Winner of Best of GA 2025 for Therapy & Mental Health
Winner of Best of GA 2025 for Therapy & Mental Health!
HOPE STARTS HERE
Welcome to Empower Counseling—where hope begins, healing grows, and you don’t have to walk alone.
WELCOME
to Empower Counseling Services! We're here to support your personal growth and emotional well-being. Our compassionate team offers a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings while helping you navigate life's challenges.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving clients in Idaho and Georgia. I firmly believe in creating a safe and welcoming space that is free from judgment, where you can feel nurtured and understood. My goal is to help you gain insight, foster self-acceptance, and empower you to see new perspectives in your life.
I understand that life can present us with unexpected and often overwhelming challenges. It’s completely normal to feel intimidated when seeking professional support. Please know that you are not alone on this journey. My priority is to listen to you with compassion and support, allowing us to explore and process the difficult emotions and experiences you are facing together. It is an honor for me to walk alongside you on this path to healing.
MSW, LCSW, PMH–C | OWNER — BOISE, ID & AUGUSTA, GA
APRIL THORNDYKE
Life’s challenges can feel heavy, and it helps to have someone who truly listens by your side. I work with adults and couples navigating anxiety, grief, ADHD, and life transitions, as well as military families who are carrying the unique demands of service and sacrifice. Together, we focus on building resilience, clarity, and practical tools that support lasting change.
I don't believe therapy is about "fixing" you. It's about creating space to understand your experiences, process what you're carrying, and reconnect with the strengths you may have lost sight of along the way. Whether you're facing a difficult season or looking for a deeper understanding of yourself, we'll work together to identify what you need and build a path forward.
Areas of Focus:
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Women-Centered ADHD Support
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Perinatal & Postpartum
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Grief & Loss
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Couples Therapy
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Military & First Responders
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Christian Counseling
As a Women-Centered ADHD Specialist, I understand that ADHD often presents differently in women and can go unrecognized for years. I enjoy helping clients better understand how their brains work, build practical strategies, and lean into their strengths rather than focusing solely on challenges.
With experience in hospice care, child welfare, foster care, and military communities, I understand how overwhelming life transitions can be. I offer compassionate guidance, helping clients feel seen, respected, and empowered to move forward with confidence. of work, I enjoy spending time with my two bulldogs, which keeps me grounded and reminds me to appreciate life’s simple joys.
LMSW — AUGUSTA, GA
SUSAN BOSWELL
Sometimes it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders—but even the heaviest loads feel lighter when someone walks with you. I enjoy working with teens and adults, supporting you through grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, and the challenges of growing up at all ages. Therapy is a space to explore your feelings, find your voice, and build resilience, one moment at a time.
I see therapy as a partnership, meeting you right where you are with curiosity, respect, and a little bit of humor when it fits! Together, we’ll explore emotions, uncover strengths you might not realize you already have, and develop strategies to make life feel more manageable. I’m especially drawn to somatic therapies, using the mind-body connection to help you process experiences and feel grounded in the moment.
Areas of Focus:
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Adolescents (12+) & adults
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Grief & loss / phase of life
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Chronic health issues
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Anxiety & depression
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Women’s issues
I value the power of connection and support, and I bring that perspective to every session. Outside of therapy, you’ll often find me with my dogs, lighting candles, napping, or organizing my space—little joys that keep me grounded and inspired.
APC, MS CCMH — GEORGIA
COREY NADEAU
Life can feel heavier than it looks from the outside, and you don't have to carry it alone. You deserve a space where you feel heard, respected, and understood without judgment. My passion for counseling comes from a genuine desire to support people through life's challenges and help them build insight, resilience, and meaningful change.
I bring a calm, compassionate, and collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each experience to your unique needs. Using evidence-based practices such as CBT and DBT, alongside a person-centered foundation, I will support you as you develop practical tools while fostering self-awareness, confidence, and growth.
Areas of Focus:
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Adolescents (11+) & Adults
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ADHD
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Life Transitions & Adjustments
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Self-Esteem & Identity Development
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Coping Skills & Emotional Regulation
I view therapy as a partnership—you are the expert on your life, and I'm here to offer support, guidance, and tools along the way. Whether you're navigating anxiety, life changes, or personal growth, we'll work together to identify what's holding you back and create a path toward a more grounded and intentional life.
APC, MS CCMH — GEORGIA
SUZANNE HATTAWAY
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or struggling with relationships, past experiences, or life’s direction, therapy can help you find clarity, healing, and confidence. I provide a safe, supportive space where you can slow down, feel seen and understood, and begin working through life’s challenges.
You may be noticing patterns that no longer feel aligned with who you want to be, feeling uncertain about relationships or decisions, or simply longing for a deeper connection with yourself and those around you. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
I’m here to walk this path with you, offering compassion, acceptance, and support as you explore your experiences and grow in self-understanding.
Areas of Focus:
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Narcissistic abuse and healing from toxic relationships
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Bariatric assessments and weight-related concerns
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Anxiety and depression
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Chronic illness
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Domestic violence
My approach is warm, compassionate, and grounded in helping you reconnect with your strengths and inner clarity. Healing and growth are possible, and I would be honored to walk alongside you as you move toward a more fulfilling and authentic life.
LCSW — BOISE, ID
JESS GAMBIL
Augustine is taking maternity leave and will be back seeing clients on September 2026.
I’m a Licensed Master Social Worker who is passionate about supporting people through life challenges that inevitably come to us all. I strongly believe that you are the expert in your own life and that you already have everything you need for success within you. I hope to create a therapeutic atmosphere encapsulated by this quote from Brené Brown: “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.”
I particularly enjoy working with life transitions, couples, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, body image, disordered eating, perfectionism, faith-related struggles, and emotional health & wellness. My approach is both compassionate and encouraging. I pull from mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, internal family systems, and more. I would be honored to support you in your journey.
Outside of the office, I enjoy the “extras” in life, including all things music, reading, cooking/baking, and traveling with my husband.
LMSW — BOISE, ID
AUGUSTINE RUFF
Life can feel overwhelming, and it’s normal to feel stuck, anxious, or unsure how to move forward for yourself or your child. I walk alongside children, teens, and adults with compassion and understanding, helping them explore experiences, build resilience, and develop practical tools for growth.
I’m especially passionate about working with children, teens, and adults, including perinatal and postpartum counseling. Using a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach, I’m trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and EMDR, which allow me to help clients manage emotions, process trauma, and build lasting skills.
Areas of Focus:
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Children & adult mental health
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Perinatal and postpartum
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Grief & loss
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PTSD and trauma
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Substance use (teens and adults)
Outside of therapy, I enjoy spending time with my three boys and our pets, hiking, gardening, and volunteering, experiences that inspire the way I connect with you as a client.
LMSW — BOISE, ID
CARRIE CARLISLE
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or struggling with relationships, past experiences, or sleep, therapy can be a place to slow down, gain clarity, and begin the healing journey. Together, we’ll work through what’s weighing on you so you can move forward with greater confidence and peace.
I look forward to creating a partnership where you feel seen, understood, and supported, helping you feel more confident as you navigate life’s challenges.
Areas of Focus:
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Trauma & PTSD
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Substance use
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Insomnia & sleep difficulties
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Couples therapy
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LGBTQIA+ support
With my clinical experience serving underserved communities, I use a gentle, trauma-informed, and evidence-based approach, including EMDR, IBCT, CBT-I, and other evidence-based methods tailored to your needs.
Outside of therapy, I enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, and adding to my tattoo collection, creative outlets that reflect my appreciation for self-expression and personal growth.
LCSW — BOISE, ID
LYNDA HALL
Some struggles can feel invisible to everyone else—but they don’t have to stay invisible to you. You or your child might be carrying feelings that are hard to put into words. I work with children, adolescents, and adults to make sense of those emotions, process experiences, and develop tools to navigate life with greater confidence and clarity.
From a young age, I’ve been drawn to supporting emotional well-being - what began as a fascination with the physical heart evolved into a calling to help children, teens, adults, and families process their experiences and grow.
Areas of Focus:
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Trauma & severe mental illness
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Eating disorders & body dysmorphia
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Family therapy
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Substance use (teens and adults)
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Adults navigating life after incarceration
Your journey in therapy is unique, and I tailor each session to meet your needs in a way that feels most meaningful for you. With younger clients, I use Play, Art, and Sand Tray therapy to help express feelings that can’t always be put into words. Therapy is a shared journey, and I walk alongside you with empathy and respect as you explore your experiences, build on your strengths, and create lasting, positive change.
LMSW — BOISE, ID
Tori Matthies
Hi! I’m here to help ensure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly so you can have the best possible experience with our practice.
I support billing, administrative processes, and day-to-day operations, always with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and making things easier for both clients and our team.
I bring years of experience working with insurance, along with a background in IT management, quality assurance, and education. These experiences have shaped my attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and commitment to providing reliable, thoughtful support.
I understand that navigating billing and insurance can sometimes feel overwhelming, and I strive to make that process as clear and stress-free as possible.
I’m grateful to be part of a team dedicated to supporting your well-being and creating a positive, supportive experience for every client.
OFFICE administrator
Karen Downing
Alyssa is taking maternity leave and will be back in the fall.
Hi! My name is Alyssa, and I'm here to help create a welcoming and supportive experience from your very first phone call. I handle scheduling and answering questions and do my best to ensure you feel comfortable and cared for!
Before joining the team, I spent the past few years as a stay-at-home mom to my darling children. Spending my days and nights raising little ones has taught me the value of empathy, patience, and staying calm in the storm, all qualities I bring to my role each day.
When I'm not at work, I love spending time outdoors paddle boarding, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and, most of all, spending time with my loving husband, son, and daughter.
I'm honored to be a part of a team so dedicated to supporting your emotional well-being and helping you feel seen, heard, and encouraged.
BUSINESS COORDINATOR
ALYSSA PIPER
Hello, everyone! I’m so grateful to be part of the team here at Empower Counseling. Since 2023, I’ve had the privilege of serving as our Brand & Media Coordinator. I get to bring our heart and mission to life through design—everything from our website and business cards to the social media posts that help us connect with others.
I’ve always loved creating. Whether I’m painting with a palette knife, acting in local theater, or playing the piano at home, art has always been a way I express joy, emotion, and connection. I also homeschool my two sweet boys, which brings its own kind of creativity, learning, and laughter into our daily lives.
I’ve been married to my wonderful husband Tim for nearly 13 years—we eloped just four months after we met, and I’m so thankful every day for the life we’ve built together.
In the quiet moments, I enjoy diving into Bible studies, getting lost in a good book, or (when I need a little thrill) binge-watching true crime documentaries.
Work Fuel: A tall glass of Arnie Palmer with chopped strawberries—it’s my little happy place in a cup!
BRAND & MEDIA COORDINATOR
AUDREY SMITH
