Meet Our Team
Meet the dedicated team at Catawba Valley Neurofeedback and Counseling, PLLC. Led by our founder and director, Shay Clark, a skilled neurofeedback therapist, we’re passionate about providing exceptional care through innovative techniques and compassionate counseling.
Shay Clark, Founder and Clinical Director
Shay is the founder and clinical director of Catawba Valley Neurofeedback and Counseling, PLLC. (CVNF). She expertly combines innovative neurofeedback and biofeedback techniques, including brain mapping (qEEG), with compassionate counseling to help clients achieve lasting mental wellness.
Shay holds a Master’s Degree and is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Additionally, she has 11 years of experience practicing neurofeedback and is certified by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). Her broad experience includes multiple clinical environments, including a behavioral health hospital for children/adolescents and individual psychotherapy counseling for college and K-12 students.
Since 2011, Shay has worked in clinics that combine neurofeedback with counseling, utilizing a brain-based, scientific, and objective approach to brain health. It is the answer to removing barriers and significantly improving cognitive and mental health in the long term.
Shay is an Amen Clinics-certified Brain Health Professional, specializing in creating brain-healthy individuals and communities. Her persistent struggle with personal mental health challenges drove her to search for answers and real solutions. It wasn’t until she discovered neurofeedback that real, lasting change manifested.
From Personal Journey to Professional Passion
Shay’s approach is deeply committed to individualized care, ensuring everyone receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. Shay’s journey into neurofeedback and counseling began as a young mother of five. In her quest to understand and manage her depression, she immersed herself in pop psychology books, which sparked her passion for brain training.
Early Inspiration: Fueling a Passion for Brain Training
This passion led her back to school, where she secured a neurofeedback internship at an inpatient behavioral hospital. Although unpaid, this opportunity provided her with invaluable experience, and she quickly learned that achieving a positive brain state can be almost instantaneous, fueling her determination to help others do the same. To fulfill this mission, she pursued counseling and obtained state licensure.
Hands-On Experience: The Power of Neurofeedback
Since becoming a licensed counselor 13 years ago, Shay has recognized the limitations of traditional talk therapy. Her drive to offer more comprehensive solutions led her to integrate neurofeedback into her practice.
Bridging the Gap: Integrating Counseling and Neurofeedback
After successfully growing a neurofeedback clinic for others, she established her own practice, combining both neurofeedback and counseling under one roof. This holistic approach sets Catawba Valley Neurofeedback and Counseling, PLLC. apart, providing a nonjudgmental space where clients feel welcome and supported.
A Mission of Empowerment: Creating a Safe Space
Shay’s mission at CVNF is to foster a safe and inclusive environment that empowers clients to explore innovative, personalized treatment options. Her ultimate goal is to help clients achieve total health and well-being, enabling them to live their best lives independently.
Success Stories: Transforming Lives Through Neurofeedback
One of her most memorable success stories involves a 19-year-old client who initially struggled with severe anxiety. Through neurofeedback therapy, the client gained confidence, earned a phlebotomy certification, and secured a stable job, showcasing the profound impact of Shay’s work.
Committed to Excellence: Staying at the Forefront
Shay continuously engages with mentors and stays up to date on the latest research trends to remain at the forefront of her field. She believes in combining technological advancements with a personal touch, using her own experiences as a tool for clients’ healing.
Beyond the Clinic: Community and Compassion
Beyond her practice, Shay has been an active leader in the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and works tirelessly to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Personal Pursuits: Family, Nature, and Growth
In her free time, Shay enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and traveling. She is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in her field and is proud to contribute to her community’s well-being.