Valerie Kasten

Valerie Kasten is a co-founder of Carbondale Counseling Associates LLC. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois, Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri, Registered Play Therapist, and a National Certified Counselor. She has been in private practice since 1997. Valerie specializes in working with children ages 3 years old and up who have experienced trauma and abuse including physical and sexual abuse. She has testified over thirty times in twelve counties in Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa as an expert witness. Valerie also works with children and families struggling with issues related to divorce, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, self-injury, eating disorders, Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder, and ADHD. Valerie utilizes a variety of modalities including expressive arts, sand, play and talk therapy, as well as EMDR.

Education
• Master’s in Education from University of Missouri

Licenses & Certifications
• Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) (Missouri)
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) (Illinois)
• National Certified Counselor (NCC)
• Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S)
• Accelerated Resolution Therapy

“I believe the most important aspect of counseling is the therapeutic relationship, and for over 20 years I have strived to provide a safe and trusting environment where my clients feel free to express their pain and heartache during the healing process. I am joined in my work with my miniature Australian Shepherd, Kippy.”

Amanda Sneed

My ideal client is anyone that is seeking change and looking to create more balance in their life. My goal is to create a normalcy in the process of finding support during times when we need clarity. Whether or not there is an identified focus, I will walk individuals through gaining awareness and increasing skills to enhance life functioning through a client centered and empowerment focus. I work with adults, seniors and couples in a diverse range of issues.

My experience includes working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, low self-esteem, difficult life transitions, trauma (including working with women in a domestic violence shelter). I work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and incorporate education and mindfulness approaches in conjunction to support each other.

My professional experiences include a large social services agency and the Alzheimer’s Association, in addition to working in group practice. I also have a working knowledge to include a holistic background by receiving specialty training from the Chicago College of Healing Arts. Also joining me at the office are my two rescue Yorkies.

Education
• Master’s in Social Work from University of Illinois

Licenses & Certifications
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Deanna Childers

Deanna has approximately nine years of experience working within the mental health field including positions at residential treatment and private practice. Her education in Counseling was completed at Missouri Baptist University (MOBAP). Deanna uses an integrative approach within her work, pulling from numerous mental health theories. She works with kids as young as three, teens, and young adults. Her areas of focus are Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, as well as additional areas of childhood and family stressors. Deanna became a fully licensed therapist within the state of Illinois in June 2018 and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) in 2019.

Education
• Master’s in Counseling from Missouri Baptist University

Licenses & Certifications
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
• Registered Play Therapist (RPT)

Melissa McCutchen

Melissa McCutchen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has practiced as a social worker since August 2007. She received her Bachelor of Science, Master of Social Work Degree, and Master of Science in Education at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2013. She has experience working with the youth and adult population; individuals and families. She is a Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT), rostered in the State of Illinois, and has dealt with an array of counseling needs. She integrates multiple therapeutic approaches in the counseling process, and emphasizes internal strengths to promote self-growth.

I feel that all people have the capacity for change and growth. Everyone deserves to not only live, but have sense of contentment in their lives. All individuals deserve to know their worth, and I enjoy helping people unlock the greatness within themselves to live their best life.

Education
• Master’s in Social Work from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
• Master’s in Education from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Licenses & Certifications
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

“I am because WE are and, since we are, therefore I am.” ― John S. Mbiti

A’nna Jurich

A’nna Jurich is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor since 2003.  She received her Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1998 and worked prior as a counselor with youth and families.  Since becoming licensed, she has worked with adolescents and adults specializing in trauma, addiction, and mental health.

A’nna has received training in EMDR, Mindfulness Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing and integrates these techniques in her counseling practice.  Her client centered approach helps to create a partnership with patients that allows for exploration of life changes, and the opportunity to develop skills at their own pace.  She believes that every person deserves to live their best life and has the power within them to make changes for a happier, more peaceful existence.

Education
• Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Licenses & Certifications
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
• Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Tanya McLeod

Hi, my name is Tanya, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker located in Carterville, IL. I have 15+ years of experience working in the medical and mental health fields in various settings.

Life can be challenging and can take a toll on a person physically, mentally, and emotionally. Does this sound like you? If so, I can help you. My passion is to use my diverse background, experience, and skills to work with individuals in need of change for a better quality of life.

If you are experiencing any of the following: grief, stress, trauma, substance abuse, chronic pain, anger, depression, anxiety, family/relationship distress or just not feeling ok and needing someone to talk to, whatever your reason for reaching out, you should know that you do not have to face this journey alone.

My therapeutic approach is client centered and tailored to each client’s needs. I provide clients with a non-judgmental and confidential environment to safely help them navigate through their journey using various evidence-based treatments.

Education
• Masters Degree in Social Work from SIUC

Licenses & Certifications
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Brittany Brookshire

Brittany is currently only providing telehealth services to residents of Illinois.

Making the decision to seek counseling is a very personal and vulnerable choice. Whatever it is that brings you to seek help may be causing you pain or distress, and there is courage in accepting that you don’t have to do it alone. The counseling relationship is most effective when you can build a positive relationship and trust, and it is imperative that you feel seen, heard, and understood. When we feel alone, we feel less equipped to tackle our daily struggles, and our perspectives can become tainted with fear and self-doubt.

As a counselor, my greatest priority is getting to know my clients and building a relationship that is impactful and supportive. I strive to support clients through various life stages, changes, crises, and mental health needs while helping them to also tap into their own inner strength. I would love to help you along your journey in life.

As there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to finding the right fit for growth, I value using an eclectic approach to counseling with a focus in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. I also find great benefit in the use of mindfulness and yoga as tools to help clients connect with their body and mind.

Education
• Masters in Professional Counseling from University of Georgia

Licenses & Certifications
• M.S, LPC, NBCC

Adam Jackson

I am a Southern Illinois native, and father of eight amazing children. I lead a very kid-centric life, and enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, or other traumatic experiences. My experience with my clients, as well as my own son on the autism spectrum, has given me insight into emotional and developmental differences beyond the neurotypical. My goal for each client is to develop a unique approach tailored to that individual’s unique needs.

I use an integrative approach to counseling, based in building a trusting therapeutic relationship emphasizing empathy and unconditional care. Depending upon the needs and desires of the client we may incorporate elements of play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy, or draw from other theoretical approaches. I also enjoy working with family and relationship issues, such as boundary issues, difficult life transitions, and emotional abuse.

My hope is to offer clients a new and different perspective, and to empower them to attain greater insight. I believe that every client possesses the ability to find their own path that leads to meaning, joy, and fulfillment in their life. My ideal client is one who is ready to do the hard work of self-reflection, and to seize control and responsibility for living their own best life.

Education
Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University

Stephenie Teague

Bio Coming Soon

Mary Anderson

Bio Coming Soon