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Clinical Crew

Melody McKibbin, LPC, C-PD, Owner
Michael Bradford, LPC-S
Alina Salisbury, LMFT-S
Zeb Lyons, LPC Associate
Aaron Eaton, MDiv, MBA
Melody McKibbin, LPC, C-PD, Owner

Melody McKibbin

Captain (Owner) /Therapist

Areas of Focus:

* BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder)

* Personality Disorder Assessment & Treatment

* Grief & Loss

* Child Loss

* Christian Faith-Based Counseling

* Depression & Anxiety

* Enneagram Informed

Melody McKibbin, LPC, LMHC, LPCC, C-PD

Melody holds an M.A. in Professional Counseling from Amberton University and an M.S. in Family Studies from Texas Woman’s University. She is a Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider with Level II DBT Accreditation and is currently a doctoral candidate at Liberty University, pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology with a concentration in Theology and has been with Counseling Cove PLLC since 2021.


Licensed in seven states, Melody provides accessible, individualized care to a diverse population. She fosters a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered through active listening, collaborative care, and tailored treatment. Her experience as director of a faith-based homeless shelter, along with years in community and social services, enriches her holistic and client-centered approach utilizing an ecclectic blend of Motivational Interviewing and Reality Therapy.


When she’s not seeing clients, Melody enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, family, and friends—and their two beloved Russian Blue cats. She is also a writer of both fiction and nonfiction, passionate about Bible study and theology, and integrates Christian faith into counseling when requested by her clients.


Education:

M.A. Professional Counseling Amberton University
M.S. Family Studies Texas Woman's University
Credentials:
LPC #LPC-9376 (ID), #10346 (SC), #89657 (TX), #21338 (CO)
LCMHC License # 14055716-6004 (UT), #LH615000996 (WA), #125410 (IA), #39004978A (IN)
LPCC License # CTB-2024-0317 (NM)
CLPC # BBH-CLPC-LIC-57423 (MT), #CP5666-R (NV)
DBT Level II Accreditation (The Association for Psychological Therapies)
C-PD (Cert. Personality Disorder Treatment Professional)
PhD Candidate at Liberty University for Psychology, with a theology concentration.

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." Psalm 91:11-12

Michael Bradford, LPC-S

Michael Bradford

Clinical Supervisor
​Texas & Washington

Michael Bradford, LPC-S

Michael joins The Counseling Cove as our contracted Clinical Supervisor, bringing extensive experience in both clinical supervision and leadership within the mental health field. He is passionate about mentoring developing therapists and equipping them to serve with excellence, integrity, and compassion.

He earned his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, along with two master’s degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, one in Marriage and Family Counseling and another in Christian Education. Michael is trained in EMDR and Prolonged Exposure therapy, with additional specialization in OCD treatment.

A licensed and ordained minister, Michael is deeply rooted in his conservative Christian faith and thoughtfully integrates biblical wisdom into his supervision and counseling. He lives in Texas with his wife and their nine cats, and he and his wife are the proud parents of three grown children. An avid watercolorist and mixed media artist, Michael enjoys incorporating expressive art therapy into his work, as well as spending time with his family, friends, and ever-entertaining feline crew.

Education

* B.A Psychology - University of Texas- San Antonio
* M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy - Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
* M.A. Christian Education - Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Credentials

* LPC-S License #20103
* Prolonged-Exposure Therapy trained, with specialized training in OCD.
* EMDR Trained

"The Lord has heard my supplication; The Lord will receive my prayer..”." Psalm 6:9

Alina Salisbury, LMFT-S

Alina Salisbury

LMFT Supervisor (California)

LMFT (Texas)

Areas of Focus:

* Adoption

* Attachment-Informed Therapy

* Christian faith-based counseling

* Depression/Anxiety
* Internal Family Systems (IFS)
* Relational Approaches
* Restoration Therapy 

Alina Salisbury, LMFT-S, LMFT

Alina Salisbury, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist serving adult clients in California and Texas. She works with individuals and couples, offering a thoughtful, steady space for emotional healing, identity work, and relational growth.

Alina earned her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary and holds bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Religious Studies. Her clinical approach is attachment-informed and relational, integrating Restoration Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and other evidence-based modalities. She specializes in adoption-related concerns, early attachment wounds, identity development, anxiety, and emotional healing. As an adoptee herself, adoption work is especially close to her heart.

Alina offers Christian faith-based counseling upon request, thoughtfully integrating biblical principles into the therapeutic process for clients who desire spiritually informed care. Her current favorite Scripture passages are Isaiah 6:8 and John 15:4. Outside of her work, Alina enjoys reading fantasy literature, especially The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, which she rereads each year, and playing board games with friends and family, from quick games to multi-day marathons.

Education

* Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, Fuller Theological Seminary
* Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, California State University, Northridge
* Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, California State University, Northridge
Credentials

* CA LMFT #141559, Clinical Supervisor
* TX LMFT #206167
* 40 Hour Domestic Violence Certification Door of Hope, Shephard’s Door 
* The Ultimate Grief Treatment Toolbox Pesi, Erica Sirrine Ph.D, LCSW 
* Certified Level 1 Restoration Therapist Restoration Therapy, Dr. Terry Hargrave

""Here am I! Send me
Isaiah 6:8
Zeb Lyons, LPC Associate

Zeb Lyons

Associate Therapist

Areas of Focus:

* Depression/Anxiety
* Ministry Burnout
* Men's Issues
* Christian Faith-Based Counseling/Biblical Counseling
* Grief
* Spiritual Trauma

Zeb Lyons, M.S., LPC-Associate

Supervised by Michelle Bachman, LPC-S
As a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Michelle Bachman, LPC-S, Zeb provides faith-based counseling that promotes healing, integrity, and spiritual growth.

He serves as Pastor of Christian Care, Counseling, and Worship at Lake Athens Baptist Church in Athens, Texas. With 19 years of ministry experience, he brings wisdom, compassion, and accountability to his work, helping others navigate life’s challenges with biblical truth and grace.

A proud husband and father of four, Zeb understands the balance between faith, family, and daily life. He is passionate about walking with those who have experienced spiritual abuse, offering guidance rooted in Scripture and genuine care. Easy to talk to and deeply committed to truth, he reminds others that grace and accountability can coexist, even in hard seasons. When he’s not pastoring, counseling, or leading worship, Zeb enjoys playing the harp—a peaceful expression of his love for beauty and praise. We’re excited to have Zeb on board as part of The Counseling Cove crew.

Education

 * Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling- Mid-America Christian University

Credentials

* LPC- Associate Texas License #87821

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the LORD has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12

Aaron Eaton, MDiv, MBA

Aaron Eaton

Pastoral Counselor
NCFBPPC Candidate

North Carolina Fee-Based Professional Pastoral Counselor

Areas of Focus:

* Depression/Anxiety
* Ministry Burnout
* Men's Issues
* Christian Faith-Based Counseling/Biblical Counseling
* Grief
* Spiritual Trauma

Aaron Eaton, MDiv, MBA

Supervised by Robert Hamilton, NCFBPPC Certified

Aaron Eaton serves as a Pastoral Counselor at The Counseling Cove, providing Christ-centered care grounded in biblical truth, pastoral wisdom, and practical support. He lives in North Carolina with his wife, where they are raising their four children, who bring constant joy, perspective, and grounding to their daily lives.

Aaron holds a Master of Divinity and multiple advanced graduate degrees, including an MBA and a Master's degree in Executive Leadership. He is currently completing a Master of Arts in Human Service Counseling. He is a board-approved candidate with the North Carolina Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselors (NCFBPPC) and practices pastoral psychotherapy under supervision. His professional background includes healthcare chaplaincy, first-responder chaplaincy, church leadership, crisis intervention, and private-practice operations.


Aaron's approach is relational, Scripture-informed, and steady. He values careful listening, ethical practice, and walking alongside individuals and families as they navigate grief, trauma, stress, and life transitions. Outside of counseling and family life, he enjoys exploring new coffee shops and settling in with a good book.



Education

Master of Divinity, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

* Master of Business Administration, Liberty University 

* Master of Arts in Executive Leadership, Liberty University

* Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, with minors in Counseling and Pastoral Studies, Carolina University

* Master of Arts in Human Service Counseling, Liberty University (in progress)

Credentials

* Prepare/Enrich Facilitator Certification
* SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) Certification
Human Flourishing Coaching Certificate (Light University)
Military and First Responder Mental Health Coaching Certificate (Light University)
* Clinical pastoral education (6 Units)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Proverbs 9:10

Support Crew

Lauren Clark, Director

Lauren Clark

First Mate/Director

First Mate Lauren holds an Associate’s degree in Sociology and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Psychology, reflecting her deep commitment to personal growth and her passion for supporting others on their mental health journey. As the TCC Navigator at The Counseling Cove, she serves as the warm, welcoming first point of contact for clients, guiding them with empathy and clarity through the intake and scheduling process. Lauren plays a vital role in cultivating a compassionate, client-centered environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and cared for from the very beginning. 

Known for her outgoing personality, strong interpersonal skills, and natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life, Lauren brings both professionalism and heartfelt sincerity to everything she does. Whether she’s answering a phone call with a smile or coordinating care behind the scenes, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure each client’s experience is smooth, supportive, and rooted in respect. 

Outside the Cove, Lauren embraces her life as a devoted wife, mom, and loving dog mom. She finds joy in running, reading, traveling, and soaking up family time—especially when it involves sunshine and sand. Her adventurous spirit and compassionate heart make her not only an essential member of the team but also a bright light to everyone who walks through our doors.


Education

* A.A. Sociology

"You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you." 
Song of Solomon 4:7

Jeremy Ballard, DMin. 

Jeremy Ballard

Purser/Bookeeping

Jeremy holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Leadership Coaching and brings a wealth of experience as a hospice chaplain, ordained minister, educator, and nonprofit leader. Rooted in his Christian faith since childhood, Jeremy is passionate about empowering individuals to realize their God-given potential through a compassionate, strengths-based coaching approach. He fosters growth by creating a safe, collaborative space where clients feel supported in navigating challenges, clarifying goals, and pursuing holistic well-being—emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. 

Jeremy’s diverse background, including missions work, youth ministry, and teaching across all age groups, enriches his ability to connect with clients from all walks of life. Now part of The Counseling Cove, Jeremy is honored to contribute his heart for healing, purpose, and transformation. Outside of his work, he enjoys fishing, hunting, and cherishing time with his wife and daughter.

Education

* D.Min, Himalayan Baptist Seminary with concentration in Leadership Coaching 
* M.A. Religion, Liberty University with concentration in Evangelism and Church Planting
Credentials

* Certificate of Ordination – Cedar Grove Baptist Church (Greenville, TX)
* Certificate of Professional Life Coaching – Light University & AACC
* Certificate of Mental Health Coaching – Light University & AACC

"Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are." 2 Corinthians 1:4