Are there any recurring themes or issues you’ve noticed as you treat people in your area of specialization, and how has this insight guided your approach?
The recurring themes I have noticed when treating people who struggle with anxiety is that they are not aware that there's always an underlying reason for it. Often the root of their anxiety, is either the result of their fears or unresolved, unprocessed trauma. Individuals may use healthy and unhealthy various coping mechanisms to manage it, but they are still not dealing with the root of it and in order to do that, the client needs to work together with a professional or a mental health therapist whose skilled in helping clients get to the root of their anxiety or mental health issue.
What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
One of biggest barriers today for people seeking mental health care is the stigma that mental health carries among certain groups of people, cultures or genders, specifically men. The second biggest barrier for people seeking care is that oftentimes, individuals think they don't really need help, they can handle it on their own and/or they are afraid of being transparent and vulnerable to a complete stranger. What will that person think of me? What if they think I'm a horrible or weak person or that I'm crazy or strange. For this reason, it's very important for a therapist to work hard at building rapport with a client by forming deep meaningful connections with them. A good therapist will know how to develop a strong therapeutic bond that makes the client always feel safe and supported, without any judgement. It's the therapist's job to show unconditional positive regard to their client and praise them for the courage it took to reach out and ask for help. Your therapist should be a constant source of encouragement for any growth or progress made by a client during their mental health journey.
What does a first session with you look like?
In your first session, I will do all I can to make you feel comfortable and safe and acknowledge your courage to reach out to someone for help. Then, I'll ask you some questions to get to know you better and ask you what brought you to therapy. After, you've told me about yourself (within your comfort zone), and explained what brought you to therapy, I'll ask you how can I help or support you. In other words, what goal or goals do you have for therapy or what can I help with and how can I support you as your therapist on your mental health journey. The last part of our session, I will articulate back to you your therapy goals, ask if you have any questions for me, then give you and opportunity to ask and before you leave, we'll discuss a date and time to book your next session. This is what you can expect in your first initial session with me as your therapist.
Specialties
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.
ADHD
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) causes a hard time focusing attention and controlling restless or impulsive behavior. People with ADHD might have emotional outbursts, be forgetful, and/or find it difficult to stay organized.
Codependency
Involves a person sacrificing their needs to meet the needs of others. Their thoughts and actions center on a significant other, spouse, friend, or relative. Becomes an issue when relationships are unbalanced and unhealthy.
Life coaching
Process designed to equip people with tools, motivation, and inspiration necessary to make positive change and maximize personal and professional potential. Life coaches are generally helpful during life transitions or for goal setting and completion.
General Expertise
Careers
Designed to help people choose, change, or leave a career at any stage of life. Careers are often wrapped up in people’s perceived identity, therefore, any change can cause anxiety and/or depression.
Work Stress
Workplace issues are a common source of stress and can include interpersonal conflict, communication problems, gossip, harassment, discrimination, low motivation and job satisfaction, performance issues, and poor job fit.
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.
In-Network Insurance
Sana Benefits
Fees
$80
First Session
$95
Couples Therapy
$80
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Attachment-Based Therapy
Coaching
Eclectic Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Positive Psychology
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Somatic Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Licensure
GA, LPC, LPC009324
Education
Education Specialist Degree, Education Leadership, University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Master of Science, Counseling, Lee University, Cleveland, Tennessee
Work History
I have previously worked with children, adolescents and parents as a teacher, school counselor and school-based therapist in various school settings, as a tele-mental health provider for three years on TALKSPACE and recently on other tele-mental health platforms. I started my own life coaching business, Athenea Coaching & Consulting, LLC, in 2018. My areas of expertise include trauma processing, attachment & relationships issues, grief and loss, anxiety, social anxiety, rejection sensitive dysphoria, depression, Adult ADHD, Adult Asperger's Syndrome, learning disabilities, parenting, codependency, and helping individuals transform their lives through whole-life coaching.
Location
Remote Therapy, Atlanta, 30064, GA