Our Counselors

I truly believe that life experience can be one of our very best teachers. I believe that insight and wisdom are born out of personal experience and the intentional, contemplative process of self-discovery in the context of relationship. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I desire to create a holding space for the individuals, the couples and the families that I have the privilege to sit with. It is important to me to hold our time together and the space to be curious about the who, the what, the why, and the how of my client’s experience, the impact of the experience, and what conclusions and vows he/she may have made as a result. To be fully known by another, with unconditional positive regard is the beginning of the healing process.

I have been incredibly blessed over the past 18+ years with the opportunity to hear the stories and to experience the hearts of so many people as they engage their journey of wholeness and healing. My professional training has been primarily focused on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy based on Attachment Theory and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, most effective for those who suffer from intense emotional dysregulation. As a result of my personal experience with ruptures and repairs in 40+ years of marriage, raising 4 children, and being the primary caregiver for family members through the dying processes of Alzheimer’s and cancer, I not only bring my professional training and experience but everything that I have learned from life’s teacher.

Education & Certification: Reformed Theological Seminary 2003 Masters in Counseling / Licensed Mental Health Counselor 2005 / Created Journeys Counseling Center 2005 / Clinical Supervisor 2005 to present.

Continuing Education: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, DBT / Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, EFT / Completed 4 Day EFT Externship

Please contact Debbie directly at 407-951-8829 ext 700 or debbie@journeyscounselingorlando.com

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” — Maya Angelou

I believe that healing begins when we choose to show up honestly before the face of another. It is only through courageously exploring our experiences of pain that we are able to break free from old patterns and start on a new path towards wholeness. My desire in the counseling room is to create a safe space for clients to show up with their stories, no matter how scary or painful. Through kind and curious engagement, clients can begin to make sense of their story and its impact not only on the past but also on the present. Healing begins when we allow someone else inside to bear witness to and respond with care to our untold stories. The importance of engaging my own story began in 2013 when I started on my personal counseling journey. I also spent several years working in the college ministry context and there discovered my passion for walking through life’s ups and downs with young adults. After moving back to my hometown of Orlando, I earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary. My counseling approach pulls from relational, narrative, and attachment models.

Please contact Karrah directly at 407-951-8829 ext 702 or KarrahRinehart.counseling@gmail.com

“The work of restoration cannot begin until a problem is fully faced.” — Dan Allender

As human beings, we all have areas in our lives in need of restoration: stories that hold hurt and
suffering, past and present relationships, places where we feel stuck and long for change. Our
past experiences and relationships shape our values and beliefs and impact how we see
ourselves, our world, and how we navigate our current circumstances. Sometimes, it is overwhelming to think of facing these things alone, and change can seem impossible or hopeless. I believe that the process of showing up honestly and allowing ourselves to be known and accepted within the counseling relationship can provide the foundation to move towards more freedom, healing, and wholeness in our relationship with our self and others. As a counselor, I desire to establish a safe, caring and non-judgmental relationship with clients, working collaboratively to explore thoughts and feelings, shed light on stories that are painful or feel stuck, and gain clarity and hope for moving forward. I have an integrative, psychodynamic, attachment-oriented approach to counseling, am fascinated by neuroscience, and enjoy working within a variety of modalities to help clients unpack their stories, and develop coping strategies. Our bodies store the emotions and responses that are attached to our traumatic memories, and when we are able to re-experience these stories in a secure relational context, our dysfunctional neural pathways can be restructured, creating lasting change. This gives me so much hope!

I have experience working with anxiety and depression, issues related to sex and sexuality, parenting, marriage issues, relational and childhood trauma, abuse, cross-cultural and life transitions, grief and loss including infertility and infant loss, spirituality, and the challenges of full-time ministry. I enjoy working with individuals (including adolescents), couples, and families and am certified in the Prepare-Enrich premarital and marriage assessment.

I was born in Northern Ireland, raised in France as a missionary kid, and have lived in the Dominican Republic, Spain, and England before moving to Orlando 5 years ago. I received a Master of Arts in Education and Spanish from the University of Cambridge and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando. I have been married to Mark, who is in full-time ministry, for 10 years, and together we have a 4-year-old daughter and a 5-month-old son. In my free time, I love to bake, craft with my daughter, go on family adventures, hang out in local coffee shops, and host friends for dinner and board games.

Please contact Aimée directly at 407-951-8829 ext 707 or aimeemckinneycounseling@gmail.com

“When we deny the story, it defines us. When we own the story, we can write a brave new ending.” –Brené Brown

My heart has always opened up to people who need care, love, advocacy, and acceptance to embrace who they really are. Each of us has our own unique story, and it’s my goal to help you explore your experiences and relationships you’ve encountered in life.

Through an integrative, attachment-oriented approach to counseling, I promise to walk alongside you on your path to healing. My hope is that my office can be a place where you can speak what feels unspeakable, and come to a place where you are seen, heard, and valued.  I strive to create a safe and caring space for all of my clients to discover the impact that different experiences and relationships have on us emotionally and neurologically.

We all encounter pain in our own ways, but I believe at the bottom of our individual struggles lies the common ground of shame; disguising itself around thoughts of not being good enough, smart enough, capable enough, or just plain unlovable. However, beyond this shame, we have a sense of worthiness to uncover. In the process of naming our wounds and owning our stories, we can start to believe in our sense of belonging and self-worth that we are all born with.

My background and education have prepared me to work with a wide range of clients. I graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary with my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.  Prior to this, I also received my master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education from Florida State University.  Aided by the experience of teaching special education for several years, and the knowledge gained in both of these degrees, I believe I can connect on a deeper level with those I help.  I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families struggling with anxiety, depression, relational issues, parenting, grief, disability, burnout, and body image issues.

We are all imperfect people. I know this from firsthand experience as I continue my own journey through personal counseling as well.  I can promise you that it is worth it.  So choose joy. Choose love. Choose yourself.

Please contact Emma directly at 407-951-8829 ext 701 or Emmakillian.counseling@gmail.com

Mark was born and raised in Nashville, TN. In 2002, he graduated from Middle Tennessee State University where he received a B.S. in Psychology. In 2008, he married Brandy, and a few years later they moved to Orlando. Mark received a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary. As a private practice counselor, Mark works with adolescents, as well as couples and adults. Mark believes that we were created for relationship and for glory—not suffering. So, when we experience the pain of loss, confusion, and heartache, none of us know exactly what to do with it. That is why we all need help from others from time to time. Mark would be honored to walk alongside you as you navigate through this life.

Please contact Mark directly at 407-951-8829 ext 706 or mark.k.nicks@gmail.com

It takes courage to address the loneliness, heartache and confusion that we inevitably face as humans. My hope as a counselor is to offer a place where a person can untangle the hurt, confusion and address their messy emotions as we face together the story of their life. I believe our stories matter. All our life experiences shape us. No one escapes suffering. Life is hard. Everyone experiences shattered dreams. Experiences of rejection, betrayal, abuse and trauma contort the soul. Our soul responds to self, God and others with these contorted relational patterns that connect or sabotage relationships. These contortions of the soul are what I hope to address with each person in the counseling room offering compassion and respect as they journey towards restoration.

Years ago while I was working on staff at a local church it was brought to my attention how deeply my heart is drawn to hurting people. This led me to pursue my Master’s Degree in Counseling. I am trained in a relational model of counseling that integrates various counseling theories. I enjoy working with a variety of clients from all stages of life. My work as a therapist includes counseling adult couples, self-injury, body image, trauma, attachment, and relational discord issues.

I received a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Human Sciences at Florida State University in 1980. I received my Master of Arts in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary. I interned at the Oviedo Counseling Clinic for one year and now work with Journeys Counseling Center in Maitland. In addition to being a counselor, I have been married for 43 years. My husband and I enjoy raising our son and daughter who are now adults. I love oil painting, paddle boarding, cooking with friends, and I find great delight in a variety of pets. I have lived in the Orlando area for over 20 years.

Please contact Michele directly at 407-951-8829 ext 704 or michele@journeyscounselingorlando.com

“Growth is painful.  Change is painful.  But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.” — Mandy Hale

I consider mental health counseling a profession in which my clients come to me because they feel stuck and want to change. Further, I believe that many people believe that change is too difficult, too painful, or simply not possible. In other words, stuck!   My role as a counselor is to clarify the issues that create the muck that holds my clients back from healing, growth, and thriving.  I help them discover that their lives will not get better by chance, but by change.  I believe that the road to healing involves pursuing change.

I’ve always been drawn to helping professions.  Mental health counseling is a helping profession where I can employ the skills, knowledge, and empathy I have gained to directly help those who feel that their lives or their relationships are stuck or in chaos.   I have helped people for 30 years as an attorney but found that all too often, the help I could provide was only temporary and surface level.  As a counselor, I hope to guide my clients to lasting change that is deeply rooted in their souls.

 I’ve been married for over 40 years.  I have two children who are starting families and careers of their own.  As a family, we have faced many difficult and painful changes and we have experienced growth with each one. I have been trained in a relational style of counseling, borrowing from Internal Family Systems, Attachment Theory, Trauma Theory, and others.  Through story, my clients and I discover where they are getting stuck and why.  More importantly, through the process of counseling, the hope of lasting change is possible.  Remember, the first step towards change is to decide not to stay where you are.

Please contact John directly at 407-951-8829 ext 713 or Johnbachmancounselor@gmail.com

Wherever you are on your journey of healing, I would be honored to join you. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida, Qualified Supervisor, certified Yoga Instructor, and a student of Somatic Experiencing. For the past 20 years, I have been guiding clients toward emotional, relational, and spiritual wholeness. A mind-body approach has always been central to my process. Internal Family Systems and Narrative Therapy through the lens of attachment have guided my work. I am currently in the process of becoming a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. SE is a gentle modality that works directly with the nervous system. This approach allows our bodies to build resilience and to release stuck traumatic energy. The method is uniquely tailored to each client’s history, physiology, and comfort level. Integrating SE into my therapy sessions has been revolutionary for myself as well as those with whom I am honored to work.

Visit cathybuckland.com to learn more.

Please contact Cathy directly at 407-925-6891 or cathybucklandcounseling@gmail.com

Gayle moved from New York in 2001 to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at The University of Central Florida. In the years following, she and her family lived overseas for four years investing in college ministry as well as church planting. After returning to the states she completed her Master of Arts in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary. Gayle believes that the counseling relationship provides an opportunity to experience a safe environment where healing can begin to take root. Through numerous therapeutic approaches, Gayle enjoys working with each individual to customize a counseling plan unique to their flourishing. She has experience working with anxiety and depression healing, couples counseling, cross-cultural transitions, trauma, infant loss, and infertility.

Please contact Gayle directly at 407-951-8829 ext 708 or gayle@journeyscounselingorlando.com

With a down-to-earth and empathetic presence, Jessica welcomes you to share your stories, struggles, and aspirations. As an experienced licensed clinical social worker and therapist, Jessica is committed to guiding you along a transformative journey toward (inner) harmony while recognizing your interconnectedness of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.

With a lifelong passion for helping youth and families navigate life’s challenges and discover their true potential, Jessica has worked in the fields of education (former teacher) and behavioral/social services, specifically in adoption, immigration, and clinical mental health. Through her holistic approach to mental wellness, she creates a sanctuary for healing and growth where she empowers you to become an active participant to explore your emotions, enhance your coping strategies, overcome challenges, and discover your inner strength and resilience. For children and youth with invisible scars, Jessica offers a healing and playful presence incorporating her work as a certified Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner and educator.

Specializing in areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, foster care/adoption, immigration, grief, relationships, and work/school stressors, she collaborates with you (or together with the child’s caregiver) to develop personalized treatment plans using evidenced-based practices. Jessica has experience working with diverse populations both overseas and locally and offers sessions in Spanish with cultural competence.

In-person or telehealth sessions available.
Insurances accepted: Optum, United Health, Oscar, UMR, Aetna, Cigna

Contact Jessica at 407-739-1794 or jessica@journeyscounselingorlando.com