Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Chase.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Dr. Lauren Chase, and I offer a calm, supportive space where high-achieving women and girls can slow down, exhale, and feel truly understood. I work with clients navigating anxiety, self-doubt, perfectionism, and the constant pressure to hold everything together. At Climbing Hills Counseling, I use the metaphor of climbing mountains to reflect both major life transitions and the everyday emotional weight that can make even small steps feel exhausting.
My path to this work has always been shaped by a desire to support people in meaningful, lasting ways. I earned my PhD in Counselor Education from UNC Charlotte and have worked as a clinician, educator, and supervisor for many years. During the pandemic, my work with women and mothers deepened, clarifying my focus on supporting those managing complex roles, invisible labor, and high expectations while often feeling unseen themselves.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Professional Counselor Telehealth Provider in North and South Carolina. My approach blends evidence-based therapy with a strong understanding of both child and adult development, including training in play therapy. Today, my practice includes virtual counseling, professional workshops, and specialized support for anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and boundary-setting. Everything I offer is grounded in the belief that growth does not have to be forced and that healing happens when you feel safe, supported, and able to be fully yourself.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building my counseling practice has been both deeply rewarding and, at times, challenging. The clinical work came naturally to me, while the business side required learning entirely new skills, from marketing to finances to the day-to-day realities of running a practice. Early on, it felt overwhelming.
Seeking out a mentor was a turning point. With guidance and support, I was able to build confidence, close knowledge gaps, and approach the business side of my work with greater clarity and intention. That mentorship has been instrumental in my growth, allowing me to develop not only as a therapist but also as a thoughtful, sustainable practice owner.
As you know, we’re big fans of Climbing Hills Counseling, PLLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Climbing Hills Counseling was created for high-achieving women and girls who appear capable on the outside but feel stretched, uncertain, or overwhelmed on the inside. My work focuses on helping clients move through anxiety, self-doubt, and perfectionism so they can feel more grounded, confident, and at ease in their daily lives. The name Climbing Hills reflects a core belief of my practice: growth happens one step at a time, whether you are navigating a major life transition or carrying the quiet weight of everyday pressures.
I specialize in supporting clients as they build self-esteem, manage anxiety, and release unrealistic expectations. My approach is grounded in a strong understanding of both child and adult development, including training in play therapy, which allows me to tailor therapy in developmentally attuned and thoughtful ways across the lifespan. This integrative perspective helps clients develop insight alongside practical skills that create lasting change.
Above all, Climbing Hills Counseling is known for being a warm and supportive space. Clients often share that therapy feels like a place where they can finally slow down and exhale. Through virtual counseling and educational workshops focused on boundaries, self-care, and personal growth, my goal is to support meaningful, sustainable change so clients can move forward with clarity, confidence, and a stronger connection to themselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Seeing a client grow is one of the most meaningful parts of my work. It is deeply rewarding to witness someone move from feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of themselves to feeling more confident, steady, and connected. When clients begin to manage anxiety with greater ease, trust themselves more fully, or create more balance in their lives, it reflects the quiet but powerful impact of the work we do together.
I often think of this process as climbing a mountain. Progress rarely happens all at once. It unfolds through small, intentional steps, moments of courage, and a steady commitment to keep going when the path feels difficult. Being able to witness these moments and share in a client’s sense of accomplishment is what makes this work so fulfilling and reinforces my passion for supporting meaningful, lasting change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://climbinghillscounseling.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climbinghillscounseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/climbinghillscounseling
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/verricophotodesign/
