About BrightNest Counseling
Helping individuals and families discover, learn and grow.
A Voice for Children. Support for Parents.
As a former educator, school counselor, school-based therapist, and team member in a private practice setting I've formulated a unique perspective in my therapeutic approach. Through my experiences working with children, teens, parents, administrators, school boards, and community members, I can be a problem solver when there is a breakdown of communication between home and school.
I advocate for families who so desperately want a voice in articulating their child's abilities and deficits. I am able to educate and empower parents to stand up for their children to receive the proper accommodations necessary in school.
Professional Designations
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Professional Associations
Association for Play Therapy
Georgia Association for Play Therapy
American Counseling Association
Lisa Zawko, BrightNest Founder
About Lisa
Illuminating Growth and Discovery through Safe Learning
At BrightNest Counseling, Lisa brings her wealth of knowledge and passion for growth to clients of all ages, helping them discover their strengths, develop resilience, and achieve the meaningful progress they deserve in a nurturing and safe environment.
Lisa provides compassionate, goal-oriented therapy that fosters safety and lasting change for each client’s journey of growth.
Lisa Zawko is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and National Certified Counselor who is passionate about helping individuals and families grow through meaningful, personalized therapy. With an extensive educational background, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Mississippi, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education from Reinhardt University, and a Master of Science in School Counseling from Mercer University.
In addition to her formal education, Lisa is certified by the Connection Coalition, a non-profit organization that provides trauma-informed yoga programming, and is an active member of the Association for Play Therapy, Georgia Association for Play Therapy, Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia and the American Counseling Association.
She has contributed to the field through published journal articles, presentations at multiple conferences, and parent workshops at various school settings, all with the goal of empowering parents and educators to better support the emotional, social, and academic growth of children.
Lisa was honored with the Mercer University Penfield College, Outstanding Graduate Student in School Counseling Award. In addition, during Lisa's decade in the education field, she was awarded the Lyn McNaught Excellence Award- Top 5 in the nation for serving at-risk youth, recognizing her commitment to the field and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
With a deep commitment to her clients' success, Lisa is experienced in working with families from diverse backgrounds and neurodivergent learners. She is especially passionate about bridging the gap between home and school, ensuring that clients can achieve their fullest potential. She advocates for creating mindful and sensitive accommodations that foster emotional, social, and academic success.
Lisa has worked extensively in both school settings and clinical environments, providing support for clients experiencing life transitions such as adoption and grief. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques, including mindfulness, play therapy, and sand-tray techniques, to help clients experience deeper reflection and personal growth. Whether she is counseling children, teens, or adults, Lisa’s work is rooted in a commitment to safety, learning, and discovery—ensuring that each client feels supported, heard, and empowered to explore their emotional world.
Counseling Specialties
Helping build strong roots and open hearts.
At BrightNest Counseling, we support children, teens, adults and families through a wide range of concerns, including:
Adults
Anxiety, Adoption, Boundary Setting, Career Counseling, Depression, Family of Origin Concerns, Grief & Loss, Life Stage Transitions, Parenting, Perfectionism, Relationships, Role within the Family System, Stress Management, Trauma
Families
Communication, Boundary Setting, Blended Families, Foster Care & Adoption, Life-Stage Transitions, Limit Setting, Stress Management, Parent-Child Relationship Development, Parenting Skill Building
Children & Teens
Anxiety, Anger Management, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in all forms, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bullying, Boundaries, Career Counseling, College Acceptance, Communication Disorders, Conflict Resolution, Depression, Developmental Transitions, Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning, Grief and Loss, Identity Development, Intellectual Disabilities, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, School-Related Concerns, Self-Esteem, Social Skills, Specific Learning Disorders with impairment in reading, written expression and mathematics, Testing Anxiety, Perfectionism, Athletic Performance Anxiety, Peer Relationships, Suicidal and Homicidal Ideation, Self Harm, Mood Dysregulation
BrightNest offers telemental health sessions for children, teens, adults and families to reach their full potential in order to be happy and successful in life.
Our Policies
More information about policies are included in the intake packet for new clients. Lisa is happy to answer your questions about these policies in the free consultation call as well as during the scheduled intake session.
Insurance
BrightNest does not accept insurance but can provide you with the necessary paperwork to file for out of network benefits (Superbills). Please contact your insurance company for details.
Cancellations
Please provide at least 24 hour notice for canceling sessions. Cancellations of less than 24 hours, or no shows, will be responsible for the entire session fee. Thank you for your consideration.
Good Faith Estimate
Under the law, BrightNest will provide you with a “good faith estimate” which is an estimate of the bill for sessions prior to services.
No Surprises Act
We adhere to the No Surprises Act, also known as balance billing in regard to insurance reimbursement and billing for services.
HIPAA and Consent to Treatment
We adhere to HIPAA regulations and consent to treatment guidelines.
Ready to start online therapy with BrightNest?
Helping you learn, grow and discover your inner light.
BrightNest Counseling offers personalized, compassionate counseling in Georgia for every stage of life. Whether your child is facing anxiety, you’re navigating young adulthood, or your family is working through change—you don’t have to go through it alone.
Please complete the Counseling Inquiry Form and we'll get in touch with you to schedule your free 15 minute consultation call.