Hi, I’m Connie (the “C” part of CHannon Counseling). Before I talk a little about me, I’d like to first mention that I know how hard it is to ask for help. In case you are not aware, seeking help with life challenges is a sign of strength. Truly.
Most people mistakenly believe “It will go away if I can just tough it out long enough.” But it will not just “go away.”
Left unattended grief, depression, anger or anxiety will take root and multiply. It eventually seeps into every facet of your life: parenting, relationships and career.
If this sounds familiar to you then you’ve come to the right place. I can help.
When people ask me about what led me to this career, I usually deliberate on how much of my life story I’m willing to discuss at that particular moment. It seems the general consensus is that anyone having majored in the field of psychology must have been attempting to diagnose their own life issues. While this may be true for some, for me it’s only half the story.
Full disclosure, I have been interested in psychology for as long as I can remember. My first memories include sitting on the front steps with a loved one and trying to discern not only who he was talking to, but why he was the only one who could hear them. Learning to communicate and navigate life with a chronically mentally ill family member was to become my life mission.
The Early Years
Long story short, I attended 8 different schools in the 12 years before I married. Four children, and 20 years later I made the decision to attempt a college education. With every course even more relevant than the last, the day came when I finally graduated Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Psychology & Sociology from the University of South Carolina.
It wasn’t until I was working outreach for a community mental health organization that a colleague suggested I go on to get a Master’s degree in mental health counseling. She knew me even better than I knew myself.
Resilience
Although these years were some of the most productive and enlightening years of my life, they were not without pain and suffering. I learned firsthand the meaning of the word, “resilience.” And yes. Just like you are now contemplating, I too have attended therapy. Believe me when I tell you that I know what loss feels like. But this is not just about me. This is about you. Understand that giving up is not an option.
How I Can Help
Whatever your life circumstances, rest assured that you have my unconditional positive regard. With over 20 years of professional experience treating patients with schizophrenia, bipolar, phobias and eating disorders; clients who self-harm; survivors of domestic violence, rape and incest; abandoned, abused and neglected children; incarcerated adult males; and family/couples counseling in private practice, there are few of life’s obstacles I have yet to tackle.
It may be helpful to know that my primary focus throughout our work together is to provide you with a safe and nurturing environment in which to work through the difficulties that brought you to seek counseling.
I cannot promise you that therapy will be easy. The thought of change is often uncomfortable. However, I believe you will find the therapeutic process to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of your life.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you to achieve your goals for a better life. Give me a call for your free consultation. Until then, as Dory says, “just keep swimming…”
Be well, Connie
In addition to my work as a psychotherapist my passion is spending time with my 3 daughters, my grandchildren, and my 3 dogs, Cody, Annie and Bella.
Specializations
I am a licensed mental health counselor (#MH11301) practicing in the State of Florida. You can verify my license on the Florida Department of Health website (just type in my name or license number and click search). I have extensive training and experience in all facets of mental health counseling, although I specialize in the assessment and treatment of the following:
- Trauma
- Life transitions
- Gender dysphoria
- Relationship problems
- Grief, loss and bereavement
- Abuse- mental, physical, sexual, emotional
- Emotion dysregulation, including: stress / anger / anxiety / depression
- Chronic mental illness; including, but not limited to mood disorders: Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Major depressive disorder
- Problems with daily living: insomnia, work, school, career
Education
A.A. General Studies- Santa Fe College, Gainesville, FL
B.A. Psychology and Sociology- University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
M.A. Mental Health Counseling- Webster University, Lakeland, FL
PhD candidate, Counseling Studies – Capella University, Minneapolis, MN
“And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” ~ Anais Nin
904.836.6572
410 E. Jefferson St.
Starke, FL 32091 USA
Email: channon@conniehannon.com
Call me today for a free consultation.
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