Kendra Gilbert, LPC

Kendra’s extensive expertise as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Professional Clinical Supervisor is grounded in over two decades of clinical practice. Her educational foundation, a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Counseling, has been pivotal in shaping her approach to therapy. Throughout her career, Kendra has dedicated herself to assisting a diverse client base, including adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

In 2006, Kendra founded Beyond Today Counseling Center, driven by a commitment to offer evidence-based counseling treatments to her community. Her holistic approach ensures that each individual’s multifaceted nature is honored and addressed during therapy.

Her areas of specialization encompass a wide range of mental health issues:

• Anxiety-Related Disorders: Kendra employs a variety of therapeutic techniques to help individuals manage and overcome anxiety symptoms.
• Depression and Other Mood Disorders: She provides support and strategies to navigate the complexities of mood-related challenges.
• Communication Issues: Her expertise facilitates improved dialogue and understanding within relationships.
• Struggles in Relationship: Kendra guides couples and families through conflicts and reconnecting processes.
• Life Transitions and Adjustments: She offers support for those coping with significant changes or milestones in their lives.
• Grief and Loss: Kendra provides compassionate counseling for individuals experiencing bereavement and sorrow.
• Stress Management: Through various modalities, she assists clients in developing effective ways to manage stress.
• Trauma Recovery: Her experience enables her to support clients in healing from traumatic experiences.

By focusing on these areas, Kendra continues to foster growth, healing, and positive change for those seeking her professional guidance at Beyond Today Counseling Center.

For more information on individual clinical supervision and group supervision visit her website at www.kendragilbert.com .

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Mary Ellis, LPC

With a robust career in counseling that spans over two decades, Mary has established herself as a highly competent professional in the field. Her expertise was seeded back in 1998 when she completed her Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Liberty University, equipping her with the comprehensive knowledge and skills essential for her future profession.

Before her foray into counseling, Mary honed her educational competence with a BS in Education from Valdosta State University in 1976, followed by valuable practical experience teaching in the public school system for two years. These formative years in education not only refined her instructive abilities but also laid a foundation for her counseling acumen, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and empathy.

As a testament to her commitment and proficiency, Mary has obtained licensure and certification that distinguishes her in her field. She is recognized as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor, credentials that denote her adherence to the high standards of counseling practice as well as her dedication to ongoing professional development.

Further exemplifying her engagement with the professional community, Mary is an active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA of GA). These affiliations keep her connected with the latest developments in counseling practices and ethics, with a special emphasis on integrating her faith-based perspective.

Joining Beyond Today Counseling Center in 2015 marked a significant phase in her career where Mary has continued to apply her extensive knowledge and skills in helping others. Her experience and continued passion for her work make her an invaluable resource to those seeking guidance and support through counseling.

As a counselor Mary served in county mental health, treating the severely and chronically mentally ill for two years; since 2000 she has worked in private practice. She is trained in Theophostics and was a Stephen Minister in her church. She enjoys the challenge of counseling couples and has done considerable work with depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, boundaries, assertiveness, and spiritual issues. Additionally, she was an Air Force wife, so she has a special understanding of military life and its challenges.

Although familiar with many theories and techniques of counseling, Mary leans more toward Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) methods. She would describe herself as an empathetic and patient person who seeks above all else to create a safe environment in which her clients can openly share their thoughts, feelings, deep desires, and painful issues. She feels truly privileged to be a part of her clients’ life journeys.

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Debbie Turner, LPC

Debbie Turner is a Licenced Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. She obtained her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Richmont Graduate University in 2014 after receiving her BS in Psychology from North Georgia College and State University in 2010.  She has experience working at Ridgeview Hospital with adolescents, as well as court mandated clients and paroles. She has lead groups and provided counseling to individuals, couples, and families in private practice. Prior and during the time she obtained her degree, she was a mom to four children and she currently has five grandchildren. She has been married since 1979 and brings her life experiences to her profession from these many roles. 

Debbie works with adults, couples, and families who are looking for emotional and/or relational support. She is trained to provide both pre-marital and marital counseling, and is certified by Postpartum Support International to provide perinatal mood support for depression, anxiety, anger, intrusive thoughts, and repetitive behaviors to both men and women during this stage of life.  

She is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families experience grace for themselves and to others to facilitate healing, transformation, and restoration. She enjoys helping clients learn about their own internal patterns or “parts” by using an Attachment Based model of therapy as well as the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach. IFS brings a compassionate and internal unity, allowing for healthier external connections to develop. 

Debbie is also Prepare-Enrich and Gottman Level 2 trained to help couples quickly learn areas of strength and areas for growth through researched based assessments. Because of the unique needs of step-families or blended families, Debbie has completed advanced training in step-family therapy with Ron Deal, nationally known expert on this population. Unique pre-marital counseling for these couples is also available.  

She also has interest in autism and how it affects the family after recently learning her young adult son was mis-diagnosed for several years. For many adults symptoms may have been overlooked when younger, and not fully recognized until there is a negative impact on significant relationships, and delays in successful transition in to adulthood. Mis-labeling problematic areas can hinder progress, and impede proper and effective treatment. 

In her spare time, Debbie enjoys gardening with her flowers, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren. Prior to becoming a counselor, Debbie enjoyed studying and leading in depth Bible studies. She is now passionate about combining her love and understanding of scripture with proven psychological principles for clients who want Biblical integration. The client determines what level of integration is applied to the counseling session. She is also committed to respecting clients who prefer not to include aspects of faith into the counseling experience.  

Debbie is a member of American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) and the Licenced Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA). 

Paige Shuffler, LPC

With a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Sciences in Community Health from Georgia College and State University, Paige Shuffler brings a deep and specialized knowledge to the field of counseling. Her academic credentials not only highlight her understanding of complex family dynamics and therapeutic techniques but also her grasp of community health issues, which can be pivotal when addressing systemic problems within family structures.

Given this background, Paige is well-equipped to deal with a wide range of issues that can arise in family and marriage counseling, from everyday communication breakdowns to more profound psychological challenges. Her expertise likely includes, but is not limited to, conflict resolution, parenting strategies, premarital counseling, and coping mechanisms for dealing with grief or stress within a family context.

Paige’s rigorous education has prepared her to employ evidence-based approaches tailored to the unique needs of individuals and families, helping them to enhance their relationships and overall well-being. As a skilled professional counselor with a deep commitment to assisting a diverse range of clients, including children, pre-teens, adolescents, and college students. Her areas of expertise encompass a variety of psychological and behavioral issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD/ADD, trauma, behavioral issues, divorce-related issues, and complexities within family dynamics.

Therapeutic Approaches Utilized by Paige

Paige’s counseling methods are multifaceted, tailored to the unique needs of her clients. Among the therapeutic techniques she employs are:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This evidence-based approach works by helping clients understand the interplay between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It’s an effective method for treating anxiety and depression, enabling clients to challenge distorted thinking and develop more adaptive responses to stress.
• Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT): Paige utilizes SFT to encourage clients to focus on their present and future circumstances and goals rather than past experiences. This helps in quickly identifying and leveraging their strengths to find solutions to their challenges.
• Family Systems Therapy: Understanding the dynamics of family relationships is crucial. Paige’s work often involves guiding families through communication difficulties and relational conflicts, fostering a healthier family system.

Paige’s Philosophy and Client Relationships

Paige believes in establishing a solid foundation of trust with her clients. Her therapeutic relationship is characterized by:

• Approachability and Empathy: She offers a warm and inviting presence, allowing clients to feel understood and accepted.
• Competence: With a rich background in various therapeutic techniques, Paige is equipped to address complex psychological issues effectively.
• Safe Space for Self-reflection: A cornerstone of Paige’s practice is creating a secure environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings openly.
• Strength Identification and Skill Learning: She emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual strengths and developing practical skills in communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

By embodying a spirit of empathy and expertise, Paige is passionate about empowering her clients and their families to enact positive changes in their lives, thus promoting personal growth and healing.

If you or someone you know is looking for compassionate and professional counseling services, consider reaching out to Paige for support on your journey towards wellbeing.

Sha Wortman, APC

With a robust foundation of over 25 years in the mental health sphere, Sha Wortman has distinguished herself as an accomplished professional, adept at navigating the multifaceted challenges within healthcare, hospice, and educational settings. Sha’s journey through the domain of mental health began with her academic achievements, earning both a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling from the esteemed Georgia State University.

Sha’s career, enriched with two decades of commitment, was primarily centered around her role as a school counselor. Here, she developed a keen expertise for addressing the complex needs of students. She proved her capabilities not only in guiding the young minds but also in providing support to their families and educators. This role tested and highlighted her skills in creating an inclusive environment conducive to growth and understanding.

Her invaluable experiences stem from her interactions with diverse populations from various cultural, socio-economic, and ethnic backgrounds, marking her not just as a practitioner of counseling but as a facilitator of empathy and inclusivity. As an Advanced Professional Counselor (APC), Sha Wortman’s enduring legacy is her unwavering commitment to fostering resilience and mental well-being across the community landscape.

With extensive experience across a spectrum of psychological concerns, the counselor in question is equipped to support a diverse clientele, ranging from children to adults. The areas of expertise include:

• General Anxiety: Offering strategies and therapies to cope with anxiety.
• Faith and Spirituality: Integrating one’s beliefs into the healing process.
• Self-Esteem: Helping individuals build confidence and self-worth.
• Life Transitions: Guiding through changes such as career moves or personal milestones.
• Work-Life Balance: Finding equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life.
• Women’s Issues: Addressing specific challenges faced by women.
• Parenting Issues: Assisting parents with child-rearing complexities.
• Executive Function Skill Building for students: Developing organizational skills and self-discipline in learners.
• School Related Issues for students: Tackling academic, social, and behavioral challenges in school environments.

The counselor’s holistic approach is deeply influenced by her faith, acknowledging the unique narratives we all carry that inform our healing journeys. With a long-standing marriage and experience as both a foster and adoptive parent, her life experiences enrich her capacity to empathize and relate to others. Outside of her professional life, she values quality time with loved ones, often surrounded by the warmth of a fire pit and the soothing presence of music.

Sha is now accepting online scheduling, so first time appointments can either be booked by calling (678) 371-7357, email: intake@beyondtodaycounseling.com or visiting btcc.clientsecure.me.

Carson Shock, APC

Carson Shock brings a wealth of experience and education to her role as a dedicated counselor, having pursued extensive academic and practical pathways to hone her skills in clinical and mental health counseling. With a solid foundation in education, highlighted by her Master’s degree from Walden University, Carson is well-equipped to understand and navigate the diverse challenges faced by her clients.

Before embracing her calling in the mental health field, Carson earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Mississippi State University in 2013. Beyond the halls of academia, she spent six years as a missionary, an endeavor that took her across the globe to more than 30 countries. It was through her time as a missionary that Carson uncovered her profound passion for guiding the youth in their personal and career development.

Her unique blend of educational background and real-world experience positions Carson as a compassionate and understanding counselor who is adept at helping young people discover their identities and pathways in life. Her international exposure not only broadens her cultural awareness but also enhances her ability to connect with individuals from various walks of life, making her services invaluable to those seeking direction and support.

In the realm of mental health and counseling, it is vital to have a practitioner who is not only well-qualified but one who also brings a rich variety of therapeutic techniques to the table. Carson is an exemplary counselor with expertise in dealing with a broad spectrum of psychological concerns. Her work primarily focuses on assisting adolescents, young adults, and couples as they navigate through the complexities of mental and emotional challenges.

Areas of Specialization

Carson is adept at handling:

• Anxiety and Depression: Common but serious issues that can significantly impact a person’s day-to-day life.
• Trauma: Providing support to overcome the adverse effects of past traumatic experiences.
• Divorce-Related Issues: Assisting individuals and families in managing the emotional stressors of a divorce.
• Family Dynamics: Facilitating better communication and relationships within family units.
• Relationship Issues: Helping individuals or couples to foster healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
• Grief: Offering support through the stages of grief and loss.
• Identity: Aiding in the exploration and understanding of one’s sense of self.
• Spiritual Formation: Guiding individuals on their spiritual journeys for a holistic sense of well-being.
• Childhood Wounds: Helping clients to heal from and move beyond painful experiences in childhood.
• Mental Illnesses: Supporting clients with diagnosed mental health conditions in their journey towards better mental health.

Therapeutic Approaches

Carson employs a diverse array of therapeutic approaches that cater to the individual needs of her clients:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): An evidence-based practice that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• Narrative Therapy: Utilizes the power of storytelling to help clients reframe their experiences in a more positive light.
• Art Therapy: Encourages self-expression and emotional release through creative activities.
• Mindfulness Practices: Incorporates techniques to promote present-moment awareness and reduce stress.

Holistic Perspective

One of the distinguishing features of Carson’s practice is her holistic perspective. She takes into account the intricate connection between the mind, body, soul, and spirit:

• Mind: Fostering cognitive growth and emotional regulation.
• Body: Understanding the physical manifestations of psychological distress.
• Soul: Nurturing the inner self and emotional core.
• Spirit: Considering the larger existential and spiritual dimensions of a person’s life.

In conclusion, Carson’s professional acumen is characterized by her tailored approach to each client’s unique circumstance, her broad skill set in multiple therapeutic protocols, and her dedication to treating the individual as a complex, interconnected being. It is this blend of knowledge, versatility, and compassion that defines the effectiveness of her therapeutic practice.

Carson has a keen ability to establish rapport and build trust with clients, creating a safe and supportive environment for them to explore their thoughts and feelings. She is able to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and she respects their individuality and uniqueness. Her non-judgmental and compassionate approach allows clients to feel heard and understood, and she is skilled at helping them gain insight and develop coping strategies.

Interns:

Kim North, Intern

Kim’s educational and professional background equips her with a multifaceted skill set advantageous to her current role as a counselor intern. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Florida and her status as a registered nurse in Georgia, Kim brings a deep understanding of the human condition, both physically and emotionally. This healthcare experience is invaluable as she can quickly recognize signs of distress or underlying health issues that may impact a client’s mental well-being.

Moreover, her nursing career has likely provided her with the ability to work effectively under pressure, a skill that translates well into crisis intervention. Being adept in handling emergencies, she can offer stabilizing support and guidance to individuals and families during the most trying times in their lives.

Kim’s experience as a missionary in Mexico, Columbia, and Peru for eight years further enriches her expertise as a counselor intern. This period would have granted her a profound exposure to diverse cultural backgrounds, enhancing her cultural competence—a critical trait for therapists. Her missionary work demonstrates a strong commitment to service and a genuine desire to help others, cornerstones of the counseling profession.

Within Toccoa Falls College’s Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program, Kim is likely to blend her healthcare knowledge, crisis intervention skills, and multicultural experiences to offer a comprehensive and empathetic approach to counseling. As she progresses through her second year, the practical application of her diverse background suggests a promising future in delivering nuanced and effective therapy.

With a passion for relational healing and a keen understanding of interpersonal dynamics, Kim is an excellent counselor intern, bringing both her certification and unique expertise to her role. Her additional qualifications include:

Certified Guidance for Relationships

Kim holds a certification in Prepare and Enrich, an assessment tool aimed at improving relationship satisfaction. She utilizes this expertise to assist couples in identifying their strengths and growth areas, facilitating transformative conversations that can lead to meaningful change in their relationships.

Passion for Restoration

Driven by her profound interest in couple’s therapy, Kim dedicates her intern experience to help partners find restoration and healing. Her empathetic approach allows her to connect deeply with her clients, supporting couples as they navigate challenges and rediscover harmony in their relationships.

Cross-Cultural Comfort

With a background in working with diverse populations, Kim is well-prepared to address the nuances of cultural adjustment. During her internship, she leverages this comfort to relate to individuals from various cultural backgrounds, appreciating their unique perspectives and tailoring her approach to their specific needs.

Collaborative and Holistic Approach

Kim’s collaborative technique as an intern means working in conjunction with clients to explore their life’s “big picture.” She helps them understand how past experiences shape their present situation and guides them towards crafting a personalized path forward.

Developing a Unique Path Forward

Through her internship, Kim is refining her skills in recognizing the individuality of each client’s journey. Respectful of the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all solution in therapy, she is committed to uncovering the unique steps that each person or couple can take to foster growth and wellbeing.

Kim’s role as a counselor intern, rooted in certified methodologies and a passion for helping clients navigate their complexities of relationships and cultural integration, positions her as a valuable asset to any therapeutic setting. Kim is under the supervision of Kendra Gilbert, LPC, CPCS and Arielle Blum, PhD, LMFT.

To schedule an appointment with Kim, you may contact our front office at (678) 371-7357 or intake@beyondtodaycounseling.com or you can schedule online at btcc.clientsecure.me

Grace Palmer, Intern

Grace is currently expanding her expertise in the field of mental health as a dedicated second-year graduate student at Liberty University, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Under the guidance of Kendra Gilbert, LPC, CPCS, she has taken on the role of an intern, allowing her to apply her educational background directly to her work with clients. Building upon her undergraduate degree in Counseling Psychology from Toccoa Falls College, Grace brings a focused passion for supporting individuals across diverse circumstances and backgrounds.

Grace is a dedicated counselor specializing in working with adolescents and young adults. Her approach is underpinned by a heartfelt desire to motivate these individuals toward realizing their full potential, leading lives enriched with love, joy, and tranquillity.

With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced during these transitional life stages, Grace offers her expertise in areas such as:

• Life Transitions: Navigating the complexities of change can be daunting. Grace provides strategies to manage and adapt to life’s shifts effectively.
• Identity and Self-Esteem: Building a strong sense of self is crucial. Grace’s guidance helps individuals develop a healthy self-image and confidence.
• Family and Relationship Conflicts: Relationships can be sources of great stress or strength. Grace aids in resolving conflicts and fostering healthy interpersonal dynamics.
• Body Image Concerns: Issues with body image can profoundly affect one’s mental health. Grace helps clients cultivate body positivity and self-acceptance.
• Anxiety and Depression: Managing these mental health challenges requires skill and empathy. Grace offers techniques to cope with and alleviate these conditions.
• Grief: Loss can be overwhelming. Grace supports individuals in their grieving process, helping them to find a path forward through the pain.

Her expertise in these areas highlights her comprehensive approach to counseling, ensuring that her clients receive the support and guidance necessary to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger. Grace’s approach is characterized by her goal to act as a helper who offers empathy, warmth, and a genuine presence. She strives to walk alongside her clients, contributing to their journey of healing and fostering deep connections within a secure and supportive environment.

To schedule an appointment with Grace, you may contact our front office at (678) 371-7357 or intake@beyondtodaycounseling.com or you can schedule online at btcc.clientsecure.me