Our Team
Shawn K. Brisbane, MA, LPC, NCC
Have you made past attempts at therapy but it felt impersonal or lacked sincerity? Please keep trying because there is a new wave of genuine, empathetic, relatable, and personable therapists being trained every day and they are here at Strength and Light Counseling Services.
With a combination of experiential knowledge mixed with high-level clinical training and specialization in addictions/trauma, Shawn personalizes each session to ensure clients feel seen and heard, with true sincerity.
"This is your journey. I am honored to be a part of it. I will supportively sit next to you in your journey while you bravely look in the rearview mirror or prepare for the future, but always make efforts to bring you back to the present moment. A true helper has climbed mountains and instead of basking in glory, never forgets that there are others who need support on their climb."
Jillian Ratliff, MA, LPC, NCC
Hello all! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with years of experience working with individuals who struggle with dual diagnoses and/or severe mental health disorders. Feeling like no one will understand you and that there is no hope for the future can make starting therapy that much harder, but together we can change that. My therapeutic approach is driven by my passion to help future clients learn how to manage their symptoms, how to stand up for themselves, and finally, how to thrive.
Michaele Alter, LCSW
Hi! My name is Michaele. I'm a Clinical Social Worker. My passion is working with children, adolescents, and families in a therapeutic setting. Therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth and healing. It is a safe space to explore emotions, gain insight, and develop coping strategies. My approach is to empower my clients by equipping them with tools to navigate and problem solve while honoring their journey. Therapeutic modalities range from Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy along with Motivational Interviewing techniques. My personal interests include any outdoor activity, spending time with family/pets, and exercising.
Brandon Sheetz, MA, LPC, NCC
Hello! My name is Brandon and I'm glad you've chosen Strength and Light Counseling Services! I've been working in the mental health field for the last 10 years in a variety of settings, helping others with any challenges they may be facing. I'm passionate about helping those who help us because sometimes the helpers can use support, too.
I'm also passionate about working with veterans and their families. As a veteran myself, still currently serving in the PA Army National Guard, and being the son of a veteran (as well as coming from a big military family), I've seen and experienced how military life can be stressful and how it can affect anyone involved.
But, I'm not just here for the helpers, I'm here for anyone else who needs help in life as well. Whether you're stressed, anxious, depressed, or even just wondering what's next in life, I'm here and glad to help!
I utilize a multi-therapeutic approach that combines elements from existentialism, REBT, and reality-based therapy to help you get through life's ups-and-downs. I also like to incorporate humor into sessions because not only do we need a good talk, we can also use a good laugh once in a while.
If you feel ready to face down whatever life is throwing you, I'm here and ready to help you. Let's do this!