Graduate Counseling Student Internship Program
Charlotte Women's Counseling is proud to offer graduate level training for students completing their Master’s in Counseling and Master's in Social Work. These trainees are supervised by licensed counselors at Charlotte Women's Counseling. These clinical interns provide individual and group therapy for a variety of issues. Our counseling interns are able to offer discounted therapeutic services for adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and life stress.
Graduate counseling interns will tailor therapy sessions to the individual clients and their needs, but will be taught to utilize Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Client-centered therapy. Our counseling interns will also provide trauma informed services with a focus on women centered care. Each graduate counselor will work directly with a Licensed Counselor on site at all times, therefore you are sure to receive optimal care when working with a graduate counseling intern.
Appointments with a Graduate Counseling Student Intern are offered at a reduced rate of $60 per session. While insurance is not accepted, sessions can be paid using your FSA/HSA. Please reach out to our administrative team for additional questions as they may pertain to billing/session fees at: hello@charlottewomenscounseling.com.
Meet our 2025 Graduate Counseling Interns
Rayanne Abdelaziz
Winter 2025, Spring 2025, Summer 2025
As a Middle Eastern woman, I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges that women of color face in today's society. Issues such as cultural identity, faith, unequal opportunities, discrimination, ambiguous loss, and trauma are topics that are often silenced or dismissed. As your counselor, my aim is to create a safe and supportive space where you feel empowered to explore these experiences and work towards achieving your personal goals. You are the expert of your own experience, and I am here to help clarify and support you through it.
I am pursuing my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNC Charlotte and will be expected to graduate this upcoming August. I have had the privilege of working with clients across various age groups, including young adults, middle-aged individuals, and older adults. My experience includes supporting individuals with backgrounds in addiction, trauma, severe mental health issues, and refugee-related challenges.
I primarily utilize person-centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I am open to exploring and tailoring different therapeutic modalities to best suit each client's unique needs, as every individual’s goals and journey are distinct. Additionally, I offer therapy in Arabic for clients who prefer it.
Thank you for trusting me with your healing journey. I look forward to being a part of your care and helping prioritize you.
I am receiving my supervision from Tameka Whittlesey, LCSW.
Kelsey Roche
Winter 2025, Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025
Women often navigate a world that places complex demands on us. The transitions inherent in adolescence, early adulthood and entering motherhood are times in which those demands increase in complexity. Adolescence and early adulthood can often exaggerate these experiences due to the vulnerability of our emotions and environments. My passion is to help women in adolescence and early adulthood navigate difficult life changes, career aspirations, toxic relationships, past traumas, and overwhelming thoughts of anxiety and/or depression.
I worked as a career counselor before transitioning into mental health, granting me the knowledge and competence to collaborate with you as you explore your next chapter. Combined with strenuous life events, experiences such as maintaining school grades, body-image, friendships, sexuality, and societal expectations of beauty, popularity, and status all heighten during this pivotal time. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I see you, and I hear you. Let’s build resilience, reclaim a sense of self, and find peace amidst the chaos.
My passion for working with moms and families grew from my experiences as a live-in nanny and caretaker helping mothers navigate the complexity of work, family, and personal life. I am devoted to working with pregnant, postpartum and parenting mothers because I believe it is important to normalize seeking support during pregnancy and motherhood, creating healthier future generations. I’ve completed training through Postpartum Support International in Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders to help women entering motherhood regain control of their life after childbirth. Asking for help is the hardest part. Together, we can create meaningful change and help you thrive emotionally, mentally, and physiologically.
I am currently obtaining my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities to provide personalized support that aligns with your needs. My work is client-centered and focused on building a strong therapeutic relationship that allows you to feel heard, supported, and understood. I am a guide, helping you navigate your journey as the expert of your own life. My experience expands beyond this as I’ve worked as a career advisor and professional caretaker, restoring confidence, self-worth, motivation, and comfort in women and children’s lives. As an inclusive counselor, I honor and support individuals of all sexual identities, races, religious beliefs, and cultural backgrounds, creating a safe space where everyone is valued and heard.
I am receiving supervision from Shawna Lauer, LMFT.
Courtney Matel
Fall 2024, Winter 2024/25, Spring 2025
As women, prioritizing our own well-being can sometimes feel impossible. The challenges we face in our homes, relationships, and careers are punctuated with diverse cultural experiences and societal expectations. My goal as a Clinical Intern is to support women from diverse backgrounds balance the many roles we take on in our lives. I strive to explore your unique experiences, working together to overcome the barriers for sustaining your mental health and improving your quality of life.
I have a deep passion for empowering women through a variety of challenges, including life stress, pregnancy and postpartum mental health, relationship conflicts, and managing depression and anxiety. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or hopeless – you are in the right place – and you are not alone. I understand the personal journey of seeking support because I’ve been in the client’s chair myself. I will approach our time together with empathy and a deep understanding of what it takes to reach out for help.
I am committed to helping women overcome experiences of trauma and adverse childhood experiences, recognizing how deeply trauma impacts one's sense of self and well-being. Together, we will explore various tools for regulating your nervous system, managing mental health symptoms, and building resilience on your healing journey. I believe that even after profound trauma, one can rebuild by nurturing self-compassion and transforming pain into a source of strength and empowerment.
I am currently obtaining my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. I have experience working with adults with severe mental illness and I am certified in Mental Health First Aid. Additionally, my background includes facilitating community programs for young women, focusing on building self-esteem through positive body image, self-care techniques, and support groups.
I firmly believe you are the most qualified person to make decisions for your life. My approach to counseling positions you as the expert. I am honored to walk alongside you as a fellow traveler on your mental health journey.
I am receiving supervision from Shawna Lauer, LMFT.