Katherine Schwartz

MS, MPS, ATR-BC, RPT, LCPC, NCC

Katherine Schwartz is an Owner/Managing Partner at Carbondale Counseling Associates LLC and the Owner of Southern Illinois Center for Art & Play Therapy LLC. Katherine is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Board Certified Art Therapist, Registered Play Therapist, and National Certified Counselor with 15 years of experience. Katherine specializes in individual counseling, art therapy, and play therapy with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with issues related to addiction and trauma. Katherine also works extensively with singles and couples dealing marital and relationship issues as well mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Katherine is a client-centered therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and understanding while the client engages in personal self-exploration and experiences the healing power of creative expression. Katherine works with each individual to help them build on their own strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

“I provide counseling using art therapy, play therapy and traditional verbal therapy. Using art and play to explore any areas of concerns can make therapy an enjoyable and non-threatening experience.”

Valerie Kasten

M.Ed., RPT, LPC, LCPC, NCC

Valerie Kasten in an Owner/Managing Partner of Carbondale Counseling Associates LLC and the Owner of Kids’ Cornerstone LLC. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois, Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri, Registered Play Therapist, and a National Certified Counselor. She has been in private practice since 1997. Valerie specializes in working with children ages 3 years old and up who have experienced trauma and abuse including physical and sexual abuse. She has testified over 30 times in 12 counties in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa as an expert witness. Valerie also works with children and families struggling with issues related to divorce, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, self-injury, eating disorders, Sensory Processing Disorder, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and ADHD. Valerie utilizes a variety of modalities including expressive arts, sand, play and talk therapy, as well as EMDR.

“I believe the most important aspect of counseling is the therapeutic relationship, and for the past 19 years I have strived to provide a safe and trusting environment where my clients feel free to express their pain and heartache during the healing process. I am joined in my work with my miniature Australian Shepherd, Kippy.”