Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Dangel.
Hi Meredith, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My world changed in 2012 when we found out our son was autistic. My passion became advocating for him and his community, teaching others about autism, and helping other parents like me who were finding their way on a journey that doesn’t come with a roadmap. At the same time, a nagging memory in the back of my mind wouldn’t let go of me. It was the memory of my mother telling me I’d make an excellent counselor. With the support of my husband, Keith, I left my career in teaching writing at a local university in 2018 and began the Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at UNC. My goal was to eventually start a therapy private practice with the niche of serving autistic adults and parents of autistic children. When I graduated in 2020, few private practices were hiring due to the uncertainty of the pandemic. I didn’t see options that appealed to me, and figured I had nothing to lose, so I dove headfirst into my dream and open my practice right out of school. The last 5 years have been a tremendous blessing to me as I’ve worked with many wonderful clients, met like-minded therapists, and completed outstanding trainings that improved my therapy skills. I have learned more than I dreamed about being a therapist, not only from education and trainings but also from my clients.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I consider the fact that I graduated in the middle of a global pandemic (we didn’t even have a graduation!), I think my road has been as easy as one could be. Keith and Henry, my son, supported me every day to finish school at the top of my class and then start a business. The struggles I’ve encountered are internal ones. Starting a career at 40 meant taking a healthy dose of humility, because it was hard for me to be middle-aged and still a novice. I wanted to be fantastic immediately, and I’m sad to say I was very hard on myself most of the time. I cried a lot and worried a lot. In year 5 I’m learning to lighten up on myself, and I’m feeling much better in the therapy room. I sense my clients experience a difference in me as well. Who knew that feeling more confident would lead to better outcomes.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Vine Therapy is my group therapy practice. Rachel and I specialize in providing trauma-informed, neurodivergence-affirning care. Neurodiversity is a buzz word right now in the mental health space, but we were ahead of the trend and plan to stay in this lane for as long as the neurodivergent community will have us. I am proud of the hard work Rachel and I do every day to make sure we not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk. We learn daily from our clients, from books and podcasts, and from our lived experience with friends, family, and colleagues: what what folks with autism and ADHD need; what they desire; what supports are helpful; what so-called treatments are dangerous; and what research is sound. I dig deep into research as often as time allows and stay abreast of public policy that affects our clients as much as I possibly can. If we don’t keep learning, we can’t offer the quality mental health care our clients need and deserve. Our therapy is grounded in deep empathy and the belief that all neurotypes are valid, needed, and beautiful.
I’m also proud to say both of us are EMDR trained. EMDR is a successful form of therapy with decades of research behind it. We aim to continue growing and learning.
What’s next?
I have found I love educating neurotypical folks about how to support our loved ones, students, colleagues, and community members who have ADHD or autism or both. Recently I had the opportunity to speak to preschool teachers and the staff of a Boys and Girls Club. They were eager for information and so grateful for it. I plan to expand that offering in 2026. Folks who want to book me for their events can find information on my personal page, Meredith Dangel Counseling. I am also beginning a three-year training in Somatic Experiencing, a fabulous therapy modality I’m excited to bring to Vine clients.
Pricing:
- $175 per session
- a select number of pay-what-you-can slots are available for people going through a difficult time financially
Contact Info:
- Website: https://VineNC.com
- Instagram: @vinetherapync
- Other: [email protected]
