“Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, they make this world a beautiful garden.”
Root and Blossom Counseling is nestled in East Atlanta Village and specializes in child and parent centered therapeutic services. Our therapists are passionate about  providing high quality, creative, and innovative counseling for children, adolescents, teens, and young adults. Additionally, we are skilled in supporting parents through therapy and coaching. At Root and Blossom Counseling, we believe that all children and parents have the potential to learn skills and overcome emotional obstacles resulting in a calmer and a more balanced life.


Our Therapists

Rachel Salmons

Rachel Salmons, LPC, CPCS, Founder/Director (She/Her)

Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia (#LPC009602) and a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor. A native to the Atlanta area, Rachel received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Women’s Studies from the University of Georgia. She earned a Master of Education and Education Specialist degree in School Counseling from Georgia State University.

After working in a school setting for over 10 years, Rachel now uses her extensive knowledge of children, teens, and families in her own practice. She is uniquely situated to understand the difficulties that exist both at home and at school and how those difficulties can often intersect.

With a deep understanding of child development and a compassionate approach, Rachel creates a nurturing and safe environment where children and teens can explore their emotions and develop healthy coping skills. Rachel possesses an innate ability to connect with children, effortlessly gaining their trust and helping them to feel respected and empowered. Her vast knowledge and experience enable her to tailor therapeutic interventions to each child's unique needs, utilizing a mix of play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and creative and expressive arts. Additionally, Rachel recognizes the crucial role parents play in a child's well-being and actively involves them in the therapeutic process as well as providing stand-alone parent coaching. She empowers parents with effective strategies and parenting techniques, enabling them to build stronger connections and promote their children's emotional well-being.

Rachel works with parents and children ages 3-21.

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Rachel Salmons

Alexis Beckford, LMSW (She/Her)

Alexis is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Georgia (#MSW010597) with experience working with young people across various settings. Born in New York to Jamaican parents, Alexis later moved to Georgia, eventually attending the University of Georgia for both her undergraduate and graduate education. She has received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Master’s in Social Work, as well as a Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. Alexis is currently completing her Doctorate in Clinical Social Work and is committed to continuing to advance her knowledge within the field.

Alexis has worked in residential treatment facilities, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and multiple private agencies conducting community based counseling with children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. In addition to her work at Root and Blossom Counseling, she currently works in emergency room psychiatric care in one of Georgia’s major hospital systems completing  psychiatric assessments.

In a therapy setting, Alexis is passionate about working with children, teenagers, and young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-harm, life transitions, identity concerns, and familial conflict to name a few. Alexis favors a Rogerian approach and believes that therapy is a collaborative process which should empower the client regardless of their age. She incorporates techniques from cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and interpersonal therapy and tailors her modality based on the client’s needs. Alexis is confident in all clients’ abilities to persevere and become the best version of themselves.

Alexis works with children, teenagers, and young adults ages 10 and up.

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Rachel Salmons

Karen Murphy, LPC, RPT ™(She/Her)

Karen is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia (#LPC013807), a Registered Play Therapist (T6245), a Positive Discipline Parent Educator, and a Certified Child Life Specialist. Karen received her Bachelor of Science in Human Development with a concentration in Child Life from Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University.

Karen’s professional career has spanned over 20 years, affording her the opportunity to work with children, adolescents and their families in hospital, school, and private practice settings. Karen primarily offers play therapy services at the Root and Blossom office; and through partnerships with First Presbyterian Preschool, The Preschool at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, and Oglethorpe Presbyterian Preschool, school-based play therapy. Karen is also a provider for CURE Childhood Cancer’s community-based counseling program.

In addition to providing support to children and adolescents Karen also recognizes the importance of partnering with parents and caregivers. In this role, Karen works directly with parents and caregivers to meet their individual needs by helping parents develop strategies and grow parenting skills that will enhance the efficacy of the work happening in the playroom.

Karen works with parents and children ages 2-15.

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Rachel Salmons

Kachelle Carnus, M.Ed. (She/Her)

Kachelle has a Bachelors of Psychology and a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Georgia State University. She has  over 12 years of experience working with children of all ages and their families in both mental health and educational settings. This range of experience has allowed her to see how truly individual each child’s needs really are. She believes that no one child is the same, and therefore no one path to wellness should ever be the same.

Throughout our journey in life, it is crucial that we as human beings feel loved, valued, and appreciated, not just by others, but by ourselves. Kachelle takes great pride in helping her clients connect with themselves in order to bring those feelings to fruition. By using a child-centered approach, she supports her clients in feeling seen, heard, and accepted. Building a trusting relationship in which a child feels safe to be their true self is an integral part of the therapeutic process. Her goal is to encourage the child and help them to feel empowered as they navigate their world.

Through her individualized counseling sessions, she  incorporates multiple modalities including play therapy, mindfulness, and yoga. She is especially passionate about working with children and adolescents in the areas of anxiety, family challenges, social skill improvement, LGBTQIA+ and gender identity, and loss/grief, and trauma. Kachelle also works with families to enhance connection through parent filial therapy. 

Kachelle works with parents and children ages 5-15.

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Rachel Salmons

Addie Langstaff, AMFT (She/Her)

Addie is an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist and a graduate from Mercer University. After a decade working in a creative career, she has found renewed purpose in the mental health and wellness field. She brings her creative background into the therapeutic process while utilizing evidence-based methods including experiential therapy, attachment theory, emotion focused therapy, play therapy, and expressive art interventions. 

Addie provides a compassionate, supportive presence for children, adolescents, and families coping with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other family or individual concerns. She connects with clients of all ages through warmth, playfulness, unconditional positive regard, and respect. 

With a focus on family therapy, Addie’s core belief is that growth is most effectively fostered through healing relationships. She integrates parents in both one-on-one and parent-child sessions to provide tools and empower their essential role in developing their children’s emotional well-being. 

Addie works with parents and children ages 4 and up, as well as with parents seeking individual and/or couples’ therapy.

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Rachel Salmons

Hannah Deutschler, LPC , EdS (She/Her)

Hannah is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia (#LPC009591). Hannah received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminology from the University of West Georgia. She earned a Master of Education and Education Specialist degree in School Counseling from Georgia State University. Over the last 15 years, Hannah has experience working with children, adolescents and families in various settings including private practice and the public school system.


Hannah uses a comprehensive approach to therapy, which can include Solution Focused Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Therapy. Her passion is empowering children and adolescents to use their strengths to overcome obstacles in their life. She has extensive experience working with clinical challenges such as self-esteem, boundary setting, social skills, anxiety and stress management, coping, and behavioral problems at home or school.


Hannah’s approach is rooted in the belief that every child is unique. Her therapeutic techniques are tailored to suit the individual needs of each client. Children and adolescents will find joy in their individuality and will work toward solutions and growth in an enjoyable and engaging way.

Hannah works with parents and children ages 4-18.

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Services

Individual Child, Teen, and Young Adult Therapy

Based on the personality and developmental needs of your child, a safe place may be created through play therapy or more traditional talk therapy. A variety of modalities are used to meet the unique needs of every child.

Parent Coaching and Consultation

Parenting is hard and can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Whether you are dealing with a specific issue or just need to consult to make sure you are on the right path with your child, parenting coaching and consultation can be an invaluable tool. I can give you insight into your child’s behavior and develop strategies to help you feel confident in your parenting.

School Consultation

Teachers and school administrators may lack the specific knowledge to best handle behavioral and mental health issues your child is exhibiting at school. As your child’s therapist, I can help to bridge that knowledge gap and work collaboratively with the school based team to help best support your child. This may include phone consultation, classroom observations, or attending school based meetings.

LPC Supervision

As a CPCS in the state of Georgia, I can provide supervision services to those seeking licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Please fill out the form below to reach out for more information.

Specialties:

  • Anxiety
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Behavioral Difficulties
  • ADHD/Executive Functioning Skills
  • Social Skills
  • Self-Esteem
  • Mindfulness
  • School-Based Issues
  • Family Changes

Groups and Workshops

Positive Discipline Group for Parents and Caregivers- 6 Week Course

Mondays 6:00-8:00 PM 

September 11th- October 23rd

By participating in the Positive Discipline group, parents of children and teens will gain valuable insights and skills to enhance their parenting approach. They will learn effective communication techniques to clearly convey their expectations and desires to their children. Parents will also acquire strategies for fostering desired behaviors and problem-solving skills in their children. Through a balance of firmness and kindness, they will discipline their children while preserving a respectful and nurturing relationship. Additionally, parents will actively contribute to their child's social-emotional development and strengthen the parent-child bond. Overall, the Positive Discipline group empowers parents, builds confidence, and creates a harmonious and nurturing environment for the growth and development of their children.

Registration fee of $535 includes participation for two adults from the same household and a copy of the Positive Discipline book. 

Positive Discipline for Parents and Caregivers - One Day Intensives

Intensive one-day sessions will focus on age-specific positive discipline information. During this condensed program, parents and caregivers will receive targeted guidance and strategies tailored to the developmental stages of their children. This age-specific information will provide valuable insights and practical tools that address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each age group. By participating in this condensed format, parents can quickly gain a deep understanding of their child's specific needs and effectively implement Positive Discipline techniques in a shorter timeframe. This intensive program offers a concentrated learning experience that equips parents with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of parenting with confidence and expertise. Parents have the option to participate in intensive workshops either as an extension of the Positive Discipline 6-week Group or as standalone sessions.


Parenting  Children- Positive Discipline One Day Intensive

For parents and caregivers of 3-12  Year Olds

Saturday, September 9th - 9:00AM- 1:00PM 


Parenting Teens- Positive Discipline One Day Intensive

For parents and caregivers of 13-18 Year Olds

Saturday, October 21st - 9:00AM- 1:00PM 


Registration fee of $175 includes participation in one workshop for two adults from the same household. 

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Telemental Health

Telemental health, or online therapy, is a way to provide children and teens with all the benefits of play therapy or psychotherapy when meeting in person is not accessible. Counseling sessions are provided through a HIPPA compliant video conferencing platform.

Creating or maintaining a trusting relationship with a therapist provides kids with stability, support, regulation, and a place to express overwhelming thoughts and feelings. This is especially important when normal routines have been interrupted and additional stressors or anxieties are present. Using telemental health to maintain regular appointments with their therapist will allow children a safe space to express and process feelings as well as learn skills and ways to cope.

For children under Twelve, appointments will consist of a brief psychotherapy (talk) check-in and then a series of directive activities to address emotional and body regulation, emotional intelligence, decreasing anxiety, increasing social skills, and addressing any other specific concerns. Each activity will be specifically designed to meet the needs of your specific child and their developmental level.

For teens, appointments will consist of psychotherapy and some directive activities tailored specifically to each teen.

FAQ

What happens in a therapy session?

Developing a trusting relationship with you and/or your child is key to a successful therapeutic experience. Your counselor will spend the first couple sessions getting to know you and your child and helping them to feel comfortable sharing their inner world. Creative interventions will always be used to meet the needs of your child. Your counselor will work with you and your child to create goals to work towards in therapy.

How often and how long will we meet?

Typically, weekly meetings are preferred to begin therapy. After an initial intake session, you will discuss treatment goals and plans with your counselor. As progress is made, sessions may be moved to every other week. The number of sessions required to reach goals will vary. Some clients reach their goals in weeks while others need months or years. More progress is usually seen when sessions are held on a consistent basis. Sessions last for 50 minutes.

What are your fees?

Individual counseling session or parent consultation session- $160/50 minute session

School Meetings or Consultations- $160/hour

Letter Writing- $25 unless otherwise specified

Do you accept insurance?

Root and Blossom Counseling is not an in-network provider for any insurance company. We can provide a receipt for out-of-network reimbursement upon request. All payment is due at the time of services.

What if I need to cancel an appointment?

Appointments can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice. Payment will be expected in full for appointments cancelled without 24 hours notice.

What is Play Therapy?

Play is the natural language for children to process and resolve issues in their lives. This video gives more information about how play therapy works and what it looks like.

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