ALL THINGS CAN BE MADE NEW
RENEW: to make new, fresh, or strong again; to restore to existence;
to begin again.
There comes a time when help is needed from a mental health professional to cope with many of life’s challenges. At Renewed Counseling & Play Therapy, children, adolescents, parents, and adults receive the ongoing support they need to be renewed.
AMY R. WORK, MA, LCMHCS, RPT-S
I believe that every individual has inherent value, and that life is to be fully experienced and enjoyed. Too often, the stresses and traumas of life prevent us from stepping into who we really want to be. It's my passion to come alongside kids, teens, and adults, and support them in the journey towards peace and health.
My therapeutic approach begins from a client-centered perspective, which addresses the unique needs of each person. From there, I primarily work from a cognitive-behavioral framework which asserts that identifying and changing harmful thought patterns can lead to reduced emotional distress and a more satisfying life. I am also trained to incorporate EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Sand Tray Therapy as needed. In working with children, I use Child-Centered Play Therapy to help children process trauma, express and regulate emotions, build confidence, and develop social skills. We will work together to design a treatment plan that is right for you. Click here to learn more about the clinical issues I address.
The letters after my name (above) stand for Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS) and Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor (RPT-S). I earned a Bachelors' Degrees in Psychology and Sociology from The University of Georgia, as well as a minor in Child and Family Development. I hold a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC, and am a Doctoral Candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision Ph.D. program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. My research interests include counselor and play therapist development and training, ADHD, child-parent relationship therapy, child-centered play therapy, and parent consultation practices.
As an active member of the American Counseling Association and the Association for Play Therapy, I continuously pursue up-to-date training on evidence-based mental health treatments. I am also a Board Member for the North Carolina Association of Play Therapy. Additionally, I am on the Advisory Board of FOR STUDENTS, an organization dedicated to preparing students to become resilient and healthy adults. Prior to becoming a counselor, I worked as a high school teacher and enjoyed adapting my classroom for students with specific behavioral, emotional, or academic needs. Additionally I served as the Elementary Children's Director at my church.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son, getting lost in a good book or podcast, exploring the outdoors with my dog, Rosie, planting and tending to flowers in my garden, trying new recipes, drinking quality coffee and tea, and moving my body through yoga, walking, and swimming,.
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH INTERNS
Renewed Counseling & Play Therapy is pleased to offer reduced fee counseling services to the community while providing quality training for the next generation of Clinical Mental Health Counselors! Our interns are currently pursuing their Master's Degree in Counseling and are required to complete three clinical rotations as part of their program. Our interns receive ongoing training and supervision from Amy R. Work, LCMHC, QS, RPT-S, and can offer services for $50 per session. Please read about our current interns below.
If you are a master's level counseling student, and wish to apply to intern at Renewed Counseling & Play Therapy, please fill out this form. Please note our next opening for interns is Summer of 2027.
RILEY E. GRAY
Clinical Mental Health Intern
I believe everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are. I strive to create a space where individuals feel safe to show up as themselves without judgment. I value empathy, intentional listening, and advocacy, and I believe that feeling understood can be a powerful starting point for growth. My approach to counseling is client-centered and strengths-based, allowing individuals to explore their experiences in a way that feels safe and genuine.
I am a Master’s-level Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at Gardner-Webb University, where I am building a strong foundation in a variety of counseling approaches and theories. Through both my academic experience and my work with individuals across the lifespan, I have developed an appreciation for working with diverse populations. While I am open to supporting individuals at all stages of life, I have found a particular passion for working with children. I have over a decade of experience working with children in roles such as a camp counselor and in a non-profit after-school program. These experiences deepened my interest and allowed me to see how meaningful it can be for children to learn about themselves through play and expressive arts.
In my spare time, you will find me outdoors, whether that is walking, admiring nature, or with others. The fresh air always grounds me and provides me with overall peace. Staying active is also important to me, as it supports both my physical and mental well-being. You can often find me in the gym, practicing yoga, or getting my steps in. I also enjoy getting coffee with friends, teaching my cat, Cheeto, new tricks, and adding to my plant collection.
CHRIS GRAHAM
Clinical Mental Health Intern
Life can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, but I believe healing and change are possible through a counseling relationship built on trust, openness, and genuine care. I am honored to walk alongside children, teens, and adults as they work toward greater well-being and a renewed sense of hope.
I am a Master’s-level Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where I am developing a strong foundation in a variety of counseling theories and approaches. My approach to counseling is primarily person-centered, which means I strive to create a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment where each individual can feel fully seen and valued. Through years of volunteering and teaching in my church’s youth group, I have developed a deep appreciation for working with young people. I am especially interested in supporting children through play therapy and helping teenagers navigate the challenges and transitions of adolescence.
Before pursuing a career in counseling, I spent 20 years working in Human Resources. This experience gave me insight into the personal and professional challenges people encounter throughout their careers. I enjoy supporting adults and young adults as they explore career interests, navigate workplace concerns, adjust to career transitions, and consider what they want from the next chapter of their lives.
Outside of counseling, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two children, especially when we can be outdoors together. I also enjoy walking, listening to music, watching sports, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen — often with help from my children, which is always an adventure.
WELCOME TO OUR OFFICE
Scroll through the pictures below to see our dedicated play therapy space and separate teen/adult office.
 Adult Office |  Adult Office |  Sandtray Therapy |
|---|---|---|
 Play Therapy Office |  Play Therapy Office |  Play Therapy Office |
 Welcome to our office! |  Welcome to our office! |  Conveniently located off Sardis Road |
CONTACT
If you are interested in becoming a client for individual therapy, please fill out the appropriate Inquiry Form below:
Child/Teen New Client Waiting List
If you are interested in Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), please fill out the CPRT Interest Form. Our group meets for 10 weeks on Sundays from 6-8 pm. Space is limited. Our next group will start on September 13th, 2026. We also offer individual sessions according to your schedule.
If you are interested in our EmpowerHER: A 5-Day Expressive Arts Therapy Group for Teen Girls, please fill out the Expressive Arts Interest Form. Our next group will be in the Summer of 2027.
If you are interested in supervision with Amy R. Work, LCMHCS, RPT-S, please fill out this form: Supervision Inquiry Form.
If you are a master's level counseling student and wish to apply for an internship, please fill the Clinical Internship Application Form. Please note our next opening for interns is in Summer of 2027.
Phone: (704) 218-9184
Fax: 980-217-7239