In what ways do your life philosophy and treatment philosophy overlap?
My primary therapeutic approach is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) because I have found a personal home there. I've spent so much time wrapped up in my head. Swimming so deeply in thoughts of what was, could've been, or could be that I couldn't live a fulfilling and meaningful life in the moment. ACT has helped me find the courage and skills to embrace the present, even when it's not pretty, and live into the person I want to be now and in the future.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
I am deeply client-centered, so I help each of my clients explore what is most important to them (their values) and goals that help mark their journey towards deeper embodiment of their values.
What does success look like in therapy? How will a client know that they are making progress?
Progress is a tricky concept. Age may be linear, but living is not. We all go through cycles, stepping forward and backward countless times in life. It's utterly universal. Work with me doesn't mean that symptoms disappear and you're always happy. In fact, that would probably be a sign of dissociation from reality and suppression of emotions! Feeling sad or angry is sometimes essential to good living! Instead, I mark progress by the ability of clients to avoid avoidance and improve their ability to make values-driven decisions amidst whatever emotions or circumstances they find themselves in.
Specialties
Addiction
Regular involvement with a substance or activity in a compulsive, hard to control way that often has harmful consequences. Often refers to substance use, but can include compulsive behaviors such as sex, gambling, or shopping.
College & graduate student issues
Issues arising from being in a new environment or away from home for the first time. College-aged kids have the highest rates of mental illness, suffering things like stress, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and substance abuse.
Compulsive behavior
Engaging repeatedly in excessive behavior despite harmful consequences. People experiencing compulsion often feel unable to control behavior, which can interfere with daily life and relationships. Not uncommon for them to also experience anxiety and depression.
Men's health
Men’s health is regarded as the holistic being and experience of being male. This extends beyond consideration for illness and other complex conditions but to general considerations of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Issues may include socialized gender role, male reproductive issues, fatherhood, employment, divorce, substance use, et cetera.
Spirituality & religion based issues
Spirituality and religion, to a great extent, shape our moral principles, beliefs, and values. They have a role in shaping our behavior and in our relationships. Issues may include questioning one’s faith, loss of faith, struggling to find meaning, and living a life incongruent with one’s belief.
General Expertise
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Loss/Grief
Grief is a reaction to an emotionally significant loss and often comes with symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms can remain intense and last for a long time after a loss, making it difficult to move forward with a healthy lifestyle.
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the degree to which a person feels confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. Feeling low self-esteem can influence overall well-being and be linked to anxiety and/or depression.
Fees
$200
Family Therapy
$200
Couples Therapy
$150
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Family Systems Therapy
Integrative Therapy
Marriage and Family Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Multicultural Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Somatic Therapy
Pastoral & Faith Based Counseling
Training / Certifications
Certificate in Substance Use Counseling
Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Certificate in Gerontology
Intensive training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Intensive training in Motivational Interviewing
Intensive training in DBT
Licensure
GA, Psychologist, PSY003405
Education
Masters in Social Work, University of Georgia
Masters in Religion and Public Life, Emory University
Masters in Development Practice, Emory University
Work History
With ten years of social work and nonprofit experience, I have come alongside people with diverse backgrounds, challenges, and values to help develop meaningful and lasting individual, community, and system change. As a clinical social worker, I seek to embody anti-oppression, affirm all identities, and prioritize sustainable, just, and holistic system change.
Location
1459 Oxford Rd., Suite 301, Atlanta, 30307, GA