Meet Our Counselors
Amy P. Davis, PhD, LPC, School-Based Registered Play Therapist
Amy has a waiting list and accepts Private Pay, BCBS, and Medicaid.
I am Amy Davis, a certified school counselor P-12 in the state of Alabama (Alabama Professional Educator Certificate # APD-0035-8447), a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC #707144), a certified School-Based Registered Play Therapist and a Licensed Counselor in Alabama (License #LPC05079). I have a doctoral degree in Counselor Education from the University of Alabama and a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from the University of North Alabama. In addition to counseling children at Sweetwater, I am an assistant professor and the department chair of the Counselor Education Department at the University of North Alabama. While I have had many jobs, children and adolescents have always been the common thread. I have babysat them, taught them how to swim, supervised them at summer camp, taught them in high school, and helped them as a school counselor.
This background has exposed me a broad range of experiences with children and adolescents which influence my approach as a counselor. As a school counselor in a primary school, I realized that children don’t sit and talk like adults do. They need more age appropriate and creative approaches. I firmly believe that play is the language of children, and toys and other creative materials are their words. This is the reason that I pursued training in play therapy and the school-based registered play therapy credential. It is my goal to bring help, understanding, and hope to children, adolescents, and families in the Shoals area.
Sydney Walker, MA, ALC, NCC
Sydney has a waiting list. She accepts Private Pay and Medicaid.
I am Sydney Walker, a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC #1730866) and an Associate Licensed Counselor in the state of Alabama (License #ALC04763) under the supervision of Kaylie Pennington (License #SC03375). I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Alabama. I am currently enrolled in the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate program, through Troy University, which has trained me in working with clients starting at infancy.
Terica Lewis-Hicks, EdS, LPC, NCC
Terica sees clients ages 12 and older. She is currently accepting new clients. Terica accepts BCBS, Medicaid, and Private Pay.
I’m Terica Lewis-Hicks, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC #LPC05574), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC #290909), and certified School Counselor (P-12) in the state of Alabama (Certificate #0E0DF). I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of West Alabama, as well as a Master’s degree in School Counseling, an Education Specialist (Ed.S) degree in Teacher Leadership, and certification in Instructional Leadership from the University of North Alabama. With more than 15 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of educational and counseling settings. This background has given me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by children, adolescents, and their families—and it allows me to bridge the gap between home, school, and emotional wellness with empathy and insight.
Throughout my career, I’ve provided individualized support to clients dealing with concerns such as depression, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, and behavioral issues. My approach is grounded in the belief that every person is created with a unique purpose, so in collaboration I will work with you to help identify inner strengths that can be used to achieve meaningful personal growth. Together, we can challenge unhelpful thought patterns, build healthy coping skills, and develop the confidence needed to take control of thoughts, emotions, and behavior. My mission is to help you feel empowered, understood, and equipped with the tools to lead a more fulfilling life.
Kayla Traffansted, MA, LPC
Kayla sees clients ages 5 and older. She is currently accepting new clients. Kayla accepts BCBS, Medicaid, and Private Pay
Hello everyone! My name is Kayla Traffansted (LPC #LPC05518). I am thrilled with the privilege of joining the Sweetwater Counseling team. I graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with a Bachelors of Science in Collaborative Elementary Education. I served a few years in different school systems as an educator, and then pursued my dreams to become a counselor. In 2019, I graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have provided mental health counseling since 2018 to ages 5 – 18 years. I have assisted clients in learning to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and symptoms of ADHD.
I recently received my LPC and look forward to expanding my knowledge with training in play therapy and brain-spotting. With a background in education, I understand the importance of integrating knowledge of child development into clinical practice. As a therapist, I believe that it is important to meet each client exactly where they are in their healing process. I strive to provide a safe space for each client to feel comfortable in authentically expressing their needs with a person-centered approach to counseling. My goal is to empower my clients to use the tools learned to guide themselves towards a brighter future. I hope to share light and joy to each individual as we walk through this healing journey together.