Marietta Counseling for Children & Adults

Lynn Louise Wonders, LPC, RPT–S, E - RYT

Lynn Louise Wonders, LPC, RPT–S, E - RYT, is the founder and Director of Therapy Services for Marietta Counseling for Children & Adults, providing counseling for women, couples, families, and children. Lynn focuses on promoting harmony in families and relationships through a variety of therapeutic interventions based in numerous theoretical approaches uniquely combined to meet the individual needs of each client. She also offers groups and classes on many topics to support client needs. Many of her clients benefit from counseling through the process of divorce and Lynn is a trained Child Specialist and Divorce Coach with the Institute of Collaborative Professionals. She provides this by supporting children and encouraging parents to develop a positive co–parenting relationship. Lynn also provides parenting training and support as well as stress management counseling. She has rich experience in counseling preschoolers and their parents and is the founder of P.E.E.P. (Preschool Emotion Education Program). Lynn is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a registered play therapist and supervisor (RPT–S), and an experienced registered yoga teacher (E - RYT) providing instruction in yoga and meditation classes at MCCA's adjoining yoga studio, The Yoga Room Marietta, LLC. She is an active member of the Licensed Professional Counselor Association of Georgia, the American Counseling Association, the Association for Play Therapy, and the Yoga Alliance. Lynn also leads weekend retreats for women in the beautiful North Georgia mountains of Ellijay at Wonderidge Mountain Retreat (www.wonderidge.com). You can read more about her work on her website, www.lynnlouisewonders.com. Lynn can be reached directly at 404–455–5805 or by calling 770–971–9311, ext. 1.

Suzie Amacker, LPC, NCC

Suzie Amacker, LPC, NCC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, and a school counselor specializing in working with children 2–18, individual adults, and families. Suzie has spent over 20 years as an early childhood educator and counselor. She is eclectic in her approach—using play therapy and many different therapeutic interventions to meet the needs of her clients. Additionally, she has worked with children, adolescents in crisis, and women going through life transitions. Suzie is a Positive Discipline Associate trained to work with parents using this Adlerian approach. She is an active member of the Licensed Professional Counselor Association of Georgia, the National Board for Certified Counselors, the American School Counselor Association, the Georgia School Counselors Association, the Positive Discipline Association, and the Georgia Association for Play Therapy. For more information you may call her at 770–971–9311, ext. 5, or 678–595–4727.

Shannon Essex, LAPC, NCC

Shannon Essex, LAPC, NCC, provides therapy services to children ages 3-12 and their families. Shannon is passionate about her work with children and enjoys helping them work through difficult issues while guiding them to identify, create, and implement solutions to their own problems in a safe and accepting environment. Often integrating directive and non-directive approaches, Shannon tailors her approach providing therapy that is most effective for each client. Shannon has experience working with a wide variety of social, emotional and behavioral issues including depression, anxiety, anger management, grief and self esteem. She believes in a holistic approach when working with children and strives to help all members of the family work interdependently if possible. Shannon emphasizes the importance for family members to be actively involved in the therapeutic process, often providing guidance and support specifically for parents. She participates in ongoing training and other educational workshops to learn specific methodologies and interventions that are most effective for children, parents and families. Shannon is currently on track to be RPT (Registered Play Therapist), is an active member of the Association of Play Therapy and The National Board of Certified Counselors. Shannon can be reached at 770–971–9311, ext 7.

Craig Kerley, Psy.D.

Dr. Kerley is a licensed psychologist who has been in private practice in the Atlanta area since 2003 and prior to this, he was employed as a School Psychologist for public schools in Georgia, Virginia, and New York. Dr. Kerley graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Doctorate of Psychology from Alfred University, in Alfred, NY, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University. Over the past 19 years, Dr. Kerley has helped children, families, and adults, in clinic, residential, and school settings. Additionally, Dr. Kerley has conducted over 1,000 Psychological Evaluations, investigating concerns related to Attention Problems, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Emotional Concerns, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Developmental Delays, among others. Dr. Kerley has served as co-chair of the Legislative Action Committee of the Georgia Association of School Psychologists. He has also taught as an Adjunct Professor, instructing graduate students on the principals of educational and psychological assessment. Additionally, he provides in-service training to teachers, parents, and other psychologists on various issues related to child and family adjustment. Dr. Kerley addresses an array of presenting challenges providing psychological evaluations and therapy services at MCCA, including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Difficult Children, Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Difficulties, Learning Differences, and Chronic Health Problems. To schedule testing or to speak with Dr. Kerley personally please call 770-971-9311 ext. 6. Learn more about Dr. Kerley's work at www.drkerley.com

Katrina Lokken - Psy.D.

Dr. Lokken is a clinical psychologist specializing in psychological evaluations. She earned both her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and her Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology with a concentration on children and families. During her training, she worked in the area of pediatric psychology, with a focus on assessment and treatment of children with chronic illnesses. She has worked with children who have Autistic Spectrum Disorders, trauma victimization, learning disorders and developmental delays, and severe behavioral and emotional disorders. She has worked within inpatient (psychiatric and medical hospitals) and outpatient settings. Additionally, Dr. Lokken received specialized training in the assessment and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders during her APA-accredited internship. Since being licensed in the State of Georgia, Dr. Lokken has assessed individuals involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). She has developed and conducted assessments in the areas of substance abuse, parental fitness, and custody disputes with adults. Dr. Lokken evaluates individuals of multiple ages, from adults to young children, for problems with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and general emotional concerns. Her recent experiences include supervising and training the psychological assessment team at a Metro-Atlanta based private practice. She currently conducts psychoeducational evaluations within the Atlanta Public School System charter schools, as well as participates in ongoing IEP meetings. She consults with and educates parents of children with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Dr. Lokken is a member of the Georgia Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association. To obtain additional information or to speak with Dr. Lokken, please call 770-971-9311 ext. 6 or contact her through her website at www.drlokken.com

Susan Kerley, MS

Susan Kerley graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and received her Bachelor's degree from State University of New York, Brockport. She is currently on track to be an Associate Licensed Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. Susan draws upon an integrative, holistic approach to help children, teens and adults navigate the challenges of life and reach their full potential. She provides parenting support and specifically specializes in providing therapy support for adolescents and their families. Susan also provides specialized therapy services for men and women struggling with depression, anxiety and life transitions. Susan is an active member of the American Counseling Association, the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia, the Association for Play Therapy, and the Georgia Association for Play Therapy. You can reach Susan by calling 770–971–9311, ext. 4.

Amanda L. Marks, LAPC

Amanda has a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Psychology (Professional Counseling Specialty) from Argosy University. She is an Associate Licensed Counselor in the state of Georgia and is a certified Prepare-Enrich facilitator which is developed specifically for premarital counseling and for couples looking to enrich their marriage and she is also a trained Parent Coordinator, working with high-conflict couples develop parenting plans while going through a divorce. She has worked with the Department of Family and Children Services and the Department of Juvenile Justice providing family assessments, parent training, individual therapy with children, adolescents, and adults, and assisting with psychological evaluations. She has extensive experience with depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, substance abuse, self-esteem, and "quarter-life" crisis issues. She has worked in hospitals and on inpatient behavioral health units. She has worked with couples going through the adoption process and with birth mothers contemplating the decision to parent their child or place them up for adoption. Amanda is eclectic in her approach in working with adolescents, couples, and adults pulling from a myriad of various therapeutic models to specifically develop a treatment plan to help you obtain your goals! She is undergoing additional training focusing on Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is passionate and sincere about helping you overcome your struggles and providing a safe place for you to express yourself without being judged. Amanda can be reached at 770-971-9311 ext. 3

Erin Pridgen, LPC, NCC, RPT

Erin Pridgen, LPC, NCC, RPT is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia, a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist. She is a graduate of Georgia State University with a master's degree in Professional Counseling. Erin specializes in working with pre-school and elementary school aged children and their families. She is extremely enthusiastic about working with children dealing with a variety of issues including but not limited to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, behavioral issues and learning disabilities. She is particularly passionate about working with children on the Autism spectrum. Erin uses on a combination of both directive and non-directive approaches when working with children depending on their needs and what they respond to. She particularly enjoys utilizing the child's natural language of play as well as their imagination and creativity. Erin is currently specializing in Filial therapy that focuses on the enhancement of the parent-child relationship. During this process, the parent is taught to become the therapeutic agent of change for their child thus impacting the child's sense of self-esteem, self-control, decision making skills, and confidence as well as the parent's ability to understand and connect with their children. Filial Therapy is especially helpful with children dealing with behavioral issues, learning disabilities, Asperger's Syndrome and Autism. Erin is a member of the Association for Play Therapy and the Georgia Association for Play Therapy. Erin can be reached at 770-971-9311, ext. 8.

Cecelia Myers, LPC, NCC

Cecelia Myers, LPC, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor with 15 years of experience working with children and parents as a school counselor. She specializes in children and adolescents and strives to help them reach their full potential. Cecelia provides play therapy and uses directive and nondirective techniques to best suit the needs of each individual client. Cecelia involves families in the therapeutic process and provides guidance on parenting believing that an integrated approach with children and their families is essential. She has rich experience providing support for children whose parents are experiencing divorce, life changes and also in helping children with social skills training. She has a passion for children and enjoys watching them develop emotionally and cognitively through individual and group therapy. Cecelia is on track to be a Registered Play Therapist and is an active member of the Licensed Professional Counseling Association of GA, The Association for Play Therapy, and the GA Association for Play Therapy. She can be reached at 770-971-9311 ext 9 or directly at 404-353-9992.

Brent Sweitzer, LAPC, NCC

Brent Sweitzer is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) with a Masters in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University on track to be a Registered Play Therapist. In addition to the standard course work he obtained special training in Play Therapy, Adventure Therapy and has pursued additional training in Filial Therapy. During his internship he provided counseling services for adolescents and adults individually and in groups. At MCCA, Brent works with children ages 4-11 & their parents, and also provides therapy services for individuals and couples. At the core of Brent’s approach to counseling is an authentic prizing of the individual, a non-judgmental view and a striving to understand their world. He has specific experience treating anxiety, depression, stress management, assertiveness issues, social anxiety, and ADHD. He also enjoys exploring career and spiritual direction issues with adult clients.

Brent is a member of the American Counseling Association, the Association for Play Therapy. You may reach Brent at 770-971-9311 ext. 2.