Therapists

Katherine Schwartz

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

Katherine Schwartz is an Owner/Managing Partner at Carbondale Counseling Associates LLC. Katherine is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and Kansas, Board Certified Art Therapist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and National Certified Counselor with over 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. 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.

Education

Master’s in Art Therapy and Creativity Development from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY
Master’s in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ

Licenses & Certifications

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC)
Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S)
Art Therapy Clinical Supervisor (ATCS)

“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, 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.

Education

Master’s in Education from University of Missouri

Licenses & Certifications

Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) (Missouri)
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) (Illinois)
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S)

“I believe the most important aspect of counseling is the therapeutic relationship, and for over 20 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.”

Shelby Seegers

LCSW, RPT, RPT-S

“It is one of the beautiful compensations of life that no man can help another without helping himself.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson) This quote continues to inspire me as a therapist. I have a passion for helping people through difficult times in their lives. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 18 years of experience providing therapy. My experience includes working with children, teenagers, adults, families and couples.

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.

Education

Master’s in Social Work from Grand Valley State University

Licenses & Certifications

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
Registered Play Therapist (RPT-S)

Amanda Sneed

LCSW

My ideal client is anyone that is seeking change and looking to create more balance in their life. My goal is to create a normalcy in the process of finding support during times when we need clarity. Whether or not there is an identified focus, I will walk individuals through gaining awareness and increasing skills to enhance life functioning through a client centered and empowerment focus. I work with adults, seniors and couples in a diverse range of issues.

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.

Education

Master’s in Social Work from University of Illinois

Licenses & Certifications

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Melissa McCutchen

LCSW

Melissa McCutchen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has practiced as a social worker since August 2007. She received her Bachelor of Science, Master of Social Work Degree, and Master of Science in Education at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2013. She has experience working with the youth and adult population; individuals and families. She is a Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT), rostered in the State of Illinois, and has dealt with an array of counseling needs. She integrates multiple therapeutic approaches in the counseling process, and emphasizes internal strengths to promote self-growth.

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

Education

Master’s in Social Work from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Master’s in Education from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Licenses & Certifications

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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.

Education

Master’s in Counseling from Missouri Baptist University

Licenses & Certifications

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

Registered Play Therapist (RPT)

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. Kristin is also in the process of obtaining licensed clinical professional counselor status and is under the clinical supervision of Katherine Schwartz.

Education

Master’s in Art Therapy Counseling from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Licenses & Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor

Art Therapy Registration -Board Certified (ATR-BC)