Caroline King

RMHCI

About

Caroline received her BA in psychology from Cornell University and her MA with academic distinction in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University. She is currently a registered mental health counseling intern with the state of Florida, working under the supervision of Sarah Watt, LMHC. Prior to pursuing the counseling field, she spent ten years in the northeast building experience in the culinary, nonprofit, and business worlds. This gave her invaluable perspective that she could not have gotten had she entered the counseling field right away. At the end of 2019, she felt called back to the area of mental health and to her hometown of Ocala, FL where she lives with her daughter. She has experienced the positive impact of quality counseling in her own life, and strives to provide this for each of her clients. She is passionate about the power of the therapeutic relationship and the growth that can occur when we nurture our minds.

Caroline received her BA in psychology from Cornell University and her MA with academic distinction in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University. She is currently a registered mental health counseling intern with the state of Florida, working under the supervision of Sarah Watt, LMHC. Prior to pursuing the counseling field, she spent ten years in the northeast building experience in the culinary, nonprofit, and business worlds. This gave her invaluable perspective that she could not have gotten had she entered the counseling field right away. At the end of 2019, she felt called back to the area of mental health and to her hometown of Ocala, FL where she lives with her daughter. She has experienced the positive impact of quality counseling in her own life, and strives to provide this for each of her clients. She is passionate about the power of the therapeutic relationship and the growth that can occur when we nurture our minds.

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.

Katherine Upton

LPC

About

If you're feeling overwhelmed scrolling through profiles or wondering if you are even ready to go to therapy anyway, you're not alone. I know from experience both as the therapist and as the client that making the decision to go to therapy & setting up that first appointment is often the hardest part. I hope that you're proud of yourself for taking that step & making it here. My goal is to connect personally with each client so that we can work collaboratively to identify problems and goals and create a plan for treatment.
You're the expert on your life and goals—it’s my job to provide the help, insight, and encouragement you need to get there. I work with clients to identify the negative thought patterns and the underlying beliefs causing difficult emotional experiences such as anxiety or depression, replacing them with more adaptive and functional thoughts and coping skills.
A large component of success in therapy comes from the counseling relationship—in finding the right fit. If you think I might be a good fit for you, feel free to reach out and we can set up a free phone consultation. I look forward to hearing from you!!

If you're feeling overwhelmed scrolling through profiles or wondering if you are even ready to go to therapy anyway, you're not alone. I know from experience both as the therapist and as the client that making the decision to go to therapy & setting up that first appointment is often the hardest part. I hope that you're proud of yourself for taking that step & making it here. My goal is to connect personally with each client so that we can work collaboratively to identify problems and goals and create a plan for treatment.
You're the expert on your life and goals—it’s my job to provide the help, insight, and encouragement you need to get there. I work with clients to identify the negative thought patterns and the underlying beliefs causing difficult emotional experiences such as anxiety or depression, replacing them with more adaptive and functional thoughts and coping skills.
A large component of success in therapy comes from the counseling relationship—in finding the right fit. If you think I might be a good fit for you, feel free to reach out and we can set up a free phone consultation. I look forward to hearing from you!!

Shelley Collier

LPC

About

My mode for counseling stems from the desire to find the place of compassion within everyone’s story. We are all broken people in need of healing, but often our own judgements of ourselves prevents us from seeing the places we need love and insight. Therapy offers a safe space to process emotions and thoughts. Here, we are all able to uncover the root cause for the issues in our lives.
I work from a trauma-informed perspective, working through current issues and the deeper beliefs, thoughts and emotions that influence our choices. I specialize in boundary work, anxiety, depression, relationships, life transition, death and grief, spirituality issues, substance use, adjustment to change and changing cultures. I enjoy working with clients of all ages and approach counseling from a multicultural perspective. I also provide counseling with christian values and provide counseling without based on client’s preference and value system. I look forward to meeting you!

My mode for counseling stems from the desire to find the place of compassion within everyone’s story. We are all broken people in need of healing, but often our own judgements of ourselves prevents us from seeing the places we need love and insight. Therapy offers a safe space to process emotions and thoughts. Here, we are all able to uncover the root cause for the issues in our lives.
I work from a trauma-informed perspective, working through current issues and the deeper beliefs, thoughts and emotions that influence our choices. I specialize in boundary work, anxiety, depression, relationships, life transition, death and grief, spirituality issues, substance use, adjustment to change and changing cultures. I enjoy working with clients of all ages and approach counseling from a multicultural perspective. I also provide counseling with christian values and provide counseling without based on client’s preference and value system. I look forward to meeting you!

Lisa R. Jones

Associate Professional Counselor

About

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.

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.

Heather Wheeler

Associate Professional Counselor

About

It’s important work to step into counseling as an individual or with your loved ones. I admire those who make this commitment to growth and well-being. I’m honored to come alongside clients, providing therapeutic space to be honest without judgment. I’m passionate about giving clients autonomy, providing clarity, and being open to their feedback. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where both client and therapist play important roles: the client bringing their holistic self, and the therapist empathizing, tracing patterns, providing curiosity and insight, and working together toward meeting goals and living out personal values.

I enjoy working with couples, families, individual men, women, and teens! I have experience working in non-profit outpatient counseling centers and addiction treatment centers in addition to private practice. I especially enjoy helping families affected by addiction, working with couples longing to get unstuck and to experience lasting connection, and empowering teens with space to process and skills to manage stressors. I’m also passionate about supporting individuals through transitions across the lifespan, and through personal and spiritual identity work.

It’s important work to step into counseling as an individual or with your loved ones. I admire those who make this commitment to growth and well-being. I’m honored to come alongside clients, providing therapeutic space to be honest without judgment. I’m passionate about giving clients autonomy, providing clarity, and being open to their feedback. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where both client and therapist play important roles: the client bringing their holistic self, and the therapist empathizing, tracing patterns, providing curiosity and insight, and working together toward meeting goals and living out personal values.

I enjoy working with couples, families, individual men, women, and teens! I have experience working in non-profit outpatient counseling centers and addiction treatment centers in addition to private practice. I especially enjoy helping families affected by addiction, working with couples longing to get unstuck and to experience lasting connection, and empowering teens with space to process and skills to manage stressors. I’m also passionate about supporting individuals through transitions across the lifespan, and through personal and spiritual identity work.

Katherine Blum

LPC

About

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.

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.

Theresa Schaffer

LCSW

About

Do you find yourself spiraling with anxiety? If you're grappling with excessive worry about your health, experiencing panic attacks, or struggling with uncontrollable thoughts about everyday things, you're not alone. These challenges can be incredibly overwhelming and often lead to seeking constant reassurance from loved ones or compulsively searching for answers online. Maybe you’ve tried distracting yourself or avoiding situations, but nothing seems to provide lasting relief. It’s understandable to feel frustrated and exhausted by these cycles of anxiety.

I’m here to help. As a licensed therapist with a focus on anxiety disorders, I understand the complexities of these experiences. I use evidence-based approaches that are the gold standard of treatment.

If you're ready to break free from the cycle of anxiety and find meaningful relief, let's work together. My goal is to support you in building resilience and developing strategies tailored to your unique needs. Take the first step towards a more balanced life. Reach out today to schedule a consultation. You deserve to find peace and relief.

Do you find yourself spiraling with anxiety? If you're grappling with excessive worry about your health, experiencing panic attacks, or struggling with uncontrollable thoughts about everyday things, you're not alone. These challenges can be incredibly overwhelming and often lead to seeking constant reassurance from loved ones or compulsively searching for answers online. Maybe you’ve tried distracting yourself or avoiding situations, but nothing seems to provide lasting relief. It’s understandable to feel frustrated and exhausted by these cycles of anxiety.

I’m here to help. As a licensed therapist with a focus on anxiety disorders, I understand the complexities of these experiences. I use evidence-based approaches that are the gold standard of treatment.

If you're ready to break free from the cycle of anxiety and find meaningful relief, let's work together. My goal is to support you in building resilience and developing strategies tailored to your unique needs. Take the first step towards a more balanced life. Reach out today to schedule a consultation. You deserve to find peace and relief.