Therapists

Susan Kerley, LPC, CPCS, RPT-S, NCC, BC-TMH, Clinical Director

Susan Kerley is a Georgia Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, a Registered Play Therapist/Supervisor, and a Nationally Certified Counselor. Susan graduated Summa Cum Laude from Capella University with a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Susan earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the State University of New York at Brockport, also Summa Cum Laude, and is an inducted member of Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International.

Susan draws upon an integrated and holistic approach to treatment in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Adlerian, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are the primary orientations used in counseling adults, teens, and families. When working with children, Susan utilizes a combination of directive and nondirective play therapy and Adlerian play therapy approaches, depending on each child’s specific needs. Expressive, creative, and experiential therapies such as Gestalt, art, and narrative therapy are also incorporated based on the specific needs and goals of the client. Parenting support and training are an important component of treatment services and available for parents of elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as parents of young adults. Susan is a Certified AutPlay Therapy Provider (see autplaytherapy.com for more info) and has completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1. 

Additionally, Susan has 15 years of experience in the corporate business realm and is able to integrate this experience to help others with workplace issues, stress management stemming from less than ideal workplace environments, and career development plans.

Treatment services include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Adjustment/life transitions/divorce
• Emotional regulation (including anger and self-injury)
• Parenting training and support
• Gifted children, adults, and families
• Communication and interpersonal relationship skills
• Self image/confidence
• Stress management
• Men’s issues
• Women’s issues
• Workplace problems and career development
• ADHD and behavioral disorders
• Developmental disabilities/autism spectrum/Asperger’s

Susan works with diverse lifestyles and family structures and aims to provide a safe, supportive environment for all clients. LGBTQ+ clients are welcome, as are all religious and spiritual beliefs. My goal is to work within your framework of values and beliefs to help you learn new ways to cope with challenges both now and in the future.

You can reach Susan directly by calling 770-971-9311 ext. 4 or via email at susan@mariettacounseling.com. Office hours are Monday through Friday. To register as a new client and schedule online, please visit: https://mariettacounseling.secure-client-area.com.

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Amy West, LPC, Assistant Clinical Director

Amy West LPC Amy is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families using a systemic and internal family systems approach. Amy believes, “when a child struggles the whole family struggles.” Prior to joining Marietta Counseling for Children & Adults, Amy has worked in variety of settings including community mental health, and local state agencies. She has also worked in the school system as an elementary school counselor. In her years of experience she has also facilitated parenting classes, presented workshops on ADHD, Stress Management, and Bullying Prevention. She also has led many counseling groups on social skills, anger management, and self-esteem.

Amy has extensive background in dealing with a variety of presenting problems including behavioral and emotional disorders. She works closely with children that are having school problems, issues of trauma, anxiety and depression. In counseling Amy uses a variety of therapeutic approaches including Play/Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy. She also counsels individually with women who are experiencing life transitions, mood disorders, or who wish to improve their parenting, and life skills. Amy tailors her approach to meet the needs of every client. She will work with you to explore new techniques for bringing new clarity to your life and for changing behaviors that may be preventing you from feeling successful and happy.

Amy continuously participates in continuing education to provide the highest quality service and most current and effective interventions for children, parents, and families. She is an active member and volunteer with the Licensed Professional Counselor Association of Georgia (LPCA). Amy is also working to obtain her Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential. Amy can be reached at 770-971-9311 ext. 9 or by email amy@mariettacounseling.com.

Download Client Paperwork (PDF)

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Anthony Pearson, EdS, LPC, NCC

Anthony Pearson, EdS, LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor and is on track to be a Registered Play Therapist. He has experience as both a school counselor and a therapist in private practice providing services for children and adolescents. He believes that all children have the ability to rise above challenges given the right support. With a background in Solution Focused and Adlerian Therapy, Anthony incorporates an eclectic style in which he seeks to use the most effective, salient methods for making the greatest impact for his clients. While children come to therapy with presenting issues, they also come with dynamic resources, strengths, and abilities. By incorporating each child’s individual talents with their personalized goals, Anthony will help families and children strive for success.

Anthony was the Cobb County Elementary School Counselor of the Year in 2009-2012 and the CSCA Writer of the Year. He was selected as a Top 10 National Finalist for American School Counselor of the Year for 2010-2011. In 2011-2012 he was selected as the Region III Georgia Elementary School Counselor of the Year.

In addition to counseling, Anthony enjoys writing and has published two books. He is a published author of books for professionals and for children. You may reach Anthony at 770-971-9311 ext. 2 or by email at anthony@mariettacounseling.com.

Download Client Paperwork (PDF)

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Ashley Brewer, MS, LPC

Starting therapy can be so overwhelming. It’s new and scary. It’s emotional work. Opening up to a stranger can feel so foreign and awkward. As a therapist, I understand this. I strive to create a safe and judgment free space to allow each client to be able to explore their feelings comfortably and freely. I believe that a positive and safe environment allows for healthy growth, exploration, and development.

I use an integrative and holistic approach to therapy, as I am a firm believer that therapy should be tailored to the individual clients’ needs; no therapeutic approach is one size fits all. I work with you to determine the best combination of approaches that connect you to yourself on a deeper level. I strive to help each client become the best and most authentic version of themselves.

I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, from teens and adults. Our teen years are so vital to the adult we become, and I absolutely love helping teens figure out who they are and who they want to be. I have a deep passion for working with all my clients.

I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Georgia State University, and I obtained my Master of Science degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Brenau University. I am a second career individual, spending more than a decade in the corporate world before becoming a therapist. I believe that this aids my ability to connect with people through therapy. Having this experience helps me understand career development, stress management, time management, and a host of other issues the workforce faces on a daily basis.

I consider it an absolute honor to walk this journey with you.

Treatment services include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Emotional Regulation
• PTSD and trauma work
• Self-esteem & self-image
• Grief and loss
• Stress Management
• ADHD and Behavioral disorders
• Communication skills
• Teen therapy
• Gender Identity
• Sexual Identity
• LGBTQ+ issues

Ashley can be reached at 770-971-9311 extension 114 or AshleyBrewerLPC@gmail.com. To register as a new client, please visit https://mariettacounseling.secure-client-area.com/portal

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Lindsay Burstein, MS, LPC

I believe therapy works best when you feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. My background includes SUNY Oneonta with a B.S. in Psychology and Child and Family Studies, as well as schooling at St. John Fisher College where I received my M.S. in Mental Health Counseling. My approach is rooted in person/child-centered and strengths-based care, which means we focus on who you are as a whole person, not just the challenges you’re facing. Together, we’ll build on your existing strengths while creating space to explore what’s been getting in the way.

I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and families who are navigating ADHD, OCD, and anxiety. I utilize a variety of therapeutic interventions including play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Whether you’re struggling with racing thoughts, perfectionism, difficulty focusing, intrusive worries, or feeling overwhelmed by daily life, I offer a supportive and collaborative environment to help you make sense of your experiences. I understand that these challenges can feel frustrating, isolating, and at times exhausting—but they don’t define you.

In our work together, we’ll move at your pace. I’ll help you develop practical tools to manage symptoms while also exploring deeper patterns, building self-awareness, and strengthening your confidence. My goal is not just symptom relief, but helping you feel more grounded, capable, and aligned with the life you want to live.

You are the expert on your own life. I’m here to walk alongside you—offering guidance, curiosity, and support as you move toward meaningful, lasting change.

Treatment Services Include:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• Play Therapy
• Sandtray Therapy 
• Excessive Screen Time
• Executive Functioning Skills
• Self-Esteem
• Perfectionism
• Grief and Loss
• Parenting
• Regulation Techniques 
• Self-Growth 

Lindsay can be reached at 770-971-9311 ext.5 or ltburstein@gmail.com. You can also schedule an appointment online at: https://mariettacounseling.secure-client-area.com/ .

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Marina Delaine-Siegel, MS, LPC, NCC

Marina has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Marina received her Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical and applied Sociology and Anthropology from Valdosta State University. She is an inducted member of Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society and a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Marina’s professional experience includes working with a diversity of youth populations, domestic abuse populations, and sex offenders. She has a passion for working with children, teens, and the LGBTQ+ population, believing positive support environments allow for optimum wellness. Marina has also worked in the judicial system aiding victims and witnesses through her position as a legal advocate and victim/ witness coordinator. Her training and past experience also include certification in National Advocate Program, Civil Rights Training, Georgia State Bar Temporary Protective Counseling, and Legal Advocacy, and Youth Building Training and Art Advocacy Processing.

Marina is so excited to continue her professional career with Marietta Counseling for Children and Adults. Marina can be reached at 770-971-9311 ext. 7 or marina@mariettacounseling.com. You can also register as a new client at https://mariettacounseling.secure-client-area.com/.

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Bethany Verbrugge, LCSW

Bethany Verbrugge is a Georgia Licensed Clinical Social Worker who speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan School of Social Work and her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with honors from Calvin College, where she also completed a double major in Spanish and a minor in Psychology.

Bethany specializes in working with children, teenagers, adults and families who have experienced trauma. She is trained in EMDR and is an active member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and is Level 1 trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS). Her approach is flexible and tailored to each client, integrating both directive and non-directive methods.

Bethany draws from a variety of evidence-based and experiential modalities, including EMDR, IFS, Sand Tray, Play Therapy, TraumaPlay, AutPlay, and somatic and attachment-focused approaches. She also offers parenting sessions and support for caregivers and has additional training in working with eating disorders.

Bethany’s experience includes providing individual, family, and group therapy across outpatient settings, schools, in-home services, and telehealth.

Areas of focus include:

• Trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Life transitions and adjustment
• Emotional regulation (including anger and self-injury)
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Eating disorders
• Parenting training and support
• Communication and relationship skills
• Self-image and self-esteem
• Stress management
• Coping strategies
• Behavioral challenges at home or in school
• Autism/neurodivergence support

Bethany is an open and affirming therapist who welcomes clients of all sexual and gender identities, as well as all religious and spiritual backgrounds.

You can reach Bethany directly by calling 616-594-0842 or via email at bethany@bethanyvlcsw.com. Her current rate is $155 per session.

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Chisha Mercer, MA

(Providing services under Clinical Supervision of Susan Kerley, LPC, CPCS)

Chisha brings nearly 20 years of experience in the clinical field, with a passion for supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating a wide range of behavioral health challenges. Her work is rooted in building meaningful connections and creating safe, supportive spaces where clients feel empowered to grow and heal.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, with a concentration in Social Services, from William Paterson University, and her Master’s degree in Counseling, with a focus on School Counseling, from Montclair State University. Chisha is currently a license-eligible counselor working toward her Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) credential.

Chisha began her career in care management, where she developed a strong foundation in the strengths-based wraparound approach. This perspective continues to guide her work today, allowing her to meet clients where they are while recognizing and building upon their existing strengths.

Her professional experience spans multiple systems, including juvenile justice, foster care, residential treatment, group homes, and DFCS involvement. In recent years, she has focused on providing in-home and community-based services, specializing in trauma-informed care for children and adolescents.

Chisha uses an integrated, client-centered approach that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) along with other recovery-oriented techniques. She is committed to helping each individual develop practical, sustainable skills that support long-term emotional wellness and resilience.

You can reach Chisha directly by calling 770-971-9311 ext. 6 or via email at mercerc23@hotmail.com. To register as a new client and schedule online, please visit: https://mariettacounseling.secure-client-area.com.

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Eric Betsill, MS, LPC, NCC

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Nicholas Richards MS, NCC, LAPC

(Providing services under Clinical Supervision of Susan Kerley, LPC, CPCS)

I am a recent graduate of Georgia State University with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I also received my Bachelor’s Degree from Georgia State.

Some of my interests revolve around anime, films, video games, and other forms of mixed media. I’ve developed an interest in blending these into my therapeutic approach, through using them to relate to clients and helping clients develop coping skills and achieve their goals.

I work with children, adults, young adults, and older adults. I work with a broad range of issues including depression, anxiety, sexuality/gender identity, and social skills. I can be reached at 770-971-9311 ext. 110 or NRichards001@outlook.com. To register as a new client and schedule online, please visit: https://mariettacounseling.secure-client-area.com.