Meet Our Therapists

*Alycen Greenwood

Alycen Greenwood is marriage and family therapy graduate student who is excited to serve families, couples, and individuals at the Couple and Family Clinic!  

Alycen’s goal as a student therapist is to provide her clients with a safe and inclusive space where they can express themselves authentically, feel understood, and be heard. Additionally, she believes that her clients are the experts in their lives, and she works collaboratively with them to set realistic goals and learn the skills necessary to achieve them.   

Alycen works from a systemic perspective, taking her clients' life experiences and relationships into account, while also acknowledging the impact of systemic inequalities. She also works to remain culturally humble by educating herself on the aspects of her clients’ identities that she does not share. 

Alycen works from a trauma-informed lens and is trained in EMDR therapy, which can be used with complex trauma and PTSD. She also has experience with Internal Family Systems therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Attachment-Based Family Therapy. Ultimately, she hopes to help her clients heal from and understand their past experiences and grow further in their daily lives, relationships, and friendships.  

In her free time, Alycen enjoys reading, playing cozy Nintendo games, baking gluten-free treats, and listening to music! 

Amara Smith Speights

Amara is from Woodbridge, Virginia.  She has a passion for creating safe, welcoming spaces where clients can embrace their true, unapologetic selves. With a quirky, fun personality, Amara fosters a therapeutic environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves freely, with humor and authenticity. Guided by values of social justice, Amara is particularly dedicated to uplifting voices from Black, Brown, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Amara approaches therapy with a collaborative mindset, helping clients feel empowered and in control of their own journey. Utilizing narrative and solution-focused approaches, Amara supports clients in rewriting their stories and finding practical solutions to life's challenges.

Outside of therapy, Amara enjoys traveling, bowling, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Amara is also a proud kitten parent, appreciating the joy that pets bring into daily life. Always striving to ensure that everyone feels heard, valued, and appreciated, Amara believes therapy is a space where healing can happen through genuine connection and self-discovery.

*Ayla Shehryar

My name is Ayla and firstly, I’m humbled and honored to have the opportunity of helping anyone who steps into the space with me, irrespective of their background.

A large part of my devotion and passion for being a systemic/Marriage and Family student therapist is credited to the identity that I hold. I am an international student/foreigner in America, Pakistani, and speak 3 languages (English, Urdu, and Pashto). I have completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology in Pakistan and am currently working towards completing my graduate program in Marriage and Family Therapy. Over 20 years of my life have been shaped by the experience of my unique Asian culture, and I have been able to immerse myself in American culture too, which gives me the privilege of seeing multiple perspectives in different areas of life.

My approach towards Mental Health has always been grounded in emotional safety. I firmly believe that having the most vulnerable aspects of who you seen and accepted is the  foundation for change. I deeply understand how intimidating therapy can be, as you’re trusting someone new with the personal parts of yourself. My priority will always be making sure I can create a safe space for you while collaborating with you on your goals so that we can make lasting changes in your life. My desire is to have you leave the room with skills, an experience that goes beyond our therapeutic relationship, and be a source of support through our time together.

I have received training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (( – a trauma-informed specific intervention) , Attachment Based Family Therapy, and am working towards receiving my Gottman Level 1 training (a couple-focused intervention). In addition, I heavily lean on Attachment Theory/Emotionally Focused Therapy in my work to conceptualize Individual and relational healing.

My passion points of work include; Religious/Culturally informed care, the refugee/immigrant experience, disparity/low-income households’ experience. 

In my free time, you will find me working out at the gym, enjoying nature walks, cooking different dishes, reading books, and connecting with friends/family. While I appreciate the mundane aspects of life, I embrace the silliness in sharing a lame joke, or a laugh that makes my (or others’) stomach hurt.

Carrie Osborn

Carrie graduated in May 2023 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is a student therapist rooted in compassion and warmth. She is dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive therapeutic space. Carrie believes strongly in an approach to therapy that celebrates your unique identity, values realness, works in collaboration with you, and is responsive to your cultural background to address your needs and goals. Carrie wants to nurture and enrich your personal narrative, treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and couple/family relationship dysfunctions. She is committed to creating a genuine connection with each client, offering an understanding ear and a empathetic heart. She will never expect you to show up as anybody but yourself. Carrie believes that your story is important, and she is honored to walk alongside you as you share it. Whether you're sharing laughter and celebrating a victory or weathering a storm, Carrie is there to provide unwavering support, comfort, and guidance. Let's find your way, together.

*Dominick Vanlaningham

Dominick grew up in a small, rural town in Nebraska. He brings a systemic approach to therapy, focusing on achieving goals collaboratively. His previous experience includes supporting individuals dealing with grief, collaborating with people with disabilities, and assisting adolescents in crisis. These experiences have provided Dominick with a strong foundation to aid clients through change. While change can be challenging, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Dominick’s primary goal as a therapist is to create a welcoming and safe space where clients feel comfortable and supported. He strives to help clients embrace their authentic selves and feel empowered throughout their therapeutic journey. Committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect, Dominick ensures that each individual feels valued and heard. He is trained in and often guided by the Internal Family Systems therapeutic process.

In his free time, Dominick enjoys spending time with his dogs and family, tending to his garden, and exploring mountainous hiking trails across the country.

*Emily Abernathy

Emily (she/they) was born in Denver, CO and is thrilled to be here in Lincoln! I have a bachelor’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Colorado Mesa University. I work with adolescents, couples, families, and adult individuals from all backgrounds. I approach every client with curiosity and compassion, and I seek to create a safe environment where my clients can be unabashedly themselves. I believe in the power of creativity and humor in the healing journey! I am trained in the basic MFT models as well as Discernment Counseling, Internal Family Systems Theory, and Attachment Based Family Therapy. I am also trained in EMDR, which is used to process complex trauma and PTSD. 

*Emily Shurtliff

Hello! My name is Emily, and I am a marriage and family therapy student who is dedicated to helping individuals and families heal and grow. I believe that relationships are the cornerstone of our well-being and that by understanding the dynamics within families and couples, we can address challenges and create positive change. With a strong foundation in systemic therapy and trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), I employ an empathetic approach to understand and address the unique needs of each client.

I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all clients, regardless of their background or identity. I understand the impact of past trauma and work collaboratively with clients to process these experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Through empathy, active listening, and evidence-based techniques, I work to empower clients to build stronger relationships, improve communication, and overcome obstacles.

I take a client-centered approach to therapy, prioritizing the client's needs and goals. I believe in empowering clients to take an active role in their healing process by fostering a collaborative partnership. By creating a safe and supportive environment, I work to help clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Whether you're seeking support for relationship issues, family conflicts, or personal growth I am here to help guide you on your journey towards healing and wholeness.

Kiya Hudson

Kiya Hudson is a student therapist dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families from marginalized communities. With a systemic approach, she works to understand the complex interplay of social, cultural, and systemic factors that impact mental health. She employs a direct and empathetic approach, fostering open and honest communication to address challenges and promote healing. Her work encompasses a broad range of issues, including trauma, identity development, relationship difficulties, and systemic oppression. Outside of working at the Couple and Family Clinic, she enjoys reading immersive fiction books and cherishes quality time with friends.  

*Ma’Kiya Carter

Hello! My name is Ma’Kiya and I am one of the MFT student therapists residing at the Couple & Family Clinic. I graduated in May of 2023 with a major in Child, Youth, and Family Studies and minor in Psychology. I am currently studying to be a Marriage and Family Therapist in order to help the people of this world.  I am a therapist that aims to create a warm and authentic environment. I want my clients to understand that they are welcome and free to express themselves in whatever way feels most comfortable. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients to open up, explore their inner experiences, and work towards healing. I'm here to help guide you towards greater self-understanding, self-compassion, and the life you envision. I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) , Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).  

Rachel Stephens

Hey I'm Rachel! As your therapist, I'm committed to creating a safe and inclusive space where you can authentically express yourself and feel truly understood. With a trauma-informed perspective, I'll help you navigate past experiences, find meaning in your story, and foster personal growth. I will work to provide a space of freedom for you to laugh, cry, vent, and question in the face of whatever you are experiencing. I believe there is deep significance in integrating all the different parts of your life and your story into one whole image/story to foster resilience, healthy connections, and fulfillment. Together, we'll work collaboratively to build healthy and joyful relationships, both with yourself and with others. I believe in an empowering, direct, and empathetic approach, allowing you to explore your unique journey with curiosity and confidence. Whether you're seeking support as an individual, couple, or family, I'm honored to accompany you on your path towards healing, growth, and fulfillment.

*Anna Liu

Anna likes to work with individuals, couples, and families. She enjoys using Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, and Attachment Based Family Therapy to help clients break the cycles of blame and conflict. She works with clients to help them increase clear communication, understanding, and the capacity for compassion towards one another. She is also trained in EMDR, and utilizes Internal Family Systems Therapy to help clients process the impact of trauma, alleviate anxiety and depression, highlight resilience, and restore hope. Anna is a warm, compassionate therapist who believes in the power of connection and understanding. She is committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals, couples, and families can explore their challenges and work towards healing and growth. Her culturally sensitive approach ensures that she understands and respects the unique experience of each client.