About Danyale Weems, LCSW, CCTP, RPT-S,

Danyale is the founder here at Waves Counseling Services, LLC.  She wanted an environment welcoming of families and children. When she first began her career, she became the unofficial child therapist. She had absolutely no clue what she was doing; yet her way of being with children quickly found healing and success.

Fast Forward 10+ years, and she found Play Therapy officially and worked hard to obtain the Registered Play Therapist Supervisor credential. She strongly believes in Play Therapy and it’s power for all ages.

As a child/teen who was in the sytem, and her own experience with child therapy motivated her to create a space specifically to healing for children, teens and their families . Children aren’t taught how to identify their feelings; hell if we’re honest, we as parents weren’t taught this either. Feeling Identification and Expression is the very beginning of therapy for your child.

She is passionate about working with parents, teens and children who have expereinced and come from difficult places.  She is passionate about the practice she is building being the place to heal from child-hood challenges such as sexual abuse, rape, physical abuse, neglect, critical parenting, addictions, etc.

She uses play and expressive approaches to help you or your child, teen, and family get through the tough times and reconnect. She is trained in EMDR and integrates this with the other approaches.  By using play therapy and expressive approaches, it helps to create more joy and disarm the fear and anxiety we have in the unknown. Play helps decrease the number of repetitions it will take for your child to learn the skills needed to be successful in whatever challenges they are facing. Research indicates play creates new synapses in our brains and quicker learning.

Experience & Qualifications

Now that you know she gets it… 

Here are her qualifications [(maybe boring) Feel free to skip if you already know She’s the one you want to help you

She has worked in almost every setting possible. She have worked with children, families, and adults for 17+ years. She has worked with the toughest of kids and the most determined of adults. .

She received a Bachelors in Criminal Justice at the University of Central Florida (2001) and a Master’s of Social Work at Florida State University [(2008)-GO Noles! and yes, she is a natural-born Floridian]. She’s not going to bore you with all of the details of her coursework, you’re always welcome to ask.  She is the only practicing Registered Play Therapist Supervisor in the Carroll County area.

She holds a License in Clinical Social Work and is a Supervisor for Social Workers and Play Therapist in training.

She uses a variety of evidence-based models and approaches in both therapy and supervision which put you right at ease.

She has specialized training in play therapy, Autism, trauma, addictions, chronically suicidal and self-injurious behaviors. She is working towards certification in EMDR.  She is nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Clinical Trauma and AutPlay.

Interest

She enjoys yoga, hiking, camping, animals (I have 2 furry babies), reading and learning. She loves thrift store shopping, riding her motorcycel and lots of outdoor activities. She’s a Florida girl and a mountain woman.

About Mindy Jackson, LPC

Being around too many people in a big busy place can make you dizzy and sick; it can exhaust you.  Sensitive people feel joy so intensely.  Mindy knows what it’s like to stand in line at the grocery store and have the next person unload their life story and problems.  She understands what it’s like to need quiet space to re-energize.

You feel confused and frustrated.  You’ve been taught to think and believe that who you are and who you love is wrong and unacceptable.  You’re not certain who is an ally.  You’re tired of hiding who you are and not feeling fulfilled in your relationships.  You’re afraid of being rejected by your family and friends based on your sexual orientation or gender identity.  You’re avoiding family gatherings and social interactions.  You want to come out and are uncertain about how to do this.

Mindy Jackson, LPC, is a sensitive therapist who can provide you with strategies for handling these challenges. As an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, Mindy understands the challenges you face; the worries, the fear, the confusion, and the frustration. Mindy is able to use both her experiences and expertise to provide positive reframing and steps to help you learn to navigate living in this insensitive world.  She will help you feel relief and joy; learn to set boundaries, and be more centered, calm, and peaceful.  She is a spiritually informed therapist.    Mindy incorporates spirituality, creativity, and integrative brain-based approaches to help you heal quicker.

Mindy works best with people who prefer no-nonsense, straightforward, solution-focused and direct approach.  She has helped many people succeed by being direct and calling a spade a spade.  People who understand it takes work, willingness, and vulnerability to accomplish their goals have success and growth.  Working with Mindy will seem like talking to an old friend.

Some fun facts about Mindy…

She loves to ride around the national forest and name different parts.  She enjoys art and uses her creativity in her work.  She takes care of her self by spending time with her high spirited dog Casey Jones (you guessed it!  She’s a Grateful Dead fan!) and loves a great classic rock and roll concert.

Now-the qualifications… (important and kind of boring part)-feel free to skip if you already know Mindy is the one you want to help you

Mindy Jackson is a Licensed Professional Counselor.   Mindy has over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field.  She is a two time graduate from the University of West Georgia.  Receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2000 and a Masters Degree in Psychology in 2004.  Mindy has worked with adolescents and adults in various settings.  Although she has experience and expertise with multiple mental health disorders (trauma, substance abuse, grief, spiritual empowerment, depression, and anxiety); Mindy’s passion and focus is helping highly sensitive people and those within the LGBTQ+ community live a fulfilling and empowered life.

About Scott Roberts III, ED.D, APC

Most days your child is a breeze to raise and is a great source of pride.  Now it seems, your child has gone from an angel to a holy terror overnight.  Grades have slipped, you’re finding food wrappers hidden everywhere in their room, showers are a nightmare-you beg and plead just to get them to shower more than 2x a week, and overall hygiene has declined.  Maybe your child has become disrespectful, tells you he hates you, wishes you were dead; especially in response to being asked to do something such as homework or tidying his room.  Your daughter has been getting in a lot of fights with her friends lately (sleepovers, parties, school) and there’s increased gossip and secret telling.  You may have heard your child say “life sucks, I hate life”.    The school counselor has called with concerns your child has started cutting.  You just don’t understand what is going on.

During this time of COVID-19, you’ve noticed your anxiety and your child’s have increased.  It’s hard to sleep.  You’re unable to focus on anything and you’re not completing your To-DO List.  You’ve felt stuck and uncertain as to what or where to go.  You’ve lost interest in what you used to enjoy.  You feel lonely.  Some days’s it’s hard to get out of bed and put one foot in front of the other.  You’re constantly asking “why?” or “why do bad things seem to always happen to me?”.

Scott Roberts, Ed.D. APC understands the challenges school-aged children/teens and adults are facing today.  As a person who struggles at times with anxiety, attention, and focus, Scott is aware of the impact.  Scott is a local school counselor and a therapist who will help you and your child/teen navigate these turbulent years. His expertise and knowledge will improve communication, attitude, and conflict.  As a School Counselor, Scott gets the day to day challenges of parenting school-aged children. The homework struggles, the school functions, the demands, and phone calls. He understands the pressure you’re under as a parent, and the pressure your child/pre-teen is under.

Scott uses cognitive and behavioral therapies to help adults improve and manage the challenges in life.  His approach provides the skills needed to move forward, live, and love life again.

Scott incorporates cognitive-based play and expressive approaches to help your child, teen and family get through the tough times and reconnect. By using play and expressive approaches, it helps to create more joy and disarm the fear and anxiety.

Not certain about working with a male therapist, Scott invites you to give it a try.  It’s common to have some reservations about choosing a male/female therapist. Many people choose a male therapist specifically because they can be easier to talk to, a positive male role model, and a desire to experience a healthy relationship.

There are many things to take into consideration when looking for a therapist who is a good fit; gender is only one part of that equation. Other factors such as ethnicity, experience, modality, specialties, or location might be more important. Many people have different levels of comfort with different genders. This can be because of past experience, personal belief systems, or communication style. Most importantly, you want to feel like your therapist understands you  and Scott want’s this for you.

Some fun facts about Scott…

He enjoys spending time with his beloved dog SoHo.  Exercise and fitness are ways he has found to manage the many stressors of life.  Hiking and Spartan racing are ways Scott cares for himself.  Scott loves to travel north and south, where he spends time with family and friends.  Scott loves cooking.

Now-the qualifications… (important and kind of boring part)-feel free to skip if you already know Scott is the one you want to help you

Scott is from the GA/FL area.  He received his Masters in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University in 2009. He received his doctorate in Education from the University of West Florida in 2013.  Scott has worked in education for 15 years; and been a school counselor since 2009.  Scott has experience in teaching at the college level.  Scott has experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, and autism in teens/adults.

He has recently applied for his License in Professional Counseling.  He has been and is currently under the supervision of a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. He has experience working with ages 9 to 82 and a variety of different challenges.

About Tonya Klemmer, LCSW

Children and teens go through many changes and often end up having a hard time navigating all of these changes. The changes everyone is faced with today; especially in the time of COVID-19 are causing people to feel lost and uncertain as to how to move forward.      You may have noticed how your teen has withdrawn into the digital world; or is avoiding completing tasks.  Your teen may be struggling with school, making decisions, and their social network.  Your adolescent may be experiencing an increase in stress and anxiety due to the uncertainty of the future.  Pre-teens and teens often struggle to believe in themselves, especially with the messages they are receiving from the many social media platforms.  As a parent of two teenagers and one pre-teen; Tonya understands the challenges of parenting Atypical and Neurotypical adolescents who are faced with the multiple transitions of today. She understands the child who is highly sensitive and empathic.

You may be questioning your beliefs; exploring alternative practices.  You’ve tried traditional talk therapy before and/or maybe you’re just turned off by what you’ve heard about talk therapy.  You’re concerned with your mind, body, and spirit connection.  You know there are alternatives that may help you feel less sad/depressed, less anxious, less frustrated in life; you’re just not sure what or where to look.  You need additional guidance and exploration to feel better and self-actualize.

Tonya Klemmer, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); is aware of the importance of a holistic approach to life, thoughts, and feelings.  She incorporates alternative practices in a person-centered approach which improves the mind-body-spirit connection.  Tonya has a passion for empowering others to be the best versions of themselves.  Tonya has the experience and expertise in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, persons with autism, and teens who have engaged in sexually problematic behaviors.   Tonya uses integrative and expressive approaches to help you, and/or your teen improve.

Some fun facts about Tonya…

When she isn’t working Tonya enjoys reading, being outside, painting, and spending time with her family.  Tonya has loved hockey and is a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins.  She enjoys watching football and coaches her daughters, recreational cheering team.  She enjoys studying the art of tarot and crystal healing.  You can see her supporting and empowering others both inside and outside the office.  

Now-the qualifications… (important and kind of boring part)-feel free to skip if you already know Tonya is the one you want to help you

Tonya was born and raised in Pennsylvania, where she acquired her education and training.  She attended Pennsylvania State University from 1994-1998 and received her Bachelor’s in Science majoring in Human Development and Family Studies.  She went on to receive her Masters in Social Work in 2003 from Marywood University.  

Tonya has spent much of her career in various positions such as direct care, casework, management, and clinical work with adolescents and adults. She has experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral issues, autism population, and adolescents who have engaged in sexually problematic behaviors.  

About Christina Fischer, APC

Sometimes it can feel like you try and try to communicate with your child and get nowhere.  Your child is acting out in ways you don’t understand often because they simply don’t know how else to express themselves.  You’ve noticed you’re yelling more.  “I hate you” is hurtful and difficult to hear from your child.  You know the relationship could be better if only your child wasn’t in trouble so much.

Tummy aches and headaches seem to be a regular complaint from your child.  Your child/teen is asking you questions you’ve already answered a dozen times.  They seem to have a difficult time when you leave or when they’re at school.  You’ve noticed they’re biting or picking their fingers constantly.  They’re worried and you’re worried.

Raising children is overwhelming and as a parent, it is often hard to manage your own thoughts and feelings with your child’s. Children did not come with a manual, and although our parents did the best they could, many simply did not know how to teach us about our feelings or coping.

Christina Fischer, APC (Associate Professional Counselor) understands children are special humans with limited ability to communicate their thoughts and feelings.  She gets you and your child are doing the best you can, and you want to enjoy each other.   Parents want and need the very best for their child; they want to have more ways to help their child be successful.  Christina incorporates child-centered play, brain-based and expressive arts in ways to help your child improve your relationship and their success at home and school.

Some fun facts about Christina…

Christina loves everything about the outdoors.  In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, camping, and hammocking. She enjoys her two fur babies; a cat, and a rambunctious one-year-old GSD.  Crafting and creating new things, cooking, reading, and listening to podcasts are all ways she cares for herself.

Now-the qualifications… (important and kind of boring part)-feel free to skip if you already know Christina is the one you want to help you

A life of recovery is something you’ve dreamed and thought about over and over. It’s hard to admit alcohol and substances have become a problem.  You want to continue to hide.  You’re worried you could lose your job, your status in the community and you’re family. You’ve thought about meetings, and they seem scary and too public.  Other people will know you have a problem.  You have tried to be clean and sober and you are learning relapse is part of recovery.

Numbing has become a way of coping with all of life’s stressors and feelings.  Alcohol and Substances have become a normal part of your world and our society.

You really want to find the solution and skills which work for you.   Often times, there are other stressors and life experiences which contribute to use or abuse of substances and alcohol.

You’ve noticed your teen has been isolating, withdrawn, irritable and agitated.  You suspect your teenager may be experimenting with drugs or alcohol.  You don’t know what to do.  You want to make sure your teen doesn’t go down a path of addiction. As parent’s we don’t always know what our teenagers are experiencing, as they begin to pull away from us.  Many teens struggle with self-esteem, perfectionism, anxiety, depression and find alcohol and substances can help them feel better.

Christian (Chris) Brown is a Licensed Masters Clinical Social Worker (pending Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and a Certified Alcohol and Addiction  Drug Counselor who understands addiction through multiple lens.  She meets you where you are.  If you’re wanting to reduce your use/abuse, wanting to abstain completely or you’ve been in long-term recover and you’re looking to maintain it; she will use her skill set to help you meet your recovery goals.  Chris helps you to identify and use your strengths and resources to help you acheive your goals.

Some fun facts about Christian…

Christian likes to read.  She has two dogs she enjoys spending time with. She loves to travel, hike, play board games, and enjoys all forms of art.  She is a huge Auburn football fan. Drinks coffee more than any functioning human should (and blames growing up with the Gilmore Girls for this addiction 😅).

Now-the qualifications… (important and kind of boring part) –feel free to skip if you already know Christian is the one you want to help you

Christian has a bachelor’s in vocational rehabilitation counseling from Troy University (2014) and graduated with her Masters in Social Work (with focus being in mental health and substance abuse) from Kennesaw State University (2017). She has been a licensed LMSW since 9/2017. She received the Certified in Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification in 12/2018. She is experienced in individual and group counseling with those impacted by co-occurring disorders, substance misuse, addiction, and accompanying issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, codependency, etc.  Her Licensed Clinical Social Work is currently pending approval.

About Norie Rogers, LPC

It’s difficult to find acceptance when you are surrounded by opinions from friends, family, co-workers, ect. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and consumed by expectations. You’ve created this reputation of being dependable, the “Yes” Person, competent, capable and responsible.  You hate disappointing people.

You think if you try hard enough, if you manage your time well enough if you’re selfless enough, prayerful enough, you’ll never disappoint.  If you’re hardworking and responsible, you’ll be worthy, loved, and happy. You’re exhaused, resentful, anxious, disconnected and your health is suffering.

Norie believes You are the expert of your own life and You hold the answers to happiness within yourself. These answers are usually buried under depression and anxiety caused by “carrying the weight of the world.”  She guides you to find answers and solutions to creating the life You want for yourself and family.

As human beings functioning in a fast-paced culture, we often neglect to take time for ourselves. When we negelct ourselves, we neglect our relationships and health.  This has a ripple effect with our children.  

Our children learn from us.  They become withdrawn, sullen, and isolative.  They melt-down over small things.  Begin to lash out, back talk, and be defiant.  Children struggle with feeling overwhelmed.   

Norie incorporates child-centered play, brain-based and expressive arts in ways to help your child improve your relationship and their success at home and school when working with your child.

Norie provides a safe, accepting, and hopeful atmosphere where YOU can breathe and re-discover your own being. Norie welcomes you to share whatever YOU decide. Norie will extend an open hand to aid in unpacking life’s burdens and lightening the load over time. Norie invites you to find pieces of joy you may have forgotten or never knew existed within you. Norie delights in helping people remember how to enjoy life again!

She will help you focus and identify areas in your life that deserve attention. She encourages you to be gentle with yourself.  Everyone has a unique road to healing. If this description sounds appealing to you, sit back, relax, and open your heart to Norie. Talking to her will feel like a breath of fresh air!

Some fun facts about Norie…

In her free time, she enjoys hiking,  meditation, mindfulness and spending time with her family and two fur babies (cats).

Now-the qualifications… (important and kind of boring part) –feel free to skip if you already know Norie is the one you want