Our therapists offer EMDR therapy in Columbus, GA

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.

Allison Beal is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia who has 14 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.

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!

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 am also offering EMDR standard protocol for both in-person and virtual clients.

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.

Lynda Cokuslu is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 8 years of experience. She draws from a rich personal journey that has included immigrating, raising a family, and starting a business to support clients through life transitions, cultural shifts, and personal growth. Lynda works with individuals facing anxiety, depression, burnout, and low self-esteem. Her clinical lens is shaped by lived experience and deep empathy, helping clients navigate change with insight and resilience. Lynda works with couples, gamblers, and rural communities, offering tailored support and purpose-driven care in every session.

Lynda earned her Master’s in Counseling from Capella University. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and eye movement desensitization reprocessing to help clients manage distress and shift negative thinking.

Lynda understands that life can feel overwhelming, especially during transitions or resurfacing pain. She helps teens and adults reduce stress and improve relationships by offering a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to explore emotions, clarify goals, and begin their healing journey.

Stephanie is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 7 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has focused on assisting veterans, military families, and individuals dealing with addiction. Stephanie is committed to supporting them by helping them develop coping mechanisms and, when they are prepared, utilizing eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to address and process their traumatic experiences. By tailoring her approach to each individual's needs, Stephanie aims to empower her clients to overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling lives.

Stephanie earned a Master's in Social Work at Western New Mexico University. As a disabled veteran's spouse and a trauma survivor, Stephanie understands the need for trauma-informed care. She utilizes EMDR to treat trauma and PTSD. Stephanie's approach is rooted in the belief that everyone has unique strengths that can be used to navigate challenges.

Stephanie understands that making significant changes in one's life can be daunting, but she is dedicated to supporting you on this journey toward personal growth and healing. With her guidance, you can build resilience, cultivate self-awareness, and discover the potential for transformation within yourself.

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.

Andrea Brock is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years of experience in group homes, hospitals, crisis centers, and outpatient clinics. She enjoys working with preteens, teens, and adults of all ages. Andrea specializes in the treatment of anxiety, anger, depression, trauma, life transitions, and issues of identity. She is an LGBTQ+ affirming provider and is excited to help individuals become more comfortable with their true selves. Andrea uses an eclectic therapy style to offer her clients the most appropriate evidence-based practices to suit their needs. She is also highly skilled in explaining diagnoses, brain function, and medication effects in accessible and clear ways and enjoys helping clients understand all aspects of their care.

Andrea completed her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Georgia State University and focused on a specialty of Sex and Gender. She then went on to attain her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Georgia State as well. She is a third-generation pastor’s wife with firsthand experience in navigating Christian teachings, cultural expectations, and an LGBTQ+ identity. Andrea is also a foster parent with extensive training and individual experience in managing and healing the effects of trauma over time. She recognizes that trauma is often unseen and directly impacts how individuals grow, learn, and build relationships.

Many adults will experience one or more challenges in their life that can feel overwhelming. Andrea is able to walk with you in these moments to help you identify strengths and unwind unhelpful patterns to move forward into a happy, healthy life.

Melissa Stanley is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 4 years of experience working with adults and teens of diverse ethnicities and backgrounds to manage anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome, grief, family conflict, relationship issues, and adolescent struggles.

Melissa received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy.

Melissa believes each individual is unique and listens to concerns from her clients' perspectives. She focuses on creating a treatment plan that is goal-oriented and accessible. If you are ready to start your mental health journey, reach out to Melissa today!