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CATHY BATKA, PH.D., HSPP; DIRECTOR

It has been more than 20 years that I have been practicing as a psychologist. I obtained my undergraduate degree in psychology from The Ohio State University. In 2001, I finished my doctoral training at ​Western Michigan University. My pre-doctoral internship was at The Penn State University's Counseling and Psychological Services. From there I worked in a faculty position teaching master's level counseling psychology and counselor education graduate students. However, most of my career has been providing clinical services in university counseling centers. I spent 7 years at the Bowling Green State University counseling center and 8 years at the Indiana University Counseling and Psychological Services. Then I started my private practice in the fall of 2015 and opened The Highlands Psychology Group in 2017. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. 

​I have worked with a wide range of concerns in my clinical practice. Although my clinical work will be individualized, I use a Relational Therapy approach combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques. That means we will initially address symptoms (e.g. sleep disturbance, anxiety...), then we will focus on how and when the issues developed. I have found that if you understand why you experience symptoms and how the issues developed, it is easier for you to resolve your concerns and decrease the chances for it to occur again.

My specialty areas are - trauma, disordered eating, couples therapy, and working with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender/gender fluid, and queer identified people. 

​I also greatly enjoy providing supervision and training. I have provided clinical training to master's students in their first clinical experience, field placement supervision, doctoral practicum students, pre-doctoral interns, and post-doctoral clinicians. This includes individual supervision, supervision of supervision, and supervision of group work. I have also provided training for suicide prevention, professional development, and Psychological First Aid to be used in disaster response.

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ALEXIS BERGMAN, MSW, LSW, THERAPIST

Both in life and in therapy services I seek to practice compassionate curiosity, creating an environment where you can feel supported on your journey to emotional and mental well-being. I work to integrate evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I look to blend these practices and skills with a holistic approach, fostering a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your strengths as well as challenges. 

I believe in empowering people by equipping them with practical coping strategies and insights to navigate life's complexities with resilience and confidence. This might include considering spirituality if a client wishes. 

My clinical experience includes work with older teens, and adults across the lifespan around anxiety disorders, depression, grief, chronic illness, disordered eating, and relationship issues. Professionally I have worked in Inpatient and Residential programs treating eating disorders as well as neurodiverse individuals. I have also provided therapeutic services in outpatient settings, most recently with cancer survivors and/or their friends and family members.​

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JORDON CRISS, M.S. ED.; LMHC-A, THERAPIST

​I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation of healing and growth. As social beings we thrive when we have a community to support us, and my goal is to build that kind of community with my clients and help support them in their therapeutic journey. My approach is trauma-informed and person-centered, and I have an interest in group therapy, play therapy, and anger management strategies.
 
I received my degree in Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University Bloomington in 2025 and during my internship I worked to provide on-site counseling services in the MCCSC school system. I work primarily with children, adolescents, and young adults between the ages of 6 and 21.
 
In my free time I enjoy the cozy life with my wife, two cats, and two dogs. I also enjoy tabletop roleplaying games, video games, reading, and talking about Lord of the Rings with anyone who will listen.

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​ERIC ESTERS, MA, LMHC; THERAPIST
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I believe the foundations of a therapeutic relationship to be kindness, acceptance, and relatability. These are the building blocks upon which my expertise rests. My intention is to genuinely connect as a human-being and use my therapeutic training to help find individualized paths to wellness. I use interpersonal therapy to help with need fulfillment and more effective communication in relationships. I also use EMDR therapy to help reduce disruptive symptoms, reprocess unresolved traumatic experiences, and restore freedom and balance to life. I also incorporate mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral approaches into therapy sessions to help relieve stress, pain, and substance cravings.

I’m a Certified EMDR Therapist, a licensed counselor in Indiana and Tennessee, and am nationally board-certified. I have 10 years experience in the field of health and 6 years practicing therapy. Prior to counseling, I worked in human subjects research with autism spectrum disorders, toured the country as a musician and entertainer, worked with public health initiatives, taught college courses, and co-founded a successful plant-based food business.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Lipscomb University, Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University, and completed clinical training in psychotherapy & behavioral medicine at Vanderbilt University’s Osher Center for Integrative Medicine.

My specialty areas are - trauma, substance use, professionals with mental illness, & chronic pain.

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WEI-CHENG (WILSON) HSIAO, PH.D., HSPP; THERAPIST

I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Toledo, Ohio in 2015. As part of the Ph.D. training, I completed a pre-doctoral internship training at the Colorado State University Health Network, an integrated mental health and medical service training center. Subsequently, I pursued and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in University Mental Health, with Health Psychology Emphasis, at the University of South Florida Counseling Center and Student Health Services. I then obtained my professional license as a psychologist and received the endorsement as a Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSSP) in Indiana. I have worked at Indiana University, Counseling and Psychological Services (IU CAPS) between Fall 2016 to Spring 2023. During this period, I have served as a staff clinical psychologist, internship training supervisor, internship training committee member, and coordinator for assessment and research. I am also part of the initiative members for diversity outreach embedded therapist at both Office
of International Services and Asian Culture Center. I am trilingual and fluent in English,
Mandarin, and Taiwanese.

On the personal level, I like jogging, swimming, hiking, and traveling. I’ve enjoyed living in
Bloomington, especially the fantastic swimming pool facilities and the nice outdoor
environment.

On the professional level, my primary theoretical orientations for psychotherapy are person-centered and psychodynamic approaches, informed by Psychotherapy Therapeutic Relationships that Work (Norcross, 2002, 2011, 2019). My clinical practice and research interests include, but are not limited to: insight oriented psychotherapy; common factors theory in psychotherapy; multi-cultural and cross-cultural psychotherapy; international student health; self-esteem and relationship issues; coping with grief and loss; behavioral health interventions in an integrated primary care setting; personality disorders; personality, cognitive, and performance-based assessment (e.g. Rorschach); and therapeutic assessment.

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KELSEA LOVIG, MA, LMHC-A, THERAPST

​Hello, my name is Kelsea! I have just completed my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grace College and am looking forward to taking on new clients!

I have worked for the past year at an inpatient rehabilitation and mental health facility in Indiana and have worked with a wide range of clients. I am excited to start serving the community in this new capacity as an outpatient mental health therapist at The Highlands Psychology Group.

I see each client as a whole person who is worthy of love and empathy. My hope is that through collaboration you will gain the understanding, confidence, and skills to handle whatever is causing distress in your life. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, life transitions, childhood trauma, etc., we will work together to understand what is happening, discover what you want out of life, and work toward your goals.
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In my spare time I love to be with my family, explore new places, and cheer for the Hoosiers! 

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​NICKI MANNIA, MA, LMHC; THERAPIST
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I graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Human Development and Family Studies. I went on to getting my Master’s degree in Counseling at Indiana University Bloomington in 2015 after working for five years with clients with developmental disabilities.  I am currently a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

I have been in the mental health field in some capacity for the last 8 years working in multiple settings with various populations, ages, and diagnoses. Some of those settings include in home/group home settings, psychiatric hospitals (residential and acute units), and in community mental health. My clinical orientation is based in a relational approach combined with cognitive behavioral techniques. I typically will take in symptoms and presenting concerns while focusing on the relationships, emotions and thought patterns present and how our relationships with others and thoughts can create positive and productive outcomes, but also maladaptive behaviors and narratives. However, I do believe in a person-centered approach, and will adapt approaches for what will work for an individual client. Overall, I want to provide a positive productive experience for my clients that leads to a more meaningful and fulfilled life.

I also consider myself highly influenced by other approaches including humanistic, existential, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), solution focused therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). I am currently a trained DBT therapist with experience working in group and in individual settings with this approach.

My specialty areas include trauma, childhood abuse, anxiety, depression, relational issues, academic issues, grief/loss, life transitions, presenting concerns surrounding impulsivity, and personality disorders.

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GIFF REED, M.S. Ed., LMHC-A, THERAPIST

Over the past 20 years I have worked with high school, college-aged, and adult
people in a variety of settings; including campus ministry, career
counseling/coaching, and local pastoral ministry. I earned my Bachelor of Arts
in Philosophy from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and a
Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Spring Arbor
University. In Spring 2024, I completed my Master of Science in Mental Health
Counseling at Indiana University and look forward to being rooted in the
Bloomington community for many years to come.

My therapeutic approach is profoundly relational and is primarily grounded in
Person-centered and Narrative therapy. I incorporate approaches from
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment Theory, Existential
Therapy, and Mindfulness most often – while also adapting
interventions/approaches to best meet client needs. I collaborate with clients
to help them narrow the gap between what they believe (about themselves,
others, and the world) and what they actually experience by creating safe
spaces for people to be vulnerable and honest about the deep parts of their
lives. I strive to meet people where they are, no matter where that is, helping
them pursue healing, wholeness, and transformation.
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My clinical interests are diverse and include helping individuals and couples
work through anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use disorder/recovery,
life transitions, vocation/career exploration/discernment, and relational
issues. My specialty areas are navigating faith/religious crisis, faith
deconstruction/reconstruction, and Christian spiritual formation.

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BECKY ROSE, MSW, LCSW, THERAPIST
I have always been passionate about connecting with people on a deep and meaningful
level, and I want to help you navigate through life’s challenges and transitions with
ease. Embarking on a journey of healing and vulnerability can feel intimidating, but it
also takes bravery, curiosity, and self-compassion. I’ll meet you where you’re at by
providing a safe space for you to share your story. I’ll be there to listen with compassion,
help you make connections and gain insight, and meet you with empathy, attunement,
and non-judgement as you strengthen your identity and sense of self. 

I utilize a mix of humanistic, strength-based, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral,
trauma-informed, and relational therapy modalities to personalize the best approach for
my clients. My clinical areas of interest are: anxiety, depression, infertility, adoption,
grief, interpersonal relationships, and life transitions. 

Since earning my Master of Social Work from Indiana University in 2002, I’ve provided
services for children in foster care, counseled adolescents at risk of not graduating from
high school, and for the last 14 years I have been the Director of Student Services for
the Monroe County Community School Corporation. 

When I’m not working or spending time with my family, you can find me running trails in
the woods with my energetic pup!
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As humans, we are always developing, growing, and evolving. I look forward to giving
you the space you need to grow, and together we will explore ways for you to feel
peace, confidence, and joy within yourself.

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CINDI WINEGARDNER, MSW, LCSW; THERAPIST

In more than 30 years of practice, I have had the privilege of a wide range of experiences working with children, adolescents and young adults.  I received my undergraduate degree from Milligan College (now University) and my MSW from Indiana University (at IUPUI).  I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Indiana.

My specialty areas are anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.  I work primarily with ages 8 through young adults.

October 2023 - I recently completed training in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) which is a parent-based treatment program for parents of anxious children.  More information can be found at www.spacetreatment.net.

​My clinical work is based in cognitive behavioral techniques and exposure response prevention within a collaborative relationship – “meeting clients where they’re at.”  This work is often challenging as people are facing fears – the foundation of working together to set goals and create plans to meet those goals is extremely important.

I have also enjoyed providing supervision and consultation to graduate students and newer clinicians over the years.
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