Our Therapists
Kristin Cummings, LMHC, NCC
Founder, Kristin Cummings, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Indiana. She received her B.S. in Psychology from Liberty University in 2010 and her M.Ed. and Ed.S. in Counseling and Counselor Education from Indiana University in 2014. Kristin is also a Nationally Certified Counselor and has completed training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Kristin began her work as a therapist in home based counseling working with children and families involved with juvenile probation and the department of child services. During this work she developed a passion for trauma focused therapy and sought out the specialized trainings to assist her in providing better care. In 2019 Kristin transitioned to a private practice setting, while continuing to focus on trauma therapies and working primarily with children and adults with trauma related concerns.
Kristin recently added a companion to her practice, her therapy pup in training, Piper! Piper is a 5 year old red Gold Retriever that Kristin adopted from a local rescue in 2023. Piper’s early life was spent as a breeder, but now she is a pampered pup, learning her manners, and her skills to help individuals in therapy. Piper comes to the office with Kristin most days of the week, so if you schedule with Kristin you will get to meet her!
Kristin also has a passion for working with individuals in foster care and/or who have experienced adoption due to her professional work in this area as well as her own personal experience of adopting her daughters.
Kristin resides with her husband, two daughters, three dogs, one cat, one rabbit, three ducks, and multiple chickens. Outside of caring for their multitude of animals, Kristin and her family enjoy boating, time with friends and family, eating brunch, and movie nights!
If you feel that Kristin and Empowered Counseling might be a good fit for you, please use the contact tab above to reach out and discuss availability of services.
Brittany Straw, LMHC, M.Ed
Brittany Straw has been a dedicated champion for mental health for nearly 15 years and is committed to being a lifelong learner. Brittany received her Bachelor's degree from Indiana University where she studied Human Development & Family Studies, her Masters of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University, and a Post Master's Certificate in Clinical Mental Health from Indiana Wesleyan and Indiana University-Purdue Universities. Additionally, Brittany is looking forward to next educational experiences through Butler University studying Applied Educational Neuroscience and Texas Christian University studying Trust Based Relational Interventions. Over the past 11 years, Brittany has worked in multiple settings providing skills and therapy to children, adolescents and adults in private practice, schools, in-home, inpatient facility, and counseling agencies in Lawrence, Morgan, and Monroe counties and has been awarded with a Star of Excellence in 2018 and nominated for Monroe County Mental Health Champion in the category of Outstanding Educator in 2023.
With her strong background in education and experience, Brittany is able to offer specialized sessions to meet each client’s unique needs. While she specializes in anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, and skill development, Brittany can support a variety of other challenges using theories and modalities best suited for each individual situation. In session, you can expect to be supported in a safe, non judgemental environment where the client determines each step of the way. Brittany will approach each session with empathy, active listening, and reflection, while working diligently to connect with and understand the clients challenges, perspectives, and needs. While working with Brittany, upon request, you may also have the opportunity to work with her therapy dog in training, Barley, a year old mini bernedoodle.
When Brittany isn’t learning or working, she enjoys spending time with her husband Chris, their son Anthony (13), and daughter Aliviah (8). The Straw’s have two dogs, Belle and Barley, 3 outdoor cats, and new to the family, Elsa, a blue and white betta fish! As a family they enjoy camping, boating, traveling, and family movie nights, valuing time spent together most.
If you’re interested in meeting or discussing your needs with Brittany please use the contact tab to submit in inquiry. She looks forward to the opportunity to support you should she be the best fit!
