Our therapists offer EMDR therapy in Smyrna, GA

Cathy Wardlaw is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience. She specializes in working with adolescents and adults who are dealing with trauma, ADHD, adjustment issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues. Before becoming a counselor, Cathy worked for 15 years in the public school system as a paraprofessional, serving elementary and high school students.

Cathy received her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. She uses a variety of clinical approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, dialectal behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and mindfulness techniques.

Cathy believes that making clients feel safe and heard is the foundation for success in therapy. She will guide you in identifying your strengths, setting boundaries and goals, and letting go of what does not serve you. Reach out to Cathy today!

Karyn Kochan is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Mediator in the state of Georgia. She is also a Certified Anger Management Professional and a Certified Life Coach. Karyn has 20+ years of experience empowering adults and couples with anxiety, anger, depression, and trauma to become successful in every area of their lives. 

Karyn has earned her Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science and her Masters of Science in Counseling from National Louis University in Chicago, IL. She has done post-graduate studies in Organizational Psychology at Walden University in Minneapolis, MN. She uses an eclectic and collaborative approach in her counseling practice. Karyn’s experience includes 8 years of mental health counseling in two psychiatric hospitals. In Illinois, Karyn was a Program Coordinator in a Dual Diagnosis inpatient unit. In Georgia, she was an inpatient & outpatient Psychiatric Program counselor and facilitator. 

Karyn seeks to establish a warm relationship with you utilizing a strength-based perspective, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused therapy. She uses a creative approach by including meditation, visualization, exercise therapy, and the arts to bring meaning and value to your life.

Shakaelah Fisher is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor with 2 years of experience supporting children, teens, and adults. She specializes in helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, and relationship challenges. Shakaelah’s therapeutic approach is client-centered and personalized, grounded in the belief that every person’s path to healing is unique. She is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered, and her goal is to tailor each session to meet individual needs while equipping clients with tools for lasting growth.

Shakaelah earned a Master’s in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Clayton State University. She integrates person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization reprocessing, and ART therapy techniques.

Shakaelah is passionate about walking alongside clients on their journey toward healing. She works to foster resilience, growth, and self-discovery, empowering clients to overcome challenges and build fulfilling lives. She looks forward to supporting you in taking the next step toward emotional well-being.

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with 2+ years of experience supporting clients through identity exploration, emotional challenges, and life transitions. I work with individuals across diverse backgrounds, including those navigating gender and sexuality, neurodivergence, trauma, eating and body-image concerns, and relationship dynamics. I strive to understand each person as a unique individual with strengths, values, and resilience, and I create a space where your story is met with curiosity, empathy, and respect.

I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia, where I trained in LGBTQ+ concerns, neurodiversity, eating disorders, trauma, and identity development. I integrate cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, and internal family systems therapies, along with motivational interviewing and mindfulness. I have completed an EMDRIA-approved EMDR Basic Training through the EMDR Institute. I offer EMDR standard protocol and EMDR resourcing for both in-person and virtual clients while continuing to receive ongoing consultation to refine my EMDR skills and provide high-quality, evidence-based care.

I hope to support you through every part of your healing journey, whether your moments are joyful, painful, or confusing. Therapy with me offers a reflective, nonjudgmental space to understand your experiences. Together, we’ll explore your story, build emotional tools, and move toward a grounded, authentic life.

Allison Beal is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia who has 19 years of experience partnering with children, adolescents, adults, and couples seeking help with depression, anxiety, domestic violence, women’s issues, and relationship issues. 

She completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the State University of West Georgia and received her Master's degree in School Counseling from Mercer University.  Allison utilizes relational, collaborative, strengths-based, cognitive behavioral (CBT), mindfulness-based, psychodynamic, and emotionally-focused (EFT) approaches to therapy always maintaining the creativity, flexibility, and awareness necessary to best meet the needs of every unique individual and couple.

**Please note Allison has primarily day time hours available.***

Allison seeks to establish a warm and caring relationship with you in order to assist in building on your strengths and better collaborate with you towards meeting your goals and living the meaningful life you value and desire.