Therapists

Susan Kerley, LPC, CPCS, RPT-S, NCC, BC-TMH, Clinical Director

Susan Kerley is a Georgia Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, a Registered Play Therapist/Supervisor, and a Nationally Certified Counselor. Susan graduated Summa Cum Laude from Capella University with a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Susan earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the State University of New York at Brockport, also Summa Cum Laude, and is an inducted member of Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International.

Susan draws upon an integrated and holistic approach to treatment in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Adlerian, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are the primary orientations used in counseling adults, teens, and families. When working with children, Susan utilizes a combination of directive and nondirective play therapy and Adlerian play therapy approaches, depending on each child’s specific needs. Expressive, creative, and experiential therapies such as Gestalt, art, and narrative therapy are also incorporated based on the specific needs and goals of the client. Parenting support and training are an important component of treatment services and available for parents of elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as parents of young adults. Susan is a Certified AutPlay Therapy Provider (see autplaytherapy.com for more info) and has completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1. 

Additionally, Susan has 15 years of experience in the corporate business realm and is able to integrate this experience to help others with workplace issues, stress management stemming from less than ideal workplace environments, and career development plans.

Treatment services include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Adjustment/life transitions/divorce
  • Emotional regulation (including anger and self-injury)
  • Parenting training and support
  • Gifted children, adults, and families
  • Communication and interpersonal relationship skills
  • Self image/confidence
  • Stress management
  • Men’s issues
  • Women’s issues
  • Workplace problems and career development
  • ADHD and behavioral disorders
  • Developmental disabilities/autism spectrum/Asperger’s

Susan works with diverse lifestyles and family structures and aims to provide a safe, supportive environment for all clients. LGBTQ+ clients are welcome, as are all religious and spiritual beliefs. My goal is to work within your framework of values and beliefs to help you learn new ways to cope with challenges both now and in the future.

You can reach Susan directly by calling 770-971-9311 ext. 4 or via email at susan@mariettacounseling.com. Office hours are Monday through Friday. To register as a new client and schedule online, please visit: https://mariettacounseling.secure-client-area.com.

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Amy West, LPC, Assistant Clinical Director

Amy West, LPCAmy West LPC Amy is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families using a systemic and internal family systems approach. Amy believes, “when a child struggles the whole family struggles.” Prior to joining Marietta Counseling for Children & Adults, Amy has worked in variety of settings including community mental health, and local state agencies. She has also worked in the school system as an elementary school counselor. In her years of experience she has also facilitated parenting classes, presented workshops on ADHD, Stress Management, and Bullying Prevention. She also has led many counseling groups on social skills, anger management, and self-esteem.

Amy has extensive background in dealing with a variety of presenting problems including behavioral and emotional disorders. She works closely with children that are having school problems, issues of trauma, anxiety and depression. In counseling Amy uses a variety of therapeutic approaches including Play/Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy. She also counsels individually with women who are experiencing life transitions, mood disorders, or who wish to improve their parenting, and life skills. Amy tailors her approach to meet the needs of every client. She will work with you to explore new techniques for bringing new clarity to your life and for changing behaviors that may be preventing you from feeling successful and happy.

Amy continuously participates in continuing education to provide the highest quality service and most current and effective interventions for children, parents, and families. She is an active member and volunteer with the Licensed Professional Counselor Association of Georgia (LPCA). Amy is also working to obtain her Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential. Amy can be reached at 770-971-9311 ext. 9 or by email amy@mariettacounseling.com.

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Anthony Pearson, EdS, LPC, NCC

Anthony Pearson, EdS, LPC, NCCAnthony Pearson, EdS, LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor and is on track to be a Registered Play Therapist. He has experience as both a school counselor and a therapist in private practice providing services for children and adolescents. He believes that all children have the ability to rise above challenges given the right support. With a background in Solution Focused and Adlerian Therapy, Anthony incorporates an eclectic style in which he seeks to use the most effective, salient methods for making the greatest impact for his clients. While children come to therapy with presenting issues, they also come with dynamic resources, strengths, and abilities. By incorporating each child’s individual talents with their personalized goals, Anthony will help families and children strive for success.

Anthony was the Cobb County Elementary School Counselor of the Year in 2009-2012 and the CSCA Writer of the Year. He was selected as a Top 10 National Finalist for American School Counselor of the Year for 2010-2011. In 2011-2012 he was selected as the Region III Georgia Elementary School Counselor of the Year.

In addition to counseling, Anthony enjoys writing and has published two books. He is a published author of books for professionals and for children. You may reach Anthony at 770-971-9311 ext. 2 or by email at anthony@mariettacounseling.com.

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Karen Zimmerman, LCSW, RPT-S

Karen Zimmerman, (LCSW)Karen Zimmerman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S) who received her master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University. Karen has 12 years of extensive skill and training in working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings. Karen is a member of NASW (National Association of Social Workers), certified in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, and is on track to becoming a registered play therapist. Karen has extensive knowledge of treating anxiety and mood disorders has been effective in working closely with both individuals and families that have been impacted by emotional, physical, or sexual trauma. Karen provides individual, family and couples counseling as well as play therapy to address areas of ADHD, anger management, self-esteem, social skills, oppositional behaviors, self-injurious behaviors, grief, domestic violence, substance use and divorce. In addition, Karen has provided supervision, support, encouragement, and training of clinical skills to LMSW’s and LAPC professionals as well as education and training in assessment and diagnosis. It is Karen’s goal to combine her range of experience with her ability to be a compassionate and enthusiastic therapist to assist clients and families in making positive changes in their lives.

Karen can be reached at 770-971-9311 ext 113 or by email at karen@mariettacounseling.com.

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Ashley Brewer, MS, LPC

Ashley Brewer
Ashley graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Georgia State University, and she obtained her Master of Science degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Brenau University. She uses an integrative and holistic approach to therapy, including Reality Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, as well as many others. She believes that the approach to therapy changes with each client, tailored to best suit their individual needs.

Ashley is a second career individual, spending more than a decade in the corporate world before becoming a therapist. She believes that this aids her ability to connect with people through therapy. Having this experience helps her understand career development, stress management, time management, and a host of other issues the workforce faces on a daily basis.

Ashley enjoys working with people from all walks of life. She has a passion for working with her clients, believing that a positive and judgement free environment allows for healthy growth and development. She strives to help each client become who they want to be.

Treatment services include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Self-esteem & self-image
  • Grief and loss
  • Substance Abuse
  • Stress Management
  • ADHD and Behavioral disorders
  • Communication skills
  • Gender Identity
  • Sexual Identity
  • LGBTQ+ issues

Ashley can be reached at 770-971-9311 extension 114 or ashley@mariettacounseling.com. To register as a new client and schedule online, please visit https://mariettacounseling.secure-client-area.com/portal

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Lindsay Burstein, MS, LPC


Lindsay graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Child and Family Studies from State University of New York College at Oneonta, and she obtained her Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from St. John Fisher College. She specializes in working with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. She is working on completing her certification in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. Lindsay believes that therapy should be individualized and utilizes a creative approach to make each therapy session helpful for each individual client whom she works with. She works from a strength based perspective, to help you build off of your strengths to improve overall mental health.>

Lindsay has worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults in the mental health field. She is comfortable with working with a range of mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, ODD, PTSD, grief and loss, disruptive mood dysregulation, Bipolar disorder, etc. She has worked in residential treatment, community based treatment, and outpatient treatment settings. Lindsay utilizes games, toys, worksheets, and active listening skills to help work towards individualized therapy goals.

Lindsay works from a person-centered framework, meaning that she focuses on the individual’s needs and wants in the therapy setting. She believes that each person is capable of making positive changes through the therapy process. Lindsay will work hand in hand with children and families to help them achieve positive behavior changes within the home and school environments. She will also work with individuals whom have a past history of trauma and help them process the traumatic events that have taken place.

Treatment Services Include:

  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Self-Esteem
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Grief and Loss
  • Parenting
  • Anger Management
  • Stress Management
  • Behavior Concerns
  • Personal Growth

Lindsay can be reached at 770-971-9311 ext.5 or ltburstein@gmail.com. You can also schedule an appointment online at: https://mariettacounseling.secure-client-area.com/ .

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Marina Delaine-Siegel, MS, LPC, NCC

Marina Delaine-Siegel
Marina has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Marina received her Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical and applied Sociology and Anthropology from Valdosta State University. She is an inducted member of Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society and a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Marina’s professional experience includes working with a diversity of youth populations, domestic abuse populations, and sex offenders. She has a passion for working with children, teens, and the LGBTQ+ population, believing positive support environments allow for optimum wellness. Marina has also worked in the judicial system aiding victims and witnesses through her position as a legal advocate and victim/ witness coordinator. Her training and past experience also include certification in National Advocate Program, Civil Rights Training, Georgia State Bar Temporary Protective Counseling, and Legal Advocacy, and Youth Building Training and Art Advocacy Processing.

Marina is so excited to continue her professional career with Marietta Counseling for Children and Adults. Marina can be reached at 770-971-9311 ext. 7 or marina@mariettacounseling.com. You can also register as a new client at https://mariettacounseling.secure-client-area.com/.

 

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Bethany Verbrugge, LCSW

Bethany Verbrugge is a Georgia Licensed Clinical Social Worker who speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish. Bethany graduated from the University of Michigan School of Social Work with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Bethany earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with honors, as well as a double major in Spanish and a minor in Psychology from Calvin College.

Bethany VerbruggeBethany specializes in working with children, teenagers, young adults and families who have experienced trauma. Bethany is trained in EMDR and is an active member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). Bethany is also an active member of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals Foundation (IAEDP). Bethany utilizes both directive and nondirective therapy methods and has experience with a variety of different therapy modalities depending on each client’s individual needs. Bethany also employs Sand Tray, Play Therapy, mindfulness and attachment focused strategies to empower and equip clients in their healing journey. Additionally, Bethany provides parenting sessions and support for caregivers of children and young adults, and has trained to work with clients with eating disorders.

Bethany has experience providing individual, family and group therapy services. Bethany has provided services in outpatient settings, in schools, in-home, and over telehealth.

Treatment services include:

  • Trauma
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Adjustment/life transitions
  • Emotional regulation (including anger and self-injury)
  • Eating Disorders
  • Parenting training and support
  • Communication and interpersonal relationship skills
  • Self-image/confidence
  • Stress management
  • Coping strategies
  • Difficult behaviors at home/in school
  • Autism/neurodivergence

Bethany is an open and affirming therapist, and welcomes clients of all sexual and gender identities, as well as any and all religious and spiritual beliefs.

You can reach Bethany directly by calling 770-971-9311 ext. 3 or via email at bethanyv@umich.edu. To register as a new client and schedule online, please visit: https://mariettacounseling.secure-client-area.com.

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Chisha Mercer, MA

Chisha has been working in the clinical realm for nearly 2 decades. Her expertise has focused on the engagement and betterment of children, families and adults with a wide range of behavioral health needs. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, specific to a concentration in social services, from William Paterson University. Subsequently, she went on to secure her Master’s degree in Counseling, specific to a concentration in School Counseling from Montclair State University. Chisha is a license eligible counselor who is actively working toward obtaining her LAPC. Initially starting her career in care management, she continues to infuse her early foundational skill set of the strengths based wrap around model into her clinical work. She has extensive experience with a variety of systemic and supportive services inclusive to the juvenile justice system, foster care, residential treatment and group homes as well as DFCS involvements. For the past several years, she has provided in community supportive services primarily providing Trauma informed care to children and adolescents with identified trauma. She believes in using an integrated model of care supporting use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with a variety of recovery-oriented approaches to build an individualized and sustainable skill set.

Treatment Services Include:

    • Trauma
    • ADHD
    • Defiance
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Grief and Loss
    • Parenting
    • Communication Skills
    • Anger Management
    • Stress Management

You can reach Chisha directly by calling 770-971-9311 ext. 6 or via email at mercerc23@hotmail.com. To register as a new client and schedule online, please visit: https://mariettacounseling.secure-client-area.com.

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Eric Betsill, MS, NCC

Providing services under Clinical Supervision of Susan Kerley, LPC, CPCS

 

I have a Master’s of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University in Atlanta, GA. I graduated in December, 2022 and I will be a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and continue supervision under Susan Kerley, LPC, CPCS, RPT-S, for full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I am an inducted member of Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society for professional counselors, and a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA). I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Religious Studies.

I previously worked as an intern at the Ridgeview Institute in Smyrna, Ga from January until July 2022 before joining Marietta Counseling for Children and Adults. As an intern at Ridgeview, I worked mainly with adolescent inpatient clients dealing with issues such as depression, suicidality, behavioral issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, and substance use. I also have two and a half years of experience working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).

While I am excited to begin working in one-on-one therapy with a variety of clients, I am especially interested in working with adolescent clients. I feel that the teenage years are the most significant developmentally and that current issues are creating an unprecedentedly tumultuous period for our youth. I work from an open and genuine perspective to help people of any age, race, gender and sexual identity, and religious affiliation to gain awareness, and more importantly acceptance, of themselves.

Eric can be reached by calling 770-971-9311 ext. 8 or via email at Eric.Betsill@live.mercer.edu. To register as a new client and schedule online, please visit: https://mariettacounseling.secure-client-area.com.


Katy Tubesing, MS, APC, NCC

 

 

All of us have a need for belonging and significance, but sometimes we feel discouraged: by our past, choices we have made or things we have experienced, as well as people we have encountered. I work with clients to figure out what is causing distress, and focus on strengths and resources in a personalized approach to facilitate healing, growth and the development of new skills. Along the way, what Rudolph Dreikurs called “the courage to be imperfect” can emerge.

Drawing from Adlerian therapy, attachment theory and polyvagal theory (nervous system regulation) for all clients, as well as elements of Positive Discipline for parents, my treatment approaches are trauma-informed and include talk and play therapy as well as expressive arts, and I am working toward the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked for 15 years as a teacher, tutor and academic coach and prioritized building relationships as the foundation for learning. My experience with the impacts of ADHD and other difficulties help navigate the social and academic stresses children, teens and their families face.
I graduated from Georgia State University with a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and work collaboratively with child, adolescent and adult clients as well as families, and believe parents and caregivers are an important component of treatment for children. I welcome and support clients from all cultural and spiritual backgrounds, as well as LGBTQ+ clients.

Treatment Services Include:

  • Adoption
  • Attachment
  • Trauma
  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Emotion Regulation
  • Parent Coaching and Support
  • Parent-Child Relationships
  • Communication and Social Skills
  • Grief and Loss

I can be reached at 770-971-9311 ext. 110 or katy@mariettacounseling.com to make an appointment or for a free 15 minute consultation. To register as a new client and schedule online, please visit: https://mariettacounseling.secure-client-area.com.


Katrina Lokken, Psy.D.

Psychologist contracted with Marietta Counseling to provide psychological testing services

Katrina Lokken - Psy.D. - Psychologist contracted with Marietta Counseling to provide psychological testing servicesDr. 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 678-820-8386 and her email is katrinalokkenpsyd@gmail.com.

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