Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Connelly MA, LCAS, LCMHC.
Hi Corey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, my parents connected me with a therapist at age 9 when I started experiencing anxiety. After experiencing firsthand how practical therapeutic support can be, I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in the Psychology/Mental health field. When I started my undergraduate education at the College of Charleston, I knew I wanted to Major in Psychology. I also interned at the Medical University of SC’s Institute of Psychiatry. I ultimately returned to Charlotte in 2013 to enroll in a Master in Counseling Program at UNCC, where I completed internships working with veterans and women struggling with trauma and substance abuse. After working in the substance abuse field following graduate school, I eventually transitioned to working in a residential and outpatient treatment center specializing in mental health and co-occurring substance abuse concerns. I have received training and continuing education focusing on exposure and response prevention for OCD, inference-based cognitive behavioral therapy for OCD, dialectical behavior therapy, and trauma-informed training. I have been working with clients on an outpatient basis at Fellow Traveler Counseling in Charlotte, NC, since 2020, and I mainly specialize in treating OCD, anxiety, and co-occurring substance abuse.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I am so grateful for my journey and the path I’ve been on, but it has not been without a few challenges. When I started my therapy journey at age 9, I remember feeling so isolated and that there was so much stigma (therapy in the 90s was very different than therapy in 2024). Unfortunately, even though this is changing and awareness has increased drastically, much of this stigma still exists today. Psychology is a broad field, and even though I was lucky enough to know at a young age that I wanted to Major in Psychology, understanding and learning what to do after college and knowing which graduate programs to apply to is a major undertaking and takes a lot of financial planning. I’ve always loved learning and being in school, but when it comes time to decide on a niche and treatments to specialize in, this can also be a lengthy process that can change throughout a therapist’s journey. I’ve learned throughout this process that it’s okay to change your mind and doubt yourself; we can feel anxiety and take the challenging steps that we need to take all at the same time.
Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us more about your work.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, a Licensed Clinical addiction specialist, and an approved Telehealth provider for SC. I am licensed to treat clients in person at our practice office located in Charlotte, NC, and virtually across NC, as well as being certified to treat clients virtually who are located in SC. I primarily work with adults, young adults, and teens struggling with OCD and related anxiety disorders, as well as treat co-occurring substance use disorders. I am trained in both Exposure and Response Prevention (EXRP) to treat OCD, in addition to Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT), another newer treatment for OCD. While EXRP has long been the “gold standard” treatment for OCD, I love the growing research behind ICBT and enjoy helping clients find success utilizing both of these approaches. I also love teaching (and utilizing myself) mindfulness practices with clients to help regulate anxiety. I love the work that I do, and I recognize the challenging cycle of intrusive thoughts, anxiety, obsessive doubt, avoidance, and compulsions. I enjoy guiding clients around becoming “unstuck” from complex patterns that no longer serve them, and I enjoy helping them create a life more aligned with their goals and values.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Empathy, listening skills, and my ability to be present with each client
Pricing:
- Our practice is not in network with insurance providers; however, we can provide paperwork for clients to file out of network with their providers.
- A sliding fee scale is also offered for those who qualify.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dglmft.com
- Instagram: corey_ftc
Image Credits
Tristin Nicole Photography
