Family therapy and counseling in Woodstock, GA

Greetings! My name is Kara Stewart, I am a licensed professional counselor licensed in the state of Georgia and Virginia. I have worked in the mental health field for over 20 years and have a passion for assisting others with finding their sense of wholeness and fulfillment. I obtained a M.S. in Counseling and Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I also have a M.S. in Mental Health and Wellness with an emphasis in Christian Ministry. I specialize in trauma, grief, life transitions, and other mood disorders.

Seeking therapy can feel vulnerable, and choosing the right therapist is an important step. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported — without judgment. I believe meaningful change happens through a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, authenticity, and collaboration.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a background in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My experience in private practice and community mental health has allowed me to support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, and concerns related to identity and self-worth.

My therapeutic style is empowering, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I tailor treatment to each person because no two stories are the same. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, Person-Centered Therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Together, we’ll identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, build practical coping skills, and deepen self-awareness, while also exploring underlying emotions and past experiences that shape your present challenges.

I work with adults, couples, and families. My areas of focus include anxiety and chronic stress, depression and mood concerns, trauma and PTSD, relationship and attachment issues, life transitions, self-esteem, identity development, burnout, and compassion fatigue. I strive to provide an inclusive, affirming space for individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Clients often describe me as approachable, thoughtful, and grounded.

Outside of work, I value time with family, traveling, fitness, creativity, and continued personal growth. I believe in practicing the same self-awareness and balance that I encourage in my clients.

I’ve spent years sitting with people at their lowest—through addiction, crisis, and the kind of pain that can make life feel unmanageable. That work taught me something I bring into every session now: nobody is “too much,” and no story is too messy. These days, I’m more focused on slower, steadier work. Whether you’re worn down by depression, gripping through stress, or finally ready to be honest about drinking or using, I’ll meet you where you are with steadiness, honesty, and compassion. You don’t need the right words yet; we’ll figure it out together.

Hi, I’m Shanae Benito, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with support, compassion, and practical tools for change. I work with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, stress, and life transitions. My approach combines evidence-based practices including TF-MCBT (Trauma-Focused Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy) while creating a space where you feel heard, understood, and seen. I believe healing is not about having all the answer. It's about taking the next step forward together.

My qualifications and competence in the area of Counseling are founded on my education, work experience, and additional training in areas relating to the field of counseling. I have over five (5) years’ experience providing services to a wide range of populations including adolescents, adults and couples in school, outpatient, nonprofit, and virtual settings. My specialties include providing counseling services to adults, adolescents, and families surrounding depression, anxiety, trauma, life changes, and emotional regulation.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience helping adults and couples navigate relationship difficulties, trauma and PTSD, and women’s and maternal mental health. I have a special interest in infertility and TTC, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, postpartum concerns, and the transition to motherhood. I also work extensively with anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and major life transitions.

I am a therapist who prides herself on meeting clients where they are. Seeking help can be a vulnerable and scary experience, but can also be life changing and beneficial in so many ways. If you are struggling to form meaningful connections, navigating anxiety, grappling with your self worth, or facing a life transition, then you have found the therapist for you.

Is your life stressful and overwhelming? Are you ready to break self-destructive patterns and addictions? If your answer is yes, then help is at hand. Goal Focus Counseling Services (GFPS) incorporates faith along with psychodynamic intervention to give you an effective plan of action. Individualized attention is given to address persistent personal, relationship and work concerns. You and your family can express your feelings privately with someone who is supportive and non-judgmental. Our objective is to focus on goals to maximize your therapeutic experience. With over 20 yers. experience, we now offer video/phone sessions.

Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, negative thoughts, unhealthy relationships or the inability to say NO! Are you tired of feeling like nothing will change or your stuck in life because you don't know what to do to make it better? I focus on adults using CBT, REBT, Person Centered and Motivational interviewing to assist clients in learning more about themselves and their perspective on life. I have experience working with many different mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, stress, marital/relationship issues and career struggles to name a few.