10/12/2026
It’s Hallie’s turn in the Harbor Spotlight! ⚓️
Get to know our play therapist, supporter of moms, and talented Southern cook, who believes in kicking off your shoes and making room for big feelings!
1. What made you want to become a counselor in the first place?
I always knew that I wanted to be in a profession that “helps people.” When I was in my teens, I thought that meant I had to be a doctor and go to med school. College quickly showed me that going to medical school was not in my best interest—i.e., organic chemistry! I found counseling and never looked back!
2. You spent nearly two decades working in an intensive residential setting with children who had experienced significant trauma and loss. How did that experience shape the therapist you are today?
Working with significantly traumatized kids gave me a picture of what horrible things we as humans can do to each other when pushed to our limits. On the flip side, it also showed me how people can learn to trust again, learn to love again, and change their lives for the better.
3. You provide Child-Centered Play Therapy for children as young as three. For a parent wondering, “How does playing help my child?” how would you explain what happens in the playroom?
Toys allow children to communicate in a way that feels more natural to them. They allow kids to explore their thoughts and feelings, imagination, creativity, family and relationships, and more.
My job is to be the “container” for the story that they show me. Not telling the kid what to feel, how to feel, or how to play gives them agency. Giving them the freedom to show me their story and feelings, and holding space for those, is my privilege.
4. What is something you wish more adults understood about what children might be communicating through difficult behavior?
They are most likely trying to express a need! Kiddos rarely can come up to a grown-up and say, “Father, I am angry today because I couldn’t go outside to play at recess.” Instead, they might yell, stomp around, throw things, or not follow directions. At that time, they need connection, not correction.
5. When a parent loves their child deeply but feels disconnected or caught in constant conflict, where do you begin helping them find their way back to each other?
I encourage both the parent and the kiddo to listen to understand rather than listening to respond. Role-playing this in the therapy office is great for both parties involved.
6. What is one small, practical way parents can build connection with their children, even on the days when everyone is tired and nothing seems to be going right?
I always encourage parents to connect with their kids at three important times of their day: when the child wakes up, when they reconnect after school or work, and before bed. A quick kiss, a tuck-in, or an “I love you” is great.
7. You’re also certified in perinatal mental health. What drew you to supporting people through trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum life, and the transition into parenthood?
Being certified in perinatal mental health means that I get to work with folks who are trying to get pregnant, who are pregnant, and who just had babies.
I realized that in each of these stages, the mom is often treated like a “container.” This is especially true after birth. I tell folks it must be how a candy wrapper feels; people are only interested in what is inside, and once it is “out,” the wrapper is no longer important.
There is often little thought given to addressing the sleep deprivation, issues with breastfeeding, fears of returning to work, not to mention the hormonal changes! I want to be the person walking beside these women.
8. There can be pressure to feel happy and grateful during pregnancy and after having a baby. What would you want someone to know if they love their child but also feel overwhelmed, anxious, sad, or unlike themselves?
First, I would say that someone can love their child AND feel overwhelmed, anxious, sad, and unlike themselves. All these feelings can exist at the same time!
I would tell them to take a breath and realize that many new parents experience these feelings. It may feel as if they are the “only one” due to social media, but I can promise they are not.
9. What is something you wish partners, family members, or friends understood about supporting someone during pregnancy or postpartum life?
The two most important things a new mom needs are sleep and support. Developing a postpartum plan is just as important as developing a birth plan. New moms are superheroes, but even superheroes need to sleep!
Planning for who can come to the house on a regular basis to let Mom shower, sleep, eat, or talk is a great way to support her after birth. Asking how the mom is doing and actively listening is crucial at all stages.
10. You also enjoy working with young adults who feel anxious or uncertain about their direction. What would you say to someone who feels like everyone else has life figured out and they’re falling behind?
I always ask them, “Where is the rule book that says that?” There is no time better than the present to decide what their goals and dreams are for the future. Then, we can set big goals and little goals to help them achieve what they want.
11. How would you describe your style in the therapy room? What might someone notice about working with you?
I am a leggings/jeans and T-shirt kind of gal, and I always have been. I want my kids and adults to be comfortable physically and emotionally in my office. Let’s take off our shoes, sit on the floor, or couch, and get to work!
12. What is something your clients have taught you that has stayed with you throughout your career?
My way is not always the “right” way to deal with an issue. My clients are fully capable of helping themselves. I am there to guide and listen.
13. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am a compulsive crocheter!
14. Are you a coffee person, tea person, Diet Coke person, or something else entirely?
English breakfast tea in the mornings, Diet Mountain Dew at lunch, and my water flavor packets in my Owala all day long!
15. What is one small thing that can instantly improve your mood?
Seeing a picture of my son or daughter.
16. What is a show, movie, or book you could revisit over and over?
The show would be *Call the Midwife* on PBS. I have watched the entire series repeatedly for years. The book would be *The Nightingale* by Kristin Hannah.
17. What is something you are really good at that has nothing to do with counseling?
Being a Southern cook. I can make a great pone of cornbread, collard greens, and ham any day!
18. If you weren’t a counselor, what do you think you would be doing?
I would have liked to be either a midwife or a birth doula!
19. What is one thing you wish every person considering therapy, for themselves or their child, knew before their first appointment?
Everyone needs to come to therapy when their “feelings get too big.” I tell this to every client I work with.
20. What does Harbor mean to you?
Safety, understanding, and protection.
