Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Trusted Therapy Partner in Swansboro, NC
Life Tide Counseling has been dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges since 2007. Our practice combines over 25 years of clinical experience with evidence-based therapeutic approaches to address issues ranging from anxiety and depression to relationship conflicts and major life transitions. We specialize in creating personalized treatment plans that empower clients to build resilience, improve communication, and achieve emotional well-being.Our team includes licensed professionals trained in EMDR therapy, conflict resolution, and family systems, ensuring comprehensive care for diverse client needs. We maintain strict confidentiality while fostering a supportive environment where clients can explore their concerns openly. With flexible scheduling options and insurance compatibility, we strive to make quality mental health services accessible to our coastal North Carolina community.
Services
Individual Counseling
Couples Therapy
Family Counseling
Pre-Marital Counseling
EMDR Therapy
Anger Management
Parenting Support
Conflict Resolution
Public Speaking Coaching
Trauma Recovery
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of clinical experience in mental health therapy
- Our team includes EMDR-certified practitioners for trauma treatment
- We provide personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs
- We maintain strict confidentiality and ethical therapy practices
- We accept multiple insurance providers for client convenience
Services
Individual Counseling
Our individual counseling sessions help clients address anxiety, depression, and life transitions through personalized treatment plans. We focus on building self-esteem, improving coping mechanisms, and developing practical solutions for daily challenges. Clients receive dedicated support to navigate personal growth and emotional healing.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy addresses relationship conflicts, communication issues, and intimacy concerns through structured sessions. We help partners develop conflict resolution skills, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connections. Our approach works with both partners to create healthier relationship patterns.
Family Counseling
Family counseling sessions focus on improving communication and resolving conflicts between family members. We address parent-teen dynamics, divorce adjustments, and intergenerational issues. Our therapists help families establish healthier interaction patterns and mutual understanding.
Pre-Marital Counseling
Pre-marital counseling prepares couples for marriage through structured sessions covering communication, conflict management, and relationship expectations. We help engaged partners develop essential skills for long-term relationship success and conflict prevention.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy addresses trauma and PTSD symptoms through specialized eye movement desensitization techniques. This evidence-based approach helps clients process distressing memories and reduce emotional distress. We use EMDR to treat trauma from various life experiences.
People
Carol A. Shepard
President & Licensed Therapist
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 25+ years experience. Specializes in EMDR therapy, trauma recovery, and relationship counseling. Developed anger management programs and parenting courses. Holds Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Steve Shepard
Office Manager
Handles scheduling, billing, and insurance coordination. Provides administrative support while maintaining client confidentiality. Serves as primary contact for appointment management and payment inquiries.
Stefanie Sheldon
Licensed Professional Counselor
LPC with 18 years experience in therapeutic settings. Specializes in individual and family therapy for life transitions. Expertise in school counseling and residential treatment programs. Focuses on helping clients regain emotional balance through personalized care.
Questions
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield of NC, TriCare, Value Options, Humana, MedCost, Aetna, and Magellan. We also work with out-of-network insurance providers.
What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?
Our LMFTs hold Master's degrees and 1,500+ hours of clinical training. They specialize in relationship dynamics and mental health treatment through family systems approaches.
What age groups do you work with?
Our therapists treat clients aged 5-100, adapting techniques to suit developmental needs across childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and senior years.
How can counseling help with anxiety and depression?
Therapy helps identify underlying causes of distress, develop coping strategies, and create behavior changes. We combine talk therapy with evidence-based techniques to address symptoms.
Do you offer evening appointment times?
Yes, we schedule sessions during daytime and evening hours to accommodate client availability, including weekday evenings for working professionals.
What happens during first counseling session?
The initial session involves discussing presenting concerns, treatment goals, and personal history. We'll complete intake forms and develop a personalized therapy plan.
