Cyd McDaniel-McGee, LCSW
Cyd M. McGee is the founder and Lead visionary of ‘Essential Journey Counseling’ – an organization based in Gastonia, NC and dedicated to helping people around the world attain true happiness and more success amid great challenges. Having made some sacrifices in life to discover her inner-self, Cyd is passionate about humanity, emotional wellness, and in helping others soar through their fears and hurdles to realize their passions and purpose.
If you are looking for a therapist to help you access the truth and tools you need to make the decision to become self-accomplished, then Essential Journey Counseling is the best place for you.
Cyd graduated from Howard University in 1998 with a master’s in social work. She has trained and worked as a group leader at Onsite Workshops, in Cumberland Furnace, TN (www.onsiteworkshops.com). As a licensed Clinical Social Worker, with over twenty years of experience, Cyd is a compassionate therapist and motivator that uses her gifting and life experiences to support her clients with getting unstuck and out of despair. Over the years, she has established a dedicated client-base, with recommendations and expressions of gratitude from her clienteles who have triumphed over tough decisions, depression, anxiety and trauma. Each day, she propels many with great wisdom using powerful, practical, and experiential strategies. Cyd desires to see individuals and couples that seek the true essence of life become fulfilled and step into authenticity.
Poletta “Shay” Cunningham, LCSW
I have been working in Mental Health for more than 10 years, initially starting my journey at the Department of Social Services. I realized very early in my career that I wanted to be a part of the change that kept families together. I pride myself on true social work values; which includes integrity, ethical practices, and quality services. I have specialized certification and training in trauma and a long work history of family systems therapy.
Here at Essential Journey Counseling, we offer Individual, Group and Family Therapy. Our focus is family preservation; however, we do handle more specific needs such as depression, anxiety, extensive trauma care, ADHD, systems work, behavioral concerns, women and men's health.
Trust the process and remember that life is a journey, we get to decide our own path!
Robert Gorlach, LCSW
You finally bring the problem that's been keeping you up nights to a friend or family member. You've decided to "unburden" yourself to a trusted other. Sometimes this brings a sense of peace or resolution. But you may also find yourself feeling worse as the advice you get is unsolicited or not helpful. These well-meaning others have failed to capture what is making you feel bad, and you say to yourself: "All I really need is for someone to really listen to me."
The principle of active listening is at the core of what a good therapist does and has been a guiding principle in my 24 years of practice with those suffering from adjustment to loss or trauma, anxiety and depression, relationship and workplace stress, conflict, anger, feelings of alienation or poor self-esteem. In my work with individuals, couples and groups, I focus on skills of communication and empathy that hold the promise of improving relationships. I emphasize the mindfulness skills that can help a person observe and challenge the negative thinking that often keeps them mired in hopelessness.
I was certified in advanced psychotherapy training from the Pederson-Krag Institute in Long Island, New York after receiving my master's degree in social work from New York University. I have been in private practice for many years while also working in psychiatric day treatment, acute care, nursing home and walk-in clinic settings.
I look forward to using my experience to serve your desire for a more fulfilling life.
Corrine Andersen, LCMHC
If you have spent your life taking care of children, going to work, making sure everyone else's needs are met and you're ready for a change. I'm the therapist for you. I work with those who are experiencing a transition in their life. If you feel uncertain about the future or lack a sense of direction, I want to help. I work with men and women who are ready to explore and step into their true self. With gentle guidance and support I invite you into the change process of becoming your best self.
I also specialize in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). I use this form of therapy to teach caregivers how to effectively address challenging behaviors while focusing on increasing positive behaviors. I work together with the child and the caregiver to improve overall behaviors and reduce parenting stress.
I am here to listen and empower you to identify your strengths and develop skills needed to regain control of your life.
Qui Vuu, LCSWA 
I support clients struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, mental health/wellness, geriatric, persons with autistic disorder and their parents. I provide tools to implement change towards self-sufficiency and positive self-empowerment.
I hold a Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Carolina, specializing in the care of children, youth, and families. I accumulated experience in a rural primary care setting providing one-on-one therapeutic sessions while being a scholar of Training for Transitions: Preparedness for Behavioral Health Social Workers. I had the privilege to work with persons with autism and their parents to assist with implementing goals, strategizing and creating interventions in order to support individuals with autism to become as independent as possible.
When a situation compels an individual to seek the help of professionals; I am here to actively listen to you and your story. I provide genuine care and encouraging steps to help you achieve stability and most of all live your best life. I believe in speaking things into existence in order to create your own best life. I encourage you to contact me at 704-864-8046 or Qui@ejcounsel.net. I invite you to schedule your next self-care appointment with me today. See you soon!
Whitney Jennings, LCMHCA
Committed relationships can be challenging whether or not you’re engaged, married, or in a mutually agreed upon commitment. Most of us desire to be in a loving, trusting, and intimate relationship. Are you seeking to strengthen your relationship? Do you want to be the best you and see the best in your partner?
Sharing your life with another person can bring happiness and excitement as well as anxiety and frustration. As a Certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator, Whitney will work with you to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement in your relationship. She has participated in Prepare-Enrich, and credits it with helping to set a foundation for a strong and healthy relationship. Prepare/Enrich also serves as a great tool for a relationship “check-up” for those already married or in a long-term committed relationship.
During a Prepare-Enrich session, you have the opportunity to receive guidance on having meaningful conversations about important topics that you may have never considered. After completing and receiving your Prepare/Enrich assessment results, Whitney will support you with identifying the strengths and areas of growth in your relationship. This process allows you to: learn more about yourself and your partner, gain insight about your relationship and how you relate to one another, learn how to talk about the easy (and not-so-easy) issues, and build a stronger relationship.
Whitney understands how individual experiences affect how we show up in relationships – romantic and non-romantic. So, even if your partner is not quite ready to participate in couple’s counseling, you can still take that first step in working towards a better you – for you and for your relationships.
Call 704-864-8046 or email Whitney@ejcounsel.net to schedule your first phone consultation at no cost.
Jennifer Mejia-Holguin, LMFTA
For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by the stories of others. Not only are these stories unique but they always show so much resilience and strength. I truly believe that people are capable of growing from even the most painful experiences. As a therapist, I like to focus on my clients strengths and how they have overcome difficult situations in the past. This information allows me to help guide my client in solving the problems in their present and to empower them to do this on their own in the future.
I also think it's very important to create a space in which my clients can express their true emotions without the fear of being judged. It is in my nature to simply listen and help you discover yourself. I will help you develop concrete goals that are attainable and measurable, we will discuss your barriers and strengths, and I will help you establish effective coping skills that can be used in your daily life.
I am Bilingual and fluently speak English and Spanish. Many families/individuals will not seek help because of language and cultural barriers. I believe everyone should have access to mental health services and I am here to offer my services to Hispanic families in the Gaston County/Mecklenburg County area.
I currently work with individuals, families, couples, parents, children and adolescents dealing with a range of situations and difficulties such as: life stressors, trauma, relationship issues, self-esteem problems, grief, trouble adjusting to life's changes and much more. I largely focus on parent-child relationships and have many years of experience being a parent myself and working for many years with families. I use a variety of therapy models and techniques that are tailored for my client's specific needs. The end goal is to help you become who you want to be and achieve what you want to achieve. Are you ready to embark on this journey with my help?