LifeSolutions Counseling Associates

LifeSolutions Counseling Associates of Indiana provides trauma-informed, evidence-based mental health care for children, adolescents and adults. Our strength-based, solution-focused approach helps you navigate life’s challenges while promoting resilience, independence and personal growth. <br><br>Services include individual, family and group therapy, psychological assessments and case management. Our team works in outpatient and community-based settings, offering support tailored to your unique needs where you live, learn and work. We collaborate closely with primary care providers, schools and community partners to help ensure coordinated, culturally responsive care.

Therapy and coaching for adults, teens and children.

Our team of mental health professionals is here to help you and your loved ones manage emotional, mental and behavioral health challenges.<br><br>We tailor care to fit your unique needs – and help make sure you feel safe, accepted and supported along the way.

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Careers

Helps individuals explore personal challenges and life transitions, process emotions, set goals, and build coping skills and resilience.

Individual therapy

Uses structured exercises and strategies to help individuals better understand and manage unhelpful thoughts and emotions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Helps family members improve communication, resolve conflicts and build stronger bonds.

Family therapy

Teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation and stress management techniques to help individuals manage intense emotions.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Help individuals process painful experiences, reduce the impact of trauma, and feel safer and more in control.

Trauma-focused therapies

Helps partners examine their relationship and work to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen trust and connection.

Couples therapy

Helps individuals achieve personal growth and positive change by exploring how past experiences influence the way they think, feel and relate to others.

Psychodynamic therapy

Helps individuals acknowledge and accept difficult emotions while taking meaningful steps to support well-being and quality of life.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Helps children express and process emotions and experiences through play and creativity to support emotional growth and well-being.

Play therapy

Helps individuals gradually face and manage anxiety through a step-by-step, confidence-building process.

Exposure therapy

Help individuals explore their self-identity, process emotions and nurture well-being through art, music and movement.

Expressive therapies

Provide diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions that benefit from or require medical intervention and medication management.

Psychiatric care and medication management

Uses guided, structured techniques to help individuals process and cope with traumatic memories.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts to manage emotions and improve well-being.

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)

Asra Syed is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 11 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. After graduating from Pepperdine University, Asra worked in various settings including Substance abuse centers, Domestic Violence shelters, DCSF, Victims of Crime and Human Trafficking programs in Southern California. Asra’s experience has led her clinical focus to be Trauma and PTSD.

Asra is fluent in Spanish and Hindi with a strong focus in culturally sensitive therapy. Asra has received training in Trauma focused CBT, Solution focused therapy, Family Systems and Motivational Interviewing.

Ayeshah is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate with experience supporting individuals, couples and families through anxiety, depression, life-transitions, personality disorders, trauma and other stress-related concerns. She utilizes a person-centered framework while incorporating evidence-based interventions like CBT, DBT and REBT with compassion and collaboration to promote healing, self-awareness, and long-term well-being, valuing strong therapeutic relationships and fostering a supportive non-judgmental space for growth where clients feel heard and empowered.

Ayeshah has graduate degrees in Clinical Psychology, I/O Psychology and Counselor Education with vast experience in teaching, research, community work, and therapy in both home-based and clinical settings.

Brittany is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Registered Art Therapist, and Certified Equine EAGALA Mental Health Professional with a Master of Science in Art therapy from Florida State University. Brittany enjoys providing individual and group therapy with teens and adults. Brittany has gained experience by working in various settings such as an eating disorder residential treatment, a crisis-stabilization and a cognitive treatment unit in a prison, a substance use clinic, an inpatient psychiatric unit, a non-profit independent living assistance program, and a medical rehabilitation hospital.

Brittany utilizes various approaches in treatment such as Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Accept, Strengths Based Therapy, Mindfulness, and Equine EAGALA Therapy. Brittany can utilize art, verbal and equine approaches to assist clients with body image concerns, depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and LGBTQIA+ support. Brittany believes that developing safety within our bodies will assist with building a sense of resilience in life. Brittany will work alongside clients to help them develop safety and resiliency to accomplish desired treatment goals.

Deborah (Deb) Stamper is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and has been involved in the care of children, adolescents and adults for more than 24 years. Deborah was a public-school teacher for 10 years prior to becoming a nurse and expanded her passion for working with families into mental health/behavioral health care. She has a Master of Arts in Education and a Master of Science in Nursing from Indiana University. Her experience includes both acute inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, crisis intervention, and group / family educational focus groups. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults ages 4 -65 years old with a variety of conditions; these include symptoms of ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, trauma and mood disorders. Deborah has worked with a wide variety of cultural/ethnic backgrounds.  She considers it a privilege to advocate for the importance of awareness on mental health issues within our community and sees each person as unique. As such, Deborah addresses each concern as exclusive to each individual. She enjoys the outdoors, all animals, music and spending time with family.

Upon graduating in 2003 from Indiana State University with her Bachelor’s in Social Work, Delaina worked for several years with families in their homes as a Medical Social Worker, followed by fifteen years working as a Counselor and Survivor Advocate with adult and child survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Sex-Trafficking in Indiana and Oklahoma. While working as a Survivor Advocate in Tulsa, Delaina led statewide trainings for partnering agencies across the state of Oklahoma. Delaina also sat on many committees in Tulsa advocating for the services needed for at risk and underserved populations.

Delaina earned her Master’s in Social Work in 2019 from the University of Oklahoma before beginning her time as a Homebased Therapist at LifeSolutions Counseling where she initially worked for several years with children and families that are involved with the Department of Child Services, where she provided individual and family therapy. The last few years, Delaina has been working in our Noblesville outpatient office as a fully Licensed Clinician Social Worker with all ages including children ages 4 years old and up.  She integrates multiple evidence-based clinical approaches into her therapy depending on the needs of her clients. These include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Mindfulness. Delaina is client-focused and strives to create an alliance with her clients to determine therapeutic goals and treatment tasks ultimately addressing treatment of trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Julie Smith is a Licensed Social Worker/Therapist with over 5 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. After graduating from Indiana University, Julie worked in various settings including for Department of Children and Family Services, Juvenile Probation, and most recently outpatient individual therapy. Julie’s experience has led her clinical focus to be trauma, depression, and anxiety.

Julie strives to focus on culturally sensitive therapy while working with clients where they currently are in their lives. Julie has utilizes Talking therapies such as CBT, Trauma focused CBT, Solution focused therapy, Family Systems and Evidence-based practice.

Kara Chapman is a Licensed Mental Health Counseling Associate with over 7 years of experience working with individuals and families. Bachelor’s in behavioral science degree was achieved at Purdue University Northwest and then her Masters of Education-Counseling degree was completed at Indiana University South Bend. 

Kara has worked with adult probation, juvenile probation, private practice, community outreach centers, as well as Department of Children and Family services. These experiences have led to a clinical focus on substance abuse and trauma with teens through adulthood. 

She believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Kara has completed training in substance abuse, play therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Seeking Safety and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Katie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with individuals and families facing critical illness, disability, grief/loss, and trauma in hospital and home settings. Her expertise is supporting clients through the widespread complications of medical issues, caregiving, survivorship, grief/loss, and disability. She is experienced in supporting clients living with anxiety, depression, and PTSD as well as general life transitions and challenges. She offers a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She offers a strength based, client focused environment in order to build skills to improve quality of life.

Katie graduated from Loyola University of Chicago with her Bachelor of Arts and Case Western Reserve University with her Master of Social Work.

Kim graduated from Indiana University South Bend in 2000 and the University of Chicago in 2013. She has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2015 and has more than two decades of experience working in the social services field. 

Kim believes every person has the power within themselves to heal, grow, and thrive and strives to provide a safe, calm, and inclusive space in therapy. Kim’s clinical interests include mood disorders, trauma, women’s issues, anger management, adoption, LGBTQIA+ concerns, vocational counseling, and addiction. Kim treats all people ages 6 and up using primarily mindfulness-based therapies and solution-focused brief therapy.

If you are new to therapy or are returning, I am happy that you are here! I am Kim Nelson-Blackburn and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 30 years of experience helping others. I graduated from Purdue University with an undergraduate degree in Child Development and Family Studies and went on to earn a master’s degree in social work in 1994 from Indiana University at IUPUI specializing in Mental Health. I have worked in a variety of settings and with individuals who are diverse in age, race, religion and sexual orientation. I am a lifelong learner and enjoy diversity as well as learning more to expand my ability to help others. I have a personal and professional passion for working with individuals with OCD and other anxiety related mental health concerns. I have been trained and have spent extensive time treating adults and children (ages 12 to teens) in ERP (Exposure Response Prevention) which is the gold standard of treatment for OCD and other anxiety related issues. I have a passion for working with others who are struggling with anxiety, depression and trauma with evidence-based treatment approaches that work! I have also been trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure for PTSD and trauma. I also have training and experience in treatment of Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors such as skin picking (Excoriation), hair pulling (Trichotillomania) with an effective treatment called Habit Reversal Training (HRT).

As a therapist I incorporate CBT (Cognitive, Behavior Therapy) and some components of (DBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I also have training in perinatal mood disorders and received training from the Postpartum Support Internal (PSI). Overall, I meet individuals where they are and work with them to get to where they want to go. I understand that starting therapy can be necessary but also at times anxiety producing. Please know that I will hold space for you that is nonjudgmental and compassionate sprinkled in with humor and provide the skill set to help you identify what is happening and how to achieve your own goals.

Personally, I have life experiences as a parent and grandparent. I enjoy time spent with family and friends but also time to read, reflect and exercise my mind and body. I look forward to meeting you!

Laura is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with experience working with individuals and in group settings with Intensive Outreach Programs, on inpatient hospital units, and in psychiatric emergency departments. Her expertise is supporting clients with Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Bipolar Disorders to help them learn and healthy coping skills to manage these disorders.

Laura offers a variety of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. This is done in a strengths-based, client-centered, safe environment.
Laura earned her Bachelor’s degree at Indiana University School of Social Work and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Christian Theological Seminary.

Lauren Edwards specializes in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and bipolar. With years of experience, she enjoys helping teens and adults reach their therapy goals. Lauren meets clients where they are in the process of change, listens to their concerns, and learns about their strengths. Her approach is to work alongside clients, supporting them as they achieve their goals. Outside of therapy, Lauren enjoys photography and writing poetry.

Levi is a graduate of Ball State University, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and has over ten years of experience in the mental health field. Levi has worked with a variety of clients and families throughout his career in home-based, school-based, and residential settings. Most recently, he was a lead clinician to a team of therapists in a residential facility for adolescents. Levi has experience working with complex trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, anger management issues, behavioral issues, relationships, and identity issues and has been trained in both TF-CBT and EMDR. Levi believes that our unresolved pasts are at the root of our present mental health concerns and that the past must be addressed in order to change the future.

I believe therapy offers us a unique opportunity to deal with the challenges we inevitably face. throughout our lives. Within each of us lies the ability for personal growth and insight.

We may find ourselves struggling with life transitions, job loss, relationships, personal issues and a great deal of uncertainty. I believe that during these times the therapy process is beneficial in finding, creating and empowering the self towards healthy, meaningful growth and change. Finding meaning and connection takes courage and determination to face difficult, often painful situations. Space therapy provides us is an opportunity for you to develop your full potential in a safe, non-threatening environment.

Education
Mary Beth received a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from IUPUI and received a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is a member of AAMFT and INMFT.

Areas of Experience
Working with individuals, couple and family struggles, anxiety, depression, adolescent transitions into adulthood, grief and loss, post-traumatic stress, anger management, post-partum adjustment and abuse. Mary Beth has worked in school-based therapy, residential treatment and the community utilizing a strengths-based approach and incorporating a wide range of techniques to meet cl and family needs.

Melissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has 27 years of experience in providing mental health services to individuals and families. Melissa has previous experience working in outpatient, school-based, and home-based/community settings. She enjoys working across the life span, primarily providing individual and family therapy. Melissa’s expertise is working with depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders,  family conflict, relationship issues, grief/loss, and adjustments/transitions in life. Melissa integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches into treatment, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Skills Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play therapy, Art Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral therapy. She uses a strengths based and client focused approach to meet a person where they are and build with the skills and talents they already have.

Melissa graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University-Bloomington and then received her Master of Social Work from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.

Rachel is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with previous experience working in outpatient and home-based/community settings prior to joining the outpatient team at LifeSolutions. Rachel graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and then received her Master of Clinical Psychology from the University of Indianapolis. She enjoys working with adults of all ages, primarily providing individual therapy. Rachel’s expertise is in working with trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, relationship issues, grief/loss, and adjustments/transitions in life. Rachel integrates multiple evidence-based clinical approaches into her therapy depending on the needs of her clients, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR,) Trauma-Focused CBT, Skills Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral therapy. She provides a compassionate and non-judgmental space in which clients can feel comfortable and empowered. Rachel believes that therapy can be a powerful experience and opportunity for clients to gain new tools to complement the skills and talents they already have in order to build the life they want for themselves.

Sarah is an outpatient therapist and clinical supervisor at LifeSolutions. She earned her bachelor of arts degrees in psychology and gerontology from Miami University of Ohio in 2011 and her master of arts degree in clinical psychology from the University of Indianapolis in 2013. Prior to her employment with LifeSolutions, Sarah worked in a variety of clinical settings, including an inpatient behavioral health unit, community mental health clinic, and college counseling center. Sarah started with LifeSolutions in 2016 as a home-based therapist before transitioning to outpatient practice, and most recently began supervising a team of home-based clinicians.

Sarah is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and has specialized clinical training and experience in the areas of trauma processing, parent-child relational concerns, attachment/bonding issues, Internal Family Systems, Child-Centered Play Therapy, and Theraplay. Her clinical interests include mood and anxiety disorders, adjustment concerns, attachment disorders, relational concerns, trauma/abuse/neglect, behavioral disorders, and ADHD. Sarah utilizes a combination of therapeutic interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Internal Family Systems, Brief Solutions Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Theraplay, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy. Sarah strives to provide a therapeutic environment that is strength-based, safe, supportive, inclusive, and welcoming to all clients and families she meets.

Sasha is a Licensed Social Worker with eight years of combined experience working with individuals of all ages. She began her social work career working with adults suffering from substance abuse and addiction in an outpatient setting in Evanston, Illinois. She also gained experience working with children and adolescents in an inpatient/outpatient hospital setting in Chicago, Illinois. More recently, Sasha has been working as a home-based therapist in the state of Indiana, where she has been providing therapeutic services to children and families over the last five years. Sasha utilizes a strength-based perspective in her treatment of individuals suffering from traumas in a wide variety of areas. She strives to provide a safe, calm, and empowering environment for individuals to thrive in and meet their full potential.

Sasha’s areas of clinical interest include the following: Anxiety, Addictions, Depression, Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Trauma, Infertility, Eating Disorders, Child-Welfare, ADHD, Anger Management, Grief and Loss, and Self-esteem.

Sasha earned her master’s degree with a concentration in Children and Families from Loyola University Chicago and earned her Bachelor of Psychology and Sociology degrees with a minor in Music from Indiana University-Bloomington. She is trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and is pursuing her clinical licensure in social work as well as her certification and licensure in Play Therapy.

Will is a graduate of IU with a Bachelors degree of Sociology. He earned his Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health from Bradely University. Will has experience working in numerous mental health settings with a wide range of age groups. He has provided individual therapy and group therapy with children and adults. Will is currently serving as a therapist in the Carmel office and in the community.
Will is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) he has specialized training in Therapeutically Applied Roleplaying Games (TARPG’s) for group therapy, trauma processing, attachment/bonding issues, parent-child relational concerns, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Theraplay. His clinical interests include attachment disorders, anxiety, behavioral disorders, trauma/abuse/neglect, and social skills. Will is committed to client focused treatment and strength-based approaches tailored to each client he works with.

Therapy and coaching for adults, teens and children.

What we offer

Individual therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Family therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Trauma-focused therapies

Couples therapy

Meet the team

Asra Syed

Ayeshah Mahmood

Brittany McKinney

Carol Lipsey

Deborah Stamper

Delaina Plahitko

Faye Anglin

Genesis Reyes-Martinez

Julie Smith

Kandyce Emmendorfer

Kara Chapman

Katie Vescelus

Kim Lynch

Kim Nelson-Blackburn

Laura Silence

Lauren Edwards

Levi T. Laskowski

Marcia Humphrey-Benman

Mary Beth Winter

Melissa Pitcher

Nannette Simms

Peter Swanson

Rachel Weaver

Raineia Lee

Rhanesha Woods

Sarah Gramke

Sasha Reardon

Timmy Kirtdoll

Will Hughes

About us

Contact

LifeSolutions Counseling Associates