I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education. My background is working with couples and families experiencing life changes and transitions. These transitions and changes may include (but not limited to) grief and loss, interrelationship issues, depression, and anxiety. Through this work, I am able to work on an individual basis or collaborate with other family members to support practices of open and emotion-focused communication. My work with clients begins with developing a working relationship together so that we may collaborate and meet your goals. You know you best. I am simply here to support navigating hardship, redirecting difficult thoughts and feelings, and guide healthy lifestyle changes. But the working relationship must come first. In this process, I have found my clients are most successful when we work together on a reoccurring basis. This is your time set aside to work on the most important person in your life – you. Finding a counselor that is the right fit can be a hard process but it is essential to create change and support your goals. Let’s start there and work together. Looking forward to hearing from you! *Please note that my name has changed to Jennifer McAvoy on my license but prefer to maintain Jennifer Deaton professionally. Although, my clients are welcome to call me Jen.