Today we’d like to introduce you to Hilary Norris.
Hi Hilary , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in Raleigh and graduated from Meredith College in 2001 with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work, and Minors in Psychology and Spanish. I then went to East Carolina University to graduate with a Masters Degree in Social Work in 2003. I received my license to practice clinical social work in NC in 2008.
I wanted to be many things as I was growing up; a flight attendant, a realtor, a teacher, a guidance counselor, or a nurse like my mother and grandmother were. I was built for a caregiving profession and in college my eyes were set on psychology. I loved my psychology classes, until I got to Statistical Methods of Psychology. There was too much data, too much science, too much black and white. I needed more theory, more holistic, person-centered material, more answers to my “whys.” I soon found that I loved Sociology, Human Behavior, and Systems Theory and Social Work was a perfect fit for me. It has its way of combining the human mind with the human heart. I loved how many opportunities in different settings and populations Social Work allowed for. After I graduated with my BSW, I explored working with all different ages and settings, including medical facilities and community mental health; and after my MSW, I experienced clinical work in adult inpatient psychiatry, the managed care side, and both private and group outpatient practices. For the past ten years, I have found my passion in working with adults, and older adults, as an outpatient mental health therapist.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
At the end of the day, therapists are human and have their own struggles like everyone does. I have learned to appreciate that I can use the challenges life presents me with to enrich my work with others. I have forged through my own challenges like having Multiple Sclerosis, my own depression, anxiety, and other health issues, an abusive and codependent marriage, divorce and single parenting, and most recently, the unexpected death of my mom. It takes the sting out of “life isn’t fair” when you can channel your own inner work and healing into helping others.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I provide virtual therapy to adults in NC. I offer individual, couples, and family therapy via telehealth.
I specialize in treating codependency, childhood emotional neglect, and anxiety. I enjoy helping people who are facing life changes or challenges such as: divorce, single parenting, caregiving, empty nesting, chronic illness, grief, gender dysphoria, empathy/narcissist relationship dynamic.
I am passionate about the powerful change therapy can bring to a person’s life, and feel honored that I can be a part of the journey. I believe we are all perfectly imperfect humans just trying to make our way through life the best we can, and all of us deserve love, kindness, and compassion. I strive to create a nonjudgmental, comfortable experience that makes it easy to open up and share.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I hope to be able to continue providing telehealth for as long as I can, to help as many people as I can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hilarynorrislcsw.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/hilarynorrislcsw
