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ABOUT

We provide a holistic approach to helping people achieve personal wellness. Specifically, we honor how the developmental context of losses impact our sense of self and how we navigate through spaces on our lifelong journey. Through counselor education,  supervision, facilitation of workshops, growth groups, and hosting international retreats, we provide a framework for understanding and connection to foster growth and healing beyond loss.  We have an authentic style that helps individuals gain personal insight and learn not only about themselves but also fundamental concepts that can facilitate increased awareness to achieve personal goals. We believe everyone has an inherent unique potential. Our goal is to provide the education and guidance so you can maximize your potential and live life in bloom.  

TEAM

TEAM

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Sonya Lorelle received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Old Dominion University and her M.S. in Counseling from Missouri State University. She is a licensed professional counselor and has her registered play therapist credential. She has an interest in play therapy, couples therapy, supervision, and neuroscience applications in the counseling field.   

She also has an interest in grief and loss and has co-wrote a book on a new developmental model of the grief and loss process with her colleague, Dr. Atkins. 

 

She also has an interest in international counseling and has volunteered to train and provide counseling overseas in Bhutan, India, and Thailand.  

She received the Counselor Educator of the Year Award for the Doctoral Program from the Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling in Illinois (2018) and the NCACES Outstanding Professional Teaching Award (2018) and ACES Outstanding Teaching Award (2019).

Approach:

I approach counseling from the wellness perspective.  This perspective considers people to be functioning on a continuum of health rather than looking for a deficit or illness.  I see that everyone is on a journey with an inherent drive towards growth.  I believe within a supportive relationship, we are able to make strides towards our fullest potential.  I am a collaborator and a facilitator and a partner in this journey.  

I understand people from a holistic perspective.  Behavior is purpose driven and can be impacted by early experiences, family relationships, and internal conflicts between who we are and the messages we received from our world.  At the same time, I am present-focused, exploring individuals’ current thought and feeling patterns, looking for strengths to build on. The change process consists of gaining insight through self reflection,  but also action oriented by exploring new ways of thinking, doing, and being in order to create lasting change. 

License and Certifications:

 

  • Licensed Professional Counselor

  • Nationally Certified Counselor

  • Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor

Specialized trainings:

  • Advanced Enneagram Spectrum Training and Certification Program  

  • Gottman Couples - level I 

  • Neuro-Emotional Techniques Basics

  • EMDR-Sandtray Protocol in a Play Therapy

  • Working with Complex Trauma, Attachment Wounds, and Dissociation in the Play Room

  • Filial Therapy with Challenging Families: Skills for Working Effectively with Parents in Play Therapy

  • Trauma and Emotion Focused Therapy with Couples

  • Couples Therapy from the Southeast Institute for Group and Family Therapy

  • Undercurrent Therapy: Treat the Secret Wounds of Kids and Adults

  • Normalizing Acting-Out Behaviors in Kids

  • Play Therapy and Beyond: Treatment Techniques and Strategies with Children and
    Pre-Adolescents

  • Family Play Therapy: Engaging Creative Energy and Enhancing Relationships by Dr. Eliana Gil 

  • Parent Empowerment: Counseling Parents in Positive Child-Rearing Practices

 

Peer Reviewed Publications:

  • Atkins, K. & Lorelle, S. (2022). Cultural humility: Lessons learned through a counseling cultural immersion. The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

  •  Byrd, R., Lorelle, S., & Donald, E. (2021). Transgender and gender-expansive affirming child-centered play therapy. International Journal of Play Therapy, 30(2), 146–156. 

  •  Lorelle, S., Atkins, K., & Michel, R. (2021). Enhancing Social Justice and Multicultural Counseling Competence through Cultural Immersion: A Guide for Faculty. The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 14(1). https://repository.wcsu.edu/jcps/vol14/iss1/4/

  •  Yehudah, S. B. & Lorelle, S. (2020). Black birth outcomes and implications for counseling, Journal Professional Counseling: Practice, Theory & Research, 47(2), 46-60, 

  • Michel, R., Lorelle, S., & Atkins, K. M.,  (2018). LEAD with Data: A Training Approach for School Counselors. The Professional School Counselor, 21

  • Lorelle, S. & Michel, R. E. (2017). Neurocounseling: Promoting human growth and development throughout the lifespan. Adultspan Journal, 16(2), 106-119.

  • Lorelle, S. & Grothaus, T. (2015). Homeless children and their families' perspectives of agency services. Community Mental Health Journal, 51(7), 800-808.

  • Guth, L., Lorelle, S., Hinkle, S., &. Remley, T. (2015). Development and implementation of an international counseling outreach effort in Bhutan: A group stage conceptualization. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 40, 22-37.

  • Lorelle, S. & Guth, L. (2013). Establishing the school counseling profession in Bhutan: Reflections from the field. Journal of International Counselor Education, 5, 1-13.

  • Shaw, B., Bayne, H., & Lorelle, S. (2012).  A constructivist perspective for integrating spirituality into counselor training.  Counselor Education and Supervision, 51, 270-280.

  • Lorelle, S., Crockett, S., & Byrd, R. (2012). Counseling and globalization: Professional Issues for Counselors. The Professional Counselor, 2,  115-123.

  • Hays, D. G., Michel, R. E., Cole, R. F., Emelianchik, K., Forman, J., Lorelle, S., McBride, R., & Sikes, A. (2011). A Phenomenological Investigation of Adolescent Dating Relationships and Dating Violence Counseling Interventions. The Professional Counselor, 1, 222-233.

  • Lorelle, S., Crockett, S., & Hays, D. (2011).  Human services professional and trainee perceptions of conflict in the helping relationship. Journal of Human Services. 30, 30-42.

  • Grothaus, T.,  Lorelle, S., Anderson, K., & Knight, J. (2011). Answering the call: Facilitating responsive services for students experiencing homelessness. Professional School Counseling, 13, 38-49.

 

Book Chapters:

  • Lorelle, S. (2017). Family Play Therapy. In J. Carlson & S. Dermer (Eds.). The SAGE Encyclopedia of Marriage, Family, and Couples Counseling. Thousand Oaks, CA.

  • Lorelle, S. (2017). Brief Adlerian Couples Counseling. In J. Carlson & S. Dermer (Eds.). The SAGE Encyclopedia of Marriage, Family, and Couples Counseling. Thousand Oaks, CA.

  • Carlson, J & Lorelle, S. (2017). Adlerian Psychology. In A. Wenzel (Ed.). The SAGE encyclopedia of abnormal and clinical psychology. Thousand Oaks, CA.

  • Carlson, J & Lorelle, S. (2016). Daily Dialogue. In S. Fife (Ed.). Techniques in Couple Therapy.

  • Carlson, J & Lorelle, S. (2016). Taking Responsibility. In S. Fife (Ed.). Techniques in Couple Therapy

  • Lorelle, S. (2015). Children Experiencing Trauma, PTSD, or Anxiety: Using Worry Rocks. T In C. Sori, L.

  • Hecker, & M. Bachenberg  (Eds.) The Therapist's Notebook: Homework, Handouts, and Activities for Use in Psychotherapy (2nd ed.). Routledge, New York, NY.

  • Lorelle, S. (2013). Life Roles Analysis Review.  In C. T. Wood & D. Hays, D. (Eds.) A counselor's

  • guide to career assessment instruments (6th ed.). Broken Arrow, OK: National Career Development Association.

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Katie Atkins earned a PhD in counselor education and supervision and a master’s degree in counseling, both from Northern Illinois University, and a BA in psychology from Roosevelt University. She is a licensed professional counselor, nationally certified counselor, and approved clinical supervisor, and she holds a professional educator license in school counseling. She is a certified advanced grief counseling specialist.  

Her interests include grief and loss and is co-writing a book on a new developmental model of the grief and loss process.  She also has an expertise in military advocacy; counseling military service personnel, veterans, and military-connected children and families; telemental health; trauma-informed care; threat assessment model implementation; cultural immersion and study abroad opportunities; international counseling; social constructivist approaches to counseling; teaching and supervision; and school counselors and supervision. 

 

She received the 2016 School Counselor Educator of the Year Award from the Illinois School Counseling Association, the 2015 Outstanding Women Student Award from Northern Illinois University, and and ACES Outstanding Teaching Award (2023). 

Approach:

I approach counseling from a wellness perspective, and believe people function on continuum of health versus having deficits or illness. I help people gain control over their emotions and relationships and believe everyone is on a healing journey towards growth.  I believe people reach their highest potential when they feel connected and find themselves able to be vulnerable in a safe space.  Together, we co-create this safe space in which I am a collaborator as well as facilitator of growth in the journey.  

The primary scope of my work includes teaching people strength identification, communication, boundary setting, and conflict resolution. I help adults and couples who are challenged with the pace of life and complexity of relationships. I provide a warm and relaxed space where you can explore your true values, desires, and address what is challenging you. Together, we'll explore how to evolve into a life that is both peaceful and exciting.

 

I understand people from a holistic perspective and often discuss the powerful mind-body connection. I believe behavior is purpose driven and often impacted by early experiences and the ways in which we came to understand the world around us, as well as familial relationships, and internal struggles.  Additionally, I am present-focused, exploring individuals’ current thought, behavior, and feeling patterns, while maintaining a strengths-based focus. The change process is powerful, yet takes time. It consists of gaining insight through self reflection, while simultaneously action oriented and explores new ways to live your life in a healthy manner that connects and taps into the resourceful parts of your personality and values. 

 

Licensure and Certifications:

 

  • Licensed Professional Counselor

  • Nationally Certified Counselor

  • Approved Clinical Supervisor 

  • Professional Educator License: School Counseling

  • Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist.  

Specialized trainings:

  • Advanced Enneagram Spectrum Training and Certification Program  

  • Gottman Couples - level I 

  • Trauma and Emotion Focused Therapy with Couples

  • Neuro-Emotional Techniques Basics

  • Eating Disorder Prevention Initiative 

  • Safe Zone Ally 

  • Military Culture 

  • Marine Corps Recruit Depo San Diego’s Educators Workshop

 

Peer Reviewed Publications:

  • Atkins, K. M., Bell, T., Roy-White, T., & Page, M. (2023). Recognizing Ableism and Practicing Disability Humility: Conceptualizing Disability Across the Lifespan. Adultspan Journal, 22(1), Article 4.  https://doi.org/10.33470/2161-0029.1151

  • Atkins, K. M., Tollerud, T. R., Roy-White, T., Brdecka, L., & Chrones, D. (2023). Infusing Military Culture in Multicultural Counseling Frameworks: A Phenomenological Study. The Qualitative Report, 28(7), 1950-1967. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2023.5900

  • Scovill, K., Atkins, K. M., & Roy-White, T. (2023). Trauma Informed Yoga as a Group Intervention to Lower Incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Law Enforcement Officers. Journal of Military and Government Counseling, 10(1), 6-22.

  • Atkins, K. M., & Lorelle, S. (2022). Cultural Humility: Lessons Learned through a Counseling Cultural Immersion. The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 15(1). https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/jcps/vol15/iss1/9

  • Lorelle, S., Atkins, K. M., & Michel, R. E. (2021). Counselor Preparation and Training: Cultivating Cultural Immersion Opportunities. The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 14(1). https://repository.wcsu.edu/jcps/vol14/iss1/4

  • Shaler, L., Goss-Reaves, L., Boatner, J., Johnson, S., & Atkins, K. (2020). Experiences of College Sophomores' Utilization of Counseling Services at a Faith Based University. The Qualitative Report, 25(11), 3778-3793. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr/vol25/iss11/1 

  • Prosek, E. A., Burgin, E. E., Atkins, K. M., Wehrman, J. D., Fenell, D. L., Carter, C., & Green, L. (2018). Competencies for counseling military populations. Journal of Military and Government Counseling, 6(2), 87-99. Retrieved from http://acegonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/JMGC-Vol -6-Is-2.pdf 

  • Shaler, L., Warren, E., Atkins, K. M., Goss-Reaves, L., & Volk, F. (2017). Supporting military spouse graduation rates through specialized institutional support and authentic appreciation. Journal of Military and Government Counseling, 5(2), 134-149. Retrieved from http://acegonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/JMGC-Vol-5-Is-2.pdf

  • Burgin, E. E., Prosek, E. A., & Atkins, K. M. (2017). Mental health and the U.S. military: The need for counselor competencies. Journal of Military and Government Counseling, 5, 2-19. Retrieved from http://acegonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/JMGC-Vol-5-Is-1.pdf

  • Michel, R. E., Wix, K. M., & Lorelle, S. (2018). LEAD with data: A training model for school counselors. Professional School Counselor Special Edition: School Counseling Leadership in Practice.

 

Book Chapters/Contributor Activities

  • Friedman, E. N., & Wix, K. M. (2016). Unveiling institutional barriers while empowering individual's for success. In Killam, W., Degges-White, S., & Michel, R. (Eds.). Career Counseling Interventions: Practice with Diverse Clients (pp. 262-264). New York: Springer Publishing Company. 

  • Friedman, E. N. & Wix, K. M. (2016). Reconceptualizing career identity: Utilizing strengths to transcend domains. In Killam, W., Degges-White, S., Michel, R. (Eds.), Career Counseling Interventions: Practice with Diverse Clients (pp. 252-256). Springer Publishing Company. 

  • Wix (Atkins), K. M., & Friedman, E. N. (2016). Navigating Military Culture While Retaining the Sense of "I.” In Killam, W., Degges-White, S., Michel, R. (Eds.), Career Counseling Interventions: Practice with Diverse Clients (pp. 197-200). Springer Publishing 

  • Company. 

Past Presentations

Byrd, R., Donald, E., & Lorelle, S. (2022). Advocating and Supporting Transgender and Gender Expansive Children and Adolescents in Play Therapy. Presented at Association for Play Therapy Conference, St. Louis, MO.

 

Atkins, K. and Lorelle, S (2022, October).  Trends in International Counselor Education: Cultural and Training Implications. Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. Portland, WA

 

Lorelle, S. and Atkins, K. (2022, October).  Cultural Humility: Lessons Learned through a Counseling Cultural Immersion. Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. Portland, WA

 

Byrd, R., Lorelle, S., & Donald, E. (2022, February). Counseling Children and Adolescents: Legal and Ethical Issues in Competency and Training. Presentation at the Annual Law and Ethics in Counseling Conference, New Orleans, LA.

 

Byrd, R. Donald, E. & Lorelle, S. (2021, April). Supporting Children and Adolescents through the Complexities of Grief and Loss. Presented at the American Counseling Association (ACA) virtual conference.

 

Lorelle, S. (2021, October).  Cultural Humility: Lessons Learned through a Counseling Cultural Immersion. Poster presented Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. Atlanta, GA

 

Atkins, K. M.  & Lorelle, S. (2020, June ). Using the enneagram to assist military service members navigate

individualistic and collectivistic systems. Poster accepted for the American Mental Health Counsling Association

Conference, Las Vegas, NV, United States. (Due to COVID presentation was canceled).

Atkins, K. M., & Lorelle, S. (2019). 10 Guideposts for Whole Hearted Living. Presented at the Third

Annual Interdisciplinary Project: Psychological Impacts of Near-death Experiences, Bangsaen, Thailand.

 

Michel, R., Lorelle, S. &, Wix, K. M. (2018, October). Enhancing Cultural Awareness through Transformative Cultural Immersion Experiences. North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. Cleveland, OH.

 

Lorelle, S. (2018). Integrated Care for Anxiety. Presented at the Second Annual Interdisciplinary Project. Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care: Psychological Approaches Across the Lifespan, Bangsaen, Thailand.

 

Atkins, K. M., & Lorelle, S. (2018). Recognizing and Treating Trauma. Presented at the Second Annual Interdisciplinary Project. Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care: Psychological Approaches Across the Lifespan, Bangsaen, Thailand.

 

Lorelle, S., & Atkins, K. M. (2018). Trauma in Children. Presented at the Second Annual Interdisciplinary Project. Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care: Psychological Approaches Across the Lifespan, Bangsaen, Thailand.

 

Lorelle, S., & Atkins, K. M. (2018). Motivational Interviewing. Presented at the Second Annual Interdisciplinary Project. Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care: Psychological Approaches Across the Lifespan, Bangsaen, Thailand.

 

Lorelle, S. (2018). Wellness in Counseling. Presented at the Second Annual Interdisciplinary Project. Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care: Psychological Approaches Across the Lifespan, Bangsaen, Thailand.

 

Lorelle, S. &, Wix, K. M. (2017, October). Transformative international counselor education: Preparing for training in global settings. Presented at the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. Chicago, IL.

 

Lorelle, S., & Atkins, K. M. (2016). Introduction to Basic Counseling Skills. Presented at the First Interdisciplinary Project: Behavior and Mental Health Conference, Bangsaen, Thailand.

 

Lorelle, S., & Atkins, K. M. (2016). Neuroscience and the Brain. Presented at the First Interdisciplinary Project: Behavior and Mental Health Conference, Bangsaen, Thailand.

 

Lorelle, S., & Atkins, K. M. (2016). Counseling Children. Presented at the First Interdisciplinary Project: Behavior and Mental Health Conference, Bangsaen, Thailand.

 

Lorelle, S., & Atkins, K. M. (2016). Using Sandtray Therapy with Children. Presented at the First Interdisciplinary Project: Behavior and Mental Health Conference, Bangsaen, Thailand.

 

Lorelle, S. (2017, April). Non-directive play therapy skills.  International Play Conference: Perspectives and Practices in Play. Bangalore, India

 

Lorelle, S. (2016, July). Introduction to Play Therapy and Counseling Children.  Play therapy workshop for RENEW counselors. Thimphu, Bhutan.

 

Lorelle, S. & Nirola, D.  (2015, May) Mental Health Facilitator Training.  Paro, Bhutan.

 

Lorelle, S. & Hinkle, S.  (2013, October) Mental Health Facilitator Training.  Thimphu, Bhutan.

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