Courtenay McFarlin

A Message from Courtenay "Life is a journey, and we're all simply trying to find our way home. Along the way, the weight of what we carry can make the path difficult. Sometimes, we just need to pause, set down our burdens, and take the time and space to sort through what’s weighing us down. Only then can we continue the journey with a lighter load and a clearer sense of who we are and where we are headed. I look forward to journeying with you! Welcome to Joyful Oak Counseling! My name is Courtenay McFarlin and it's an honor to walk with others as we take the time and space to sort through all that life has given us. It is my joy to guide others to restored hope, nurtured faith and grounded love." I work with children (ages 8+), teens, adults, couples, and families using a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, internal family systems therapy, narrative therapy, family systems therapy, and play therapy while incorporating elements of The Life Model. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, relationship challenges, and Christian spirituality. I provide pre-marital counseling services utilizing SYMBIS to work with couples struggling with relationship conflicts and communication. ~~~ Joyful Oak Counseling was started by Courtenay McFarlin, an MDiv graduate from Gardner-Webb School of Divinity, focusing in Pastoral Care and Counseling, and a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, with an MA in Christian Ministry, focusing in Christian Counseling. She Courtenay is a wife, mom and North Carolina native who lives for fiery sunsets, good coffee and time with family. She is pursuing licensure as a clinical mental health counselor associate, LCMHCA (anticipated December 2025) and certification as a North Carolina Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselor, NCFBPPC, while under the supervision of Dr. Mary Kinken, DMin, NCFBPPC. She is also a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, AACC.