Counseling & Psychotherapy

John is currently pursuing intensive training in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy with the International Psychotherapy Institute, based in D.C.
​ ​John Wepner, MA, LCMHC, seeks to build a collaborative working environment with his clients that respects the inner trouble one experiences, seeks a more profound emotional understanding of where that comes from, and builds towards an embodied vitality and self-acceptance. He works with a diverse population of adults and teenagers dealing with anxiety (social anxiety, dating anxiety, etc.), depression, self-esteem & confidence issues, family and relationship issues, grief and loss, existential challenges, and life changes.

John encourages clients to explore the underlying causes of their troubling and uncomfortable life experiences, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and works with them to understand how the past influences the present. This approach is known as psychodynamic psychotherapy. By increasing self-awareness, building tolerance for uncomfortable feelings, and feeling one's body-mind connection, it is possible to gain insight into how you engage in life and, at times, get in your own way. This allows improvement in relationships with oneself, others, and one's thirst for life.​

I see clients in-person and virtually at my professional offices in Hickory and Charlotte.
ABOUT MY PSYCHOTHERAPY PRACTICE

My primary orientation is psychodynamic psychotherapy, which helps to understand one's past and open up new possibilities for insight and action in the present. I place great value on the capacity of the psychotherapist to be alive in body and mind, to be deeply interested in both the well-being and the trouble within the client, and to accompany the client to places within themselves that need re-examination, support, encouragement, and questions.

While psychoanalysis has a complex and "checkered" past, its current practice and application bring in many important humanistic qualities that create an atmosphere free of judgment and are supportive of everyone. Historically, psychoanalysis has focused on analyzing the past. Today, there is much more focus on the present moment and how one can move into their own future.
​WHAT TO EXPECT

Healing, growth and change come about gradually, through consistent and sustained effort. It requires learning to think, feel, and act towards oneself and life in new ways, along with learning to see oneself from a new perspective. 

In psychotherapy you can expect:
  • To understand your past and look at your present and future in new ways.  
  • Learn to question basic assumptions you have made about yourself and others; and re-assess how these subconscious beliefs and expectations have shaped you.
  • Expect movement forward and setbacks, giving time and space to integrate and adjust as you discover yourself.
  • Have the support of another person’s presence, rather than going at it alone.
  • To have someone who is responsive and attuned to your inner experience, and who helps you think about your life differently than you have grown accustomed to.
  • To face the tensions and contradictions inside yourself.
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WHAT IT TAKES
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  • A commitment to effective psychotherapy is a mutual one, made by both the client and the therapist.
  • It takes a commitment to show up for all appointments, even when anxious about coming, and risking talking about anything that might jeopardize the therapy.
  • In the therapy process, a client has the opportunity to talk about anything they want, that may have been previously off-limits, hidden, or simply have never had anyone to talk to before.
  • Talk in psychotherapy is much more than just talk. Speaking is an expression of the body and mind. Giving language to thoughts, feelings, and experiences is a potent and powerful tool, especially when witnessed by another. 
LOGISTICS
 
Time: Each session is 50 minutes in duration. Typically, I see people on a weekly basis, but session frequency is determined on a case-to-case basis. 

Insurance: I do not participate in any in-network insurance coverage; I am only eligible as an out-of-network provider. On request, I can provide statements that you can submit for third party reimbursement. For more details about out-of-network insurance, click here.

Schedule:  I see clients Monday through Friday by appointment. I take six to eight weeks away from client work annually to give and receive professional training, conduct workshops, and to take vacation.

Communications: I handle client communication primarily through email, and secondarily through phone calls to my voicemail. When calling, it helps me greatly if you indicate times when I would be most likely to reach you directly. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the nature of my work, talk with me about them. The type of psychotherapy I provide requires a significant commitment from each of us, and any worthwhile therapeutic process can sometimes be uncomfortable and anxiety producing. I want to do whatever possible to ease any unnecessary concerns you may have as you work with me. 
psychotherapy and counseling for anxiety and depression in Hickory
My office in Hickory.