Shepherd Way Counseling

Shepherd Way Counseling Makensie Mauney-McDaniel: M.S, LCMHCA, NCC. Licensed in NC.

Melissa McDaniel: M.Ed., LCMHC, NCC, licensed in NC & SC, Certified S*x Addiction Therapist, author, and speaker who has spent nearly two decades helping people transform their lives.

They say affirmations only work if you believe them. If I’m being 'counselor-honest,' standing on the threshold of this ...
01/07/2026

They say affirmations only work if you believe them. If I’m being 'counselor-honest,' standing on the threshold of this New Year, I can’t say I’m jumping for joy. 2025 was a marathon run through mud—navigating the rising costs of care for my father, the 'lonely road' of small business capital, and the weight of a world that feels heavy.

But when I look at my 'tapestry,' I see more than just the dark threads. I see God-winks at every turn. I see my daughter joining me in this work as an LCMHCA. I see the courage of the Greensboro Four and the names of ancestors in Charleston fueling my fire.

Counseling is my passion, but sharing Love is my calling. And while the climb is steep, I’m not climbing it alone.

Check out my latest blog post where I share the 'Highs, Lows, and Burnt-Outs' of 2025—and why I’m still hopeful for what’s interwoven next. https://shepherdwaycounseling.org/the-tapestry-of-2025-a-year-of-grit-grace-and-god-wink/

"Grief is love unfinished..." 💙So often, we try to "get over" or "move past" grief, but what if we viewed it differently...
01/06/2026

"Grief is love unfinished..." 💙

So often, we try to "get over" or "move past" grief, but what if we viewed it differently? Grief is the persistence of love when the person it’s meant for is no longer here to receive it. It is a testament to the depth of your connection.

If you’re carrying "unfinished love" today, know that there is no timeline for healing. Be gentle with yourself.

Sometimes we treat joy like a reward we have to earn after a long list of chores or "healing work." But joy is actually ...
01/05/2026

Sometimes we treat joy like a reward we have to earn after a long list of chores or "healing work." But joy is actually the fuel that helps us do that work. Consider this your permission slip to stop waiting for the "perfect time" to feel good. You are allowed to experience light, even in the middle of your journey.

You don’t have to face the storm alone. 🌪️ Panic attacks can feel like they’re taking over, but having a plan can help y...
12/30/2025

You don’t have to face the storm alone. 🌪️ Panic attacks can feel like they’re taking over, but having a plan can help you reclaim control. These six steps are designed to ground you and guide you back to a place of calm. Save this post for the next time you feel the waves rising or share it with a friend who might need a reminder that they are resilient.

New year, same you. Just with more intention. ✨The "New Year, New Me" pressure is real, but what if 2026 wasn't about ch...
12/29/2025

New year, same you. Just with more intention. ✨

The "New Year, New Me" pressure is real, but what if 2026 wasn't about changing who you are, but honoring what you need? Mental health isn't a destination we reach on Jan 1st; it’s a practice we carry through all 365 days.

Take a moment to look at these questions. Which one speaks to your heart the loudest today?

The "most wonderful time of the year" can also be the heaviest.Between the pressure to be "on," the memories of those no...
12/22/2025

The "most wonderful time of the year" can also be the heaviest.

Between the pressure to be "on," the memories of those no longer with us, and the exhaustion of keeping the peace, the holidays can take a significant toll on our mental well-being. If you find yourself more in survival mode than celebration mode, please know:

You aren’t "ruining" the holiday by feeling sad or tired.

Your worth isn’t measured by how much "sparkle" you feel.

It’s okay to set boundaries to protect your peace.

We see you, we hold space for you, and we’re sending extra warmth to those just trying to get through. 💙







"Friendly reminder: You don't need a 'New Year' to start fresh, but you do deserve a moment to honor how far you've come...
12/18/2025

"Friendly reminder: You don't need a 'New Year' to start fresh, but you do deserve a moment to honor how far you've come. 🕊️

Use these prompts to do a gentle mental health check-in today. No judgment, just awareness.

Which shape are you drawn to? Let’s reflect together in the comments. 👇

Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is let go of "normal." Trying to fit into a box that isn't meant for you is exha...
12/15/2025

Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is let go of "normal." Trying to fit into a box that isn't meant for you is exhausting and frankly, a little boring! 😴 Your true self is your best self. Don't ever trade your authentic sparkle for someone else's idea of standard. ✨

A little "Note to Self" for your scroll today. You are valued, appreciated, and loved. Don't let the noise of the day co...
12/11/2025

A little "Note to Self" for your scroll today. You are valued, appreciated, and loved. Don't let the noise of the day convince you otherwise. Your worth isn't up for debate. Pause, breathe, and internalize this truth.

Your mind is the canvas, and your life is the masterpiece. In the journey of mental wellness, sometimes the biggest hurd...
12/10/2025

Your mind is the canvas, and your life is the masterpiece. In the journey of mental wellness, sometimes the biggest hurdle is believing in your own limitless potential. Give yourself permission to imagine no limitations on who you can be, what you can have, or what you can achieve. This isn't just a dream; it's a directive for radical self-acceptance and growth. Start painting your masterpiece today.

When dealing with mental health, the biggest achievement is showing up for yourself every day. It takes time to build ne...
12/09/2025

When dealing with mental health, the biggest achievement is showing up for yourself every day. It takes time to build new coping mechanisms; shift thought patterns and truly heal. Honor your progress, no matter how small.

The next time you feel a wave of anger, pause and ask yourself: "What am I truly feeling right now?" 🤔This iceberg remin...
12/08/2025

The next time you feel a wave of anger, pause and ask yourself: "What am I truly feeling right now?" 🤔

This iceberg reminds us of that anger (what we show) is often a protector for deeper, more painful emotions (what we hide) like sadness, anxiety, or feeling disrespected. Getting curious about the root cause is the first step toward self-compassion and effective communication.

Save this post for your next moment of frustration! 💾

Address

7202 Wilkinson Boulevard
Belmont, NC
28012

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17048250541

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