Catherine Gouge

APC, NCC

About

Catherine attended the University of North Georgia both as an undergraduate and graduate student, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her Master of Science in Counseling. She is an Associate Professional Counselor as well as a National Certified Counselor. Catherine received specialized training in addictions as a part of her program, which qualified her to receive the title of a Certified Addictions Counselor – Level 1. Catherine is also a member of the American Counseling Association. She has worked with children, teenagers, and adults on a variety of presenting issues. Catherine has a desire to help those struggling with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, as well as those impacted by substance abuse. She is particularly interested in helping those who are struggling to find meaning in their lives and joining alongside them in their spiritual journey. She seeks to meet clients where they are in their life circumstances and to help them accomplish their therapy goals. Catherine’s hope is to use her therapeutic bond with her clients to assist them in encountering and accepting themselves fully, leading them to experience authentic and free lives. She also utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques as well as a Family Systems approach. Catherine is trained in Motivational Interviewing and incorporates it into therapy at different stages to assess for and encourage client progress.

Catherine attended the University of North Georgia both as an undergraduate and graduate student, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her Master of Science in Counseling. She is an Associate Professional Counselor as well as a National Certified Counselor. Catherine received specialized training in addictions as a part of her program, which qualified her to receive the title of a Certified Addictions Counselor – Level 1. Catherine is also a member of the American Counseling Association. She has worked with children, teenagers, and adults on a variety of presenting issues. Catherine has a desire to help those struggling with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, as well as those impacted by substance abuse. She is particularly interested in helping those who are struggling to find meaning in their lives and joining alongside them in their spiritual journey. She seeks to meet clients where they are in their life circumstances and to help them accomplish their therapy goals. Catherine’s hope is to use her therapeutic bond with her clients to assist them in encountering and accepting themselves fully, leading them to experience authentic and free lives. She also utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques as well as a Family Systems approach. Catherine is trained in Motivational Interviewing and incorporates it into therapy at different stages to assess for and encourage client progress.

Dr. Shira Olsen

Clinical Psychologist

About

I am a Clinical Psychologist and trauma specialist with expertise in intimate betrayal and infidelity. I help women heal from the devastating aftermath of sexual betrayal, infidelity, and other forms of intimate partner betrayal. I am a Certified Sex Therapist (CST), Certified Clinical Partners Specialist (CCPS), and Certified Sexual and Relational Trauma Therapist (CSRTT).

My clients are often facing the painful aftermath of infidelity and trying to pick up the pieces of their life. You may feel overwhelmed with emotions, struggle with obsessive thoughts, have physical symptoms of stress, and may feel completely alone and unsure what to do next. I can help you alleviate your trauma symptoms, manage triggers, learn strategies to work through the pain, silence the inner voice telling you that you're not good enough and achieve a state of calmness again.

I use trauma-informed empirically based techniques for effective and lasting change. I also incorporate mindfulness strategies for mind-body re-connection to heal the physical symptoms of trauma.

I am incredibly passionate about my work and believe that each person is worthy and deserving of healing. I believe a collaborative approach to therapy works best. I would love to hear your story and help you reach your therapeutic goals.

I am a Clinical Psychologist and trauma specialist with expertise in intimate betrayal and infidelity. I help women heal from the devastating aftermath of sexual betrayal, infidelity, and other forms of intimate partner betrayal. I am a Certified Sex Therapist (CST), Certified Clinical Partners Specialist (CCPS), and Certified Sexual and Relational Trauma Therapist (CSRTT).

My clients are often facing the painful aftermath of infidelity and trying to pick up the pieces of their life. You may feel overwhelmed with emotions, struggle with obsessive thoughts, have physical symptoms of stress, and may feel completely alone and unsure what to do next. I can help you alleviate your trauma symptoms, manage triggers, learn strategies to work through the pain, silence the inner voice telling you that you're not good enough and achieve a state of calmness again.

I use trauma-informed empirically based techniques for effective and lasting change. I also incorporate mindfulness strategies for mind-body re-connection to heal the physical symptoms of trauma.

I am incredibly passionate about my work and believe that each person is worthy and deserving of healing. I believe a collaborative approach to therapy works best. I would love to hear your story and help you reach your therapeutic goals.

Amy Bilka

Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Psy.D.)

About

Dr. Bilka tailors her therapeutic approach to fit each client’s unique needs. She integrates several therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, EMDR and relational techniques to provide comprehensive and dynamic treatment. Dr. Bilka’s clinical interests include gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender/questioning issues, adolescent and adult life transitions, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse. She specializes in treating teenagers and young adults dealing with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma. Dr. Bilka is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which has been proven highly effective for the treatment of trauma as well as with many other issues. She incorporates warmth, empathy, humor and insight-oriented methods into her practice. Dr. Bilka views the therapeutic process as a collaborative one in which the therapist offers understanding and support, providing the client with the space to develop a deeper understanding of his or her self and the courage to work toward change.

Dr. Bilka tailors her therapeutic approach to fit each client’s unique needs. She integrates several therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, EMDR and relational techniques to provide comprehensive and dynamic treatment. Dr. Bilka’s clinical interests include gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender/questioning issues, adolescent and adult life transitions, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse. She specializes in treating teenagers and young adults dealing with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma. Dr. Bilka is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which has been proven highly effective for the treatment of trauma as well as with many other issues. She incorporates warmth, empathy, humor and insight-oriented methods into her practice. Dr. Bilka views the therapeutic process as a collaborative one in which the therapist offers understanding and support, providing the client with the space to develop a deeper understanding of his or her self and the courage to work toward change.

Samantha Perry

LCMHC, LPC

About

Samantha earned her Master of Health Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Catawba College. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor through the NC Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (#17770) and a Licensed Professional Counselor through the SC Board of Licensed Professional Counselors (#10262). Samantha is also a Certified Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, a Nationally Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Provider, a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Professional, and a Registered Child Forensic Interviewer. Additionally, Samantha is trained in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing.

Samantha has had the opportunity to work with patients with a variety of mental health concerns in school-based, college mental health, and outpatient settings. Her clinical focus is on severe and persistent mental health concerns, with a concentration on mood disorders. Samantha utilizes an integrative approach, combining Cognitive Behavioral, Interpersonal, and Psychoanalytic techniques. Therefore, during sessions, she commonly assists in identifying and challenging self-limiting patterns, healing from past experiences, and gaining insight into how the unconscious influences behavior. Her research interests include the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system, the development of neurodevelopmental disorders, and genetic links between schizophrenia and associated comorbid conditions.

Samantha earned her Master of Health Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Catawba College. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor through the NC Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (#17770) and a Licensed Professional Counselor through the SC Board of Licensed Professional Counselors (#10262). Samantha is also a Certified Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, a Nationally Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Provider, a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Professional, and a Registered Child Forensic Interviewer. Additionally, Samantha is trained in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing.

Samantha has had the opportunity to work with patients with a variety of mental health concerns in school-based, college mental health, and outpatient settings. Her clinical focus is on severe and persistent mental health concerns, with a concentration on mood disorders. Samantha utilizes an integrative approach, combining Cognitive Behavioral, Interpersonal, and Psychoanalytic techniques. Therefore, during sessions, she commonly assists in identifying and challenging self-limiting patterns, healing from past experiences, and gaining insight into how the unconscious influences behavior. Her research interests include the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system, the development of neurodevelopmental disorders, and genetic links between schizophrenia and associated comorbid conditions.

Emily Ruggles

LPC, CRC

About

Emily specializes in working with individual adults and teens (15yo+). She has extensive experience working with young adults and college students having difficulty with anxiety, depression, life stage transitions (moving, graduation or career change), suicidal thoughts, self-esteem, relationship concerns, and dating. Having assisted collegiate student athletes as well as working with athletes at the professional level, Emily understands the unique pressures of being an athlete and the impact on mental health. She has a passion for helping her clients maximize their quality of life and perform to their greatest potential in every area of their lives.

Emily is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). This certification equips Emily to assist clients with mental health concerns affected by disabilities, traumatic brain injury and chronic health conditions. It allows Emily to address both the mental and physical components of wellness, thus improving clients’ daily functioning and their overall quality of life.

Emily specializes in working with individual adults and teens (15yo+). She has extensive experience working with young adults and college students having difficulty with anxiety, depression, life stage transitions (moving, graduation or career change), suicidal thoughts, self-esteem, relationship concerns, and dating. Having assisted collegiate student athletes as well as working with athletes at the professional level, Emily understands the unique pressures of being an athlete and the impact on mental health. She has a passion for helping her clients maximize their quality of life and perform to their greatest potential in every area of their lives.

Emily is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). This certification equips Emily to assist clients with mental health concerns affected by disabilities, traumatic brain injury and chronic health conditions. It allows Emily to address both the mental and physical components of wellness, thus improving clients’ daily functioning and their overall quality of life.

Kelli Summey

LPC

About

Kelli is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has Master's of Arts in Professional Counseling from Richmont Graduate University. She has specialized training in the treatment of trauma, specifically in evidenced based practices such as EMDR, Brainspotting, and Progressive Counting method.

Her desire is to help others find freedom from the areas in life where they feel stuck. Specifically, her goal in counseling is to meet you where you are, help you identify your innate strengths, and learn how the things you have been through in the past have influenced you. She desires to create a safe space where you can move towards healing and restoration.

Kelli has worked in private practice, residential, and outpatient settings providing individual and group counseling.
Her experience has equipped her to work with individuals who struggle with past traumatic experiences, abuse, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, prenatal and postpartum issues, and other relational concerns. She utilizes individualized approaches to meet you exactly where you are in the healing process.

Kelli is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has Master's of Arts in Professional Counseling from Richmont Graduate University. She has specialized training in the treatment of trauma, specifically in evidenced based practices such as EMDR, Brainspotting, and Progressive Counting method.

Her desire is to help others find freedom from the areas in life where they feel stuck. Specifically, her goal in counseling is to meet you where you are, help you identify your innate strengths, and learn how the things you have been through in the past have influenced you. She desires to create a safe space where you can move towards healing and restoration.

Kelli has worked in private practice, residential, and outpatient settings providing individual and group counseling.
Her experience has equipped her to work with individuals who struggle with past traumatic experiences, abuse, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, prenatal and postpartum issues, and other relational concerns. She utilizes individualized approaches to meet you exactly where you are in the healing process.