Laura Baker MA, LPC, NCC, CPCS
Exhale Counseling
Exhale Counseling and Consulting Services
www.exhalecounselingsvcs.com
laura@exhalecounselingsvcs.com
770 892 6287
Co-Founder of Exhale Counseling (07.07.2020)
I am trained in EMDR

Trauma has a way of disconnecting us from ourselves and others. And if you’re anything like my clients, that sense of disconnection feels impossible to shake. When they first start therapy, my clients feel dissatisfied and disoriented with where they find themselves. They struggle to trust themselves. They feel stuck in self-criticism and people-pleasing. They feel alone, longing for genuine connection belonging. And they feel broken. Like my clients, you deserve to untangle yourself from the trauma and harm you’ve endured. You deserve to feel at home within yourself. To feel authentic connection in your relationships. To feel free.

I love working with adults navigating life after trauma who feel chronically disconnected because I’ve been there. As a survivor of complex trauma, I get it on a level I just couldn’t without living through it. I’ve climbed out of the valleys of despair and hopelessness, and I know it’s possible to reclaim your voice, experience restoration, and thrive.

I believe connection is the catalyst to healing. I also believe we as humans are hardwired to heal. Sometimes we simply need a compassionate witness to guide us back to ourselves and help us find a meaningful path forward. My hope is that our work together will honor the uniqueness of your story and empower you to rediscover the goodness you already possess.

I’m passionate about helping individuals and couples create happier more peaceful lives.

I exclusive specialize in child therapy for ages 3-14 years old using Child-Centered Play Therapy. I own Lily Pad Child & Adolescent Counseling in Frisco, TX.

Melissa Murphy, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW, C-DBT, is a seasoned therapist and clinical director at Bethesda Therapy, licensed in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia. Specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and OCD, she employs ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) and Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), recognized as leading treatments for OCD. Melissa's expertise extends to managing mood disorders, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain disorders. Her approach is collaborative and strengths-based, focusing on developing personalized strategies for each client.

As a Gottman-trained couples therapist, Melissa is adept at addressing the complexities of relationships affected by ADHD and OCD. She also treats Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) and finds profound fulfillment in supporting therapists and those in helping professions. Her work is underpinned by advanced training in both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

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.

Megan received her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Certificate in Trauma Counseling from Richmont Graduate University. While obtaining her degree, Megan gained experience at Peachford Hospital in the Partial Hospitalization Program working with adults, adolescents, and children. At Hope Counseling Center, Megan worked with adults experiencing trauma, addictions, grief and loss, identity issues, relationship issues, and life transitions. Megan currently works at Grow Counseling and Fayette Accountability Counseling and specializes in the following areas:

Complex Trauma
Addictions (substance and process)
Grief and Loss
Body and Self-Image
Career Development

Do you look in the mirror and not like the person you see looking back at you? Do you struggle with depression and anxiety? Do you often experience feelings of despair, sadness, hopelessness, low motivation, and little self-worth?
I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger management, trauma, substance abuse, as well as others. I utilize various treatment methods to empower my clients to improve their lives and start living instead of just existing.
If you are suffering from mental health or substance abuse issues, let me help.

I work with clients to help them examine the painful emotional and psychological injuries that have occurred in the past that are showing up presently. As your therapist, I will approach our work from an intersectional lens, taking into consideration the various aspects of your identity and the way the world has reacted to that identity.

My education has taught me to meet my clients where they are. It's your world, and I am here to assist! In a non-judgmental and confidential atmosphere, your progression is a priority. Working together, we will identify the issues and/or triggers that you may be experiencing. We will also identify strategies and ways to overcome, work through, and move forward from those stumbling blocks. With a listening ear, I will support and encourage as necessary. I aim to push individuals to their fullest potential. Though it may be challenging, I will be with you on your growth journey. Even though loved ones may surround us, sometimes that is not enough, and that's okay! Sometimes, we need to reach out and ask for more support and assistance. That's okay, too! This is why I am here.

My entire work career since graduating has been centered around mental health. I work with adults, older adults, families and couples. While in both my undergraduate and graduate programs, I completed my field placement in Detroit public and charter schools while working with nonprofit agencies in the city. I have experience going into the homes of clients as well as working in an inpatient hospital. 

I specialize in Depressive Disorders, stress, low self-esteem, Anxiety Disorders, coping skills, & more. Specialized to meet your needs, I utilize therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy.