Our Team

Bernadette Stanford

Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC

Bernadette went into private practice to help individuals effectively address personal life challenges by empowering clients to uncover their true potential, achieve goals, and lead a life of growth and well-being by providing support, healing, and refocus. Bernadette is a Licensed Professional Counselor who holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University. Her therapeutic approach is to provide compassionate care and understanding, integrating value sensitive principles, and research based therapy techniques to build on strengths and attain understanding and direction in complex situations.

I love being a therapist and am passionate about the change that is possible in the lives of my clients. I seek out specialized trainings that benefit my client’s complex situations. To assist with trauma, I have been trained in EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, Somatic Experiencing, and Brainspotting. Additionally, I have advanced training in the relationship modalities of Emotionally Focused Therapy & The Gottman Method.

Lynda Powell grew up in Heber Springs and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience in individual, family, marriage, and group therapy. She graduated from the University of Tennessee in Memphis in 1993 with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Lynda uses a comprehensive systems theory approach, which is to “start where the client is.” She is trained in EMDR, SAFE certified, PRIDE trainer, and has experience with foster care, adoption, DHS cases, crisis intervention, day treatment, and the seriously mentally ill population with children and adults. Lynda also has experience with people with trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, chronic pain, and disabilities.

It’s a deeply fulfilling experience to walk alongside individuals as they grow and find more joy in their daily lives. I’m honored to support clients as they explore, discover, and reconnect with their inner strengths, self-worth, and the unique qualities that make them who they are. Being part of that journey is both meaningful and rewarding.

Lynda Powell

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

Lisa Richardson

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

Lisa Richardson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years experience working with individuals, couples and families in inpatient, outpatient and school-based settings. She graduated from Louisiana State University in 1992 with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Lisa has experience with foster care, attachment issues, crisis intervention, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, chronic pain, disabilities, and relationships/family challenges. She is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Lisa utilizes an integrative approach that is person- centered drawing from an array of evidence-based practices that are tailored to best support clients in their journey toward growth and healing.

I care about people. I love to see them heal from hurts, recognize/build on existing strengths, and reach their potential. It is a privilege to me to be part of that process. In joining with you, my goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where we can work together in creating lasting change in your life through services that promote personal and spiritual growth, emotional healing, improved relationships and purposeful living.

Gretchan received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lyon College in 2005. She received her Master’s in Social Work degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2009. Gretchan has therapeutic experience in a variety of settings including outpatient counseling, school-based counseling, inpatient psychiatric services and hospice care. She has worked with individuals of all ages who have suffered from anxiety, depression, trauma, as well as grief and loss. Treatment modalities that she utilizes in practice include Brainspotting, mindfulness, solution focused, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy.

I truly believe that people are made to be resilient, and with the right support can overcome even the darkest of realities. As a therapist, I strive to help people find and ignite their inner strengths through the use of listening, validation and positive affirmations. Everyone deserves a chance to shine bright during their personal journey. My goal is to help you find that inner flame.

Gretchan West

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

Whitney Smith

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

Whitney graduated from Arkansas State University with her Bachelor’s in Social Work. She received her Master’s in Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky. Whitney has experience with survivors of human trafficking, the juvenile justice system, trauma, and crisis intervention. She utilizes CBT, ACT, and other modalities to include Brainspotting to uncover and process traumatic memories. Whitney offers in-person, as well as online counseling services for teens (13+) and adults. She has experience working with individuals and families in outpatient and school-based settings.

I’m from the small town of Cave City, and I’m incredibly excited to serve both this community and my clients. I enjoy doing anything outdoors (as long as it’s above 70°) with my husband and our dogs, Huck & Fynn. I also enjoy all things artsy and crafty! As a therapist, my goal is to give clients a supportive, authentic, non-judgmental environment to explore, gain knowledge, and heal. I have a client-centered approach while utilizing a strengths-based perspective to empower my clients to accomplish their goals. I have a passion for assisting my clients in finding their voice. I can’t wait to help you in finding yours!

Ashley Crafton is a Licensed Professional Counselor from Cave City and returns to serve her local community with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lyon College and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Arkansas. Ashley has worked in a number of settings including outpatient behavioral health, private practice, and school-based mental health. She primarily works with adolescents and adults using holistic approaches, as well as CBT, mindfulness based practices, Brainspotting, and trauma informed interventions.

I am incredibly grateful to be able to serve my hometown and surrounding communities that have served me throughout my lifetime. I do therapy similar to the way I live my life: candid, fostering mind-body connections, and aspiring to be a life-long learner on any topic. Outside of work I am often enjoying time with my family, cooking, enjoying a book, music, or documentary, and mindfully moving my body. As a clinician, I love being able to support clients in their search of meeting their goals and overcoming challenges. You are doing all that important work, and I am so glad you are allowing me to be a part of your process!

Ashley Crafton

Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC

Brian Cummings

Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC

Brian is an Arkansas native who has spent most of his life in the state and is proud to serve the Heber Springs community and surrounding areas. He has worked in the mental health field for nearly six years, with experience in case management, community mental health, and school-based counseling. Brian earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Communication in 2020 and went on to earn his Master’s of Education in Counseling Education in 2023.

Brian has interest in working with individuals experiencing PTSD, grief, anxiety, and personality disorders. He also has experience in crisis intervention, human development, and trauma-informed care. He works with children ages 5 and older, adolescents, and young adults. Brian’s therapeutic approach is holistic and eclectic, he draws from a variety of therapeutic approaches to meet each client’s unique needs. Brian incorporates principles from Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other therapeutic modalities. He believes there is no single approach that works for everyone and strives to tailor therapy to each person’s experiences, goals, strengths, and circumstances.

In my free time I love reading, thrifting, bird watching, and spending time with my cat, Cheez-It. I am a lifelong learner and am always looking for opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. I love meeting clients from all walks of life, where they are. I create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and accepted. I look forward to getting to know you, hearing your story, and supporting you on your journey toward greater well-being.

For more than 30 years, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, and families through a variety of life circumstances and transitions. My professional journey has taken me to Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and Doha, Qatar. I am also a Certified Integrative Wellness & Life Coach. My current practice focuses on living well with ADHD in adulthood, women’s issues across the lifespan, and navigating life transitions and change.

I view counseling as a collaborative process. You are the expert on your life, and my role is to provide a safe, supportive space where we can explore what you are experiencing, recognize patterns, and discover ways to move forward. My approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and somatic techniques to support self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healthy coping. As an Integrative Wellness & Life Coach, I look at the whole person—mind, body, spirit, and emotions—with the goal of creating greater balance, health, happiness, peace, and well-being.

Through my work as both a counselor and coach—and through my own life experiences—I have learned that meaningful change often begins with recognizing the patterns that no longer serve us and creating more empowering ways of living and relating. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. Sometimes the first step is simply having a safe place to talk, be heard, and begin exploring what comes next. My hope is that our work together helps you find greater health, happiness, peace, and well-being—and a life that feels more authentically yours.

Kimberly Harris

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW