• Certified Social Worker in Private or Independent Practice
• Registered Play Therapist

I find joy in helping others meaningfully navigate life in a way that honors their core values.  I respect individual differences in belief and apply a grace-based, faith-friendly perspective to my counseling services.

I grew up in Georgia where I attended school and have gone on to live and provide counseling services in various locations throughout the United States including Minnesota, South Carolina, and Oklahoma.  I am happy to have made Spearfish my home since 2010.In 1999, I received my BA in Psychology from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.  In the spring of 2001, I graduated from the School of Social Work at the University of Georgia with a Master of Social Work degree.

I became certified two years later in 2003 as a Clinical Social Worker and have had the privilege to gain certification in various trauma recovery techniques including EMDR (level 2) and TF-CBT, am certified in Play Therapy (RPT) for work with children age 12 and younger, and have had extensive training in the Gottman Method approach to couples therapy and Parenting with Love and Logic.I have received educational and experiential training to address the following issues:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Concerns
• Abuse Issues
• Parent/Child & Parent/Teen Conflicts
• Elder Issues
• Grief & Loss
• Severely & Persistently Mentally Ill Adults

I am available for public educational workshops, trainings, or seminars on a variety of topics.

‍Email: carolyn@spearfishcounselingservices.com

‍Phone: (605) 644-7511

• Licensed Professional Counselor

I grew up on a North Dakota family farm and ranch where I learned the value of hard-work and perseverance before moving to Spearfish to begin my 25 year career with the Spearfish School District.  I feel fortunate to have made the Black Hills my home, and along with my husband and two children enjoy all this area has to offer.

Teaching  kindergarten and middle school special education before making the transition to school counseling gave me invaluable experience working with youth of all ages, families, and school and community personnel.  My experience affords me a unique and broad perspective when working with clients in the private counseling setting.

I earned my Master’s Degree in counseling from South Dakota State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with specializations in Special Education and Early Childhood from Minot State University. I am trained in the Gottman Methods approach to couples therapy, Love and Logic for parenting, and Brainspotting for trauma treatment.  My various experiences and training have allowed me to gain skills in the following areas:

• ADHD
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Parent/Child Conflict
• Grief/Loss
• Abuse Issues
• Marital and Couples Therapy
• Trauma
• Therapeutic play

I admire the strength and courage that is required to seek help, and honor this in my practice. I work to create a collaborative relationship with each client using a strength’s based, client-centered approach. I value the opportunity to come alongside others in their journey and look forward to meeting you in our faith-friendly environment.

‍Email: sheri@spearfishcounselingservices.com

‍Phone: (605) 644-7393