Meet Our Counseling Staff: Cumming Counselors


Iesha Lewis
Accepting:
  • BCBS
  • Beacon Health Options
  • Cigna
  • ComPsych
  • Magellan
  • United Healthcare
Pending:
  • Aetna
  • Humana
  • Multiplan
  • Tricare
Self Pay Rate: $99

Iesha Omega Lewis, LMFT

Philosophy of Care

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in Georgia with over 15 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, and career challenges. I also helped many people who have experienced sexual trauma and emotional abuse.

My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and solution-focused counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.

It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you.

I look forward to working with you!

Education

M.S., Marriage and Family Therapy

Specialties

  • Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Relationship issues
  • Trauma and abuse
  • Intimacy-related issues
  • Depression
Michael Charnley
Accepting:
  • Anthem BlueCross BlueShield
  • Beacon Health Options
  • Cigna
  • ComPsych
  • Multiplan
  • United Healthcare
Pending:
  • Aetna
  • Humana
  • Magellan
  • Tricare
Self Pay Rate: $99

Michael Charnley, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Sometimes issues grow unmanageable over a long time or sometimes it happens quickly.   No matter how these issues happen it helps to have someone to listen to and support you through those times.  My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for my clients where they can slow down and start to take apart those issues piece by piece so they can be better understood and dealt with.  I use many different counseling styles but, ultimately, I want my clients to feel like they are just having a conversation about the struggles in their lives.

I started working with teens and their families 24 years ago.  Helping them work through their issues, separately or together, to bring understanding and acceptance back into the relationship. I also work with people of all ages, in both the public and private sector when it comes to issues listed on this profile.

People often ask about being a counselor.  I always answer the same way it is always interesting and it is a privilege that people allow you into their lives.  Just know when those issues arise there are people ready and wanting to help.  I hope you will give me that privilege.

Education

Winthrop University
Masters in Education

Specialties

  • Couples/Relationship Counseling
  • Family Therapy
  • Anxiety Therapy
  • Stress Counseling
  • Depression Counseling
Dorothy Smith
Accepting:
  • Aetna
  • Anthem BlueCross BlueShield
  • Beacon Health Options
  • Cigna
  • ComPsych
  • Humana
  • Magellan
  • Multiplan
  • Tricare
  • United Healthcare
Self Pay Rate: $99

Dorothy Smith, LPC

Dorothy Smith earned a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University in 2010 and has 10 years counseling experience. Prior to joining Thriveworks, she worked at the University of North Georgia with Student Counseling. She has experience working in university settings, private practice, substance abuse treatment centers, both inpatient and outpatient, and community mental health. Her counseling approach includes, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused and mindfulness. Dorothy offers evidenced based treatment services to help with depression, anxiety struggles, substance disorders, addiction, relationship concerns, career concerns, and general life stresses.

Dorothy believes learning and change take place in relationships that are forward looking, genuine, safe, and trusting. She is committed to helping people improve their emotional well-being. In addition to listening to clients' concerns, she educates them on techniques they can utilize to solve problems, manage stress, adjust to life changes, and improve relationships.

Dorothy is also a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS) and a member of the Licensed Professional Counseling Association of Georgia.

Specialties:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Substance Use Disorders
  • Self-Esteem
  • Life Transitions
  • Grief/Loss
  • Codependency

Populations served:

  • Individuals
  • Professionals
  • Adults
Hannah Funderburk
Accepting:
  • Aetna
  • Anthem BlueCross BlueShield
  • Beacon Health Options
  • Cigna
  • ComPsych
  • Humana
  • Magellan
  • Multiplan
  • Tricare
  • United Healthcare
Self Pay Rate: $99

Hannah Funderburk, LPC

Hannah has a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has been a licensed therapist since 2014. She has worked in a variety of settings with several populations. Her first experience in this field was working in long-term residential treatment for individuals struggling with severe and persistent mental illness. Since that time, she has worked in an inpatient psychiatric facility, residential programs, intensive outpatient agencies, and an outpatient clinic.

Hannah found a passion for supporting individuals and families struggling with substance abuse disorders. In doing this work, she has discovered that many people struggling with addiction also struggle with trauma, mood disorders, and anxiety. The stigma of mental health in our society is often amplified by the addition of substance use, and Hannah continues to find fulfillment in supporting individuals addressing a variety of challenges. 

Hannah believes her role as a therapist is to facilitate people finding their voice and honoring their own inherent ability to heal. She enjoys and appreciates working with diverse populations and people of all backgrounds.

Nichole Matthews
Accepting:
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • BCBS
  • Beacon Health Options
  • Cigna
  • Highmark
  • Humana
  • Humana-Military
  • Magellan
  • Multiplan
  • Optum
  • Tricare
  • UBH
  • United Healthcare
Self Pay Rate: $99

Nichole Matthews, LCSW

Nichole has a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Georgia and has been a licensed therapist since 2012. She has experience working with multiple populations in a variety of settings. Initially, she worked in community mental health with adults with severe and persistent mental illness. She has also worked in an outpatient setting doing individual and family work, as well as working with veterans. Most recently, she has worked at an inpatient facility treating co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.

Nichole has a passion for working with clients who are struggling with substance use disorders and other addictions. Society has such a stigma toward addiction and most don't understand the disease or how it is successfully treated. Since it's not intuitive knowledge, she gets a lot of personal fulfillment helping people with addiction, and also their families, truly begin to understand what is happening in the brain and then equip them very specific tools to start the healing process. 

Nichole wholeheartedly believes that everyone has an inherent ability to heal themselves with the right support and guidance. She is inspired daily by those who are courageous enough to take those first difficult steps to reach out and ask for help. She enjoys and welcomes working with diverse populations of people.

Demographics served include:

  • Adults
  • Adolescents
  • Couples
  • Professionals

Specialization Areas:

  • Substance Use Disorders
    • Individuals
    • Families of those with SUD
  • Codependency
  • Trauma/PTSD
  • Anxiety/Panic
  • Depression
  • Grief and Loss
  • Life Transitions
  • Bipolar
  • Personality Disorders
  • Self-Esteem
Shontel Cargill
Accepting:
  • Aetna
  • Anthem BlueCross BlueShield
  • Beacon Health Options
  • Cigna
  • ComPsych
  • Humana
  • Magellan
  • Multiplan
  • Tricare
  • United Healthcare
Self Pay Rate: $99

Shontel Cargill, LMFT

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who has been facilitating change for those who are greatly impacted by mental health issues, addictive diseases, and developmental disabilities for 6 years. I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia and a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Valdosta State University. I have experience working with diverse populations in private practice, community health care, outpatient, and hospital settings. I specialize in marriage and family therapy, couples therapy, and maternal mental health. I also enjoy working with individuals on achieving their personal and professional goals in therapy.

The therapeutic interventions I use are inspired by Family Systems Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. With a person-centered approach, I facilitate change with my clients in a non-pathologizing and curious way, so that they feel safe to tell their stories. I meet my clients where they are in their journeys, while empowering and encouraging them along the way. “Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.” -David Richo 

I like to consider myself a navigator in my clients' therapeutic process. With a combination of life experiences and therapeutic skills, I provide services that are tailored the meet the needs of each individual client. I truly have a passion and commitment to successfully assisting my clients in having a better quality of life, mentally, physically, and spiritually. 

Areas of expertise include:

  • Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Premarital Counseling
  • Maternal Mental Health
  • Christian Counseling
  • Relationships 
  • Life Transitions
  • Teen and Young Adult Related Issues
  • Trauma
  • Anxiety
  • Depression 
  • Grief/Loss
  • Sexual Issues
  • Anger Management
  • Professional Development 

Populations include:

  • Individuals
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Teens
  • Young Adults
  • Professionals
Lasonna Rivers
Accepting:
  • Anthem BlueCross BlueShield
  • ComPsych
  • United Healthcare
Pending:
  • Aetna
  • Beacon Health Options
  • Cigna
  • Humana
  • Magellan
  • Multiplan
  • Tricare
Self Pay Rate: $99

Lasonna Rivers, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Lasonna Rivers is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia, who has 11 years’ experience connecting with adolescents and adults seeking help with ADHD, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addiction and grief. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Savannah State University and received her Master of Arts in Family Counseling from South University.
Lasonna utilizes cognitive behavioral, strength based, family systems, mindfulness based, reality based, person centered and solution focused approaches to therapy while maintaining openness, building trust and showing compassion which, she feels are significant parts of the therapeutic relationship and helping individuals reach their goals and maintain progress desired.

Education

South University
Master of Arts in Family Counseling

Specialties

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Stress Management
  • Self Esteem
  • Anger management
  • Relationship issues
  • Grief and Loss
  • Christian Counseling per request
Thriveworks Counseling Cumming

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 11 5 1 11 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Cumming

Compassionate

★★★★★
Nicole’s super power is relatability and her ability to empathize while assisting through to healing. She can transform pain into hope and peace.
Thriveworks Counseling Cumming

Great insight

★★★★★
Hannah is an incredible therapist. She has a unique ability to cut through the layers quickly and efficiently. She is wise beyond her years for sure!
Thriveworks Counseling Cumming

Cindy Armstrong

★★★★★
Dr. Cindy Armstrong is an outstanding therapist/counselor with extraordinary skills. She is very professional and highly regarded by patients and her colleagues. She is very knowledgeable in the field of counseling, intelligent, patient centered, smart, dedicated, efficient and one of the most ethical professionals I know. She is a hard worker and never stops until the job is successfully completed. Dr. Armstrong is a stellar performer and an asset to any practice or organization. It is without any reservations that I delightfully complete this statement of recommendation!
Thriveworks Counseling Cumming

Peer

★★★★★
Mental health is a profession that requires high integrity and strong moral character. Mental health professionals must demonstrate the ability to make sound moral decisions for themselves and for their clients. Having known and work with Cynthia Armstrong for nine years I can unquestionably say that she possess and consistently exercise these qualities. She is an exceptional and loyal team member that is always eager to provide support and share professional knowledge with peers. She is always reliable, responsible and extremely respectable. Ms. Armstrong patient and practitioner relationships are based upon therapeutic alliances. Her professional knowledge, competence and skills as paramount as she is constantly abreast of current treatment modalities through continuing educations and training.
Thriveworks Counseling Cumming

Cindy Armstrong

★★★★★
Cindy is an amazing therapist among many of her talents. I had the privilege of observing her work and the impact she had on our adolescent population and their families. Thriveworks is truly fortunate to have Cindy as part of their clinical team.
Thriveworks Counseling Cumming

Nichole

★★★★★
Nichole is a compassionate therapist that is able to challenge individuals to be the best version of themselves.
Thriveworks Counseling Cumming

Nichole Matthews

★★★★★
I have worked with Nichole for about two years and experienced the impact she has had on peoples lives. Such a kind person, and really makes you feel comfortable and non-judged. It’s hard to find someone who you are comfortable talking to and just being a co-worker of hers, I found myself looking forward to our talks.
Thriveworks Counseling Cumming

Jennifer Butzen

★★★★★
I would like to recommend therapist Jennifer Butzen as an awesome counselor who cares about the well being of her clients passionately. I have known Jennifer for some years and seen her grow as a therapist and simply love her style of counseling and working with her clients. She is goals oriented, frank, and trust able. She does amazing job seeing teenagers and understanding their issues and helping them finding their directions and goals.
Thriveworks Counseling Cumming

Family Saver

★★★★★
Every family goes through seasons were they may need help in navigating challenging emotional or stressful situations. Depending on the circumstances, thinking you can handle it on your own may prove to be too much and not the right approach. Our family experienced one of these seasons and the team at Thrivewoks offered on point guidance and perspective that our family was not able to see from the middle of the storm. Teenage years present many emotional and developmental changes that can often require outside the family support. Dr. Tim Giannoni and Counselor Tony Reynolds provide prompt, compassionate and effective care for our teenager and whole family. The storm is clearing largely due to techniques and consistent meetings that allow our teenager to have his place to go to talk and work through the many emotional peaks and valleys that come with these years of life. We cannot thank our team at Thriveworks enough for caring for our son and family!!!
Thriveworks Counseling Cumming

Raising a teenage boy

★★★★★
The ups and downs of raising a teenage boy can feel very daunting at times. Although most days are fine, others can be quite challenging, and it's comforting to know that Dr. Giannoni is there to help and offer support. Our experience with Thriveworks has been excellent, and we are happy to offer our highest review and recommendation for anyone looking to make parenting just a bit easier. Thank you for your continued support.
Thriveworks Counseling Cumming

Prospective and Compassion.

★★★★★
I cannot express how much Dr. Wilson helped me when I was at a very low point in my life. Her compassion and perspective brought insight that helped me through that tough period in my life. Her education and training enabled her to catch important warning signs that a lesser trained therapist might have missed. Today I'm in a much better place largely due to her counseling on how to deal with life issues.
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Thriveworks Counseling

Schedule your first appointment with a Thriveworks Counselor or Life Coach!

  • 6010 Southard Trace
    Cumming, GA 30040

  • Mon-Fri:7AM-9:30PM
    Saturday:7AM-6PM
    Sunday:8AM-5PM

It’s Time to Start a Relationship with a Thriveworks Counselor

It’s not easy, but we’re extremely selective about the counselors, psychologists, and coaches that join our practice. Experience a provider with skill and passion for helping clients make meaningful advances in their lives, relationships, careers, and happiness.


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