Robert S. Pennello, Sr., MA, LCMHCS (NC), LPC (SC), NCC

Hi. I’m Rob Pennello, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS) in North Carolina,  Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina, founder and Sr. Therapist of New Directions Psychotherapies. I’m passionate about what I do and the people I have the privilege of walking beside in their healing process. I’m also equally passionate about working with Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) residents in their clinical and practical process toward licensure.

I’m absolutely energized during each session when I participate in the process of psychotherapy with each of my clients, helping them discover their potential and achieve their desired outcomes.  I’m not the type of therapist who sits idly by, nodding my head and asking you “How does that make you feel?”  On the contrary, I personally interact, actively listen and engage the client from the first contact.  I use a teaching style that elicits client participation, input and challenge. I play an active part in each session with the client, helping them meet their goals. 

I have counseled adults, couples and families in clinical settings such as psychiatric hospitals and briefly worked in a correctional facility treating co-occurring disorders (viz., depression/anxiety, bipolar/addictions).  

In my early career, I’ve also served as an Associate Pastor for almost a decade, ministering to families, individuals and couples in life transitions/coaching, struggles, conflict etc. 

My experience spans over a 30-year period, facilitating psychological and emotional healing within an environment of safety and trust while treating issues such as Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress and other Trauma, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Chemical Addictions, Sexual and Relationship Addictions, Couples and Family Therapy, Codependency Issues, and conducting Life Coaching.

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS) in North Carolina,  Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina, and a Nationally Board-Certified Counselor. I’ve completed a 2-year Professional Counselor Addictions Program from the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification Board and am also certified by the American Association of Christian Counselors in treating sexual addictions. I completed both my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and my Graduate studies in Psychology and Counseling at Regent University.

I’m happily married and enjoy spending quality time with my wife, family and friends. Between my wife and I we have 6 children and 8 grandchildren.  I enjoy music, playing the guitar and piano and have been an avid weightlifter/bodybuilder for the past 4 ½ decades. I have a keen interest in nutrition, physical health and wellness and maintaining a balanced life physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.