Oftentimes, attempting to disown our difficult stories to appear more whole or more acceptable, depends on the integration of all of our experiences, including the falls.  Practicing authenticity in times of adversity allows you to learn to face fears and doubts, to be able to reach deeply within yourself to find out what makes your heart sing, your spirit soar, and your soul at peace.  My great passion is bringing growth, healing, and empowerment to clients to live authentically in which you are continually learning about yourself, challenging old beliefs, and sorting through your baggage. It is my joy as a counselor to walk with people in their journey to change and to tap into the unlimited potential of their own healing wisdom.

I am excited to be a part of Agapé Christian Counseling serving clients in our Huntersville office!

Chudney spent the first half of her career as a finance analyst/consultant in banking and finance for almost 11 years and took the leap of faith to pursue a passion for not only being of service to something bigger than myself, but her profound belief in the healing power of therapy. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13, ESV).

She began her professional work in private practice as a Mental Health Counselor/Psychotherapist in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) providing individual and group therapy to adolescents, young adults, and adults. Chudney has a great deal of experience helping young adults struggling with the transition to adulthood, college students with concerns related to substance abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, and self-esteem, and adolescents coping with adolescent issues, such as bullying. She helps them rebuild their self-esteem and teach new, constructive thought patterns to help them succeed in the present and plan for the future.  Chudney also has experience working with women struggling with work-life balance and in all stages of motherhood.

Happily married to Rick, they are the proud parents of two beautiful kids, who keep their minds sharp and spirits free.  She enjoys visiting new restaurants  eating culinary delights, reading, attending Monthly Book Club, traveling, hosting family and friends in their home, and volunteering.

Description of practice: At Pathways to Growth Counseling, our first priority is to extend deep respect, care and acceptance to each individual client. Your story matters and we feel it to be an honor and privilege for you to share your story with us. It is our goal to foster an atmosphere of warmth, safety, compassion and non-judgment as a means to create space for your healing and growth. Pathways to Growth Counseling provides support, empathy and affirmation coupled with the necessary challenges, techniques and tools to help you move forward; uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating.

Practice type: Group private practice

Insurance accepted (if yes, what companies): BCBS and self-pay

Description of self/services for directory: My education includes a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Masters of Arts in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and am also currently pursuing certification as a Registered Play Therapist. I have experience working in community-based agencies as well as office settings, providing mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults.

Before beginning graduate school, I was blessed to have the opportunity to serve on a mission team in Argentina for two years. Through this experience, I gained a greater appreciation for a beautiful country and a deeper understanding of other cultures. I also speak Spanish and enjoy working with Latino families.

Throughout graduate school, I completed an internship at a pregnancy resource center, providing crisis counseling and facilitating a program focused on parenting skills training. As a mother to two young children I love helping others on their journey through pregnancy and the postpartum stage. Motherhood is a huge blessing but also comes with many challenges. I have a passion for walking alongside other mothers as they encounter both the joys and frustrations of parenting.

When requested by the client, I seek to help others develop a deeper understanding of God's presence and purpose in their circumstances. While my counseling orientation is based on a Christian worldview, I also utilize other approaches to therapy based upon client need. I have received training in play therapy and utilize this approach when counseling preschool and elementary age children. I have always loved art and often use creative approaches with all ages. It is my goals to work with you, wherever you are, and help you experience a new sense of peace and hope.

Areas that match your field of specialization (i.e. anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, etc.): children, adolescents, families, and adult women. Anxiety, depression, divorce/separation, family conflict, parenting, self-esteem, school issues, relationship issues, peer relationships, pregnancy/prenatal/postpartum, life transitions