Teresa Rutledge , LPC

Teresa Rutledge is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who chose this career later in life driven by a long-standing desire to make a meaningful difference for others. She is known for her empathetic presence and careful listening, offering emotional support without judgment to people navigating difficult circumstances.

Many of the individuals she works with have experienced trauma, isolation, or rejection from family and friends. Some have struggled with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or past suicide attempts. Teresa primarily practices from a client-centered perspective, believing that with compassionate support people can identify and choose the paths that are right for them. She also integrates cognitive behavioral techniques, rational emotive behavior strategies, mindfulness practices, positive psychology, anger management tools, motivational interviewing, and coping skills for anxiety and depression to tailor care to each person’s needs.

Teresa prefers to work with adults but is open to seeing older adolescents. She emphasizes that mental health matters as much as physical health, and she understands how fear of labels or stigma can keep people from seeking help. She invites clients to explore how past experiences may be holding them back and to work toward becoming their best selves with steady, nonjudgmental support.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Teresa uses client-centered therapy as a foundation, focusing on an empathic, nonjudgmental relationship that helps people explore their values and make decisions that fit their lives. This approach supports those coping with life changes, relationship concerns, and self-esteem challenges.

She also employs cognitive behavioral therapy, which looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical tools to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Mindfulness techniques are used to help people build present-moment awareness, reduce stress, and develop coping strategies for overwhelming emotions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Teresa works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts her work as progress is made and as concerns evolve.

Online therapy with Teresa is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules and different comfort levels. These options make it easier to attend sessions from home or work, maintain continuity during life transitions, and fit care into varied daily routines while still working with a licensed professional.