Last edited 09/30/2021
Hanifa Akpe
Accepting New Clients
Get To Know Me
What would be important for someone to know about working with you?
I love being a therapist AND I cannot work harder than you. I always tell my clients that therapy is a relationship- WE are in relationship together. We are working together and I cannot do more work than you. Therapy is one hour a week, sometimes a little more, and clients have so much life outside of our one hour together- doing the work is important.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
I've had many people (including family and friends) ask, "Is it ok if I have specific qualities that I am looking for in a therapist?" And I always answer with, " What, you have preferences? Great!!" Yes, it is totally fine to have preferences when looking for a therapist! The search can be difficult. I always share that the core of therapy is the relationship; if you don't have a great therapeutic relationship with your therapist, it will be hard to do great work and achieve your goals. That means that you should feel comfortable and confident in the therapeutic relationship that you and your therapist are building- if that means preferences need to be met for you, then so be it!
What’s the most profound, insightful, or interesting thing you’ve learned as a mental health professional?
Clients are the experts of their own experiences. Although a professional with years of training and experience in the mental health field- I can never tell a client how he/she/they think, feel or experience an event. I listen, and provide insight, and help to make meaning, and teach to reframe so clients can live their best lives. I can never tell a client, "No, this is your experience."
Specialties
Specializes in
DepressionAnxietyRace & Cultural IdentityLife transitionsTrauma
General Expertise
CareersWork StressRelationship IssuesLoss/GriefSelf-EsteemAnger managementAttachment issuesCaregiver stress & supportCollege & graduate student issuesCommunication issuesCultural adjustmentFamily issuesIdentity developmentPerformance anxietySpirituality & religion based issuesStressCoping SkillsCouples
Treatment Approaches
Mindfulness PracticesEclectic TherapyCulturally Sensitive TherapyHumanistic TherapyDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Individual TherapyCouples Counseling
Serves Ages
Young Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)
Languages
English
Professional Background
LicensureGeorgia, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC011215Illinois, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, 180011154
Training/CertificationsNationally Certified Counselor
Education
Masters Degree; Clinical Psychology, Counseling Specialization; The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Work HistoryAs a child, I always knew that I would one day become a lawyer; I was the kid who wanted to BE Ben Matlock. After a semester of majoring in Political Science however, that quickly changed. My objective changed, but not my overall goal of helping people. I switched my major to Social Work and interned, before later getting hired to work for a 24 hour Crisis Intervention Shelter. After receiving my Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, I became a preschool teacher for two years- that was such a fun experience.
After graduating from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with my Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology with a Counseling Specialization, I practiced therapy for DCFS wards in Specialized Foster Care. Four years later, I decided that I wanted to focus more on the adult population. I moved into the private practice setting in Chicago and worked with a diverse population of individual clients and couples. My specialties include working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma and/or difficulty with life transitions/adjustment/stressors; LGBTQ+ clients; grief and loss; issues of identity; relationship challenges; and couple's counseling. I transitioned back to Atlanta in December 2019 and I look forward to meeting you and the work that we will achieve together.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Hanifa Akpe, LPC, LCPC, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Hanifa Akpe accepting new clients?
Yes, Hanifa Akpe is accepting new clients.
Does Hanifa Akpe accept insurance?
No, Hanifa Akpe does not accept insurance.
What types of therapy does Hanifa Akpe offer?
Hanifa Akpe offers therapy for couples and individuals.
Does Hanifa Akpe offer in-person appointments?
No, but people in Georgia and Illinois can book Hanifa Akpe for virtual appointments (teletherapy).
Does Hanifa Akpe offer online therapy?
Yes, Hanifa Akpe offers online therapy to people in Georgia and Illinois.
How quickly can I see Hanifa Akpe?
Hanifa Akpe typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Hanifa Akpe speak?
Hanifa Akpe conducts therapy sessions in English.
Can I book an appointment with Hanifa Akpe online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Hanifa Akpe online using ChoosingTherapy.com’s directory.
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