Samantha earned her Master of Health Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Catawba College. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor through the NC Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (#17770) and a Licensed Professional Counselor through the SC Board of Licensed Professional Counselors (#10262). Samantha is also a Certified Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, a Nationally Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Provider, a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Professional, and a Registered Child Forensic Interviewer. Additionally, Samantha is trained in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing.

Samantha has had the opportunity to work with patients with a variety of mental health concerns in school-based, college mental health, and outpatient settings. Her clinical focus is on severe and persistent mental health concerns, with a concentration on mood disorders. Samantha utilizes an integrative approach, combining Cognitive Behavioral, Interpersonal, and Psychoanalytic techniques. Therefore, during sessions, she commonly assists in identifying and challenging self-limiting patterns, healing from past experiences, and gaining insight into how the unconscious influences behavior. Her research interests include the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system, the development of neurodevelopmental disorders, and genetic links between schizophrenia and associated comorbid conditions.

My mode for counseling stems from the desire to find the place of compassion within everyone’s story. We are all broken people in need of healing, but often our own judgements of ourselves prevents us from seeing the places we need love and insight. Therapy offers a safe space to process emotions and thoughts. Here, we are all able to uncover the root cause for the issues in our lives.
I work from a trauma-informed perspective, working through current issues and the deeper beliefs, thoughts and emotions that influence our choices. I specialize in boundary work, anxiety, depression, relationships, life transition, death and grief, spirituality issues, substance use, adjustment to change and changing cultures. I enjoy working with clients of all ages and approach counseling from a multicultural perspective. I also provide counseling with christian values and provide counseling without based on client’s preference and value system. I look forward to meeting you!

Hi! I'm Kearsten and I am so glad you have landed on my page. I care deeply about each of my clients flourishing. At times, experiences with life can keep us from that- maybe it's anxiety, complicated family dynamics, or life just simply not looking the way you would hoped it would. While therapy with me (or anyone) does not immediately take the pain away, I am here to help you navigate it, finding healing and joy along the way.

My approach with clients is one of compassion and collaboration. I will work as hard as you, helping you cultivate the change you wish to see, all from a place of empathy, authenticity, and hope.

Do you struggle to communicate or connect emotionally with your partner? Are you and your partner having trouble with your sexual relationship or had an affair? Do you feel like your anxiety, depression, sexual/porn addiction or trauma are getting in the way your life and relationships? I can you help you address your relational or mental health issues so you can feel more connected and emotionally steady.

Research shows that you need to have a good relationship with your therapist in order to succeed in counseling, so I work hard to create an environment calm, trusting environment. I pursue further education in specialties to better serve my clients, such as Sex Therapy, EMDR, Prepare/Enrich, and Gottman. I practice from a Christian worldview and I am able to incorporate that (or not) based on my client preferences. I love to listen to people's stories and help them identify healthy, achievable goals, then work with them to reach those goals.

We will work together to learn about your unique story and create a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. I am currently offering both in-person and telehealth sessions for individuals and couples. Contact me to book a short phone call to find out if we are good fit and answer any questions.

Do you feel a persistent sense of unease? Exhausted from the pressures of life? Frustrated with how your past is impacting you? Overwhelmed by the thought of starting therapy? Often our struggles alone feel unbearable, and the idea of addressing them only adds more stress. But you can get to where you'd like to be. It just takes learning to endure the discomfort of the growth and healing process. I am dedicated to helping you walk through the discomfort —to gain self insight, to make changes in your life, to feel more at ease, and attain your goals.

I am in network with Regence and Premera.

Available to New Clients! In-person Acworth office or virtually.
Who Am I? We all desire to be heard, to be seen, to have a purpose, to know the truth, to trust, to be trusted, and to be whole. The mind, body, & spirit need to be well; we work with all three parts. Having grown up overseas, I know acculturation into the home country is a struggle. I know what it's like to be hurt by religion or church. I know what it's like to live with a narcissistic leader or family member.
I've experienced divorce, remarriage, had single-parenting struggles, learned to rebuild a family. I know the challenges of aging parents. Life is hard at any age. I am also an LGBTQIA ally.
I offer a safe space of acceptance & kind confrontation. Our lives are impacted by trauma, whether a one-time event or a life pattern. Trauma can be one-time or long-term; religious, psychological, or physical abuse by people we trust. I will walk alongside you, working through the past, accepting the present, working toward whole wellness in your future.
As your therapist, I want to be present with you where your needs may be. If it's anxiety, depression, gender identity issues, church or religion mess, trauma, aging parents, difficult kids, troubled or at-risk-marriage, toxicity, or a career change, I will listen to you. I offer an open mind but I will challenge you when you need another perspective.

Melanie is an Associate Professional Counselor. She completed her Bachelors in Photojournalism through the University of Georgia. While completing her BA she discovered that what she most enjoyed about Photojournalism was getting to know people, and to help them tell their stories. Realizing her passion to help people to experience and tell their story well, led her to complete her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Denver Seminary.

While completing her master’s she worked in a college setting counseling young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, and relational issues. After moving back to Georgia, she worked extensively with adults managing a range of mental health problems. She is passionate about working with teens, young adults, and individuals on issues of grief and loss, life transitions, career concerns, and relationship issues. Additionally, she enjoys helping couples rediscover joy in their marriage.

She seeks to create a warm and supportive environment where her clients feel heard and valued as they develop skills and process emotions to face life’s challenges. Melanie helps her clients pursue their goals through a holistic approach, using a variety of treatment methods that take into consideration a client’s physical, relational, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

In her spare time, Melanie enjoys spending time with her family, enjoying the outdoors, reading, and baking. She is a member of the LPCA of Georgia.

Are there love, work, family, or personal circumstances that you would like to discuss? Are you having symptoms that are causing you distress or interfering with your daily life? Are there changes that you wish to make or life transitions you are trying to get through? Are you struggling in your relationship and needing to find new ways to communicate, a new perspective on your partners, or a better way to understand your partner?
I can help! I will help you get beyond whatever holds you back, help you manage and overcome any symptoms you might be having, assist you in negotiation challenges in your relationships and work with you towards the changes you wish to make.
My clients generally regard me as genuine, insightful, easy to talk to, and humorous. I provide treatment face to face, via phone and via internet. Areas of interest include depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, communication concerns, and building self esteem. I welcome those who feel they might be "a challenge"

You are motivated, yet having trouble getting results like you used to. A perfectionist, but feeling like you're stuck. You may even feel like taking care of yourself is something you've been putting off for a bit longer than you would like. Whether it's anxiety, trauma or everyday stressors, you're in a place where you no longer want to be, and you need some compassionate accountability to help you navigate through. This courageous step you're about to take is one that will take you on a journey to knowing yourself better. And the truth is, you DO deserve to work towards that best version of yourself, all you need is some support!

As your therapist, I can help you keep all the things you love about yourself and adapt them to your current circumstances. As one who specializes in treating anxiety and trauma, I will help you lean into discomfort while facing the things that have brought you feelings of overwhelm and frustration. Providing compassionate accountability is my jam!

I understand that procrastination or nervousness might be an obstacle to start this journey of therapy, but I believe that because you've been through difficult things, you can come out on the other side as a more whole version of yourself. On the other side of your fear can be that breath of fresh air you've been needing. So, let's jump into the work together!

www.samanthaspeed.com

Stephanie Strouth is an LPC with advanced training in working with anxiety disorders. She is also EMDR Certified and trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy & Seeking Safety. She has been in the mental health field since 2016 opening a private practice in 2020 serving all of Virginia and is passionate about helping people enjoy the life they have or create the life they want. Read more about Stephanie and the team at www.ahchope.com