Meet Our Team

At Rheem, Clark & Associates, all of our therapists have extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy. We are passionate about helping you connect emotionally and effectively with your loved ones.

Kathryn Rheem, Ed.D., LMFT

Kathryn is a Certified EFT trainer, supervisor & therapist. She has trained hundreds of mental health clinicians in EFT nationally and internationally. She has been a student of EFT since 2002, has been using this empirically-validated approach exclusively in private practice since 2005, and continues to study and learn the model daily. 

Kathryn trains and presents EFT regularly at many locations in U.S. including the Psychotherapy Networker Symposium, AAMFT Annual Conference, state divisions of AAMFT, and EFT Summit and has taught EFT in Denmark, Sweden, Holland, and Germany.

She works extensively with couples where one or both partners have endured trauma and has written and presented on the application of EFT with trauma numerous times. In addition to the application of EFT with trauma, Kathryn has a special passion for working with and teaching the Withdrawer Re-engagement process. For her doctoral dissertation, Kathryn completed the first analysis of Withdrawer Re-engagement, and she enjoys teaching clinicians how to come alongside and work with Withdrawers. Kathryn was voted a Top Couples Therapist in Washington, D.C. by the Washingtonian magazine in December 2012.

Krista Clark, LMFT

As a Certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor Candidate, Krista works collaboratively with couples and individuals to create corrective emotional experiences and to strengthen bonds with the ones who matter most. She considers herself a life long learner of Emotionally Focused Therapy and is a strong believer in this model’s ability to transform even the most distressed relationships.

By leaning on the science of attachment, Krista comes alongside clients as they learn to identify patterns in their relationship and how to turn toward their loved one in times of stress or uncertainty. Krista is passionate about helping couples fully experience the benefits of their love relationships and creates a safe space for couples to reach and share in new ways. In her sessions, Krista’s approach is compassionate, curious, and non-judgmental.

Krista received her Master’s degree in Human Development from Virginia Tech and is licensed in Georgia and Virginia. She also has experience working with military couples and families.

Emily Dowling, LMFT

 Emily is ICEEFT-certified in EFT for both couples and individuals. Her therapy approach is warm, authentic, and transparent. She loves to share the “how” and “why” of the therapy process to deepen clients’ understanding of their new experiences as they learn to reach to loved ones in new ways.

By continually engaging in education and training to enhance her clinical experience, Emily is able to work with life experiences that can become relational issues, including trauma, sexuality, and neurodivergence. As the spouse of a military service member, Emily understands that stress takes countless forms that can impact relationships – and open communication, curiosity, and the willingness to be vulnerable are all critical to strong and lasting bonds.

Emily received her Master of Science in Human Development/Marriage and Family Therapy from Virginia Tech, where she conducted thesis research on employment and marriage roles in military couples. Her research findings around the importance of emotional support and teamwork in their relationships is published in the academic journal Family Relations. Emily is authorized to provide telehealth services to clients in South Carolina with out-of-state credential #844. More information is available on the South Carolina Professional Counselors Board website.

Nicky Verster, LMFT

With her straightforward and compassionate approach, Nicky comes alongside clients as they strive for growth and insight.

Using EFT, Nicky helps clients develop or enhance connection in their couple relationships. In session, Nicky’s clients will gain insight into negative patterns in their relationships and experience positive shifts in their interactions. The ultimate goal is the fostering of a secure bond between partners.

Nicky Verster has a M.S. in Human Development/Marriage and Family Therapy from Virginia Tech. She has completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which she continues to study and apply in her work with individuals, couples and families.

Callie Shirts, Licensed Resident in Counseling

With her compassionate, genuine, and non judgmental approach, Callie sees individuals and couples working toward a happier, healthier life. Callie practices from an attachment based perspective and is an Advanced EFT Therapist. She received her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and receives supervision under Kathryn Rheem, Ed.D., LMFT, AAMFT- Approved Supervisor where she gains more knowledge and hones her skills of EFT practices and methodologies.

She believes that we all want to be seen, heard, appreciated, valued, and know that our desires and dreams and passions matter to others. We want security and safety- to know that we have a soft place to land at the end of a hard day. Although our life experiences vary wildly, at the core, we have a fundamental need to be in relationships with others. She believes our relationships affect our lives in nearly every aspect and healthy relationships are born from healthy individuals. She enjoys working with individuals and couples to identify what their goals are and work towards harmony.

Haley Latta, Licensed Resident in Counseling

Haley counsels from a place of gentle curiosity while creating space for client growth, insight, and joy. In her work with couples, families, and individuals, Haley uses Emotionally Focused Therapy to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the unique ways they communicate their emotions and their need for love. With an empathetic approach, Haley prioritizes paying special care to the pacing of client interactions in order to focus on the underlying patterns of conflict that contribute to relationship distress. In the therapeutic space, Haley values the individual lived experiences of her clients so that client relationships are transformed into places of safety, support, and trust.

Haley earned her M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Couples, Marriage, and Families from the College of William and Mary and earned her M.S. in Information Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Committed to continued professional growth, Haley receives supervision under Krista Clark, LMFT, and regularly attends EFT trainings and webinars.