About Our Therapists
** ANNOUNCEMENT!! OUR PRACTICE NOW INCLUDES AN ACUPUNCTURIST. WE ARE EXCITED TO HAVE THIS SERVICE TO OFFER OUR COMMUNITY AND CLIENTS. NOW TAKING APPOINTMENTS!** Contact Patrick, our acupuncturist, at—Email: elementalacucle@gmail.com, text or call 512-663-3270.
***What all of our counselors have in common at Sarah McKay Counseling is that we value our clients and hope to provide a safe space for everyone. Although we all have differing educational backgrounds, advanced certifications and specializations, we like to provide our clients mindfulness strategies and other evidence based interventions to help you in your healing journey. We have found that some of our clients value holistic approaches to healing including acupuncture, art therapies and mind-body-healing modalities while others prefer traditional therapies. No matter if you are dealing with depression, anxiety, life changes, relationship issues or general daily stress- we are here to help! Treatment will be tailored to individual needs and you will always have a say in your treatment.
TO SCHEDULE: SEE AVAILABILITY OF EACH COUNSELOR BELOW. CONTACT THE THERAPIST DIRECTLY VIA EMAIL, COMPLETE ONLINE FORM THRU THE WEBSITE OR CONTACT US AT 216-394-9888. THANK YOU!
*****IN PERSON AND TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE. WE ARE FULL FOR CHLDREN & COUPLES. ACCEPTING INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS ONLY. PLEASE FILL OUT A ONLINE REQUEST FORM OR PLEASE CONTACT THE THERAPIST DIRECTLY THRU THEIR EMAILS LISTED BELOW. ****SEE PROFILES AND CONTACT INFO BELOW OR EMAIL US AT SARAHMCKAYLLC@GMAIL.COM.*****
Sarah Auger,
Owner.
Clinical Counselor
Sarah received her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University. In addition, Sarah had the opportunity to study with Master Teacher, Deepak Chopra and received Certification to teach Primordial Sound (Mantra) Meditation. She continues to draw knowledge from various modalities in mind, body, spirit healing to help her clients transform their minds and hearts so they can fulfil their desired dreams. Sarah is an empathic listener, is patient, and is willing to be open to the therapeutic process as it unfolds. She will challenge old unhelpful patterns and thoughts while helping you to set realistic goals so that you directly experience desired change and results. You will walk away with greater understanding of yourself, tools to help you navigate through the tough times, and a greater sense of who you are and what you want in this life. Healing is possible.
(SARAH IS CURRENTLY FULL AND UNABLE TO ACCEPT NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME. EMAIL: SARAHMCKAYLLC@GMAIL.COM, 216-394-9888)
Lisa MacDougall,
Clinical Counselor
I believe in a holistic, person-centered model of treatment, focusing on the whole person by including mind, body, spirit, and emotion in counseling. I incorporate meditation, mindfulness, self-exploration, CBT, and other forms of therapy and techniques based on person preference and need. I believe each person is unique and important, and as a result, so is each counseling session.
I received my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Youngstown State University and have 4 years of experience working in individual, couple, and group counseling with ages 15 and up. In addition, I am a Certified Hypnotherapist. I have experience working with clients with a variety of mental health diagnoses including but not limited to; depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment and anger-related disorders.
I promise to meet you where you are, and walk beside you on your journey towards balance, self-awareness, empowerment, and healing.
(LISA IS FULL. EMAIL: brownl499@gmail.com)
Carolyn LaValey,
Clinical Counselor
We can learn so much about ourselves, our emotions, and our behaviors by meeting ourselves in the present moment. Our minds and bodies are always communicating with us in order to help us move toward greater balance, wellbeing and happiness. As your counselor, I will help you to unblock the emotional and mental obstacles that are getting in the way of you achieving your greatest potential. It is important to me to offer a safe and welcoming space as we work through and process the difficult things you may be facing.
I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Cleveland State University. Since 2015, I have been taking classes and studying with the Gestalt Institute and have had the opportunity to co-facilitate groups. In session, I utilize evidence based mindfulness, cognitive behavioral, Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing and DBT techniques. With the use of these techniques, you will be able to gain knowledge of tools that you can then use outside of session to help you in your healing journey.
I enjoy working with adults, 18+. I look forward to collaborating and working with you.
(CAROLYN IS FULL. WILL ACCEPT NEW CLIENTS IN JANUARY 2024. EMAIL: CAROLYNLAVALEY@GMAIL.COM)
Victoria Byler,
Clinical Counselor
Victoria received her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Youngstown State University and has experience working with adults. She has worked with clients with a variety of mental health diagnoses including but not limited to; depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and adjustment. Victoria believes in a holistic approach, focusing on the mind & body connection with therapeutic goals. Victoria is a certified EMDR Therapist, EMDR Consultant In Training (CIT) through EMDRIA, Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP), and has a certificate in Expressive Arts. Victoria is trained in trauma-focused approaches, such as meditation, Emotional Freedom Technique, breathwork, and yoga-based somatic movement. If you are prepared and committed to creating lasting change and want to dig deep into the emotional work, Victoria may be a good match for you! Victoria's style is warm and relaxed but will also work diligently with you to develop the tools you need to meet your self-defined goals.
About Victoria: In Victoria's spare time, she enjoys spending time with her pets, kayaking and rock climbing!
(VICTORIA IS FULL. EMAIL: VICTORIAEBYLER@GMAIL.COM )
Danielle Adler,
Clinical Counselor
Danielle believes that although people are not always able to control their life circumstances, they do have the ability to control their personal reactions in each situation. Exploring the meaning clients attach to various life experiences provides useful information about how this impacts their mood and behaviors. Danielle strives to help clients transfer power back within themselves to effectively navigate through difficult life circumstances, without getting stuck. She also works with her clients to help them achieve self-acceptance and learn how to love themselves unconditionally, flaws and all. She sees opportunities for growth and learning at all stages of life and believes positive changes can be made at any point.
Utilizing cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and mindfulness techniques, Danielle assists clients with looking at the thought processes that may be contributing to their emotional difficulties, and exploring the effectiveness of current and past coping strategies. This exploration aids clients in building a “tool kit” of effective coping skills to utilize during tough times. Danielle’s priority is to cultivate a supportive therapeutic relationship with her clients and to collaboratively set realistic, manageable goals to increase client success. She also believes peace and joy are found in the ordinary things in life and enjoys helping clients recognize these sources of happiness in their own lives. She is aware that self-improvement and personal growth is not a linear process and meets each client right where they are in their journey.
Danielle received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University. Since graduating, she has gained experience with a wide variety of client populations, working in agency, school, and private practice settings. Over the years, she has helped clients with stress, anxiety, mood disorders, communication/conflict management, life transitions, relationship conflicts, and much more. At Sarah McKay Counseling, Danielle is able to adopt a “whole person wellness model.” This approach addresses various dimensions of a client’s life (e.g., emotional, mental, physical, social, spiritual) to provide a holistic approach to personal healing.
(DANIELLE IS AVAILABLE FOR ADULT CLIENTS ONLY, VIA TELEHEALTH. CONTACT DANIELLE AT DADLER763@GMAIL.COM)
Rachel Tomasewski,
Clinical Counselor
I work as a trauma therapist, specializing in chronic and complex trauma (physical, sexual, emotional abuse, first responders, military/veterans, etc.) and dissociative disorders. I work with clients from mid to late adolescence to adults. Additionally, I am licensed in addictions and specialize in clients with substance use/abuse disorders, as well as family, children, friends, etc. that have been impacted by another's addiction.
I incorporate a person-centered, multimodal, holistic approach in my sessions, and utilize IFS, DBT, EMDR, trauma-centered interventions, art therapy techniques, and animal assisted interventions (utilizing canines- my dogs Hopper and Chiko and horses/equines).
I believe in empowering the client to help build up their self-esteem, understand their triggers, further increase their ongoing personal growth, and develop healthy coping skills to manage and regulate emotions and live a meaningful life.
I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your personal goals and thrive.
I obtained my double Masters of Arts degree in Counseling and Art Therapy from Ursuline College. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and a Registered Art Therapist (ATR). Additionally, I am EMDR trained, and have a certification as a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) from the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP). Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
(RACHEL IS CURRENTLY TAKING A WAITLIST. PLEASE CONTACT RACHEL AT: RACHELANDHOPPER@GMAIL.COM)
Katie Vlachos, MSW, LISW-S
Hi my name is Katie, I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker currently providing telehealth therapeutic services in Ohio and in person appointments in Galena. I have been working in the mental health field since 2005. I obtained a BS in Human Development & Family Studies from Penn State in 2005 and my MSW from Marywood University in 2009. My work experience over the years has focused on providing Cognitive Behavioral & other therapeutic interventions including EMDR to assist in managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health concerns. I have worked professionally as a therapist since 2009, with much of my work providing therapeutic interventions (more than 10 years) for individuals with Autism & other developmental & intellectual disabilities.
My current specialization is focused on the use of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and other trauma informed modalities to assist in healing from childhood and recent traumatic events and loss. My priorities as a counselor include providing a compassionate and non judgmental space for all. I am an LGBTQ+ ally and have focused much of my 20 year practice on providing an inclusive space based in Anti-Racism & Anti discriminatory values.
Please feel free to reach out to ask any questions to see if we may be a good match to work together and to schedule an initial appointment.
(KATIE IS OPEN FOR TELEHEALTH CLIENTS, MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WENDESDAY—DAYTIME. EMAIL: SARAHMCKAYLLC@GMAIL.COM)
Pamela Slane, Ph.D & Clinical Counselor
Utilizing evidence-based holistic approaches and strength-based interventions, Pamela couples person-centered and cognitive behavioral therapy with the creative arts to support mental, emotional and physical well-being. With over 15 years of clinical experience, Pamela has worked with kids, adolescents, young adults and adults through a variety of settings and forums. Pamela approaches each individual from a place of openness and collaboration, to establish a safe, supportive and welcoming environment. Setting realistic goals, each treatment plan tailors therapy to the individual, and their unique needs to work towards a healthier whole. Pamela moves at the pace of the individual, and assists in identifying unhealthy patterns, coping skill development, interpersonal skills, solution-focused problem-solving, mindfulness and emotional expression/regulation. Pamela specializes in trauma recovery (sexual, mental, emotional and physical abuse), crisis intervention, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, impulse control, low self-esteem/worth, life transitions, life stressors, caregiver/parent challenges and emotional expression/regulation.
Pamela received her Doctorate in Expressive Therapies at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA and her Masters in Clinical Counseling at Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois. Pamela is also a Board-Certified Movement Therapist and a Graduate Level Movement Analysist. Pamela is Certified in Animal-Assisted Therapy, Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Telehealth and is dually licensed in Illinois and Ohio.
(Pamela has virtual and in-person openings at this time. She is available during weekdays. She accepts Med Mutual, United Healthcare, Anthem & Aetna. No Medicaid. Email: slane@counselingmail.com
Sarah Braun, LISW-S, Counselor
If you are reading through therapist bios then you are probably carrying a heavy weight on your shoulders. It can be difficult reaching out to a new counselor but if you’re here then you are hopeful that improvement is possible. Not every therapist is compatible with you, your needs or your personality. I believe in meeting you where you are at, helping you find hope, and giving you tools and insight to address the weights that are pulling you down through evidence-based approaches. I earned my Masters of Social Work from Cleveland State University in 2014 and earned my Bachelors of Arts from Moody Bible Institute in 2010. I am open to discussing spirituality in sessions or not, depending on your needs and desires. I have extensive experience in grief, bereavement and complex medical adjustments. I am accepting clients from childhood to adult via telehealth only who have a variety of needs. There is hope and light at the end of the tunnel. I’d love to meet you and be a part of your healing journey.
(Sarah is full. She accepts Med Mutual, United Healthcare, Aetna and Anthem insurance. Email: sarahmckayllc@gmail.com)
Josh Adkins, LISW
Hi, I'm Joshua Adkins. I see therapy as a unique journey for each person—a path of discovery, healing, and empowerment. My approach is grounded in the belief that you are more than your challenges. That's why I specialize in therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, tailored to fit you, not just a textbook diagnosis.
Life's complexities are vast, and so is the human capacity for resilience and growth. I'm here to guide you through both the storms and the calm, helping you to navigate, understand, and embrace your experiences. Together, we'll craft a journey that honors your individuality, utilizing your strengths and finding new ways to approach challenges.
Choosing a therapist is a significant step, and I'm committed to making our sessions a space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. Let's embark on this journey together, with each step designed to bring you closer to the life you envision for yourself. Your story matters, and I'm here to listen, support, and explore it with you, every step of the way.
(Josh is available via telehealth, evenings or weekends only for adult clients).
Patrick Foye, Acupuncturist
Patrick is a licensed acupuncturist specializing in the treatment of chronic pain and acute injuries using a variety of healing modalities. These include acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, herbal formulas, and frequency specific micro-current. He became passionate about Chinese medicine when it helped him find hope and relief from his own chronic pain. Soon after, he felt inspired to help others as he has been helped. He’s also passionate about treating PTSD, mental health issues, seasonal allergies, and recovery from surgery and covid.
Patrick attended the Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin where he completed over 1000 hours in the on-site student clinics and offsite clinics at partnered western medical facilities. Those include Austin Pain Associates, People’s Community Clinic and Seton Topfer Community Health Center which treat underserved communities, and Austin Recovery, an in-patient drug rehab facility. There, he used the five point NADA protocol and community acupuncture on patients experiencing acute drug and alcohol detoxification. While attending school, he also worked in three different herbal pharmacies which gave him a deeper connection to herbal medicine than just the curriculum alone.
Patrick is a Diplomat of Oriental Medicine, indicating certification by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine). He also earned certifications from the ICTA (International Cupping Therapy Association), AOBTA (American Organization of Body Work Therapies of Asia), and NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association).
He enjoys photography, paddle boarding, and biking on towpaths and trails throughout Ohio. (Email: ElementalAcuCle@gmail.com, text or call Patrick at 512-663-3270)
Chiko, Therapy Dog
(DOB: 9/26/21)
Hi, my name is Chiko. I work with my owner (Rachel) to provide animal assisted interventions to her clients. I love to play and help clients with boundaries and assertiveness. I am very intelligent and energetic and love meeting new people.
I have had my own trauma, but that does not keep me down.
In my spare time I love going hiking, swimming, doing agility, and playing with my sister (Hopper). Also, I am a big foodie. I have never met a food I did not like, especially peanut butter.
If you ever want to see me, and my sister Hopper, in our free time or get some mental health information you can follow me on Instagram @hopper_im_a_therapy_dog.
Hopper, Therapy Dog
(DOB: 11/29/20)
Hi, my name is Hopper and I am a tripawd (I have 3 legs).
I work with my owner (Rachel) to provide animal assisted interventions to her clients.
I love to snuggle and provide comfort to those when you are on your healing journey. I can be shy at first, but once I know you, I will always be your best friend.
I also am good at helping people communicate, read non-verbal signs, and trust again.
I have had my own past with trauma, and I am here to show you that your past does not have to define you.
In my free time, I love to go on walks, swim, and nap. I also love vegetables- brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower are some of my favorites.
If you ever want to see me, and my brother Chiko, in our free time or get some mental health information you can follow me on Instagram @hopper_im_a_therapy_dog, Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.