Lindsay Bottoms, NCC, LPC, RPT-S, CPCS

My style of therapy is warm, collaborative, and positive. I believe meaningful change happens within a trusting relationship where you feel safe to explore challenges at your own pace while also receiving thoughtful direct guidance when needed. Together, we will identify your strengths, build resilience, and work toward the goals that matter most to you. Every client deserves to feel heard, valued, supported, and appropriately challenged throughout the therapeutic process.

Treatment is tailored to each individual's unique needs using a trauma-informed, integrative approach grounded in evidence-based practices. Depending on your goals, therapy may incorporate play therapy, EMDR, art and sand tray therapy, expressive arts, attachment-based interventions, family therapy,parent-child psychotherapy, attachment based therapy and Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), an approach that integrates neuroscience, relationships, and life experiences to promote healing and lasting change.

Kristen Phillips, LCSW

Hi, I’m Kristen a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and families heal from trauma and move toward lasting emotional wellness and resilience. I specialize in treating trauma across the lifespan, and in working with children, adolescents, and families, navigate emotional, behavioral, social, and life challenges in a way that feels safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate.

I believe children communicate best through play, and I utilize play therapy as one of the primary ways to help children process emotions, develop coping skills, improve behavior, and heal from difficult experiences. I integrate a variety of evidence-based and neurodiversity-affirming approaches tailored to each client’s unique needs, including Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), AutPlay Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed interventions.

A significant focus of my work is helping clients process and heal from traumatic experiences using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), one of the leading evidence-based approaches for trauma treatment. EMDR can help reduce the emotional impact of painful memories, improve emotional regulation, strengthen self-worth, and support meaningful long-term healing. I am deeply passionate about helping clients understand how trauma impacts the nervous system, relationships, emotions, and daily functioning while creating a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.

I earned my Master of Social Work degree with a clinical focus from Campbellsville University and have extensive training in play therapy, trauma-informed care, and EMDR. Clients often describe me as compassionate, approachable, insightful, and easy to connect with. My therapy space is warm, collaborative, sensory-friendly, neurodiversity-affirming, and grounded in authenticity, connection, and humor when appropriate.

I became a therapist because I am passionate about helping people heal from difficult experiences, build resilience, and feel more connected to themselves and others. Having navigated my own journey of healing and personal transformation, I feel deeply honored to walk alongside others as they discover their own strength, resilience, and capacity for change.

Outside of the therapy room, I am a proud mom of five energetic children. When I’m not working, you can usually find me soaking up the sun at the beach or staying active at the gym. I believe balance, self-care, and connection are essential parts of emotional wellness, and I am passionate about helping others find that same sense of peace and balance in their own lives.

In addition to in-person services, I also offer telehealth therapy sessions to provide flexible and accessible support for children, teens, adults, and families in the comfort of their own homes.

I recognize that every individual and family brings unique experiences, values, and beliefs into the therapy process. If clients wish to incorporate faith or spirituality into their healing journey, I am happy to support that process while always respecting their personal perspectives and goals. My goal is to help clients feel seen, safe, empowered, and connected as they move toward healing, resilience, and lasting growth.

Education & Experience

Kristen utilizes a culturally sensitive and trauma focused approach along with evidenced based mental health interventions in the areas of child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapy. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from Campbellsville University with a clinical area of focus, is a licensed master social worker and working towards her Georgia clinical social work license. She is pursuing the three-year process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist with post graduate training, clinical experience, and supervision. Kristen obtains supervision from Lindsay Bottoms.

Kristen serves clients ranging from age two to adulthood. Her therapeutic approach is holistic and person-centered, focusing on healing the whole person from the inside out. She employs a variety of research-based interventions, including but not limited to EMDR, child-centered play therapy, Autplay therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and family systems therapy, alongside insights into childhood and adolescent development. Kristen is passionate about empowering her clients with the confidence and skills needed to navigate life’s challenges. Her experience encompasses working with children, adults, and families facing a wide range of mental health issues, such as trauma, ADHD, anxiety, victims of sexual abuse, crisis intervention, grief, divorce and co-parenting, parent coaching, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and difficulties in regulating emotions. She collaborates with families, schools, and community agencies to advocate for the best interests of her clients. Kristen has special training in EMDR to help her clients address and alleviate symptoms related to traumatic or distressing experiences.

Affiliations:

Rachel Shannon, LMSW

Education & Experience

About Me
Hi, I’m Rachel Shannon, LMSW — a licensed master social worker dedicated to helping teens, adults, and couples navigate life’s challenges with compassion, curiosity, and evidence-based care.

I specialize in supporting individuals working through mood disorders, trauma, and attachment-related issues, offering a safe and nonjudgmental space where healing and growth can truly take root. My therapeutic approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Nervous System Regulation and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, allowing me to meet clients where they are with flexibility and intention.

I hold both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Florida State University (FSU), and I’ve pursued additional certifications to expand my work beyond the traditional office setting. I’m certified in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy through the University of Denver’s Institute for Human Animal Connection and also hold a Certificate in Equine-Facilitated Learning from the HERD Institute.

Whether we’re sitting together in a room or out in the pasture with horses, my goal is always the same: to help you reconnect with yourself, build healthier relationships, and develop practical tools to move forward with confidence and clarity.

I believe that healing is not one-size-fits-all, and I’m committed to creating an inclusive, affirming environment where every individual and couple feels seen, heard, and supported.

Let’s begin this journey together.

Lisa Lewis, LPC

I offer a custom approach for each of my clients! Starting with understanding where you are now and the challenges you’re facing. I collaborate with you to put a plan in place to help you move forward and celebrate your successes along the way. Helping people reach their goals is my passion. Whether it is learning to set boundaries, working through a loss, anxiety, depression, or changing a pattern of behavior that is keeping you stuck, my goal is to help you move through whatever maybe be bothering you with a nonjudgmental, objective approach. I specialize in providing accessible, confidential virtual therapy for clients seeking support from the comfort of their own space.

Education & Experience

Lisa completed her graduate work in 2014 at Capella University. Lisa provides an integrated approach to therapy to include person centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, family systems therapy and EMDR. Lisa values creating an empathetic, understanding, and supportive environment in which her clients feel safe, encouraged, and optimistic in achieving desired outcomes. Lisa is under supervision with Lindsay Bottoms. program.

Amanda Smaracheck, MS

Education & Experience

Currently, I am under supervision with Lindsay Bottoms working towards earning the Georgia professional counseling license as well completing year two of three to become a registered play therapist. Furthermore, I am working towards an Education Specialist (EdS) degree in community psychology specializing in trauma treatment and care.

Affiliations:

Becca Walker, MS

I specialize in working with children (ages 4-10) and families through a child-centered play therapy approach. I believe children communicate best through play and strive to create a safe, accepting environment where children feel empowered to express themselves, process emotions, and work through challenges at their own pace.

I have experience supporting children and families navigating anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, behavioral concerns, grief, family transitions, divorce, co-parenting challenges, self-esteem concerns, and social difficulties. I incorporate developmentally appropriate interventions that foster resilience, confidence, emotional expression, and healthy coping skills.

Education & Experience

Becca Walker earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia Southern University in 2021 and completed her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy in March 2025. She is currently working under the supervision of Lindsay Bottoms as she pursues full licensure and certification in play therapy.

Affiliations:

Payton Lee, APC

Education & Experience

I am a mental health professional with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Georgia Southern University. Following my undergraduate studies, I pursued a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands. I currently have an associate’s license and am under supervision with Lindsay Bottoms.

Bailee Allen, NCC, APC

I am dedicated to building authentic, collaborative relationships with my clients. My approach is rooted in understanding your unique needs and supporting you at your own pace. Together, we’ll create a safe and empowering space where you can explore, heal, and grow. My therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in a client-centered philosophy, and I tailor my methods to meet the unique needs of each person I work with. Through integrating a relational, experiential, and trauma-informed approach to therapy, I use techniques tailored to address a range of concerns, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting support, relationship conflicts, and life transitions. I’m also pursuing additional certification in play therapy, specializing in a child-centered play therapy approach to support younger clients in expressing themselves and healing through play. I currently see clients from ages three and up.

Education & Experience

Bailee completed her graduate work in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands in May of 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Georgia. Her clinical experience includes working in community mental health settings, where she has gained valuable experience providing care to children, adolescents, and families. She has worked in both outpatient and inpatient substance abuse treatment, supporting individuals through trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. She is currently practicing under the clinical supervision of Lindsay Bottoms for professional licensure and the 3 phase process of becoming a registered play therapist.

Sherry Sloan, LPC

Sherry Sloan is Licensed Professional Counselor serving children, adolescents, adults, and families in Southeast Georgia. She is passionate about helping individuals and families move toward healing, healthier relationships, emotional resilience, and deeper connection.

Sherry works with clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, behavioral challenges, relationship stress, family conflict, and life transitions. Her approach is warm, relational, and trauma-informed—creating a space where clients feel safe, understood, and supported while developing practical tools for meaningful change.

Sherry is EMDR trained and integrates EMDR-informed interventions into her work with children, adolescents, and adults. She also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), expressive arts, attachment-focused interventions, and family systems perspectives to support emotional healing and growth.

A significant part of Sherry’s work includes supporting children and the adults who care for them. In sessions with children, she uses developmentally appropriate play-based and expressive interventions to help children process emotions, build regulation skills, and communicate experiences that may feel difficult to put into words. She partners closely with parents and caregivers throughout the therapeutic process, offering support, insight, and practical tools that help families continue the work of healing and connection beyond the therapy room.

Sherry also enjoys working with adolescents and adults who are seeking greater clarity, healing, and growth in their personal lives and relationships. She believes therapy should feel both meaningful and practical—a place where insight leads to real-life change, and where clients feel empowered to move forward with confidence and connection.

Education & Experience

Sherry earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Life Coaching and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University.

Rebecca Williams, LCSW

Hi, I’m Rebecca (she/her/hers), a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in multiple states. Raised in a military family, I’ve lived across the United States and now work closely with military families between Washington and Georgia. These transitions and diverse lived experiences have shaped my perspective and deepened my commitment to helping individuals find strength in their stories.

My therapeutic work focuses on adolescents and young adults navigating OCD, ADHD, grief, identity, and life transitions. I offer a collaborative and non-hierarchical approach that empowers clients to explore their emotions through creative expression and structured reflection. I draw from multiple modalities including Expressive Art Therapy, Internal Family Systems (parts work), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention. By blending creativity with evidence-based practices, I create a space where clients can safely unpack their challenges and build the skills they need to thrive.

My sessions are hands-on and exploratory, helping clients reconnect with their internal resources and develop tools they can carry beyond therapy. Whether it’s learning to manage compulsions, increase focus, process deep loss, or rediscover one’s voice, I tailor each experience to honor the unique path of healing. Life, and art, can be messy, but within a safe and supportive space, that mess becomes a source of insight, growth, and transformation.

Education & Experience

I earned my Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Chapman University, my Master’s in Social Work from Western New Mexico University, and a certificate in Expressive Art Therapy from the Northwest Creative and Expressive Arts Institute. I’m also proud to be a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

Drew Nelson, LAMFT, ICT

I completed a large portion of my clinical practicum/internship under the supervision of Lindsay Bottoms, and I am so excited to be continuing my journey here at Southeast Georgia Counseling & Play Therapy!

Couples: Working with couples is one of my top specialties and favorite clients to work with in the room. I am currently the only Certified Imago Clinical Therapist from Savannah, GA to Jacksonville, FL trained to help clients in getting the love they want through introducing them to this particular communication style and flow that gets real results. I’m excited to facilitate it every day to help clients navigate feelings of being stuck, constant fighting and conflict, or just feeling like roommates more than a couple while rebuilding trust. We will develop a relationship within a safe space where you can move forward together!

Individuals: When working with individuals in the room, some of my top specialties and clients I am especially passionate about helping include men’s issues, sexual identity issues, adolescents, food addiction, and career counseling with significant job-related stressors. I have a practical counseling style and keep conversations grounded in what is real for clients’ lives and approach problems in a sensible way. The models I use in the room include Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness Based Therapy.​

Families: As a Marriage & Family Therapist, my training is relational at its core and I rely on influences of Strategic Family Therapy and Contextual Family Therapy. I work with families to help restore balance and promote fairness for everyone involved, with an emphasis on building trust amongst family members.​

Education & Experience

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Sociology with a Sexual Identity Concentration from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA in 2010. After that, I held various leadership positions within multibillion-dollar global organizations for twelve years before making a career change to the mental health field that I have always been passionate about.
In 2025, I completed a Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy with Emphasis in Licenced Professional Clinical Counseling at Touro University in California.

Affiliations:

Nicole Williams

Is the Office Manager at Southeast Georgia Counseling & Play
Therapy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of South
Florida. Her background in operations and auditing ensures that the office runs
smoothly and efficiently, allowing the counseling professionals to focus on providing
exceptional care to their clients.