Systemic Oppression
I work with adults of all ages and teenagers (age 14 and up). I welcome all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, socio-economic status, and cultural backgrounds. I also offer BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) mental health support.
Modalities:
Humanistic
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Psychodynamic
Attachment-Based
Internal Family Systems (not certified)
Strengths-Based
Dance/Movement Therapy
Expressive Arts Therapy
Mindfulness
Spirituality (upon request)
Authentic Movement
Group Therapy
Emotion Focused Therapy
Training
Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Toledo, OH
MA in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Columbia College Chicago, IL
Previous Clinical Experience
Adult Therapy Coordinator and Clinical Therapist, Zepf Center, Toledo, OH, (adult outpatient therapy), 2016-2019
Doctoral Student Intern, Zepf Center, Toledo, OH, (adult psychological testing), 2016
Substance Abuse Counselor, Harbor Light-Salvation Army, Monroe, MI, (adult outpatient substance abuse treatment), 2015-2017
Lead Expressive Therapist and Clinical Therapist, Loretto Hospital, Chicago, IL, (adult inpatient therapy), 2007-2013
Resource Therapist, Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, Hoffman Estates, IL (adults, children, teens, inpatient and partial hospitalization program), 2006-2007
Therapy Intern, Community Counseling Centers of Chicago, Chicago, IL, (adult outpatient therapy), 2004-2005
Therapy Intern, Streamwood Behavioral Health at St Mary’s, Chicago, IL (children and teens, inpatient therapy), 2004
Licensing and Certifications
Licensed Professional Counselor (Oregon, LPC-C5201)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor/Supervisor (Ohio, LPCC-S-E.1500291)
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (Illinois, LCPC-180.008395)
Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (Certified through American Dance Therapy Association)
Graduate Laban Certified Movement Analyst (Certified through Columbia College Chicago)
Registered Associates Under Supervision:
