About
Courtney Blake
MSW, LCSW
Courtney Pope Blake, MSW LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is licensed by the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board. Courtney completed her undergraduate career at UNC-Wilmington and received her Masters in Social Work at UNC-Pembroke.
Courtney has experience in working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and the elderly population. While acquiring her undergraduate degree in Social work in Wilmington, N.C., Courtney gained experience in working with elementary aged girls in a Girl’s Empowerment Group and at-risk youth. Courtney worked closely with an agency that catered to youth that were at-risk of becoming involved in gang life in New Hanover County. Courtney also worked with the New Hanover Sherriff’s Department with events and county mandated meetings and natural disaster response groups.
While working towards her Masters in Social Work, Courtney worked with Richmond County Hospice in many aspects including: in-home visitation, fund raising, and facilitated a monthly grief group for those family members who had lost a loved one in and out of Richmond County Hospice.
Courtney most enjoys working as a clinician serving individuals ages six and older in an outpatient mental health agency. Courtney’s primary clinical interest are treatment of oppositional defiant disorder, adjustment disorder, anxiety, ADHD, and depression in children, adolescents, and adults as well as providing therapeutic services to families and couples
Courtney thoroughly enjoys spending time outdoors kayaking, fishing, playing a variety of sports, and being on the beach. She also enjoys crafts, board games, and hands on activities and tries to incorporate these into each session, where appropriate, as a therapeutic outlet
Whitney Franco
M.A Ed., NCC, LCMHC
Whitney Byrd Franco was born and raised in our beautiful town of Rockingham, North Carolina. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and holds a Master’s degree from the school of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which was awarded in 2016 from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in the state of North Carolina and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board for Certified Counselors.
During her time in the counseling profession, she has obtained experience at working in different settings with a variety of populations. Her experiences include working with adults, children, and adolescents, in individual, couple, family, and group settings. Counseling is delivered with a client-centered, solution focused therapeutic approach, which is a process that enables individuals to focus on the present moment and possible solutions rather than remaining stuck in the past. Her experience includes working with individuals that struggle with eating and substance use disorders; grief, death, and dying; career and educational exploration; personality, bipolar, and mood disorders; anxiety; depression; PTSD and unspecified trauma; family systems work; and marriage/couples counseling
In her own words, "For me, becoming a counselor was about fulfilling a higher calling. I am passionate about what I do and believe in the innate good of all human beings. I felt drawn to the idea of assisting others on the journey of self-discovery to help them uncover their true potential! The counseling relationship is one of the key components to creating growth and change! I am very passionate about what I do and I make self-care a priority just as I ask my clients to do. Whether this is attending counseling myself, treating my body well by exercising and eating a healthy diet, attempting to be more aware of how my thoughts can affect my mood and choosing more moments to be mindful and in the present moment, or even just watching my favorite TV show. Taking time to identify what feeds your soul is an important part of the counseling process and this is one of the many things we will do to assist in the management of distressing symptoms."
Stacey Long Fain
M.A NCC, LCMHC
Stacey Long Fain, LCMHCA is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate who is provisionally licensed by the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors. Ms. Fain received her Master of Science Degree in Counselor Education from North Carolina A&T University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University. Ms. Fain achieved recognition as a National Board-Certified School Counselor as well as a National Certified Counselor.
Ms. Fain has been providing individual and small group counseling services for children, adolescents, parents and families for over 17 years. She uses a client-centered, and Christian based approach. Ms. Fain uses cognitive behavioral therapy with various ages. She uses a variety of techniques with children and adolescents including mindfulness, bibliotherapy, play therapy, music, art activities, games and journaling.
Ms. Fain enjoys working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds on issues including ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief and loss, parent/child relationship issues as well as other mental health and life concerns.
Ms. Fain enjoys spending time with her son. They love to travel and explore new adventures. They love riding horses, fishing, and swimming. Her favorite pastime is reading a good book while enjoying a great cup of coffee.
Matt Smith
M.S., NCC, LCMHC
Matt Smith is a Nationally Certified Counselor and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. He earned his undergraduate degree in Education and Psychology from Guilford College, and his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Matt’s counseling approach is a blend of “Solution Focused Brief Therapy” and “Cognitive Therapy”. During sessions, Matt will identify appropriate and applicable projects and expressive arts techniques for his clients to consider trying. Such projects and techniques may include therapeutic photography, journal writing, genograms, painting, clay, music, and additional tactile/kinesthetic arts.
Matt has worked in various counseling and education settings for approximately 15 years. He has counseled elementary school students, middle school students, high school students, college dormitory residents, adult college students, and adults in the workforce. Matt also helped clients work through a variety of issues, such as: relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, PTSD, homelessness, divorce, academic difficulties, attention deficit, anger management, assault survival, and inmate transition back into society. Matt has served in a university counseling center, and public and private counseling agencies. He provided personal, career, and life skills counseling, and created and revised detailed accommodation plans for students with disabilities. Matt has served clients from disadvantaged backgrounds: low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities.
Matt loves to be with his family, whether it be outside in nature, or indoors. Together he and his family enjoy talking walks, exercising, playing sports, and creating various art projects.
