Lotus Counseling and Wellness Center LLC

Allison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose passion is helping people connect with the powerful healing forces that already exist within themselves. She has experience working with children, teens, adults and families in outpatient and residential settings. Her specialty is working with people who have experienced trauma or struggling with grief, anxiety or depression. She uses techniques including Eye-Movement-Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, Polyvagal theory, Client-centered Play Therapy, Nature-Based techniques and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy.

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Real change is possible, and Allison’s approach to the therapy process is based on the premise that as we connect into our whole system, we tap into our inherent, endless, science-based potential for healing.  Allison understands first-hand the frustration of wanting to change and understanding what needs to happen, and yet continuing to feel stuck in the same behavior patterns. As someone who has the lived experience of feeling caught in what can seem like an endless cycle of thinking through issues, Allison uses techniques that incorporate the whole brain, nervous system and body into the healing process. Science has proven that the body stores the uncomfortable experiences we encounter and the unhelpful programming and messages we pick up during life, but it’s also proven how vast the potential for healing can be. During the therapy process with Allison, she will be there to guide and make suggestions to help you connect with your innate potential and capacity to make your life whatever you want it to be, while honoring the reality that you are the expert in you, and as such are in control of the process. You deserve to heal, and you are here looking into therapy because you are ready for it. Let’s get started!

Cassandra received her Master's degree from the University of Louisville in Social Work. She also received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Latin American Studies, as she can provide services in Spanish. Cassandra has dedicated 14 years to the Mental Health field as she was worked with groups, children, teens, families, and adults within inpatient and community settings.

Cassandra’s approach to therapy is respect, compassion, and support for self-determination. She prioritizes forming a collaboration to help clients reach their goals. She is committed to helping clients reach their full potential. Cassandra is relatable and approachable when collaborating with clients. Her passion to change stigmas regarding mental health, help others address their trauma, and her own experience with healing led to her path in Mental Health. Her therapeutic modalities are: Family System Trauma Therapy, CBT, Trauma Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Play Therapy Techniques, & Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Cassandra’s strong belief in growth, change, and self-compassion drives her desire to provide hope to those in need. Cassandra is excited to be a part of the Lotus family and to promote wellness in our community. 

Charles Smiley is a native from Louisville, KY. Charles obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2015 from the University of Louisville, received a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2017, and obtained a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) in 2019, from the Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville. Charles has nearly 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in the mental health field. Charles has worked in various settings providing services from psychiatric emergency services, crisis stabilizations/residential, criminal justice, homelessness/housing, developmental disabilities, private practice, school-based therapy, community-based therapy, and individual/family therapy.

Charles is very passionate in his efforts in providing services while applying his past experiences to deliver impactful services to empower change and stability. Through evidenced-based research, he applies different modalities from CBT, EMDR, DBT, Solution Focused, MI and many more in his treatments to be person-centered and tailored towards goal oriented achievement.

In his spare time, Charles looks forward to spending time with his family, engaging in sports, being outside/hiking, learning new skills, and binging Netflix.

Tynese is a clinical therapist and licensed practical nurse. Licensed in Michigan and Kentucky with over 10 years experience working as a clinical therapist. She has worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression anxiety and relationship issues.

Her therapy style is warm and interactive treating our clients with compassion dignity and respect. Her approach combines cognitive behavior, humanistic and psychodynamic. She can also provide hypnotherapy if that is an approach the client would like to explore. She will tailor dialogue and treatment plan to meet your specific needs.  She specializes in the follow modalities:  Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Hypnotherapy

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A sex therapist is a trained professional who helps individuals, couples, and groups address concerns related to sexual health and intimacy. They provide therapy, counseling, and education to help clients navigate issues such as sexual dysfunction, communication problems, low libido, and sexual trauma. Sex therapists create a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their feelings, desires, and relationships. Through therapy, they help clients develop healthier attitudes towards sex, improve their sexual experiences, and enhance their overall well-being. Sex therapists play a crucial role in promoting sexual health, fostering healthier relationships, and empowering individuals to lead fulfilling and satisfying lives.

"It takes courage to change and to do what is necessary for that change to occur. I look forward to working with you."

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Shelly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, U.S. Navy Veteran, certified Warrior Goddess Training Facilitator, Women's Empowerment Facilitator, Bootstrap Stress Management Facilitator, Yoga Teacher, certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider, certified Vaginal Steam facilitator, Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, and Reiki Practitioner.  Shelly has been working in the mental health field for over 22 years, starting her career in mental health as a Psychiatric Technician in the U.S. Navy.  Shelly worked in Corrections for seven years within behavioral health as a Corrections Officer and Substance Abuse Counselor.  Shelly worked for the Veteran's Administration for nine years  as a Therapist, and conjointly with DOD for one year in the IDES program.  Shelly's focus is on women's health and empowerment, and is trained to help with trauma, anxiety, depression, stress and a variety of other mental health concerns for counseling.  Shelly also provides Ayurvedic Wellness Coaching, Vaginal Steam Facilitation,  Reiki, teaches Yoga classes, provides individual meditation sessions; and is specifically trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Problem Solving Therapy, Somatic Psychotherapy, and Mindfulness.  Additionally, Shelly is a local artist and incorporates this creative perspective with all her clients and students.

Shelly completed Ayurvedic Health Counselor training through Shakti School, her 200-hour Yoga Teacher certification with Yogaia Yoga School in Louisville, and has completed 24 hours of training in Trauma Centered-Trauma Sensitive Yoga with the Center for Trauma and Embodiment Yoga Program, providing her with the skills to integrate a trauma-informed lens into yoga classes.  “I teach yoga that most levels can enjoy and have been practicing yoga on/off since high school.  Working in mental health has provided me an opportunity to examine the human condition.  I believe it is important to combine body work with mental health therapy through a variety of modalities.  There are many pieces to the bigger picture.  Providing an atmosphere that encompasses something for everyone to progress in their individual journey to wellbeing has been my dream and guiding post.  Yoga and Reiki have been ways for me to bridge the gap between mental health and physical well-being as a therapist and as a trauma survivor.  I believe it is important to listen to what our bodies tell us and to never push oneself beyond your edges.  While our services do not offer a cure, they are a means to serenity and peace of body, mind and spirit.” 

Shelly is also a local artist and can be found at www.theartisticwitch.com