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-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

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.  

Tanya McLoed

 LCSW

Hi my names Tanya and I am a License Clinical Social Worker. I have been in the medical and mental health field for over 15 years. It is my passion to work with others, so that no one has to walk through difficult and challenging times alone.

I have worked in various settings such as residential, outpatient, and hospitals. I have mainly worked with adults but have some experience with teens/young adults. I am big on building rapport and meeting each client where their at, as well as making therapy a safe space. I use various techniques such as CBT, mindfulness, solution focus therapy and motivational interviewing.

Adam Jackson

LPC Intern 

I am a Southern Illinois native, and father of eight amazing children. I lead a very kid-centric life, and enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, or other traumatic experiences. My experience with my clients, as well as my own son on the autism spectrum, has given me insight into emotional and developmental differences beyond the neurotypical. My goal for each client is to develop a unique approach tailored to that individual’s unique needs.

I use an integrative approach to counseling, based in building a trusting therapeutic relationship emphasizing empathy and unconditional care. Depending upon the needs and desires of the client we may incorporate elements of play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy, or draw from other theoretical approaches. I also enjoy working with family and relationship issues, such as boundary issues, difficult life transitions, and emotional abuse.

My hope is to offer clients a new and different perspective, and to empower them to attain greater insight. I believe that every client possesses the ability to find their own path that leads to meaning, joy, and fulfillment in their life. My ideal client is one who is ready to do the hard work of self-reflection, and to seize control and responsibility for living their own best life.