Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudine Langdon.
Claudine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started Southern Wake Counseling Center in November of 2008, but it wasn’t part of some long-term business plan. It actually came out of a situation that required me to act quickly. At the time, I was working for another counseling practice based in a nearby community. The owner had opened a second location in Fuquay-Varina, and I had been there for about two months, with a caseload of eight to ten clients. Then one day, I arrived at work and found the office locked. There had been no warning, no communication, and the owner had abruptly closed both locations. Suddenly, I was faced with an ethical dilemma. What is going to happen to these clients? They deserved better than this and personally and ethically, I would not just walk away and stop seeing them. Within two weeks, I found office space, chose a business name, completed all the legal and administrative requirements, and opened my own practice. It was definitely intimidating, but I knew it was the right thing to do. From the very beginning, my goal was never to build the biggest counseling practice in the area. My goal was to build the best one, the practice that people trusted, respected, and recommended because of the quality of care we provide. That commitment continues to guide every decision we make and shapes how our clinicians serve clients and support our community. One of the things I’m most proud of is that we’ve maintained a 5-star reputation for nearly 18 years. Since 2008, we’ve grown from a solo practice to a team of 22 clinicians. In 2023, we moved into a larger space to accommodate that growth, and one of my favorite compliments is when clients tell us how warm, welcoming, and comfortable the office feels.
What started as a response to an unexpected challenge has become a practice that has served thousands of individuals and families in our community, and I’m incredibly grateful for that journey.
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?
I wouldn’t say the transition was completely smooth, but overall it went surprisingly well. The biggest challenge was developing confidence on the business side of things. Like many counselors, I graduated with excellent clinical training, but very little education on how to actually run a business. Campbell University provided a strong counseling foundation, but business ownership was something I had to learn on the fly. Fortunately, I received some great advice early on from my accountant. He encouraged me to invest in accounting software from the very beginning rather than relying on spreadsheets. Looking back, that was one of the best decisions I made because it allowed us to scale without having to completely overhaul our financial systems later. Of course, there was still a lot of trial and error. I experimented with different systems for managing marketing, scheduling, client engagement, and operations. Not every decision was perfect, but each challenge taught me something valuable. One of the things I’ve learned is that our clients are often our best teachers. By staying open, curious, and responsive to their experience, we’ve been able to continually improve our processes and services. We also outgrew our original office space fairly quickly, which forced us to become creative and efficient with how we used our resources. Eventually, we reached a point where no amount of creativity could solve the space issue, and that led us to move into our current location. Eighteen years later, I’m very confident in the business side of the practice, but I’ve never stopped learning. Healthcare, technology, and client expectations continue to evolve, and I think successful business owners have to evolve with them. I still approach the practice with the mindset that there is always an opportunity to improve a system, learn something new, or find a better way to serve our clients and support our team.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Southern Wake Counseling Center?
Southern Wake Counseling Center has been serving Fuquay-Varina and the surrounding communities since 2008. At our core, we help people navigate life’s challenges, strengthen their relationships, and reconnect with themselves. We provide individual, couples, and family counseling, as well as clinical supervision and training for the next generation of mental health professionals.
What makes us different is our belief that therapy is deeply personal. No two people are exactly alike, so finding the right therapist matters. We’ve intentionally built a diverse team of clinicians with different specialties, personalities, and approaches so that clients can find someone who feels like the right fit. While we’re committed to clinical excellence, we never lose sight of the importance of genuine human connection. We want every person who walks through our doors to feel safe, respected, and understood.
We’re also proud to be deeply connected to the community we serve. For nearly two decades, we’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals, couples, and families during some of the most difficult and meaningful moments of their lives. Beyond the counseling room, we’ve supported our community through sponsorships and volunteer efforts, including youth sports leagues, providing support following a local middle school tragedy, and participating in community events such as Run the Quay.
When we think about what we’re most proud of, it’s the trust we’ve earned over the years. From the beginning, we’ve been committed to operating with integrity and putting people first. Our reputation has been built on compassion, professionalism, ethical care, and the belief that every person has the capacity to heal and grow. There is no greater compliment than when a client recommends us to a friend, family member, or loved one.
If there’s one thing we’d like readers to know, it’s that asking for help is a sign of strength. Whether you’re facing a major life transition, struggling in a relationship, working through trauma, or simply trying to understand yourself better, you don’t have to do it alone. Our goal is to provide a welcoming space where people can find support, gain practical tools, and create meaningful change in their lives.
At Southern Wake Counseling Center, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthier, more connected, and more fulfilling life. It is an honor to be part of that journey.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that I can’t do it alone. There’s a reason people say, “It takes a village.” As a business owner, I’ve learned that while I can do many things, no one can do everything well.
Success comes from recognizing your strengths, focusing on what you do best, and surrounding yourself with talented people who bring their own strengths to the table. When everyone is given the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways, the whole organization becomes stronger.
One of the things I’m most grateful for is the incredible team we’ve built at Southern Wake Counseling Center. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to our clients are what make our work possible. Together, we’re able to provide a level of care and service that none of us could achieve alone. That’s when you know you’re doing something right, not because of one person, but because of a team working toward a shared purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southernwakecounselingcenter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swcounselingcenter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWCounselingCenter
