About Fern & Feather

Founded by Nicole Browning and Kiera Smith, Fern & Feather is a women-owned, secular, and affirming counseling practice in Cumming, Georgia. We're especially passionate about working with people navigating anxiety, OCD, overthinking, intrusive thoughts, and the exhausting habit of trying to think their way through everything. We believe people are more than a diagnosis or a collection of symptoms, which is why our approach blends evidence-based psychology with genuine human connection, curiosity, and respect for each person's unique story.

Why We Started Fern & Feather

Fern & Feather was inspired by the idea that growth happens naturally when people have the right conditions. Just like in nature, healing isn't something that can be forcedā€”it unfolds through curiosity, connection, patience, and steady care. We wanted to create the kind of practice we'd want to walk into ourselves: one where you can ask hard questions, understand how your mind works, laugh when you need to, and know you'll be met with both genuine compassion and evidence-based care.

Why "Fern & Feather"? Ferns symbolize deep roots, resilience, and the quiet, steady process of growth. Feathers represent hope, lightness, and the courage to move forward. Together, they reflect the kind of therapy we strive to provideā€”grounded in science, rooted in authentic connection, and supportive of meaningful, lasting change.

Rooted in healing. Rising into who you're meant to be.

Meet Your Therapists

As therapists and educators, we believe understanding yourself is empowering. We love making psychology approachable, practical, and meaningful so you leave therapy not only feeling supported, but also with a deeper understanding of your mind, your patterns, and yourself.

Nicole, PhD, LPC

Nicole

PhD, LPC | Co-Founder

Anxiety & OCD ā€¢ Trauma & PTSD ā€¢ Individuals & Couples ā€¢ Grief ā€¢ Nervous System Regulation ā€¢ LGBTQ+ Affirming ā€¢ People Pleasers

I don't believe people are brokenā€”I believe they're doing the best they can with a brain and nervous system that adapted to help them survive. My job is to help you understand those adaptations, reconnect with the parts of yourself that have been buried beneath stress or survival, and create meaningful change that lasts. Therapy with me is equal parts science and humanity: thoughtful, evidence-based, and never afraid to laugh, cry, or sit with the hard things together. You don't have to have it all figured out before you walk through my doorā€”that's what we'll do together.

nicole@fernandfeathercounseling.com

Learn More About Nicole
Kiera, LPC

Kiera

LPC | Co-Founder

Anxiety ā€¢ OCD ā€¢ Trauma ā€¢ Overthinking ā€¢ Perfectionism ā€¢ Burnout ā€¢ College Students ā€¢ Women's Mental Health

I specialize in working with teens and young adults navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma, perfectionism, burnout, and overthinking. I have a particular passion for supporting young women and LGBTQ+ individuals who are ready to better understand themselves, build courage, embrace uncertainty, and create lives that feel grounded, meaningful, and authentically their own.

kiera@fernandfeathercounseling.com

Learn More About Kiera

Meet Our Office Administrator

Lydia Snell, office administrator at Fern & Feather Counseling and Wellness

Lydia Snell

Office Administrator

Hi, Iā€™m Lydia! Iā€™m so excited to be joining the Fern & Feather team and to have the opportunity to play a part in helping connect people with the support and resources they need. I have my Bachelorā€™s degree in Education, and while my primary role these days is being home with my young kids, Iā€™m excited to bring my love of learning, connecting with others, and helping people into this new chapter of theirs.

Outside of work, my favorite role is being a wife and mom. I absolutely love spending time with my husband and our kids, and weā€™re always up for a little adventure! Some of my favorite places to visit are Walt Disney World and Universal Studios! Thereā€™s just something about a theme park day that never gets old!

When Iā€™m not chasing after my kids or planning our next adventure, you can usually find me outside enjoying nature, baking something sweet, or dreaming about our next trip. Iā€™m so happy to be part of the Fern & Feather team and help make a difference in peopleā€™s lives!

Learn More About Lydia

Our Core Values

Like healthy roots, these values support everything we do. They shape how we see people, how we practice therapy, and the kind of space we strive to create every day.

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Whole-Person Care

We believe you're more than a diagnosis or a collection of symptoms. Your experiences, relationships, values, identity, strengths, and environment all matter. Healing begins by understanding the whole person.

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Science

We love the science behind psychology and use evidence-based approaches grounded in research while honoring your unique experiences, goals, and values.

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Collaboration

You are the expert on your own life. We bring clinical knowledge, evidence-based tools, and curiosity. Together, we create a path that reflects your goals-not ours.

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Belonging

Everyone deserves to feel respected, affirmed, and welcomed exactly as they are. We strive to create a space where people can show up authentically without having to shrink themselves or fit into someone else's expectations.

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Empowerment

We believe therapy isn't about fixing people-it's about helping them reconnect with their strengths, build courage, trust themselves, and take up space in the world with confidence and authenticity.

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Lifelong Learning

As therapists, college professors, and lifelong learners, we believe growth never stops-for our clients or for ourselves. We continually pursue research, continuing education, consultation, and professional development so we can provide thoughtful, evidence-based care.

Ready to Meet Us?

Book a free 15-minute consultation with Nicole or Kiera. No pressure, no commitment. Just a chance to see if we're the right fit.

Schedule Your Consultation