Amy Mistarz, MA, LCMHC, PMH-C
Welcome to Hearth Counseling & Consulting
I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist here to provide skills and strategies for people in any stage of parenthood including fertility struggles, loss, and the complex process of adjusting to parenthood. If you’re wondering if parenthood is supposed to be like this or feeling like other people seem to have it all figured out, you’re in the right place!
My perspective on therapy includes deep respect for the systems and relationships that shape our identities, with a specific focus on social justice. Therapy should be a space where you feel safe to be your authentic self, an experience you look forward to, and an accomplishment you feel proud of.
Education, Licensure, and Certifications
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Specialization: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Licensure: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina
Certifications:
Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International
Certified adoption-competent clinician through the Training for Adoption Competency
Professional Experience
Over 15years of experience supporting families impacted by complex trauma.
Expertise in maternal, paternal, and reproductive mental health.
Experience working in foster care, post-adoptions, intensive in-home therapy, behavioral health urgent care, and pediatric psychiatric inpatient hospitalization.
Areas of Focus
Preparing for Parenthood - Assistance developing prenatal and postpartum plans and exploring options for your "village".
Adjusting to Parenthood - Managing the identity shifts, burnout, relational stress, and complex blends of grief and celebration associated with parenting. Assistance establishing a new rhythm of self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and addressing barriers interfering with joy.
Traumatic Stress in Parenthood -Addressing difficult experiences such as fertility struggles, loss, physically/emotionally challenging pregnancies, and traumatic labor/delivery.
Therapeutic Techniques & Modalities
Solution-Focused Therapy - Practical solutions to current challenges. Therapy without the “how does that make you feel?” part.
Interpersonal Therapy - Exploring the impact of relationships on various challenges. This includes relationships with your support system and with yourself.
Mindfulness - Cultivating self-awareness and stress management techniques. Who couldn’t use that these days?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Replacing cycles of thoughts/feelings/behaviors with healthier coping strategies. If “thought spiral” or “catastrophizing” sounds familiar, this may be the treatment for you!
A Little About Me
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, sharing stories with friends about the absurdities of parenting young kids, finding new favorite music/rediscovering old favorites, and falling asleep before deciding what to watch on TV.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS
Blue Home w/ UNC Health Alliance
Aetna
SHP
UHC
Healthy Blue
Out-of-network for all others
Session Availability
Virtual and In-Person sessions offered
Location
800 West Williams St, Suite 231 D
Apex, NC 27502