CLINICAL THERAPIST

Hello, my name is Gary Alston, and I am an LCSW-A therapist specializing in gender affirmation therapy, trauma-focused care, psychotherapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing a safe, supportive, and affirming environment for individuals to explore their identities, heal from past experiences, and build healthier coping skills.

As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I bring both personal understanding and professional expertise to my work. I recognize the unique challenges, discrimination, and trauma that can come with living authentically, and I am committed to helping clients navigate those experiences with resilience and empowerment.

In addition to my clinical practice, I am also a life coach, supporting individuals in setting meaningful goals, creating balance, and moving toward personal growth and success. My approach blends evidence-based practices with compassion, empowerment, and a deep respect for each client’s unique journey.

Whether you are navigating identity, processing trauma, managing emotions, or seeking direction in life, I am here to walk alongside you with guidance, understanding, and tools for lasting change.

CLINICAL THERAPIST

If you’re seeking a therapist who values collaboration, can hold both strength and softness, and will accept you fully while encouraging your growth, then I'd be honored to support you on your journey. My intention is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and empowered to explore who you are. My approach is rooted in mutual respect, curiosity, and compassion. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, where you remain the expert of your own life, and I’m here to support you in achieving your goals with both encouragement and gentle challenging when needed.

I’m especially passionate about helping people navigate trauma, identity exploration, spiritual questioning, and other difficult or uncomfortable life experiences. My role is to offer a nonjudgmental space where you can process, express, and grow.

I advocate for your needs and honor your truth—walking with you through life’s hardest moments and celebrating your breakthroughs. Together, we can create the life you desire that is grounded in intention, healing, and self-trust.

CLINICAL THERAPIST

Hello, I’m Britt Kartes (they/them), a clinical mental health therapist supporting adolescents and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, and life transitions. Therapy with me is collaborative, paced at your comfort level, and grounded in warmth, honesty, and gentle curiosity.

I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients and provide affirming care that honors your identities, relationships, and lived experiences, including the impact of navigating a world that is not always welcoming to queer and gender-diverse people. I am also fluent in American Sign Language and have experience supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients, as well as individuals with multiple marginalized identities.

Coming from a military family, I am familiar with the cultural nuances, transitions, and stressors that can impact service members and their loved ones. I offer supportive, trauma-informed care to military-connected individuals and families, with an understanding of how military life can intersect with identity, relationships, and mental health.

My work integrates evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), attachment-focused therapy, somatic practices, skills-building, and trauma-informed care, all tailored to your unique needs and goals. I especially enjoy working with people who are new to therapy, exploring family dynamics, or seeking to build more sustainable and compassionate coping strategies.

It is a privilege to walk alongside you as you move through healing, growth, and self-discovery. My hope is that you leave sessions feeling more grounded, understood, and empowered to continue your work beyond the therapy space.

CLINICAL THERAPIST

I’m Sarah, an LCMHC-A specializing in compassionate, professional soul care. I use a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to therapy, guided by a Solution-Focused lens, while incorporating elements of Somatic Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I also have experience with Narrative and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

I tailor each approach to best fit the specific client, as I believe everyone’s story and life journey are unique.

I have years of personal experience that fuel my passion for supporting individuals experiencing emotional distress, and have a heart for those struggling with mental illness, addiction, personality disorders, and individuals who have experienced trauma. I am also passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and senior citizens to find hope and encouragement during challenging seasons.

I have experience working with adults and adolescents from diverse cultural backgrounds, with extensive experience working with adolescents in a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF). I implement a trauma-informed approach with every client.

Your self-awareness and choices are vital to developing self-direction and independence. These techniques help you solve problems using your own strengths. I believe in you.

As a counselor, I aim to facilitate greater self-awareness throughout your life experiences, leading to increased confidence, self-esteem, independence, mental well-being, and the capacity to navigate life's complex challenges effectively.

I am an avid reader and enjoy spending my free time researching, writing, painting, and traveling. I am a Christian woman and incorporate faith into my clients’ sessions only upon the client’s request. I respect the identity of all individuals and believe in coming alongside each client to meet them where they are.

CLINICAL THERAPIST

Nancy Tillman, LCSWA is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate with experience providing mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fayetteville State University in May 2008 and her Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in July 2019. She received her provisional social work license in October 2019.

Nancy has experience conducting comprehensive clinical assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, establishing measurable treatment goals, and providing therapeutic support to diverse populations. Her clinical areas of knowledge and experience include grief and loss, anxiety, depression, anger management, coping skills, emotional regulation, and life transitions.

Nancy strives to provide a supportive, compassionate, and client-centered environment where individuals can feel heard, understood, and empowered to work toward meaningful change and improved emotional well-being.

CLINICAL INTERN (ART THERAPIST)

Hello! My name is Lauren Bates (she/her), and as an art therapist, I understand that sometimes traditional talk therapy can be daunting. Healing is a creative, and often messy, process, and art therapy offers the option to use art as a supplementary medium to help make processing a bit easier to navigate, whether that’s by working on a drawing that helps ground you to the moment, or by externalizing emotions to access a part of your subconscious you hadn’t yet considered.

In my sessions, I draw from a blend of humanistic and transpersonal-based approaches, incorporating creative expression with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Gestalt, and Internal Family Systems (parts work) to provide queer- and gender-affirming mental health care. Sometimes, life gets messy. Let’s put the mess on the canvas where it belongs.

CLINICAL INTERN

Hello, I'm Kembilin, and I'm currently pursuing my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University. I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel open to share your story. I believe healing begins when we feel seen, heard, and accepted. I consider it an honor to walk alongside individuals as they navigate life's challenges.

My counseling approach is rooted in person centered therapy while integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I believe every person has inherent strengths and the capacity for growth, even during life's difficult seasons. Together, we will explore the connections between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical coping strategies that promote healing, resilience, and lasting change.

I have a particular focus on people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and other forms of stressful life changes. If you are dealing with a difficult time in your life, want to work on your past, or are working on your self improvement, I aim to offer a kind space where you feel appreciated and can freely continue on your path.

I became interested in counseling for several reasons that are very close to my heart. In my childhood, I endured a lot of trauma due to the losses in my family, and I was in foster care. These experiences shaped my understanding of resilience, hope, and the importance of compassionate support. My experience inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to helping others discover their strengths, overcome obstacles, and realize that healing is possible. While everyone has their individual experiences, I believe that no one deserves to fight alone.

In addition to counseling, I enjoy developing my knowledge of health and wellness, engaging in outdoor activities, and participating in personal and professional development. Growth is a lifelong journey, and I look forward to collaborating with clients to develop resilience and coping skills and support them in making healthy and impactful changes in their personal lives.

CLINICAL INTERN (BILINGUAL)

My name is Brianna Herrera, and I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at Liberty University. I feel grateful to continue growing in a field that is meaningful to me and to have the opportunity to support others through their counseling journey.

My counseling approach is person-centered and integrative. I believe every person has a unique story, and counseling should be shaped around their individual needs, goals, and pace. I view therapy as a collaborative process where clients can feel supported as they explore their experiences, gain insight, and work toward healing and personal growth.

My goal is to create a warm, safe, and welcoming space where you can feel heard, understood, and valued. I want you to feel comfortable being yourself and sharing only when you are ready.

I would be honored to walk alongside you as you work toward greater hope, healing, and well-being.