Meet Our Therapists
Who We Are
The licensed therapists of Compassionate Living Now come to the practice with a broad range of experiences and expertise. What we share is a posture of compassionate presence, the desire to honor your unique journey, and a commitment to excellence in care.
Dasha Carver, LMFTA
she/her/hers
IN License #99116812A
Dasha believes that people often thrive when they prioritize their own individual health and are supported by their community. However, challenges arise whenever our community is in chaos, our own health suffers, and the stories we once ascribed to no longer serves us. While each of these experiences can overwhelm us, make us feel powerless, or lose hope Dasha wants you to know that you are not alone. She understands that being human is hard and relationships can be complicated, painful, and change the how we honor our authentic selves. That’s why she works to help empower clients by creating a space that is safe, open, curious, and built on advocacy. Dasha’s work is rooted in intersectionality, social justice, collaboration, and emotion-focused frameworks which she uses to help clients explore not only the events that brings them in today, but what has shaped and informed their identities up to this point (i.e., childhood, past relationships, beliefs you were told about yourself, and family and peer relationships). Together we will work to create a life that you deserve.
Dasha received her master’s degree in Couples and Family Therapy from Saint Louis University, School of Medicine and is currently a doctoral student at Indiana University Bloomington in Counseling Psychology. She has experience working with romantic partnerships (consensually non-monogamous and monogamous), families (biological, step/blended, transracial adoptees), and individuals with identities in LGBTQ+, BDSM/Kink, and other sexually diverse communities. Dasha works with clients to address relationship distress, trauma, racial and sexuality identity development, and navigating experiences of racial battle fatigue.
Kiera Wilson, LCSW
she/her/hers
Mimi Buthelezi, LMHC
she/her/hers
Mimi believes that life is about relationships and she’s endlessly curious about how the relationships we stem from, and the narratives we carry with us, shape and inform our present lives. She understands and admires the bravery it takes to begin this process, and so strives to foster an environment where clients feel empowered and able to be transparent. At the root of this is her deep commitment to the therapist-client relationship as a foundation for change. Her work is informed by social justice, and through the use of systemic approaches, she assists clients in uncovering a greater sense of insight and self-awareness. Her approach is direct and respectful.
Mimi received her Master’s in Couples and Family Therapy from Drexel University and has experience working with couples, families, children and adults, both in a clinic setting and as home-based therapist. She feels privileged to learn from and be challenged by her clients every day, and believes that in order to assist clients in doing the sometimes difficult work of healing, we must have the courage to do it ourselves.
Mimi specializes in working with couples and families and sees individuals, couples, families and children of all make-ups and ages. She works with clients to address relationship distress, trauma, anxiety, depression, identity development, disruptions in attachments, and life’s many transitions.
Sam Barbash-Riley, LCSW
they/them/theirs
Sam is dedicated to collaborating with adults experiencing difficulties with mental health and life circumstances in order to move towards a more rich and meaningful life. They have a nonjudgmental, trauma-informed, playful, and creative approach to therapy, and they believe that each client is the expert in their experience.
Sam has expertise in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma. They are passionate about working with transgender and LGBQ individuals, and people in polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships. They are also kink-aware.
Sam received their MSW from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, and their approach is grounded in training and experience in Internal Family Systems, Exposure and Ritual Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and EMDR. They have completed IFS Level 1 training through the IFS Institute and EMDRIA-approved EMDR Training. Their experience includes individual therapy in a community mental health setting and intensive case management with people experiencing homelessness.
Sam strives to bring an anti-oppressive framework to session, and believes in the power of self-compassion. They welcome the opportunity to support you in deepening your relationship with yourself and accessing your own wisdom.
Abby Katz, LCSW
she/her/hers
Abby began her career in Social Work seeking a way to combine a passion for social justice and change with a desire to support people in times of personal life changes and crises. She has dedicated her professional career to serving marginalized communities and individuals with compounding trauma.
Her expertise is in using Harm Reduction, Psychotherapy and Psychodrama. She has been trained in Motivational Interviewing and CBT. Abby’s primary focus is on developing a safe and sincere relationship with clients and to then use her tool kit of therapeutic approaches to tailor treatment to the individual.
Abby obtained her MSW at Columbia University in New York City and worked for over a decade at a community health and housing provider in Harlem. She has spent her career working with people living with HIV/AIDS, depression, trauma and/or any manifestation of addiction in individual and group therapy.
She looks forward to connecting with adults of all backgrounds and experiences and recognizes the impact of social racial, sexual and gender oppression on the daily lives of all people.
Catherine Colbert, LMHC
she/her/hers
Catherine comes to Compassionate Living Now has more than 10 years of experience as a therapist in a variety of settings including homes, school, office, and community. She is trauma informed and trained in EMDR, and has expertise in treating depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and substance use. She treats clients of all ages, and particularly enjoys work with children, teens, young adults, and parents.
Catherine is a highly collaborative therapist and forms strong working relationships with her clients. She believes that grounding in reality while maintaining a focus on hope, allows for acceptance and the possibility of transformation.
Catherine has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communications Arts, from the University of Wisconsin, Madison; and a master’s degree in Counseling and Counselor Education, from Indiana University. She has an eclectic approach and pulls from Interpersonal, Person-Centered, and Cognitive Behavioral therapies, as well as EMDR, and Motivational Interviewing.
Catherine welcomes individuals and families of all make-ups and ages. She understands that life can be difficult and full of the unknown and looks forward to partnering with you to address the struggles you are facing today.
Stacey Kim, LCSW
she/her/hers
Stacey is passionate about working with individuals who are struggling with mental health issues, and is amazed and inspired by her clients every single day.
She became a therapist after spending more than 20 years working in the arts, specifically in classical music. She brings her love of art, self-expression, and harmony to all of the work that she does with her clients.
Stacey works with adults and has expertise in treating trauma, depression, anxiety and other mood disorders, grief, loss, and issues related to chronic pain or illness. She has an affinity for working with those engaged in creative endeavors such as music performance, writing and visual art. Her approach is strength-based and recovery oriented.
She is the Founder of Compassionate Living Now, where she strives to create a safe, positive space that provides many avenues for individuals to explore, create, come together, and heal.
She received her Master’s in Social Work from University of Cincinnati School of Social Work, is a graduate of the Conscious Feminine Leadership Training through Women Writing for (a) Change, Bloomington, and is a registered mediator.
Stacey is not currently accepting new clients.
Julia Livingston, LCSW
she/her/hers
Julia’s approach to therapy artfully weaves together her many years of experience as both a psychotherapist and a ceramic artist. She engages clients in a creative process of personal growth that can stimulate transformative change. Grounding in the here and now, Julia gently leads her clients into a respectful and compassionate deep inner listening and self-attunement. Her process supports self-trust, actualization, and resilience.
Julia has more than 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist and has worked in both private practice and in a university setting. She received her MSW from IUPUI and has skill and training in the use of Focusing, a therapeutic method that creates a space for non-judgmental attention to our own inner bodily felt knowing, and stimulates a process of clarity and insight that makes outer change possible.
Julia works with adults and has experience treating a variety of mental health issues. She particularly enjoys work supporting those who wish to live a more creative and embodied life.
