Alicia Lakin, LPC

Jill Sinnott is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has practiced in Tennessee for over ten years, in a variety of roles including comprehensive child and family therapy, mobile crisis, and group-based Alcohol and Drug treatment. Most recently, she worked in community mental health for five and a half years. In this role, she focused on individual therapy with clients of all ages. Jill obtained her Bachelor's Degree from Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC, and her Master's of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN before settling in Johnson City, TN with her family. Jill's areas of interest include working with the LGBTQIA+ community and incorporating play therapy techniques while working with children. She uses a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to develop a treatment plan addressing the client's own goals using specific, obtainable steps and recognizing each individual's strengths.

Melissa Racklin is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience. She works with individuals who have a wide variety of mental health challenges. Melissa helps individuals to work through symptoms that are holding them back and help them live a better, more fulfilling life.‍Melissa is experienced in the areas of panic disorders, generalized anxiety, OCD, phobias, separation anxiety. She particularly enjoys working with adults who are motivated to grow through the process of therapy. Melissa has worked extensively with clients who have depression, bipolar disorder, women's issues, ADHD, personality disorders, marital/relationship issues along with couples counseling, divorce, self-harm, adjustment disorders, and more. Melissa holds certification in clinical supervision as well as school social worker certification. And has training in red flags for suicidality.‍Melissa's approach is custom-tailored for each individual client. She has a supportive, genuine, and authentic style of treatment. Melissa is warm and empathic and strives to create a safe and trusting therapeutic environment for her clients. She utilizes active listening skills and is intuitive and skilled in various modalities of treatment. Most often, Melissa uses CBT, DBT, and a psychodynamic approach in her work with clients.

Joel Witherspoon is a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of clinical experience working in various mental health settings, working directly with clients from diverse backgrounds living with a broad range of mental health conditions. Joel earned his Undergraduate degree at California State University Long Beach, Graduate School at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, and completed his internship in Raleigh, NC. Joel has been practicing for 19 years as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, focusing on mood disorders, trauma, situational adjustment disorders, and any life challenge that interferes with a client's happiness. Working with Joel, treatment is specific to the individual with the focus on modalities that are specific to each person's challenges. Joel uses an eclectic approach with a foundation in person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and trauma therapy combined with somatic interventions such as mindfulness.

Akili’s approach is centered around the individual. His goal is to help people embrace their authentic self. He believes that counseling and the therapeutic process is experiential. He has been through most of the life struggles we all have been through. Akili has also written several books - the latest of which, “Be an Anomaly”, is about the autism spectrum. Beyond his passion for helping others, Akili is passionate about his family, drawing, music, and basketball.

Akili utilizes multimedia resources, oftentimes with an emphasis on writing and creativity. He works to create a warm atmosphere of welcoming energy and connection. Therapeutic modalities used include REBT, CBT, Positive Psychology, ACT, and Gottman Method.

The tools that Akili uses are those hidden within you. He uses creative therapy and behavioral techniques to help you get where you want to be. Your collaboration is a trip that you will embark on together. Akili will help you find the best solutions to the answers you have.

Dr. Aisling Rea is a dedicated therapist with an extensive educational background and experience in the field of psychology. She earned a Bachelor of Science at Florida Atlantic University, completed a Master of Science at Florida International University and a Doctorate in Psychology at Walden University. During her internship at Youth Automotive Training Center and The Humanistic Center for Counseling Services, Dr. Rea worked with individuals, families, couples, first responders and high-risk populations, having the opportunity to work with a variety of clients. As a professional, Dr. Rea gained valuable experience working in inpatient and outpatient programs and settings. Dr. Rea has a passion in helping clients heal from depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psycho-spiritual and relationship challenges. She believes open, empathetic understanding and taking a collaborative approach are the keys to a client-centered practice, and an important part of the healing and wellness of clients. In addition to Dr. Rea's clinical practice, she loves the ocean, enjoying photography, SCUBA diving, participating in beach clean-ups, and spending time with her family, dog and cat.

Richard Chase is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor (LPCC-S), Board Certified through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). He holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development.

For over 10 years, Richard has provided a safe, welcoming space to help clients address a wide range of mental health challenges. He views therapy as a journey of personal discovery and is passionate about guiding individuals through life’s difficulties. His approach integrates evidence-based methods to tailor treatment to each person’s unique needs and preferences.

In sessions, Richard focuses on fully understanding the concerns a patient is experiencing before collaborating to create a personalized treatment plan. Together, they work toward building confidence, managing difficult emotions, and creating meaningful change that supports a more balanced, hopeful, and fulfilling life.