“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It's a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” -Pema Chodron
My Approach
Because each person is wonderfully unique and multifaceted, I work to provide a holistic approach to healing that honors your specific needs and goals. All of this remaining true, there are two primary beliefs that inform my approach to therapy:
I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for healing. Emotional healing is only possible when we are safe, and emotional safety happens best through authentic connection and knowing that all parts of ourselves are welcomed, accepted, and validated. My primary goal is to partner with you in creating a therapeutic relationship that provides the safety you need to begin to explore your inner world—not only the parts that hold your pain, shame, and fear, but also the parts that hold your strength, creativity, and intuition.
I also believe that talking can heal. Something powerful happens when we put words to our thoughts, emotions, and experiences in the presence of someone who meets us with empathy and validation. It is through talking in a safe space that we come to a deeper knowing of ourselves and the roots of our struggles. I believe that this deep understanding of ourselves is a necessary part of making the long-lasting changes we wish to make in our lives and relationships.
My approach is balanced around my values of empathy, connection, deep listening, and compassionate curiosity. Together, we will work to identify the additional elements that need to be incorporated so that you can get the most out of this journey toward healing your whole self.
About Mallory
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. I received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Clemson University and a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Carolina University.
My counseling background includes working with a variety of groups, from young adolescents to older adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I practice from an attachment-based, modern psychoanalytic perspective, while incorporating elements from mindfulness-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
I am deeply passionate about and dedicated to creating space which allows people to tap into their innate tendency to heal and grow. I felt "called" to this work from a very young age and it is one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. Outside of sessions, I enjoy making pottery, playing music, reading, and hiking with my family.
About Cresset Counseling
A lot of people wonder about the meaning behind the name Cresset Counseling. Cresset is not a word most of us use in our day-to-day lives, so I wanted to provide some context around the inspiration for the name of this practice.
A cresset is similar to a torch or a lantern. Cressets were used as the first form of street lighting during the Renaissance era. A cresset is often referred to as a beacon in the dark. It is a light for your path.
As my client's navigate their path in life, I hope that they will think of me as a fellow traveler, who comes alongside them to help light their path toward healing.
Sometimes this light will be used so that they can better see and understand the things that are impacting their journey. Sometimes it will be used to help clients navigate around or through obstacles with more ease and confidence. Other times, this light will be used to help clients gain perspective on where their current path is leading them, so that they can asses whether this is actually where they want to go. But most of the time, this light will be used simply to communicate to clients, "I see your suffering." I will sit with you in the darkness of your pain, and I will bring hope with me. I will hold this hope for you until you are ready to take it for yourself.
Light has been a longstanding symbol for insight, hope, and healing. These are the things I wish for my clients in our sessions.