J. Michael Blackston (Test)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
For nearly twenty years I have been counseling individuals and couples who know the pain of disconnection with themselves or each other and want to change that. The source of this disconnection varies. Maybe it's an affair or the busy demands of life that have created distance in a relationship. It could be an active addiction, work stressors or an untreated mental health issue like anxiety or depression that has left a person feeling alone and without purpose. The disconnection may stem from the effects of unprocessed trauma and attachment ruptures in the past that shape the way a person feels or acts today.
The counseling room offers a safe space to recover (or discover) a meaningful connection with self and others. I know because I've experienced it firsthand. As someone who regularly sits on the other side of the chair, I have gained an understanding of how the pain in my own story resulted in coping strategies that were disconnecting me from myself and those I love. Better yet, I gained a roadmap for transformation that involved both truth and connection. My work with individuals and couples blends together attachment theory and story work, somatic and interpersonal neurobiology, spirituality and 12 step recovery. I offer hourly sessions or intensive packages for more concentrated focus.
My wife Rachel and I started Redeemer Counseling in 2011. Her feminine wisdom and strength alongside her knack for playfulness and spontaneity are daily reminders to me that there is a good God. I have the wild, amazing adventure of raising three daughters. I love traveling to see a new Broadway show in New York City or encountering a grizzly bear at Glacier National Park, reading, and playing 2x2 basketball on the driveway with my girls.
Area of Specialization
My specialities include story work, trauma and abuse recovery, couples counseling, and sexual addiction and recovery. I also enjoy doing deeper shadow work with men to help them acknowledge and integrate disowned and destructive thoughts, feelings, attitudes, motivations and behaviors that cause harm to themselves and their relationships.
Philosophy and Approach
My work with individuals and couples blends together attachment and story work, somatic and interpersonal neurobiology, spirituality and 12 step recovery. I offer either hourly sessions or intensive packages for more concentrated focus.
Education Background
Master's of Arts in Counseling at Reformed Theological Seminary Orlando.
Professional Memberships
American Association of Christian Counselors, New Life Ministries Counselor Network, Camaraderie Foundation Counselor
Certifications, Trainings, Workshops
Trauma-focused Narrative Therapy Advanced Counseling Certificate through The Allender Center, EMDR, Prepare-Enrich assessment for couples, Qualified Supervisor for interns pursuing licensure in the State of Florida.
Rachel Blackston
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Rachel considers the counseling room a sacred space where deep heart change occurs. She specializes in working with women with a history of trauma and abuse as well as those struggling with infertility and sexual betrayal. Rachel is trained in EMDR, an evidenced-based therapy in the treatment of trauma. She is also a Florida Qualified Supervisor for registered mental health counseling interns.
Outside of the counseling room, Rachel serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at Reformed Theological Seminary and writes regularly for the blog Red Tent Living. She speaks frequently on topics around story, attachment styles in marriage, and the Enneagram. Rachel’s deepest joy is being with her husband and their three daughters, who are priceless gifts after several years of infertility. Rachel loves connecting with friends over a cup of dark roast, beating her husband in miniature golf, and exploring the beauty of the North Carolina mountains.
J. Michael Blackston
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Michael has a passion to help others pursue wholeness in life. Through his relational yet practical approach, he specializes in trauma and abuse recovery, relationship issues, and gender and sexuality issues including working with men dealing with sexual integrity issues. He has been trained in EMDR, an evidence-based therapy for treating trauma. Michael is a Qualified Supervisor for those seeking licensure as mental health counselors in Florida.
Michael graduated with his Master’s degree in Counseling at Reformed Theological Seminary. He has also completed an Advanced Counseling Certificate under Dan Allender where he was trained in utilizing trauma-focused narrative therapy with survivors of abuse. He speaks frequently with his wife Rachel on issues related to story, sexuality and marriage. He enjoys lightsaber jousting with his daughters, long-distance running, and playing the piano.
Gaye Butler
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Gaye understands that we are all confronted with life transitions, relational struggles, and personal suffering at some time in our lives. She is deeply committed to helping people address relationship problems, make sense of difficult moments and events, and gain a greater sense of peace and hope. Gaye enjoys working with individuals of all ages, couples, and families. Couples therapy is her specialty and she has completed Gottman Level 1, 2, and 3 training and uses the Gottman method in her practice. Additionally, Gaye has trained in EMDR and works with individuals who have experienced trauma. Her desire is to provide a respectful, safe, and compassionate environment for her clients.
Gaye graduated with her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Reformed Theological having returned to school after many years dedicated to raising her five daughters and two sons with her husband of 35 years and participating in ministry in her local church. She enjoys speaking in the community on topics related to parenting, marriage, and personal development. Gaye loves any activity that includes friends, but is particularly fond of travel, shows about zombies, quilting, and a good glass of wine.
Heather Vaughn
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Heather believes that healing starts with establishing a safe place to explore buried emotions and hidden thoughts where honesty and vulnerability open the door to growth and change. Heather helps her clients discover and name their dignity as they excavate the true self behind their defenses and coping styles. She is motivated by the concept of neuroplasticity, the belief that our brains can actually change and grow through the therapeutic process. Heather is trained in EMDR, an evidence-based therapy used to treat trauma. Heather enjoys working with couples and has completed the Level 3 Practicum Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. She also enjoys working with adoptive families as a TBRI Practitioner. She specializes in working with clients who struggle with trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, ministry burnout, transition and parenting. She enjoys working with couples, individuals, families, and children. Heather is also available for individual or couple intensives.
Heather brings 20 years of experience in overseas missions and church ministry to the counseling room. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary. Heather understands the joys and struggles of marriage and parenting. She delights in her husband of over 25 years and together they have four amazing children. She loves playing games with her family, walking her dogs, admiring spectacular Florida sunsets, and feeling the sand beneath her feet.
Ashleigh McLeod
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Ashleigh is passionate about helping individuals and families discover a deeper sense of who they are. She enjoys coming alongside her clients and offering hope and healing in places where they feel stuck. Ashleigh creates a strong connection with her clients which she believes is foundational for facilitating growth and change. She enjoys working with individuals dealing with relational struggles, burnout, trauma, sexual issues, anxiety, and depression. Ashleigh is also trained in EMDR.
After serving in ministry in California for nearly ten years, Ashleigh earned her M.A. in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary. While the west coast feels like home, she is finding joy and adventure in exploring the Orlando area and discovering the best places to sip on a warm cup of coffee, and as a foodie, the best non-chain restaurants.
Lauren Dyches
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Lauren comes alive when she helps her clients discover their God-given worth and identity. She creates a safe space where each client feels accepted while pursuing emotional, physical, and spiritual wholeness. Lauren experienced significant childhood trauma and is familiar with the way trauma impacts our hearts, bodies, minds and intimate relationships. She has also experienced meaningful healing through counseling and believes freedom comes through being known, loved and accepted within a healthy relationship. Lauren is called to work with clients struggling through hopelessness, shame, abuse, anxiety, burnout, trauma, depression, and family and relational issues. Lauren is also trained in EMDR.
Originally from the Chicago area, Lauren received her undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa. After graduation, she moved to Miami and worked for a campus ministry with Hispanic and Latino students for ten years. Lauren feels a sense of home within Hispanic and Latino culture and has a deep love for working cross-culturally. Lauren met her husband in Miami before moving to Orlando to obtain a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary. She misses Chicago style pizza and still cheers for the Iowa Hawkeyes. She enjoys lifting weights, watching 90’s movies, and spending time with her husband and son.
