My name is Candace Nino, I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. I graduated from California Baptist University with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. I have had the opportunity to work with the young adolescent population to provide school based therapy for the last four years. I have also gained clinical experience working with special education students who have faced emotional disturbances that impede their academic functioning. I have had the privilege of treating clients who struggled with depression, generalized anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and personality disorders. My theoretical orientation is Personal Centered Therapy and occasionally I utilize an eclectic approach to accommodate the clients individual needs and implement appropriate techniques that are most beneficial for the client. I provide therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families looking for additional social emotional support.

I aspire to assist clients in their moments of triumph as well as defeat, self-discovery, and understanding. I emphasize clients strengths and provide a safe environment to explore areas of growth and turmoil. My ultimate goal is to set the client up for success in achieving the best version of themselves and to sustain healthy functioning and symptom management. It would be a privilege to accompany you on your therapeutic journey.

The best place to change and grow is in relationships. I specialize in providing a safe, supportive and collaborative environment for each client who steps into my office. Whether it is through their anxiety, with their significant other or processing spiritual or relational trauma, my goal is connection. When that connection is fostered, I help clients unpack their feelings, process their irrational thoughts and get to the root of their struggles for true change to take place. It’s not about a quick fix but deep processing through a supportive, empathetic environment!

In my 14+ years of counseling, I have worked in recovery programs, with federal inmates, and in private practice. I have experience with individuals of all ages, couples, and families. I love working with teens and young adults but being on anyone's healing journey is an honor and privilege. Having been married for 28 years and having two adult daughters has given me life experience beyond the classroom that I use everyday in sessions. I build rapport and trust easily with clients earning the me the ability to walk alongside them and speak truth, challenge them when needed, and cheer them on towards living their best life. I use a trauma-informed approach and believe wholeheartedly that people can heal and live their life according to their values.

I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2008. I graduated from Georgia State in 2005 with a Masters in Professional Counseling. For the last 20 years I have been working with North Point Ministries and currently working as a Director in the Care Network.
I work with adults navigating a difficult season in life including; boundary issues, divorce/separation, marriage, anxiety, self-worth, co-dependency, life transitions and grief.
After 13 years of marriage, I navigated through a difficult and devastating divorce. In the midst of heartbreaking brokenness, my faith in God strengthened as I trusted in His grace and promises. I am now happily remarried and have a strong desire to help women in their own journey.

Michael received his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University, as well as certificates in Marriage & Family Therapy and Trauma Counseling. Michael has also pursued additional relationally-focused training through the highly regarded Gottman Institute and is a certified facilitator of Prepare/Enrich relationship assessments.

Michael works with adolescents, adults, and couples to address a wide range of needs including: anxiety, depression, life adjustment, suicidal thoughts, spiritual development, sexual identity, relationship communication, conflict resolution, pre-marital education, and family systems under duress. He seeks to create a safe and collaborative space for clients to move towards hope and healing. Michael’s approach to the therapeutic process is best expressed by the Jon Kabat-Zinn quote, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

Before his career in counseling, Michael earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Kennesaw State University and spent several years working for Apple Inc. as a manager and trainer. Throughout high school and college, Michael worked as a martial arts instructor, a pursuit that he credits with cultivating both an appreciation for mindfulness and fostering his continued enthusiasm for physical fitness.

Part of choosing to engage in therapy is choosing to understand yourself more and to seek other perspectives to do so. I engage clients in collaborative processes to assist you not only in improving your relationships with others, but also enriching your relationship with yourself. I collaborate with you to cultivate an intentional life by asking questions you’ve never thought about before. I take great intention in creating a space where you feel supported and accepted, because we must feel a certain level of safety and trust in order to have the courage to change, grow, and be vulnerable.

I am a welcoming therapist with a warm energy committed to providing a client-centered approach that takes into account every aspect of your identity. I particularly enjoy working with young women in emerging adulthood (ages 18-30) but I have experience working with adults of all genders and all ages. I aim to provide LGBTQIA+, sex-positive, affirming services while incorporating a social justice anti-racist framework. In my clinical work, I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy modalities and mindfulness approaches to meet clients “where they are.”

Rupi Kaur writes “What is stronger than the human heart which shatters over and over and still lives?” I consider psychotherapy to be one way that clients strengthen their hearts, and I am continuously inspired by the resilience I see in therapy sessions every day. It is an honor to be a part of my clients’ journeys towards living more meaningful lives.

Katie Blum is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Katie holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology from North Central College. Her training experiences include the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of presenting concerns including anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD and behavior concerns, anger, academic difficulties, interpersonal and relationship issues, self-esteem, executive functioning difficulties, and sleep troubles. She has experience providing psychotherapy services in person– both individually and within group therapy settings– in schools, and via tele-psychology platforms. Katie uses empirically supported assessment and treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), working alongside clients as they integrate new tools and strategies into their everyday life.

Katie’s approach to therapy focuses on meeting clients where they are at and helping them reach their self-determined goals. She does this by focusing on helping clients define their strengths while providing proven strategies to build resilience and strengthen everyday coping. Additionally, Katie values well-rounded, individualized care by coordinating with outside entities including schools, primary care providers, and psychiatrists.

Emily's passion for mental health began when she was just a child who saw how much counseling helped those in her family. Since then, her passion has only grown for helping others respond to life and its challenges. Emily believes in the importance of building a strong relationship with her clients, understanding how their identities impact their lives, and ensuring that she is always learning and growing as a person and counselor.

From her experiences in an on-campus clinic and a hospital support center, Emily has developed an approach to counseling that combines Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Person Centered Therapy. While everyone has different therapeutic needs, Emily tends to draw mostly from these approaches. Emily's professional interests include grief and loss, anxiety, body image concerns, stress management, and life transitions.

I have a passion to work with adolescents (13+) and adults on an individual basis who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem and identity development, life transitions, spirituality. I also have a desire to help individuals who have experienced infidelity and sexual betrayal heal from their experiences. First and foremost, my goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can begin your journey of healing, progress, and growth. I am practicing under the direction of Melanie Gulley and the supervision of DeVon Mills, PhD, LPC, ACS at Compassion Cove Counseling.

Available to New Clients! In-person Acworth office or virtually.
Who Am I? We all desire to be heard, to be seen, to have a purpose, to know the truth, to trust, to be trusted, and to be whole. The mind, body, & spirit need to be well; we work with all three parts. Having grown up overseas, I know acculturation into the home country is a struggle. I know what it's like to be hurt by religion or church. I know what it's like to live with a narcissistic leader or family member.
I've experienced divorce, remarriage, had single-parenting struggles, learned to rebuild a family. I know the challenges of aging parents. Life is hard at any age. I am also an LGBTQIA ally.
I offer a safe space of acceptance & kind confrontation. Our lives are impacted by trauma, whether a one-time event or a life pattern. Trauma can be one-time or long-term; religious, psychological, or physical abuse by people we trust. I will walk alongside you, working through the past, accepting the present, working toward whole wellness in your future.
As your therapist, I want to be present with you where your needs may be. If it's anxiety, depression, gender identity issues, church or religion mess, trauma, aging parents, difficult kids, troubled or at-risk-marriage, toxicity, or a career change, I will listen to you. I offer an open mind but I will challenge you when you need another perspective.