Counseling Offices of Paul Dalton

02/23/2026

🌟 Provider Spotlight! 🌟

Laura Best, LCSW, is an Independently Licensed Clinical Social Worker at our Frankfort office location! Laura has experience working with adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families. She utilizes evidence based modalities, including PCIT (Parent/Child Interaction Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ART (Accelerated Resolutions Therapy), as well as Gottman Level 2 trained for marital counseling.

Fun facts about Laura:
-She loves to garden
-She enjoys watercolor painting
-Her favorite physical exercise is running

Link to website: https://www.counselinglexingtonky.com/laura-best

If you’ve ever worked with Laura Best,LCSW, and want to share your experience, use this link:
https://g.page/r/CV-QELLXs3GCEBM/review
- Leaving a review can help others find the right therapist

02/13/2026

Effective communication is fundamental to building strong relationships and fostering enduring connections. Developing effective strategies and using helpful tools to address these conflict styles is crucial, especially since healthy communication is rarely taught. Below are a variety of ideas that can enhance communication and connection in a relationship.

1. Active Listening: Avoid interrupting, use nonverbal cues like eye contact and nodding, and minimize distractions. Reflecting dialogue shows you understand and helps clarify meaning. Validation means recognizing someone's feelings, while reassurance provides comfort and safety. Listen to understand, not just to reply.
2. Understand your partner's love language: The five love languages—quality time, acts of service, words of affirmation, receiving gifts, and physical touch—offer a framework for understanding how people express and receive love. Recognizing and using your partner’s preferred love language can improve communication and strengthen relationships, while ignoring it may cause disconnect.
3. Establish boundaries: Clear communication boundaries are vital for resolving conflicts. Partners should choose appropriate times and places to discuss disagreements and might use a designated word to pause tense conversations. Defining this pause—like a fifteen-minute break with calming activities—can prevent escalation. Committing to empathy, intentional expressions of love, and mutual respect helps turn communication into an opportunity for understanding rather than conflict.

Here at Lexington Counseling & Psychiatry, our team includes highly qualified therapists certified in the Gottman Method for marriage and family counseling. They are equipped to assist clients in addressing conflicts and identifying effective solutions to improve relationship dynamics. Call our office at 859.338.0466 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers for marital, individual, or family counseling. Our current offices are located in Lexington, Frankfort, and Richmond, KY. We have been trusted mental health professionals in Central Kentucky for nearly 25 years!

Read Full Article: https://www.counselinglexingtonky.com/communicating-with-intention-tools-for-stronger-relationships

Supporting Resources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rediscovering-love/201607/deeply-meaningful-way-communicate-your-partner
https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-recognizing-criticism-contempt-defensiveness-and-stonewalling/
https://wellbeing.jhu.edu/blog/2024/10/18/communication-in-relationships-doesnt-have-to-be-scary/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/202009/what-are-the-5-love-languages-definition-and-examples

We offer counseling, therapy, psychological, & psychiatry services in Frankfort, Lexington, and Richmond to adult, children, and adolescents. Our therapists help with marriage counseling, child and adolescent therapy, and individual therapy. Our experienced providers offer the best counseling servic...

02/11/2026

🌟 Provider Spotlight! 🌟

Zoe Beckhart, LPCC, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at our Wellington office location! Zoe has experience working with adult clients with a variety of mental health needs, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, self esteem, stress management, life transitions, and substance use. She utilizes evidence based practices, such as client-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and reality therapy techniques. Zoe is trained in Basic Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) as well, which can help individuals effectively process and resolve trauma and distressing emotions.

Zoe strives to meet you where you are. She focuses on ensuring that her office is a safe space for you to process any challenges you are facing to achieve your goals while working with her!

Fun facts about Zoe:

-She loves to run and completed her first half marathon in 2025.
-She loves to bake sourdough and bringing in her recipe creations to share with her coworkers at the office
-She has three cats that she says are her whole world

Link to website: https://www.counselinglexingtonky.com/about-zoe-beckhart-lpcc

If you’ve ever worked with Zoe Beckhart, LPCC, and want to share your experience, use this link:
https://g.page/r/Cdh8A1tCYzJmEBM/review
- Leaving a review can help others find the right therapist!

01/23/2026

🌟 Provider Spotlight! 🌟

Lisa Hernandez, LCSW, is an independently licensed provider at our Darby Creek office location who has experience working with adolescents and adults! Lisa is trained in several therapeutic modalities that are applicable to both mental health and substance use disorders. She has training and experience to assist clients with behavior modification, problem-solving, mood management, healthy relationships, grief, life changes, stress management, trauma, substance abuse, and recovery support. Lisa primarily utilizes components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing in helping individuals move along the continuum of change towards actualizing their goals.

Fun facts about Lisa:
-She loves Yorkies!
-She enjoys touring historic homes and learning about the people who lived there.
-She aspires to be a writer one day.

Link to website: https://www.counselinglexingtonky.com/about-lisa-hernandez-lcsw

If you’ve ever worked with Lisa Hernandez LCSW, and want to share your experience, use this link: https://g.page/r/CTW3kabeEyy7EBM/review
- Leaving a review can help others find the right therapist!

01/14/2026

Finding the right provider can be hard and there are important considerations; such as, what does my insurance cover, what type of provider do I need, and how do I find a provider and be sure they are a good fit. Once you have compiled a list of suitable practitioners, it is advisable to contact the provider or their office to confirm relevant experience and areas of specialization. Therapy requires trust and a sense of safety. Individuals are encouraged to ask pertinent questions, communicate their needs clearly, and inform providers if they believe another practitioner may be better suited to their requirements.

Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

-Choose the type of provider you need such as a mental health therapist (LPCC and LCSW or LPCA and CSW), psychologist, or a medication provider (Psychiatrist, APRN, or PMHNP).
-Identify your needs such as telehealth or in person services, private pay or with insurance, type of therapy, male or female etc.
-Utilize a platform like Psychology Today, Therapy Den, or American Psychological Association (APA) Psychologist Locator to narrow down your options.
-Contact providers to identify their approach to treatment and determine if their area of expertise supports your needs as well as their availability.
-Take time to build rapport and give feedback if you believe the provider is not the right fit.

If you are ready to begin your therapeutic journey or have questions about a provider that might be a good fit, call our office at 859.338.0466 to schedule an appointment to work with one of our providers. Our current offices are located in Lexington, Frankfort, and Richmond, KY. We have been trusted mental health professionals in Central Kentucky for nearly 25 years!

Read full article here: https://www.counselinglexingtonky.com/how-to-find-a-provider-that-fits-your-needs

Supporting Articles:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/types-of-therapy
https://headway.co/
https://www.goodtherapy.org/?keyword=good%20therapy&ads_cmpid=340750845&ads_adid=20651434005&ads_matchtype=p&ads_network=g&ads_creative=709578116818&utm_term=good%20therapy&ads_targetid=kwd-493337575112&utm_campaign=Brand&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=340750845&gbraid=0AAAAAD8uZieR5tNVKKAUWaDYPOsp4e2z0&gclid=Cj0KCQiApfjKBhC0ARIsAMiR_IutCFdnx9iDUxEkp5uQBEOjpXi-6dgCDPVQPW6_XmB5xacJoREoch0aAt1VEALw_wcB
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/finding-good-therapist
https://ezracounseling.com/finding-the-right-fit-what-lpc-lcsw-lmft-and-psyd-mean-for-you/
https://studyfinds.org/finding-right-therapist-mental-health/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health-providers/art-20045530

01/09/2026

🌟 Provider Spotlight! 🌟

Amanda is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor - Supervisor and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor at our Duval office location. She is qualified and trained to work with clients with a variety of different concerns including: depression, anxiety, grief, relational problems, substance abuse/addiction, mood disorders, and stress.

Amanda utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and a client centered approach. Her main goal is to provide a safe, non-judgemental environment to help foster personal growth and development for each client.

Fun Facts about Amanda:
-She is an avid runner and enjoys doing 5/10K’s!
-She used to be a vegetarian for 13 years.
-She loves spending quality time with her boys and family when she is not at work.

Link to website: https://www.counselinglexingtonky.com/amanda-bradshaw

If you’ve ever worked with Amanda and want to share your experience, use this link: https://g.page/r/CQhgbIoW1PhfEBM/review

- Leaving a review can help others find the right therapist!

12/29/2025

Immediate Openings available January 2026 for therapy and psychiatry 📣

Darby Creek Office Location:

Shira Birdwhistell received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Kentucky and an MSSW from the University of Louisville. Upon completion of her master's degree, she worked as an adult outpatient clinician in community mental health before obtaining employment as an adult mental health/substance abuse clinician within the VA Healthcare System. She obtained her LCSW in 2012 and has since worked at Georgetown College as an outpatient mental health counselor as well as Morehead State University as an Extramural Project Leader working on evaluation projects throughout Kentucky related to substance abuse, teen pregnancy, Zero Su***de, and specialty courts (primarily Veterans Treatment Courts).

Starting therapy is a brave step towards exploring life’s complexities and issues we face. Shira specializes in helping individuals navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and trauma issues through a collaborative and client-centered approach, utilizing evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. She is also certified in Basic Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which is beneficial for individuals dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias and is particularly effective for those lingering effects of trauma or strong negative feelings tied to past adverse events. Her goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can feel heard and find a space to work on their unique goals.

Website link: https://www.counselinglexingtonky.com/about-shira-birdwhistell--lcsw

Wellington Office Location:

Kalee Culver is a licensed clinical social worker. Kalee graduated with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree at Western Kentucky University majoring in social work. She has experience providing therapy to clients in a variety of settings including inpatient hospitalization, partial hospitalization, school-based services, and now outpatient therapy.

Kalee works with adolescents and adults, presenting with a variety of mental health and behavioral issues. She also has experience working with the substance abuse population. Kalee utilizes evidence-based practices and therapeutic techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Modification, Mood and Stress Management, EMDR, and Client Centered Therapy.

Kalee takes a strengths-based perspective while working with clients to help them identify their existing strengths and build upon them to navigate challenges and reach their goals. Kalee strives to provide an environment in which each client feels safe, heard, and seen.

Website Link: https://www.counselinglexingtonky.com/about-kalee-culver--lcsw

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from The Offices of Paul Dalton - Lexington Counseling and Psychiatry!

12/23/2025

🚨 HIRING 🚨

For full and part-time therapist positions for an LPCC , LCSW, LPP, or LMFT at our Frankfort office - willing to have 25-30 available appointments per week to see clients. Providers must complete notes and documentation on time and be able to manage time well.

Our mission is simple. We want to provide the highest quality of outpatient mental health services to regular, everyday people here in Central Kentucky and we have for almost 25 years!

Here are some details for Providers seeking to join us:
* You set your own reasonable schedule. To us, that means a reasonable amount of people that won't burn you out.
* No one sees 40 clients a week here as a therapist.
* Most appointments are 55 minutes.
* Our Administrative Staff answers the phone, schedules clients/patients, and helps with all aspects of the process.
* Providers have full schedules. Our waiting list is long.
* Our group has a vast amount of experience and clinical diversity that provides support to each other.
* Our clinicians are reimbursed on a percentage basis. Risky? Call any of our providers on our location page.
* Our offices are nice, clean, and comfortable. When you join us for at least 25 hours a week or more, the office is yours.
* We will never stop being an in person practice.
* Our EMR (Electronic Medical Record) is one of the easiest, yet most comprehensive in the industry. All transactions are transparent forever. You can see every transaction, forever.
* Time off is up to you. We like to be notified in advance so our administrative staff and management know how to handle emergencies and calls/walk ins for your clients.
* Our practice provides approximately 30 hours a year in professional training free of charge to you.
* Over twenty years of marketing, an excellent reputation, the same main location, 4 additional locations, and a phone that never stops ringing is what we bring to your desk, every day

Work Remotely
* No

Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: $77,000.00 - $92,000.00 per year depending on your number of client hours with multiple opportunities for growth to make over $100,000 within 5 years

Benefits:
* Flexible schedule
* Professional development assistance

Education:
* Master's

License/Certification:
* LCSW LPCC LMFT LPP

Work Location: In person

If this sounds good to you, apply today!
Link: https://www.indeed.com/m/viewjob?jk=0317ac8fb62b5bf4&from=shareddesktop_copy&fbclid=IwRlRTSAO32QNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeRPAc7eGgP14WLTeY3sl4Vhou0mVWnlUIjIpz2iMdW4X3KA0aMPM4xXG_jcE_aem_yROPKCU3vJi2Ik7Voc2L1g

Use the link below to learn more about our practice:
www.counselinglexingtonky.com

12/22/2025

🌟 Provider Spotlight! 🌟

Heather James LPCC, LCADC is trained and qualified to provide mental health and addiction services to adolescents and adults. She is located at our Darby Creek office location. Heather provides individual, marriage, and family counseling to improve functionality of the individual, family, and partner needs.

Heather works with clients 15 and older presenting with various mental health concerns, such as anxiety, mood, substance abuse, stress induced disorders, trauma, and relationship conflict. Heather utilizes evidence-based practices and therapeutic techniques, such as reality therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing, to improve her clients’ ability to handle their daily life as it is in the moment and make progress on achieving the life they want.

Fun facts about Heather:

-She loves all things about gardening! She enjoys experimenting with new arrangements and learning about different plants and flowers.
-She has been riding horses since she was 9 years old.
-She was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and as stated by her ‘a forever cheesehead, Go Pack!’

Link to website: https://www.counselinglexingtonky.com/about-heather-james-lpcc

If you’ve ever worked with Heather and want to share your experience, use this link: https://g.page/r/CTW3kabeEyy7EBM/review - Leaving a review can help others find the right therapist!

12/16/2025

Scrolling and social media use can mimic and exacerbate symptoms of ADHD. Now that generations have seen the long effects of recurrent social media use across decades, researchers are focusing on how to protect and support children from social media and screen time. Children with ADHD are at a higher risk of being drawn to digital media, including games and social media, because these platforms often provide more immediate rewards that are especially appealing to them. This increased attraction can make children with ADHD more susceptible to developing addiction problems. Additionally, chronic social media use and excessive screen time can increase symptoms of anxiety and depression and creates difficulty with mood and behavior regulation.

Clinicians recommend several interventions and strategies to combat media mimicked ADHD:

- Promote offline activities
-Teach mindful and purposeful media use
-Set clear boundaries and routines such as time limits for use with parental controls, giving warnings for transitioning away from screen use, and breaking screen time into small chunks to prevent overstimulation or behavioral dysregulation
-Teach and model self-regulation skills through deep breathing, grounding, and mindfulness
-Engage in therapeutic services such as CBT

At Lexington Counseling and Psychiatry, our clinicians can diagnose, treat, and prescribe management for ADHD. Our current offices are located in Lexington, Frankfort, and Richmond, KY. We have been a trusted mental health treatment provider in Central Kentucky for 25 years! Call our offices today to schedule or learn more at 859-338-0466.

Read the full article:
https://www.counselinglexingtonky.com/screen-use-and-the-impact-on-attention

Supporting articles:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11272698/
https://creyos.com/blog/adhd-and-social-media
https://www.simplypsychology.org/adhd-doomscrolling.html

We offer counseling, therapy, psychological, & psychiatry services in Frankfort, Lexington, and Richmond to adult, children, and adolescents. Our therapists help with marriage counseling, child and adolescent therapy, and individual therapy. Our experienced providers offer the best counseling servic...

12/11/2025

🌟 Provider Spotlight! 🌟

Lilla Valentine is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at our Darby Creek office location. Lilla has experience working with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and mood disorders. She is trained in EMDR, which is her primary approach to reaching healing. Additional approaches she utilizes are Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Lilla believes that everyone deserves happiness and fulfillment, as well that people are the conductors of their own life. She focuses on empowering each client towards discovering meaning, understanding, and creating their own destiny. Lilla's purpose is to instill hope, peace, and healing along the way.

Fun Facts about Lilla:
-She loves astrology
-She loves animals
-Her first college major was marine biology because she wanted to be a dolphin trainer at the time!

Link to website: https://www.counselinglexingtonky.com/about-lila-valentine

If you’ve ever worked with Lilla and want to share your experience, use this link: https://g.page/r/CTW3kabeEyy7EBM/review
- Leaving a review can help others find the right therapist!