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“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said? asked the boy.’Help,’ said the horse.
‘Asking for help isn’t giving up,’ said the horse. ‘It’s refusing to give up.”
~ Charlie Mackesy,
“The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”
“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.”
~ Abraham Maslow
“Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
~ Lao Tzu
“… there are amazing things to be a part of, and fight for, and feel, because the world will unlock hundreds of doors when you give this day all the courage, love, and intensity you can.”
~ Victoria Erikson
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.
Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.”
~ Brenè Brown
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern.”
~ Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
~ Nelson Mandela
“Nothing is absolute, everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves and everything flies away.”
~ Frida Kahlo
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”
~ Helen Keller
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Ryan Freeman-Burchfield, founder and CEO of the Freeman-Burchfield Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (FBCBT), is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Mental Health. She is one of the first clinicians in the nation, and the first and only in the state of Arkansas, to be certified by the prestigious Beck Institute as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certified Clinician. Additionally, she holds Diplomate status with the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, a recognition of advanced expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Ryan has been serving the Northwest Arkansas community as a practicing clinician since 2007. She began her career at an inpatient facility, later transitioning to a local community mental health agency, where she deepened her passion for high-quality mental health care. Motivated by a vision to raise the standard of therapy in Arkansas, Ryan founded FBCBT as a specialty practice dedicated to excellence, clinical integrity, and ongoing learning.
At FBCBT, Ryan leads her team with a commitment to evidence-based care. She provides monthly training in cognitive behavioral theory, techniques, and emerging research to ensure each clinician remains on the cutting edge of best practices. Her mission is to empower clients with practical tools for change while fostering a learning environment that nurtures professional growth among her staff.
Ryan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Art (with an emphasis in painting) from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. She moved to Northwest Arkansas to pursue her Master’s degree and chose to make it her permanent home, drawn to the region’s vibrant colors, lush forests, and rolling hills. A lifelong artist, Ryan still enjoys painting, finds strength through movement, peace in running, and healing in the outdoors. Above all, her greatest joy comes from time spent with her husband, three daughters, two beloved pups, friends and family.
Ryan is deeply honored and grateful to lead a team of passionate, capable, and compassionate therapists who share her dedication to providing the highest standard of care.
To learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians, call/text (479) 339-1238 or email info@fbcbt.org.
“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.” – Abraham Maslow
LeeAnne Rhodes is a Mental Health, Relationship, and Family therapist practicing as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist-Supervisor. She believes that “CBT considers the whole person (their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and the interaction between all these parts and how these pieces influence our interactions with others) rather than just considering only one piece. It acknowledges our past experiences but focuses more on the present and future.”
After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS), LeeAnne moved to Northwest Arkansas to pursue a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from John Brown University (Siloam Springs, AR). She practiced for over a decade with a local non-profit agency providing individual and family therapy services to students and their families in a rural Arkansas school district prior to joining FBCBT. LeeAnne also holds the specialization on her licenses as an Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling certified supervisor, meaning she works with newly licensed clinicians to grow and develop their skills and professional identity.
LeeAnne enjoys trying to keep up with her two energetic kids, running, spending time in the Arkansas outdoors hiking and camping with her family, learning about American history, and has a goal to visit all 50 states (she has 31 down and 19 to go and is always looking for recommendations of what to do in each state!). We are honored and grateful to have her on the team! Call/text (479) 339-1238 or email info@fbcbt.org to learn more and/or schedule an appointment with LeeAnne.
“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
Jonathan Watts joins the FBCBT team as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). His work in sessions strives to look at the entire person and the crossover between mental/emotional, physical, and spiritual health, believing that a problem in any of these areas will impact the others. In viewing emotions as an “ally” rather than an enemy, Jonathan seeks to help clients figure out where to establish boundaries with their own emotions. He aligns this with the structure of the CBT model, helping clients identify and reach their goals through digging down below the things we experience on the surface to really understand what is driving that surface experience. Jonathan seeks to integrate these components to help clients develop clear, specific goals and move toward progress.
Jonathan has been a practicing clinician since 2008, following his graduation from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work. He has worked in various settings in the mental health field, including inpatient facilities, school-based services, therapeutic day treatment, residential settings, the university counseling clinic at UA, and as an outpatient therapist. He is also currently serving on the faculty at the University of Arkansas School of Social Work.
Outside of work, Jonathan is a novice woodworker. He can also be found calling the Hogs, or rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs!
We are honored and grateful to have Jonathan on our team. Call/text (479) 339-1238 or email info@ to learn more and/or schedule an appointment with him.
“Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.” – Lao Tzu
Peter holds licensure as both a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He seeks to help clients foster both insight and awareness (insight into how beliefs shape emotional responses and how to change beliefs, as well as awareness of our own and others’ belief systems), and working collaboratively with clients to develop a “toolbox” to deal with distress. In working with couples, he focuses on skills that enhance communication and understanding, targeting evidence-based features of healthy relationships, and working through specific emotional roadblocks.
Peter graduated from John Brown University, completing Master’s of Science coursework and licensure exams for both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. He also holds Master’s of Arts in Philosophy and Theology from Biola University. He has completed all required training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is a Certified EMDR Therapist through EMDRIA. EMDR focuses primarily on addressing trauma, anxiety, and other “stuck” thoughts and feelings. Prior to joining this clinic, Peter has worked with a local community mental health agency providing therapy services to clients ranging in age from children through adults, families, and couples.
He has taught undergraduate philosophy as an adjunct professor for 18 years. When not spending time with family, working with clients, or teaching, Peter is an electronic music composer and is working to write a fantasy fiction novel.
We are honored and grateful to have him on our team. Call/text (479) 339-1238 or email info@fbcbt.org to learn more and/or schedule an appointment with Peter.
“… there are amazing things to be a part of, and fight for, and feel, because the world will unlock hundreds of doors when you give this day all the courage, love, and intensity you can.” – Victoria Erikson
Thea is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist! Having completed her degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Mental Health from John Brown University (JBU), she provides individual therapy services to clients ranging in age from adolescents to adults and relational therapy services. She notes “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is thoroughly researched, and a practical and effective therapy in spreading hope and healing into an aching work as it helps to change thinking patterns and behavior to improve quality of life through empowerment.” She is also pursuing additional training in integrating art techniques into her practice and training in issues specifically related to LGBTQIA2S+.
Thea was born and raised in South Africa; she and her husband immigrated to the USA over 25 years ago. She has been a full-time professional artist, owning and running her own art studio. Thea and her husband are avid international travelers, and she loves to paint, read, and is a passionate English horse rider and animal lover.
We are honored and grateful to have her on our team. Call/text (479) 339-1238 or email info@fbcbt.org to learn more and/or schedule an appointment with Thea.
“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” – Carl Rogers
Molly VanWie, Licensed Professional Counselor, provides therapy services to clients ranging from teens to adults at the FBCBT Rogers location. She holds her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Molly is committed to building therapeutic relationships where individuals are seen, heard, accepted, and supported in order to explore all parts of the self to begin to heal and flourish!
She considers herself to be an affirming therapist with an open and relaxed style that helps clients feel at ease.
Molly finds the CBT model to be useful in helping clients realize the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and managing these as a whole, not solely as individual pieces.
She has worked in the mental health field for close to 20 years, with experience from being a psych tech serving in residential facilities to paraprofessional positions, and now to being a licensed clinician. She has worked in residential settings, day treatment, school-based, rehabilitation, and outpatient clinics.
Molly finds enjoyment in running, painting, crafting, and bellydancing, but she will say, “The coolest thing about me is my family!”
We are honored and grateful to have Molly on our team. Call/text (479) 339-1238 or email info@fbcbt.org to learn more and/or schedule an appointment with Molly.
“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”
~ Albert Einstein
Ashely Grigshgy, Licensed Professional Counselor, joins the FBCBT in the Rogers location. She earned her Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the UofA. Ashley’s goal in sessions is to create a relaxed, safe, therapeutic environment to help individuals use the tools they already possess, along with providing new tools, to help clients achieve a higher quality of life. She uses CBT to identify patterns in ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving in order to help clients develop skills and tools needed to break unhelpful patterns and to create new, healthier patterns and an overall healthier life.
Ashley has work experience as a substance abuse counselor in an outpatient setting, as well as providing school-based counseling services with a local community mental health agency. She has experience working with adolescents, families, and adults.
Ashley spends her time outside the office enjoying the sunshine with her chocolate lab, Oakley, or listening to live music around NWA.
We are honored and grateful to have Ashely on our team. Call/text (479) 339-1238 or email info@fbcbt.org to learn more and/or schedule an appointment with her.
Hanna Burge, Licensed Professional Counselor, joins the FBCBT in Rogers Location. Hanna believes that the foundation of successful therapy starts with a strong therapeutic relationship. She brings her authentic self into the counseling room acknowledging that genuine human connection is vital to the healing process. She wants others to feel that all parts of them are welcome- the good, the complicated, the messy, acknowledging that we all are imperfect and hotwired to struggle. Her hope is that others no longer have to struggle alone and to provide a safe haven in the midst of challenging seasons of life.
Hanna believes everything we do makes sense in the context of our experiences which, for better or worse, shape our thought patterns, capacity to feel emotions, personal identities, and beliefs about the world. She states that “if experiences shape us then experiences also change us” which is why she focuses on creating experiences in and outside of therapy that support growth, honor a person’s story, and builds on their strengths.
Hanna uses the CBT model as a way to help individuals build awareness of who they are and why they do the things that they do with the goal of charting a new path forward and challenging shame-based identities. Hanna believes in taking a holistic approach to therapy and integrates modalities that focus on the mind-body-soul connection to help others be more connected to their thoughts, emotions, body, and personal belief/faith systems.
Hanna graduated from John Brown University with her degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and specializes in working with late adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, self esteem, depression, life transitions, critical inner voices, and trauma histories (especially childhood abuse and sexual trauma). Hanna is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) which targets how distressing memories and images are stored in the brain so they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions. ART’s very unique approach to trauma treatment can help others achieve rapid recovery from symptoms and reactions that have been present for many years.
Outside of the therapy room you will find Hanna outdoors in nature, whether that be listening to a podcast on her evening walks, hiking at the Buffalo National River with her pup and husband, or booking her next adrenaline filled vacation. On the weekends you may find her with a camera in hand as she has been a wedding photographer with her husband since 2017. She loves plants and has made it a goal to fill her office and house with as many as she can fit, hoping to limit the number of plant fatalities in the process.
We are honored and grateful to have Hanna on our team. Call/text 479-339-1238 or email info@fbcbt.org to learn more and/or schedule an appointment with her.
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern.” – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Katie Coker, Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), provides therapy services tailored to adult clients at the FBCBT Rogers office. She holds a BA in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work, both from the University of Arkansas. Katie practices from the framework of CBT to bring practicality to therapy as the foundation for growth and change, while utilizing creativity, expressive arts, and elements of Compassion-Focused Therapy. Her work experience prior to joining FBCBT ranges from working with individuals, families, and groups in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Katie focuses her work with clients on self-compassion, knowing it can be one of the hardest things to give. She believes “that embracing our humanity can help free us from shame that often keeps us stuck in unhelpful patterns.” Through holding space for the experiences, pain, and hope in each session, Katie wants her clients to leave her office feeling valued, heard, and empowered.
Katie is an Arkansas native, growing up in Hot Springs. She moved to NWA in 2014, where she and husband enjoy hiking with their pup. She also finds joy in home decor and bargain shopping.
We are honored and grateful to have Katie on the team! Call/text (479) 339-1238 or email info@fbcbt.org to learn more and/or schedule an appointment with her!
“Meanings are not determined by situations, but we determine ourselves by the meanings we give to situations.” – Alfred Adler
Sarah Phillips, LCSW, provides therapeutic services to clients from ages 8 to adults at the FBCBT Rogers location. She approaches therapy as a collaborative process where healing, growth, and self-acceptance are possible. Sarah believes that mental well-being is deeply connected to physical health, environment, and lived experiences, and she strives to create a warm and supportive space where clients feel empowered to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and self-compassion. Sarah utilizes CBT to equip clients with tools to use beyond the therapy room by connecting thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while providing practical strategies to navigate challenges and to shift unhelpful patterns, develop coping skills, and create meaningful change.
Sarah earned her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Arkansas. She brings a wide berth of experience to the FBCBT team, having worked with adolescents (ages 8–18), helping them through crises and managing social pressures, and adults (18–100) in coping with chronic conditions, pain, and life transitions. She has also helped clients address social determinants of health to reduce mental and emotional distress.
Sarah loves to travel and has visited 7 countries to date, and was married on the Big Island of Hawai’i! She can be found spoiling her chinchilla and two cats when not traveling.
We are honored and grateful to have Sarah on our team.
Call/text (479) 339-1238 or email info@fbcbt.org to learn more and/or schedule an appointment with her.
“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” – John Green
Carilia Nuñez, Licensed Associate Counselor, provides bilingual therapy services for FBCBT clients at all locations. She brings dedication to tailoring therapy sessions with the CBT evidence-based approach to provide clients a space for self-discovery through empowerment, empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity to help clients achieve lasting personal growth.
Her areas of practice include:
Carilia has her BA from the University of Oklahoma and was conferred her MS degree in Counselor Education from the University of Central Arkansas. She has previously worked as a school counselor, which has helped her understand the complexities teens and adults face when managing life changes and emotional struggles.
When not busy being a wife and mother, Carilia enjoys collecting house plants, watching funny shows, and pretending to be a graphic designer on Canva.
We are honored and grateful to have Carilia on our team! Call/text (479) 339-1238 or email info@fbcbt.org to learn more and/or schedule an appointment with her.
“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.” ~ David Richo
Kortney Toellner is an Intern Therapist currently completing her clinical hours at the Freeman-Burchfield Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (FBCBT). She is pursuing her Master’s in Counseling from the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies from Northwestern State University in Louisiana. While at FBCBT, Kortney is seeing clients under supervision, applying evidence-based theories and techniques as she builds her clinical expertise.
Kortney’s therapeutic philosophy is rooted in collaboration, compassion, and empowerment. She believes in walking alongside her clients on their journey, helping them reshape how they understand their experiences in order to develop a more balanced and accurate mindset. Using the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Kortney works to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns, reframe negative beliefs, and develop practical skills to manage emotions and achieve personal goals. She understands that past experiences can shape the present, but believes deeply in each person’s ability to move forward with strength, clarity, and purpose.
Outside of the therapy room, Kortney enjoys playing video games, reading, and thrifting. She expresses her creativity through fashion, hairstyles, and home décor, and brings a spirit of warmth, joy, and authenticity into everything she does. One of her core values is embracing the unique qualities in everyone she meets, and spreading laughter and love wherever she goes.
We are honored to have Kortney as part of our team!
To learn more or schedule an appointment with her, call/text (479) 339-1238 or email info@fbcbt.org.
“The best way out is always through.” ~ Robert Frost
Aaron Wayne joins the FBCBT team as an Intern Therapist. Aaron will meet with clients while working under the supervision of FBCBT staff therapists to develop his therapy skills and techniques. He is pursuing a Masters of Science, in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Capella University. He holds a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from Harding University in Searcy, AR. Prior to joining FBCBT, Aaron has experience working in an inpatient treatment setting for adolescents, and working with adults, children, and adolescents in an advocacy role with DHS.
Aaron chose FBCBT for his internship site to continue to expand his understanding of CBT. He believes “CBT to be a useful theoretical modality in conjunction with existential theory to not only ask the questions we all look for answers to, but to assist clients in understanding beliefs they have about themselves and unlearning negative perceptions from surviving rather than living.” He describes his approach as helping clients look for answers without running from the truths that increase authentic living. He structures therapy to help client face themselves to find inner and outer peace.
Aaron is musically inclined, playing 5 different instruments! He also has studied and practices Tai Chi, and he and his wife have traveled to Brazil for the past 2 years to work in villages of the Amazon.
We are honored and grateful to have Aaron on our team! Call/text (479) 339-1238 or email info@fbcbt.org to learn more and/or schedule an appointment with him.
“Our fears do not stop death, they stop life.” – Rickson Gracie
Jehiah Burchfield brings a wealth of experience and leadership to our team through his work as an Administrative Director, Supervisor, and Manager at both Piney Ridge Treatment Center and Youth Bridge here in Northwest Arkansas. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and currently teaches Business and Economics at Northwest Arkansas Community College.
Outside the office, Jehiah is a lifelong practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and spends several days a week coaching to share his love for the art. (Fair warning: don’t ask about it unless you’re ready to end up on the mat for a glimpse of the experience, wink, wink.) His dedication to the discipline has been life-changing, both for him and for those fortunate enough to know him.
Jehiah is also a proud U.S. Army Veteran and, according to Ryan, the very lucky husband of FBCBT’s founder. He’s a devoted father to three amazing daughters and shamelessly adores the family’s undisputed favorite, a tiny toy poodle named Auggie, affectionately known as “the Baby Dog.”
If you have questions about career opportunities, internships, or would like to share ideas about how we can improve our services, Jehiah serves as our professional representative and would be honored to help. You can reach him at jehiah@fbcbt.org.
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” -Nelson Mandela
Lex plays an essential role on our administrative team, assisting with client check-ins and check-outs, managing documentation, and responding to phone calls and emails with efficiency and care. Lex helps ensure that each day at FBCBT runs smoothly and that every client feels supported from the moment they reach out.
With a calm presence and a detail-oriented mindset, Lex is committed to creating a welcoming and organized environment for both clients and staff. Lex’s reliability and professionalism make her a valued part of our team, and we are so grateful to have her at FBCBT!
We are honored and grateful to have her on our team. Call/text (479) 339-1238 or email info@fbcbt.org and she can help answer any of your questions about how we can help here at FBCBT.
“Nothing is absolute, everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves and everything flies away.”
~ Frida Kahlo
Shannon is a vital part of our team, working behind the scenes to help keep everything organized, prepared, and running smoothly. Her creativity, intelligence, and motivation shine through in all she does—and her dependability makes her a true anchor for our staff. With a natural helper’s spirit, Shannon approaches each task with a willingness to learn and a genuine desire to support both our team and the clients we serve.
Outside of work, Shannon enjoys creating art, spending time with her beloved cats, and making memories with friends and family. Her warmth and positive energy make her a joy to work with, and we’re so grateful to have her on the FBCBT team!
We are honored and grateful to have her on our team! Call/text (479) 339-1238 or email info@fbcbt.org to learn more or to work with Shannon to set up your appointment with one of our therapists today.
Diana holds the title of Administrative Assistant, but she’s truly so much more. As a vital member of our team, Diana helps ensure things run smoothly each day by assisting with client check-ins and check-outs, managing paperwork, and responding promptly to phone calls and emails. Her attention to detail and kind presence make a meaningful impact on both our staff and the clients we serve.
We are truly honored and grateful to have Diana as part of the FBCBT team.
If you have questions or need help getting started, feel free to call or text (479) 339-1238 or email info@fbcbt.org, Diana will be happy to assist you!
