Counseling EDGE

At Counseling EDGE, we believe in the power of honesty. Our motto is "Stop waiting for change to happen on its own and instead, start consciously creating the life you want." We live in a world that often tries to hide from the truth, but we know that true change begins with acknowledging the things that we have control over. That's why we're dedicated to helping individuals brave enough to look directly at their lives, no matter how challenging it may be.

Why Counseling Edge?

At Counseling EDGE, we know that every individual is unique and constantly defining themselves and their world. We believe that it's the hard times that can show us who we truly are, and we're here to help you face those challenges head-on. Our services are designed to help you move away from old, unhealthy patterns and start the process of change.

Our Services

Counseling is like a music lesson - it's a limited amount of time, but during that time, you'll have the sole attention of a licensed counselor or therapist. They'll listen to you, assess and diagnose your situation, and work with you to develop a plan to achieve your goals. The real change, however, occurs when you start applying what you've learned. That's when you become the hero of your own story and understand how to intentionally shape your life.

Our Philosophy

At Counseling EDGE, we believe that our lives are not random or accidental. We believe that they're not meant to become meaningless. We believe that once you settle into your daily routines, you'll find that you have more time on your hands. Maybe too much. That's when you can start to notice the emptiness or the nagging feeling that you're meant for something more. We believe that true fulfillment comes from finding meaning in our lives, and that's what we're here to help you discover.

Who We Are

Counseling EDGE is owned by Michelle Ellwanger, a licensed professional counselor. Michelle lives and works in Hickory, North Carolina. She has a BS in Psychology from Virginia Tech and a MA in Counseling from ASU. Michelle is a Nationally Certified Counselor and a member of the American Counseling Association. She provides counseling and coaching services to help individuals thrive. Michelle has worked in multiple settings, including public and continuing education, outpatient therapy, and grant-funded programs. She utilizes reality and cognitive therapies that empower individuals to face fears that stand in the way of their happiness and personal growth.

About Our Founder

Michelle's journey to becoming a counselor began when she moved to Germany with her family in the 1990s. During her time abroad, Michelle found herself struggling with depression and feeling like she was losing her sense of purpose. She turned to nature, jogging, and meditation to find some sense of inner peace. When they returned to Hickory, Michelle knew she couldn't go back to her old life. She wanted to share her experience with others who were struggling to find meaning in a world that often seemed meaningless.

Our Mission

At Counseling EDGE, our mission is to help individuals like you create a better life for yourself. We believe that our lives are not random or accidental, and we believe that it's our responsibility to intentionally shape our own destinies. Our services are designed to help you break free from old patterns and start creating the life you want. We're not just here to talk to you - we're here to help you take action and start living the life you've always wanted.