Therapists

Katherine Schwartz

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

Valerie Kasten

M.Ed., RPT, LPC, LCPC, NCC, RPT-S

Valerie Kasten in an Owner/Managing Partner of Carbondale Counseling Associates 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, Dissociative Identity Disorder, and ADHD. Valerie utilizes a variety of modalities including expressive arts, sand, play and talk therapy, as well as EMDR.

Amanda Sneed

LCSW

My experience includes working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, low self-esteem, difficult life transitions, trauma (including working with women in a domestic violence shelter). I work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and incorporate education and mindfulness approaches in conjunction to support each other.

My professional experiences include a large social services agency and the Alzheimer’s Association, in addition to working in group practice. I also have a working knowledge to include a holistic background by receiving specialty training from the Chicago College of Healing Arts. Also joining me at the office are my two rescue Yorkies.

Deanna Childers

MA, LCPC, RPT

Deanna has approximately six years of experience working within the behavioral health field including positions at residential treatment and private practice.  Her education in Counseling was completed at Missouri Baptist University (MOBAP).  Deanna uses an integrative approach within her work pulling from numerous behavioral health philosophies.  She works with kids as young three through age seventeen, as well as adults.  Her areas of focus are Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, as well as additional areas of childhood and family stressors.  Deanna became a fully licensed therapist within the state of Illinois in June 2018 and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) in 2019.

Shelby Seegers

LCSW, RPT, RPT-S

I have provided therapy services in residential settings, for social service agencies, and in private practice. I have an extensive background working with clients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, social skills, relationship difficulties and other life changes.

I received my Masters in Social Work from Grand Valley State University in 2000 and have worked throughout the Southern Illinois area since that time.  I have completed extensive training in Play Therapy and Theraplay earning my Registered Play Therapist (RPT) certification in 2009.  Depending on client needs, I utilize numerous therapies including: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, sand tray therapy and art techniques.

Melissa McCutchen

LCSW

I feel that all people have the capacity for change and growth. Everyone deserves to not only live, but have sense of contentment in their lives. All individuals deserve to know their worth, and I enjoy helping people unlock the greatness within themselves to live their best life.

“I am because WE are and, since we are, therefore I am.”

― John S. Mbiti

Kristin Glenn

MA, LCPC, ATR-BC, 

Kristin is a licensed professional counselor who primarily works with adolescents and young
adults. Kristin practices person centered counseling and focused on working with individuals
experiencing anxiety, depression, body image difficulties, behavioral difficulties,
communication processing disorders, and learning disabilities. Kristin received her Master’s
degree in Art Therapy Counseling.  She is now a registered art therapist and is currently pursing board certification. 

Diedra Hopes

LCSW

Diedra Hopes is an Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. She has 4 years of direct clinical experience with specializations in adolescents to young adult psychotherapy and crisis intervention and stabilization. Diedra started her practice in the state of Oklahoma, where she completed all Oklahoma state requirements to be a certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy provider.  Diedra has experience providing therapy to children, as well as family therapy involving parents and young children. Diedra has additional areas of education and experience that include; end of life, grief and bereavement intervention. She uses person-centered, humanistic approaches while utilizing skills in Motivational Interviewing.  Her goal in treatment is to help her clients gain positive coping skills, realistic and positive thought processes and the ability to regulate their emotions. 

Diedra’s belief in approaching her clients is based on the client’s expressed needs. The client is the expert of their own life. The therapist is only the guide on the path of self awareness and self determination. 

A’nna Jurich

 LCPC

A’nna Jurich is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor since 2003.  She received her Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1998 and worked prior as a counselor with youth and families.  Since becoming licensed, she has worked with adolescents and adults specializing in trauma, addiction, and mental health. 

A’nna has received training in EMDR, Mindfulness Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing and integrates these techniques in her counseling practice.  Her client centered approach helps to create a partnership with patients that allows for exploration of life changes, and the opportunity to develop skills at their own pace.  She believes that every person deserves to live their best life and has the power within them to make changes for a happier, more peaceful existence.