Christy A. Cole, MA, LCPC

Christy A. Cole, MA is the owner and clinical director of Wayfinder Wellness and Psychotherapy Services.  She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, approved clinical supervisor, consultant and educator who specializes in applying positive psychology to promote personal growth and increase happiness in people's lives. 

Christy holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Women's Studies from the University of New Hampshire and a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. Christy holds a certification in Positive Psychology from the Zur Institute has been providing positive-psychology informed psychotherapy and consultation for the past twenty-one years within a variety of settings, including public schools, colleges, non-profit organizations, businesses, and agencies.   

The foundation of Christy's approach to therapy is relational and client-centered.   She strongly believes that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor for successful therapy and strives to approach her clients with a non-judgmental, compassionate, and understanding mind-set. 

Christy's work is holistic in nature, as she believes that all aspects of our lives, (including relationships, nutrition, sleep, etc.), have a huge impact on the way that we feel and how we function in the world.  

Some people come to therapy to have someone listen and support them, some to learn specific skills, some to engage in trauma treatment, and others to come up with a plan to change a particular behavior or become “unstuck.”  Similarly, some people wish to work on issues from their past, some on present-day issues, and others on future planning and goal-setting.  Christy believes that every person who walks through her door has a unique set of needs and would most benefit from an individualized approach to therapy and healing.  Therefore, she draws from a variety of different theories of counseling in order to help her clients realize their goals and live more satisfying lives.

I am thrilled to be welcoming Karen Mathews, LCPC to our team! 

Committed to a holistic approach, Karen values the uniqueness of each individual.  She considers it a privilege to be part of her clients’ journey toward growth and wellness.  Karen regards the client/clinician relationship as a critical part of the journey.  She uses various orientations and modalities to offer support on the journey. 

Karen is a multi-modal practitioner.  She draws from various theoretical orientations and a variety of modalities to tailor her work with each client.  Karen holds a B.Mus.Ed from Oral Roberts University and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University.  She is a Board Certified Music Therapist and  has  training in Play Therapy and Art Therapy. 

Karen has many interests and is available to work with:

• Children and Adolescents
• Parental Support
• Child and Adolescent Anxiety and Depression
• Child and Adolescent Trauma support
• Young adult trauma and attachment
• Young adult depression and anxiety
• ADHD, IDD, and ASD

Karen is available to see adult, adolescent, and child clients virtually at a rate of $140 a session.  She is able to accept BCBS and Cigna insurance.  Please fill out a new client contact form if you are a potential client interested in setting up a free initial consultation.

I’m thrilled to congratulate Brooke Gowdy-Johnson, MS, RD, LCPC on attaining her full clinical license!

Brooke brings a unique and valuable combination of expertise in both mental health and nutrition. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling Education from the University of Southern Maine, as well as a Bachelor’s in Bioscience and Technology and a Master’s in Nutrition Science from the University of New Hampshire. Brooke is a Registered Dietitian, licensed in the State of Maine, with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals in their wellness journeys.

Brooke knows first hand that life is messy and that we all face struggles at various points in our lives. She believes in the healing power of a trusting and compassionate therapeutic relationship, one where people feel safe, heard and supported to explore their inner worlds with honesty and empathy. She has a desire to provide that healing space, to help people resolve their struggles and live their best life. Her work is grounded in the belief that each person has innate strength and resilience and is passionate about helping clients access and nurture those inner resources.

Her approach is holistic, hopeful and inclusive. It empowers people of all body sizes, shapes and abilities. Using a person centered, collaborative approach, she meets clients where they are to develop an actionable path forward, empowering them to find lasting relief from their concerns. Brooke has experience supporting clients with a range of concerns, including:

• Anxiety and depression
• Grief (including death and non-death losses)
• Relationship issues
• Life transitions
• Women’s health and perimenopause
• Chronic disease and disability
• Personal growth 
• Lifestyle and wellness goals

As a dietitian that has worked in settings from oncology to wellness, Brooke brings a deep understanding of the mind-body connection and is able to support those navigating body image, nutrition and health-related concerns.

Outside the therapy room, Brooke lives with her spouse and their two lively southern rescue dogs. She is an avid learner with a deep curiosity about health, nutrition and mental wellness. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her unplugged in her garden or exploring the natural world—listening to birdsong and reconnecting with the vastness and beauty of nature.

Brooke is available to see adult clients virtually for individual psychotherapy at a rate of $140 a session.  She is able to accept BCBS and Cigna insurance. Please fill out a new client contact form if you are a potential client interested in setting up a free consultation.

I am excited to welcome Emma Burke, M.Ed., LCPC-C to my practice.  

Emma (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Conditional with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Art Therapy from the University of New England and an M.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Athletic Counseling from Springfield College.

Through her diverse education background, Emma is a strong believer in the therapeutic addition of nature or the arts to her therapy practice when appropriate. She specializes in working with athletes of any age, gender identity or sport and is CMPC eligible through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Emma also has experience in working with individuals struggling with disordered eating patterns/ eating disorders.

Emma believes in the power of therapeutic connection. She believes that a client's best work in session often occurs once they are feeling supported, cared for and seen by their counselor. Emma enjoys being there as a support for people as they navigate life’s ups and downs and continue to discover who they are. Her therapeutic work is grounded in Person Centered Theory, occasionally utilizing interventions from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy when appropriate. Based on your goals for therapy, she will work with you to tailor her practice in a direction that works best for you.

Emma has 2 cats, Cora and Millie, and enjoys coaching gymnastics, camping, traveling, rock climbing, and creating art and music.

Emma is available to see adult and adolescent clients virtually or in person for individual psychotherapy at a rate of $120 per session. She is able to accept BCBS and Cigna insurance. Please fill out a new client contact form if you are a potential client interested in setting up a free consultation.

Building strong therapeutic relationships while providing a safe space for clients to heal, is the foundation of Kristen’s approach. She utilizes motivation in helping clients to recognize their own potential, while remaining empathetic and supportive in helping to facilitate change.  Based on the client’s direction, she helps them identify with self-reliance while learning how to advocate for themselves.  Kristen appreciates the idea of using what will work best for the client as an individual.  Knowing how different we all are, our personalities – our problems – our backgrounds, she doesn’t believe that one approach would be as effective or welcomed as allowing for a session that may be as unique as her client.  

Kristen is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Conditional with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Lesley University and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. 

Kristen is available to  see clients in person and virtually, based on client needs and availability.  She is available to see child  and adult clients for individual or family psychotherapy at a rate of $120 a session and is able to accept some insurances.  Please fill out a new client contact form if you are a potential client interested in setting up a free initial consultation.

I am excited to welcome Louise Lumia back to my practice as an LCPC -C!

Louise Lumia (she/her/hers) believes that connection is the basis for healing and develops relationships with her clients where they feel safe being themselves.  She knows a non-judgmental space is required for change, making this a priority for her work with clients. 

Louise previously worked at the University of Vermont Counseling and Psychiatric Services Center, providing therapy to young adults navigating issues regarding interpersonal relationships, personal development, emotional regulation, anxiety, and depression. Before her career in mental health, Louise worked in marketing and is well-versed in career and personal growth challenges. She enjoys helping her clients navigate uncertainty and strengthen their sense of self.

Louise’s work is grounded in psychodynamic theory, but she also enjoys exploring the mind-body connection with her clients and using CBT interventions when appropriate. Louise understands that every client is unique and tailors her approach to fit her client’s needs and goals. 

Louise lives with her spouse and their dog, Ivy (who loves jumping in snow piles in the winter!). Louise enjoys traveling and listening to podcasts on long drives. 

Louise is available to see adult and adolescent clients virtually for individual or couples psychotherapy at a rate of $120 a session.  Louise is also able to accept BCBS and Cigna insurance. Please fill out a new client contact form if you are a potential client interested in setting up a free consultation.

I am very excited to welcome Laura Macomber to the Wayfinder team!

Laura Macomber is counselor-in-training at Northwestern University. With a background in storytelling and journalism, Laura understands the importance of helping individuals take ownership of their own life narratives in order to nurture growth, understanding, healing, and change. 

Laura is passionate about working with clients at all stages of life, and is especially committed to serving individuals experiencing challenges related to pregnancy and childbirth, identity concerns, parenting overwhelm, grief, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. She believes that respecting individual cultural values and establishing strong relationships are key to navigating life’s struggles and finding opportunities to thrive. 

Laura recently moved with her family from Brooklyn, NY to the Maine seacoast and enjoys spending her free time reading, traveling, and making up silly songs for toddlers. 

Laura is available to see adult clients virtually and in person for individual psychotherapy and offers a sliding fee based upon need.  She is able to accept Cigna insurance. Please fill out a new client contact form if you are a potential client interested in setting up a free consultation.