Our Therapists

High Country Counseling is an association of independent private practitioners in Boone, North Carolina offering individual, family, and group therapy for all ages. 

Allow us to introduce ourselves... 

Jo Ann Orr | Suzette Patterson | Stephanie Swisher | Joan Zimmerman | Sue Bobo


Jo Ann Orr, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been working with adults, adolescents, families and groups for 30 years. I refer to myself as a body centered and mindfulness-based therapist. While I specialize in the treatment of adults with childhood trauma, I also work with issues of anxiety, depression, relationship/personal growth as well as people struggling with illness and physical pain. I love to support clients who are curious and motivated to move through the “stuck places” we all find ourselves in from time to time. I believe that our bodies, along with our minds, hold our “story”. I also believe that our bodies have an inherent wisdom, when listened to through mindful awareness, will help direct and focus the therapy. My therapeutic approach is highly interactive and combines a family systems orientation with experiential activities, expressive arts, somatic awareness and mindfulness as key elements. I have advanced training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am also a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200®) with Yoga Alliance and integrate Yogic practices into my work. I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers and Yoga Alliance.

I take Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Medicare, Medcost and Tricare Insurances. 

[email protected] 


Suzette Patterson, MA, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

My counseling style is a compassionate, cognitive-behavioral approach to problem-solving and self-discovery. I believe therapy is a dynamic process that involves active engagement for both the therapist and the client. My goal is to provide a nonjudgmental atmosphere for you to share your life, relationships, and concerns. Together, we will look for strategies to improve the quality of your life. I can work with adolescents and adults with a variety of concerns including: relationships, sexual assault trauma, sexual orientation/gender identity, and parenting. I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance.

[email protected]


Stephanie Swisher, MA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Join me in learning the tools and skills to intentionally create the life that you desire. I work with clients who are looking to strengthen trust in themselves. My overarching goal for every client who comes to see me is for them to have a more loving, compassionate relationship to themselves, others, and their past. I use a holistic collaborative approach to counseling that recognizes our unique multidimensional nature, and honors the connection between mind, emotions, energy, and body. 

I work with adults, college students, teens, adolescents, couples, and families, to: 1. Identify harmful thought and behavior patterns, 2. Understand what's at the root of these patterns, 3. Cultivate tools and behaviors that encourage, rather than inhibit, growth. I offer compassionate, honest feedback, providing an outside lens that will allow you to see yourself more clearly.

I believe everyone has the tools within them to heal and grow. You can reconnect with your authentic and confident self. Let's rekindle the spark within you and heal the past that is holding you back from the life you desire. I would be honored to assist you in opening up paths to trusting yourself and healing your past in your journey to wholeness.

[email protected]


Joan Zimmerman, MA, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 
AAMFT Approved Supervisor

I have been working with children, adults, couples and families for the past 18 years. I work from a systemic perspective, and use a variety of clinical approaches to help you move in the directions you choose. I incorporate family of origin work, and often use expressive arts in my work. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM). I also work with expressive arts, sand tray and other play therapy modalities. I work with both mental health and substance abuse issues. I believe we all face struggles in our lives, and we all have within us the capacity to move through those struggles successfully. I also believe that sometimes the most brave thing we can do is ask for help and support, and I have a great deal of respect for individuals and families that do so. My goal is to work in ways that help you access your own courage, determination, resilience and strength - and move towards creating what you want for yourself and your family. My dog, April, is often in the office with me. She is not a trained therapy dog, but she is very therapeutic!

[email protected]


Susan "Sue" Bobo MA, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor 


After 20 years in the field, Sue Bobo has made the decision to retire, and is no longer seeing clients. We will miss you Sue, and wish you all the best!

Schedule Appointment

Start your new path in life and be the change today!

Click Here
bg