Discover how starting child/teen therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
7 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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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.
I like to work with people and provide them unique opportunities to grow as they journey through life....
I like to work with people and provide them unique opportunities to grow as they journey through life.
David Koepnick is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience. He specializes in working with preteens, adolescents, and adults who struggle with ADHD, anger management, anxiety, behavior problems, depression, learning disorders, relationship issues, spirituality and faith-based issues, substance abuse, technology/gaming addiction, and trauma. David also has experience working with couples and families and in community-based counseling and assessment.
David has a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University. He uses approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, Logotherapy, person-centered therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, conjoint family therapy structured family therapy, and mindfulness-based methods.
David is passionate about helping clients meet their full potential by identifying unique strengths, addressing irrational thinking, and increasing personal effectiveness and communication. Therapy can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. If you are ready to begin yours, David wants to help you get started.
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.
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.
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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My go-to approach for helping people in teen counseling is person-centered. I enjoy the benefit of seeing a teenager come into the therapy room for the first time mad, irritated, and quiet and seeing them open up by the end of therapy when they have met their therapy goals.
I teach about the following in teen counseling: self-esteem, anger management, depression, and anxiety.
I know a client is making meaningful progress when they come into the office and share personal information about their lives. They become more comfortable with me and are able to share more.
Clients can supplement their time in teen counseling by utilizing the tools given in sessions. A lot of the time, teens do not want to use the tools they are given.
To prepare for their first teen counseling session, a teen can come up with their own personal goals that they would like to work on in sessions. Also, the parents/guardians can begin talking to the teen prior to the first session about why the adult feels like the teen may need therapy.
Thriveworks child & teen counseling in Athens helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst kids include behavioral issues, trauma, bullying, depression, and anxiety. All ages of children and adolescents can attend and benefit from therapy.
Child & teen counseling works by using multiple techniques, tailored to fit the child or teen’s needs based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve play therapy for younger kids or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectic behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, child & teen counselors have the expertise and experience to help young individuals at their level.
Child & teen counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of child & teen counseling at Thriveworks in Athens, GA depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child & teen counseling sessions will last for several months.
Athens child counselors know that a child’s personality is multifaceted. We can’t view a child by the sum of their weaknesses, just as we can’t view them by the sum of their strengths. He or she is a whole person who uses both their strengths and weaknesses to govern how they act, behave, reason and react. Athens child counselors also know that when a child develops a mental health disorder sometimes the focus is erroneously narrowed down to those behaviors that are less favorable and the child can become defined by their disorder. This does a great disservice to the child, especially when it’s very common for children to experience symptoms of a mental health disorder.
Thriveworks Athens keeps the knowledge, expertise, and compassion at the forefront. If you think your child could benefit from working with a therapist, reach out to us today. We offer evening and weekend sessions, and accept most major insurances.
The five most common mental health diagnoses for children are:
Because the diagnosis of a mental health disorder can be quite prevalent in youth, changing the stigma and viewing it with a positive outlook is beneficial for everyone. If parents, siblings, teachers, and friends work together to encourage the strengths and work with the difficult behaviors, it will foster a positive development and greater sense of acceptance. Your child can focus on learning all the tools necessary to improve the behavior that causes them stress instead of worrying about the label that has been attached to them.
Athens child counseling is people focused, not diagnosis focused, and we recognize that your child is much more than a disorder definition. We remove the stigma surrounding mental health, and instead focus on the positives of taking charge of your child’s mental health from a young age. When a child is introduced to the idea of taking care of his or her mind just as well as they take care of the rest of their body, we take away the stigma and show your child just how important their mental well-being is.
Call today to find out how one of our trained child counselors can help you be an advocate for your child’s positive mental health.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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