Discover how starting dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
6 therapists available in Athens
With a background in medical social work, I understand the emotional impact and mental health needs of children, adults, and aging...
About
With a background in medical social work, I understand the emotional impact and mental health needs of children, adults, and aging populations managing chronic illness as well as conditions that impede daily function, relationships, and quality of life.
Jill Hughes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in counseling and care management. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and aging clients in individual, couples, family, and group therapy to address concerns about the self and relationships. Jill specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, and major life transitions and has additionally trained to work with clients experiencing the symptoms and effects of OCD, TBI, and PTSD.
Jill completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at The University of Georgia and obtained her T-5 Teaching Certificate in Georgia, the equivalent of a master's level teaching degree, from Piedmont University. She began her professional career working with adults in protective services and children in foster care and understands the emotional needs of the individual requiring care as well as the person and/or family responsible for that care. In addition, Jill has a background in medical social services and is passionate about helping adults and children that are managing chronic illnesses and conditions which impact daily function, long-term health, and quality of life. She utilizes a collaborative and integrative counseling approach which includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT,) solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness to address and ameliorate emotional issues and concerns.
"Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion."
-bell hooks; author, educator, social activist.
Jill uses a variety of therapeutic techniques and interventions to meet individual needs and optimize the overall health and well-being of her clients. Her goal is for individuals and families to feel comfortable and safe in working toward their goals, managing emotions, increasing connectedness, improving relationships, and making life transitions to achieve the quality of life yearned for and so deserved.
Education and training
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When life gets complicated, sometimes it helps to be seen, heard, and understood in a safe and non-judgmental space. **Providing E...
When life gets complicated, sometimes it helps to be seen, heard, and understood in a safe and non-judgmental space. **Providing EMDR in-person only**
Beth Phillips is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Georgia. She works closely with adults between the ages of 21 and 70 who are struggling to function to the fullest potential in their daily life.
Beth holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Georgia in Athens (GO DAWGS!) and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology from Argosy University of Atlanta. Beth subscribes to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers, of which she is a member.
Beth’s clinical approach is intentionally eclectic, empathetic, and person-centered, valuing a highly connected client-therapist relationship. Her practice is informed significantly by CBT, DBT, and a diverse mix of other theoretical approaches, however, remains based in mindfulness and maintains the flexibility required to best meet your needs.
Beth provides therapeutic services to individuals viewing life through many different lenses and will meet you where you are, working together to create and implement a plan for a better life. Her greatest joy is celebrating with a client their victories, achieved goals, improved relationships, and finding hope where there once was darkness.
As one who has personally dealt with depression and grief, I have a intimate understanding of the struggles that come along with t...
As one who has personally dealt with depression and grief, I have a intimate understanding of the struggles that come along with these issues and ways in which to endure and even prosper through such difficult times.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of experience helping adults navigate challenges related to depression and anxiety. I understand that life can feel overwhelming, and at times, we all need support to move forward. My goal is to provide a compassionate, safe space where clients can feel heard, understood, and empowered to create lasting change.
I earned a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Georgia. I use a variety of evidence-based modalities, emphasizing cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients develop insight, build coping strategies, and strengthen resilience. I also offer Christian counseling upon request for those who prefer a faith-based approach to healing.
Over the years, I’ve learned that healing begins when clients feel genuinely supported by someone who listens and cares. I’m committed to helping you overcome anxiety and depression with practical tools and encouragement every step of the way. If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, I invite you to reach out today.
Guilt, shame, and trauma are burdens you shouldn’t have to bear alone....
Guilt, shame, and trauma are burdens you shouldn’t have to bear alone.
Alexes Davis is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LPC-A) who specializes in working with progressive adult women, ready to navigate the roadblocks that are preventing them from living with peace and pride. Alexes specializes in trauma, grief & loss, LGBTQIA+ issues, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and stress management.
Alexes completed her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling at the University of Georgia. As a trauma survivor and a licensed professional, Alexes is able to provide an educational and personal touch to the therapeutic experience. Alexes utilizes multiple treatment approaches including person-centered therapy (PCT), multicultural therapy (MCT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), internal family systems therapy (IFS), interpersonal processing (IP), motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed care.
Navigating life without treating the emotional wounds you’ve collected along the way robs you of the opportunity to thrive. Investing in the journey of processing and healing are the foundation for establishing healthier habits and happier life. With gentle curiosity and an openness to change, Alexes is confident that you can collaborate on a plan to reignite the joy in your life. If you’re ready to begin this journey, schedule an appointment with her today.
I offer genuine therapeutic interventions in order to get you to your goals. Don't just cope — heal, gain insight and live your be...
I offer genuine therapeutic interventions in order to get you to your goals. Don't just cope — heal, gain insight and live your best life.
Kathy Boyce is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 5 years of experience providing care to adult clients dealing with childhood trauma, narcissistic or unhealthy parenting, codependency, attachment issues, LGBTQIA concerns, religious trauma, and related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and sexual issues. Kathy helps clients recognize and heal from hidden emotional childhood neglect and narcissistic abuse, while also addressing the impact of dysfunctional childhood environments. Kathy is inclusive of all religious and non-religious backgrounds, kink-affirming, and welcomes clients of all sexual orientations.
Kathy utilizes a variety of therapeutic interventions, including internal family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other cognitive and trauma-focused models.
Compassionate yet challenging, Kathy will support you in going beyond mere coping to truly healing and overcoming barriers in your life. Together, you’ll recover from your past and create a better future. Don’t just cope – heal, gain insight, and live your best life with Kathy’s guidance.
I work hard to provide a safe, affirming, and honest space for all because I understand the importance of being heard, being seen,...
I work hard to provide a safe, affirming, and honest space for all because I understand the importance of being heard, being seen, and feeling connected.
Dr. Jan Miller is a Licensed Psychologist with 18+ years of experience in the mental health field. Jan is trained as a generalist and works with clients who have depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-worth, relational concerns, and substance use issues. She specializes in eating disorders. Jan is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and she utilizes Health at Every Size (HAES) and body neutrality in her clinical work. Jan's clinical approach is evidence-based and grounded in the therapeutic relationship. She works hard to provide a safe, affirming, and honest space for clients to feel heard, seen, and connected.
Jan completed her Ph.D. at West Virginia University, but previously worked to serve clients in the mental health field with her Master of Psychology. Her focus on building relationships with clients allows her to work successfully with a range of clients. Jan tailors her clinical approach to what the client needs, using evidence-based, ethical practices.
Jan understands that it can be hard to ask for help. She wants you to know she will make this 1st step as painless as possible for you! She will create a nonjudgmental space for you to address your needs and help you generate ideas to better your life. If you're ready to embark on this journey, schedule an appointment to see where she can help you go.
*THIS CLINICIAN DOES NOT CONDUCT PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING AND EVALUATIONS
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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I enjoy teaching practical tools to help clients manage intense emotions and make positive changes to their lives; my go-to approach for clients in dialectical behavior therapy is psychoeducation. Working closely with clients, I gather a robust understanding of their problems and symptoms and together, we develop an individualized DBT toolbox to help reduce or eliminate their symptoms.
My go-to approaches for helping people in dialectical behavior therapy are mindfulness skills and distress tolerance skills. I prefer DBT because there are only 4 pillars that are covered in DBT: distress tolerance, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation.
I've trained and educated clients navigating substance use, severe depression, and suicidal ideation on the four core modules of DBT: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Facilitating groups as large as 40 individuals, I've taught DBT techniques, which include:
I teach the following tools in DBT: distress tolerance skills, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation skills.
Emotional regulation, the development of an emotionally safe environment, the establishment and enforcement of boundaries, as well as a strong sense of self are key indicators I see when clients understand and are applying the DBT skills we discuss and teach. The client is more aligned with their core values with more peace.
I know a client is making meaningful progress in DBT when they come to their session and tell me that they had an episode and did not lose their emotions over it.
Outside of individual therapy, I provide clients with homework assignments to help them continue utilizing the skills discussed and taught in sessions.
Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy by using the coping skills they are learning in the sessions.
To prepare for their first dialectical behavior therapy session, an individual can journal regarding their apprehension about vulnerability, therapy, or trust. As a clinician, I want to work with the client so they become familiar with labeling and expressing their emotions.
To prepare for their first dialectical behavior therapy session, an individual can research what DBT is and how it can benefit them.
At Thriveworks, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) primarily concentrates on assisting individuals in emotion regulation, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and acquiring effective coping strategies for managing stress and emotional difficulties.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) targets your personal challenges. You may work with your DBT therapist to maintain diary cards to monitor progress, emphasizing validation and support in the therapeutic relationship. DBT follows a stage-based approach, prioritizing crisis reduction initially and life satisfaction.
DBT was initially developed to address the needs of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, its versatile approach has enabled its application to a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, and anger issues.
The 4 pillars of DBT are mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have distinct purposes and aren’t inherently superior or inferior to one another. DBT is most effective for managing emotional regulation, personality disorders, and interpersonal challenges, while EMDR is specifically tailored for individuals with trauma-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with therapists at Thriveworks in Athens, GA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The duration of a standard DBT program is typically around 24 weeks, which is roughly six months. The actual number of sessions will vary depending on the issues you wish to address.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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