Mandi Cooke

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, with full licensure status in both since February 2022. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from NC State University in 2009, a Master of Human Services from NOVA Southeastern University in 2015, and a Master of Social Work from Florida State University in 2019. I began practicing clinical social work and therapy as an intern in January 2017 and became provisionally licensed (LCSWA and LCASA) in February 2020. My clinical social work practice has been primarily focused on individual therapy with ages 5+ in hospice, community mental health, and private practice settings in both face-to-face and online formats. My generalist social work practice has spanned over 10 years and has included social services case management, child welfare, inpatient psychiatric behavioral health, and government social work. The majority of my fully licensed psychotherapy experience was gained as an independent contractor at The Haymount Institute for Psychological Services in Fayetteville, NC, a large private practice group with four regional locations.

My therapy philosophy lies heavily within the practices and principles of person-centered or Rogerian theory, in that I value creating a truly accepting, judgment-free safe space that emphasizes the uniqueness, strengths, and healing potential of each client. I have found in my personal and professional experience that this tends to promote a strong collaborative partnership between myself and the client which yields better outcomes and change potential. Within this framework, I utilize specific modalities and techniques based on client need. I often use CBT practices but employ DBT, ACT, narrative, and other methods as appropriate. When working face-to-face I worked with a lot of teenagers and children with a focus on play therapy with those under the age of 12. I thoroughly enjoy working with all ages, especially teenagers, young adults, and older adults.