Our therapists offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in Kennesaw, GA

Leslie Middleton Walters, EdD, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 26 years of experience in the mental health field. In times of death, divorce, financial issues, family relational problems, or any issue that brings about episodes of emotional unrest, Leslie believes that it is always best to reach out to someone that can assist with de-escalating fears and re-establishing hope, and provide encouragement to persevere during the dark times. Her primary goal is to help others face their challenges, fears, and become the person that they want to be through the development of lifelong coping skills, in an environment that is accepting and open to individualized thoughts and ideas.

Leslie completed both her Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling and her Master of Science (MS) in Guidance and Counseling at Fort Valley State University. She went on to complete her Doctor of Education (EdD) in Counseling Psychology at Argosy University. Through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and other evidenced-based practices, Leslie assists those seeking a brand-new start to let go and accept their past so that they can invest in their future. While her degrees have provided her with the education to engage in expert counseling strategies, it has been Leslie's hands-on experience in helping others that has given her the emotional tools to help those take that first step to a new beginning.

It is because of these experiences, that my counseling practices are built upon a foundation of faith, hope, trust, perseverance, and the understanding that helping others is one of the greatest privileges of my life.

Renee Atwood is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has worked with clients who have experienced depression, both childhood and adult trauma, codependency issues, anxiety, and PTSD. She has also worked with individuals suffering from grief, divorce, and issues pertaining to aging. Renee has counseled teens, adults, and families through a down-to-earth counseling approach.

Renee’s core beliefs are grounded in unconditional positive regard for all. Her passion is to help others reach their full potential of emotional peace. If you are ready to begin your journey, feel free to call and make an appointment. Renee is here and ready to listen!

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I commend you on taking your first step toward healing,” says Renee. “Reaching out for counseling can be frightening, but I want every client to feel heard, safe, and secure. As your therapist, I will graciously commit to a safe, confidential therapeutic relationship while encouraging healing from trauma, emotional disturbances, and intergenerational issues.”

Betsy Leamy is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of experience helping others to face their challenges, which may include, depression, anxiety, depression, addictions, abuse, trauma, PTSD, anger issues, chronic stress or illness, family conflict, women's issues, and more.

Betsy earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Georgia State University where she also earned her Master’s degree in Community Counseling. Betsy utilizes an eclectic group of therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy (PCT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based methods, and more.

Betsy knows from experience, both personally and professionally, that people can make miraculous changes in their lives. She looks forward to working with you and hopes to hear from you soon. Reach out to schedule your first session today.

Shantel Miller is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in anxiety, life changes/transitions, substance use, anger, and mood changes. Shantel is a highly motivated, conscientious individual who is passionate about client care and developing a therapeutic rapport. 

Shantel obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Valdosta State University in 2012 and then went on to graduate with her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling in 2018. With guidance, her clients develop their treatment goals in accordance with their own life goals, interests, and life aspirations.

Rebekah Duffner is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor with 2 years of experience helping individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, identity issues, relationship conflict, and life transitions. Her ideal client is willing to engage in self-exploration and is open to pursuing a balance between change and acceptance that is right for them. Rebekah takes a collaborative approach to identify the origins of outdated behavioral patterns and to build healthier thought processes and coping mechanisms reflecting her client's current needs and goals.

Rebekah received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University. Her practice draws from person-centered, psychoanalytic, and feminist modalities that encourage insight while supporting a positive self-concept.

Rebekah's therapeutic style is characterized by authenticity, genuine curiosity, deep empathy, and advocacy for her clients. Her practice is dedicated to mutual trust and respect, providing a space where clients are safe to come as they are. If this sounds like something right for you, schedule an appointment today!

Kelly Freeman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience in the mental health field. Kelly is focused on empowering adults to heal, learn, grow, and evolve through life's many challenges. She specializes in depression, addiction, life transitions, and grief & loss, along with parenting, adoption, anxiety, and codependency.

Kelly completed her Master of Social Work degree (MSW) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She is a single mom with 4 kids, ages 15-23 (plus a very loving cat!) who definitely keep her busy. She understands the struggles that come as a working parent both personally and professionally, encouraging a focus on acceptance while releasing resistance (ACT) and mindfully incorporating your worthiness while practicing grounding exercises & total body awareness. In addition, Kelly provides ongoing education regarding the thought/emotion/behavior connection (CBT) and assistance in moving toward solutions to everyday problems (solution-focused therapy.)

Kelly believes that each of us holds all the power we need to change our lives and find the contentment we seek. She feels it is truly within our reach to find our own voice, empower ourselves and cultivate the peace that so many of us long for.

Kirsten Ramey is a Licensed Professional Counselor with nearly 20 years of experience. She has worked within the juvenile justice system, foster care, community and school settings, and private practice. She specializes in helping individuals, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, or family conflict. Dr. Ramey has spent much of her career supervising and teaching other clinicians the art and science of professional counseling. She has worked with high-profile clients as well as women dealing with postpartum anxiety and depression. Dr. Ramey also provides multicultural and faith-based counseling.

Dr. Ramey received both her Master's and doctorate degrees from Argosy University. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused approaches, and narrative techniques in a person-centered environment.

Dr. Ramey believes everyone has a unique story and partners with them to create meaningful goals to enhance their narrative. She identifies and develops a client’s inherent strengths to empower holistic healing. Schedule an appointment with her today!

Dr. Hammond is a post-graduate resident therapist who specializes in building trusting relationships. Lesley works jointly with her clients to create workable and attainable goals in support of each individual’s needs. Dr. Hammond’s undergraduate studies in Psychology were completed at Kennesaw State University. Lesley received her Master of Arts from Argosy University Atlanta and continued to complete her counseling doctoral program at Argosy as well.

Dr. Hammond’s therapeutic foundation is based on providing a safe place for clients to express, explore, and better understand their vulnerabilities and strengths. Lesley utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Person-Centered and Strength-Based interventions. “I have found that when individuals are supported through these theoretical interventions, they have the ability to better understand and develop coping skills to overcome their unhelpful thoughts and behaviors," she says.

While completing Lesley’s doctoral internship, she spent several months working within the Smyrna, GA, Ridgeview Institute’s detoxification program. One of the most valuable lessons Dr. Hammond learned was “everyone in the program had a story” and “whether that story was shared in individual counseling sessions, or in a group session, feeling safe enough to express how one thinks and feels is healing in itself.” No matter what the challenge, please reach out to Lesley to explore the therapeutic possibilities in creating mindful and meaningful changes.