Grace Engel
Intern (she/her)
Fun fact: In 2016, I made a New Year’s resolution to never again eat a sandwich without first cutting it in half and I have managed to stick by it since.
More About Me...
As someone who loves to read, I am fascinated by the stories we tell ourselves. How long have we carried around these words that define us and how do they support our hopes or hold us back? So many of these stories carry messages about our self-worth and resilience, the pain we have experienced, the losses, the opportunities, and the limits of our potential. Sometimes, these narratives help us move through difficult periods of life. Other times, they keep us contained, restricting us from living the life we want.
I believe in your innate ability to move through any obstacle that stands in your path, rewriting the stories that keep you from moving forward. I know how hard it can feel to face a daunting task, such as addressing anxiety, renegotiating relationship to self and others, navigating big changes, or leaning into vulnerability. I am here to collaborate with you as we look toward those big steps and find creative ways to approach them at your own pace.
In 2020, I developed a sudden and nearly intolerable pain in my left hip. This was an intensely stressful year for everyone and the isolation coupled with the rampant anxiety drove me into feelings of despair. I was uncertain what had caused the pain and nothing seemed to help. I told myself this was how my life would be from now on.
Gradually, some of the discomfort lifted but for several years, I was in daily pain. I went to physical therapists, got massages, and saw a chiropractor. No one seemed to know exactly what was happening. Then, I started talking about the pain in therapy. What I found was that pain is not experienced only in the body; it is a dimensional experience encompassing mental and emotional processes. To heal the pain in my body, I had to explore my emotions, thoughts, and self-imposed limits. It was difficult and transformative.
Throughout this pain journey, I found continuous inspiration from working with therapists and finally realized that I wanted to enter the profession. In 2023, I began my graduate program at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Asheville, NC. As an intern, I am humbly learning how to serve others by offering attention, care, and collaboration. My goal is that you always feel heard and respected in our work, and that you carry a sense of connection out of the session into your life.
Looking for a therapist can feel daunting and vulnerable. I am here to answer any questions and talk before scheduling an appointment to make sure we are a good fit!
A little about me outside of being a counselor: I love the creative process! I do a great deal of weaving, knitting, and sewing in my spare time. I also love movement practices, including yoga, cycling, weightlifting, and hiking.
Education & Trainings
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) Candidate at Lenoir-Rhyne University
Student Liability through American Counseling Association (ACA) ID# 6677048
Rates & Insurance
Intern: Pay low fee $20-$50
“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.” – Carl R. Rogers
LGBTQ+ AFFIRMING PRACTICE | ANTI-RACIST PRACTICE
West Location
East Location
