ABOUT US
At Self-Talk Counseling & Consulting, PLLC (STCC), we offer integrative therapy using clinical tools and techniques from a variety of orientations, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Reality Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Our approach ensures that both individual and group counseling sessions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that one size does not fit all. We meet and support clients where they are, rather than confining them to a predefined therapeutic approach. Our primary focus during therapy is to create a safe, non-judgmental, and honest atmosphere that fosters a strong therapeutic relationship and promotes client growth. Together, we address your concerns to build better self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you enhance your current best.
Our client-centered relationships emphasize collaboration to formulate measurable and attainable goals, which are regularly assessed throughout the therapeutic process. While STCC does not prescribe medication, we coordinate appropriate psychiatric or medical referrals if needed. It’s important to understand that a diagnosis describes a pattern of behaviors and becomes part of your permanent record.
We believe in the inherent strengths and capabilities of our clients. Our goal is to help you recognize and utilize these tools to overcome adversities. We honor the sanctity and dignity of human life, acknowledging that every individual has meaning and purpose. We respect all individuals, regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, socioeconomic status, past mistakes, or religion.
At STCC, we champion equality, fairness, and respect for all individuals. As guides rather than judges, we empower our clients to make their own life decisions. While we provide the tools and show the way, it is ultimately the client who must choose to apply these tools and move towards their future.
Meet the Team
Dr. KAREEM PURANDA, LCMHCS, LCAS, TF-CBT
Dr. Kareem Puranda is from the "Boogie Down" Bronx, NY. He is the Clinical Director of STCC. He is a natural at helping people work through the delicate and uncomfortable conditions of their life’s journey. Dr. Puranda realized his greatest joy came from inspiring underserved youth to be great despite their circumstances. He has vast experience working with law enforcement officers, first responders, first-time offenders, adolescents, outpatient & residential treatment programs, and multicultural populations. Dr. Kareem uses integrative approaches to meet clients where they are. His philosophy and approach invite clients to think outside the box. He is an empathic counselor who views every client with unconditional positive regard. His commitment and sincerity in helping clients solve life challenges, make him trustworthy in the therapeutic relationship. ***Accepting First Responders/Law Enforcement professionals***
BRIAN MILLER, LCMHC
Brian is a Charlotte native who pursued his Bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of Georgia. After a decade-long career in retail management, he realized that the most valuable parts of his experiences have always been meaningful interactions with others. Brian completed his Master’s in Counseling at UNCC. He creates an environment where his clients understand that their stories matter and that they can work toward writing new stories for tomorrow. His therapy is rooted in the person-centered approach and honoring the power of the mind to create better realities through cognitive treatment models. His leisure time is spent exercising, reading, and going to car meets.
MARCELA VARGAS, LCMHC-A
Marcela Vargas is a native of Peru that transplanted to Charlotte, North Carolina. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UNC- Charlotte. Marcela began working in education where her students became the driving force for her to return to UNCC to pursue her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Marcela saw her personal struggles in many other first-generation students and has used this to connect with others. She has a passion for breaking the negative stigma of mental health in black and brown communities. “Everyone can benefit from therapy”. Marcela uses a person-centered theoretical approach to connect with clients and combines cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused, and mindfulness techniques to help clients reach their goals. In her free time, Marcela enjoys exercising and spending time with her family and new puppy.
JOHN MOSS, LCSW-A
John is a native of Danville Virginia, who spent his childhood venturing through Charlotte and Greensboro, NC. John received his bachelor’s degree in Health Science Pre-occupational Therapy from James Madison University. Following graduation, he worked as a mental health professional/community worker where he applied cognitive- behavioral therapy (CBT) resources, facilitated parenting classes and groups on substance abuse & mental health skill building. After working in that capacity for over 2 years, John obtained his master’s degree in Social Work from Johnson C. Smith University. Each day he is perfecting his craft, which is rooted in Solution-based and Person-center approaches that provide a holistic view of the individual. John utilizes visual arts and scenarios to better understand challenging situations. Mr. Moss spends his leisure time traveling, occasionally exercising, playing basketball and football, tasting various foods at restaurants, hiking, and binge watching tv shows. He looks forward to working with you!
RASHEEDA CONNER, LCMHC-A
Rasheeda is a native of North Carolina. She works primarily with individuals and their families to help them overcome various mental health challenges. Rasheeda has a bachelor’s degree from the UNC at Greensboro in Human Resources and Communication Studies. She obtained her master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. Rasheeda has experience in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and stress management. She uses a client-centered and holistic approach that incorporates cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and positive psychology. She creates a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and learn new skills to cope and thrive. Rasheeda is passionate about helping people achieve their personal and professional goals and improve their quality of life. In her free time, Rasheeda enjoys traveling, reading, learning about the African diaspora, trying new restaurants, hiking, yoga, and working out.
JIHAD WRIGHT, LCMHC-A
Jihad is a native of Manhattan, New York. He moved to Gastonia, NC when he was 15 years old. Jihad received his Bachelors in Psychology and his Masters in School Counseling from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He is a Licensed School Counselor and a
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate. CBT and Solution-Based theories are what he uses the most to help clients strengthen their mental health. During his spare time, he enjoys
learning Spanish, exercising and having family gatherings.
KRISTIN MARROW, Graduate Level SW- Intern
Kristin is a from a small town named Roper in NC. She settled near Charlotte after graduating with her Bachelors of Social Work from Western Carolina University. She is currently obtaining her Masters of Social Work at Grand Canyon University. She has experience working with teens and adults in residential and hospital psychiatric facilities. In addition to working with children and adolescents on the Autism spectrum. Kristin has extensive experience working in crisis, spanning from day-to-day stressors all the way to intensive suicidal thoughts. She believes supporting clients from a holistic, strengths based, and person-centered approach with collaboration and flexibility, creating an eclectic style that can best suit each client's individual needs. Kristin believes everyone's life journey looks different, but we all have the power within us to survive and conquer. Her passion is to be a supportive listening ear and help you become the best you, that you can be! In her spare time, she likes to read, write poetry, and play with her cats.
ANAYA DAVIS, Graduate Level MH- Intern
Anaya is a second-year clinical mental health counseling student at the UNCC. She is also pursuing a secondary concentration in play therapy. Anaya is passionate about integrating expressive arts modalities into her work with clients. She is a proud alumna of Winston-Salem State University. Anaya has worked with a cross- institutional research team funded by the National Science Foundation where she studied motivation and identity development among African American students. Anaya also has experience creating and implementing expressive arts programs with patients and families in hospital settings. She's worked with children and teens diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. Anaya takes a person-centered, holistic approach, holding the belief that counseling should address the whole person to create effective change. Anaya believes that counseling is a tool for learning skills to supplement positive growth, and she is committed to serving marginalized, disenfranchised, and underrepresented communities through advocacy, mentorship, and empowerment.
TONYA ROBINSON, Graduate Level FMT- Intern
Tonya is a native North Carolinian from Washington, NC who relocated to Charlotte, NC 25 years ago. Tonya's pursuing her degree in Marriage Family Therapy from Montreat College. She believes that hope is the foundation for the path towards healing and that life circumstances do not dictate who we are or who we can become. Tonya believes that individuals possess the strength and ability to achieve in life and relationships. Tonya seeks to provide a safe space in therapy for individuals, couples, and families to process, learn about themselves, and grow to find emotional healing and wholeness. In her free time, she enjoys exercising and spending time with her family and friends.
WYDIA GAVIN, Graduate Level SW- Intern
With over two decades of experience in the field of education, Wydia brings a unique and multifaceted perspective to the field of social work. She has an Associates in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelors in Early Childhood Administration, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Social Work. She is committed to integrating her extensive educational background with a deep understanding of social and emotional support. In her role as a Youth Development Coordinator, she works closely with HS students to ensure their continued success. Her professional journey is further enriched by a background in law enforcement as a former New York City Corrections Officer. Wydia is passionate about fostering positive change and empowering individuals and families to thrive in their communities.
JESSICA WILHOIT, Front Desk Receptionist
I'm a native to Georgia but have lived in North Carolina most of my life. I have worked in customer service for over 15 years and I really enjoy it. For me, helping people is a huge passion of mine so customer service is another avenue in which I can help solve problems, make people feel seen and heard, and provide a positive experience. I love arts and crafts, attending music/art festivals, trying new restaurants, and most of all spending time with my loved ones.
