Jamie Burns-Keck, LCMHCA

How I got here

Growing up, I was often the listening ear for those around me. Friends and peers felt comfortable sharing their life challenges with me because I naturally led with empathy, compassion, and reassurance. This role continued into my professional life, where I spent 12 years working in a dental clinic serving children in foster care in Robeson County. While waiting for their appointments, many of the patients opened up about their emotional struggles, and it was during those times, I realized my desire to walk alongside individuals through their personal journeys. These experiences confirmed what I felt deep within—that counseling was my calling.

The Journey begins

The journey started after completing my bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where I double majored in sociology and criminal justice. Upon graduating, I immediately began graduate school at the University of Mount Olive for Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During this time, I knew I wanted to be a counselor, just uncertain of the direction I was being called, while having a father battling mental illness from his military career simultaneously. The therapist used an approach for my father that helped change his way of thinking and his behavior patterns, creating a stable life for himself and our family, which pulled me in the direction that God was calling me to, cognitive behavioral therapy. I am now in my final year of completing my master’s degree. I successfully completed my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in December 2025 and received approval for my Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) licensure that same month. In January 2026, I began the next chapter of my professional journey by enrolling in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at Walden University, further deepening my commitment to clinical excellence, education, and lifelong learning.

My training field

During my internship experience, I had the opportunity to work with individuals navigating grief, trauma, loss, family challenges, and significant life stressors that had prevented them from becoming the best versions of themselves. I observed how emotional experiences—both past and present—deeply influence not only individuals’ lives but also the lives of those around them.

Through this work, I came to fully understand the importance of having a counselor who can guide, support, and walk beside clients as they create meaningful change—often discovering strength within themselves they did not realize they possessed.

My approach to counseling

I view counseling as a shared journey—one that clients and I walk together. Clients lead the way, and I offer guidance and support along the path. While we may be on different life roads, we come together on this journey with a shared purpose. I am continually inspired by my clients as they rediscover themselves in ways they once thought were unattainable, and it is an honor to stand beside them, encouraging and supporting them every step of the way.

What you can expect from me

you can expect a space where both hardships and triumphs are honored. I will treat you with unbiased respect while supporting you and gently challenging you as we work toward your goals together. I will never tell you what to do—this is your journey, and I am grateful to walk alongside you.

You will leave each session with a clearer understanding of your challenges, along with practical skills and techniques to manage them. My counseling approach focuses on helping you recognize and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, empowering you to gain greater control over yourself and your emotional well-being.