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Discover how starting dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
4 therapists available in Kennesaw
With over 20 years of experience, I have realized that life situations happen when you least expect it....
About
With over 20 years of experience, I have realized that life situations happen when you least expect it.
Leslie Middleton Walters, EdD, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 26 years of experience in the mental health field. In times of death, divorce, financial issues, family relational problems, or any issue that brings about episodes of emotional unrest, Leslie believes that it is always best to reach out to someone that can assist with de-escalating fears and re-establishing hope, and provide encouragement to persevere during the dark times. Her primary goal is to help others face their challenges, fears, and become the person that they want to be through the development of lifelong coping skills, in an environment that is accepting and open to individualized thoughts and ideas.
Leslie completed both her Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling and her Master of Science (MS) in Guidance and Counseling at Fort Valley State University. She went on to complete her Doctor of Education (EdD) in Counseling Psychology at Argosy University. Through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and other evidenced-based practices, Leslie assists those seeking a brand-new start to let go and accept their past so that they can invest in their future. While her degrees have provided her with the education to engage in expert counseling strategies, it has been Leslie's hands-on experience in helping others that has given her the emotional tools to help those take that first step to a new beginning.
It is because of these experiences, that my counseling practices are built upon a foundation of faith, hope, trust, perseverance, and the understanding that helping others is one of the greatest privileges of my life.
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I have over 20 years of experience working with many different issues, and I am always easy to talk to....
I have over 20 years of experience working with many different issues, and I am always easy to talk to.
Betsy Leamy is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of experience helping others to face their challenges, which may include, depression, anxiety, depression, addictions, abuse, trauma, PTSD, anger issues, chronic stress or illness, family conflict, women's issues, and more.
Betsy earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Georgia State University where she also earned her Master’s degree in Community Counseling. Betsy utilizes an eclectic group of therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy (PCT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based methods, and more.
Betsy knows from experience, both personally and professionally, that people can make miraculous changes in their lives. She looks forward to working with you and hopes to hear from you soon. Reach out to schedule your first session today.
"To walk a mile begins with a single step" As a therapist and an individual who has experienced trauma, loss and emotional pain, I...
"To walk a mile begins with a single step" As a therapist and an individual who has experienced trauma, loss and emotional pain, I have an authentic understanding of how life stressors can impact one's life and how such trials can be used to build and empower our future endeavors.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I work with clients who have experienced depression, both childhood and adult trauma, codependency issues, anxiety, grief/loss, stress, life transitions, and PTSD. I also work with individuals suffering from grief, divorce, and issues pertaining to aging. I offer counseling to teens, adults, and families through a down-to-earth counseling approach.
Together, we'll create a schedule that works for you-whether it's weekly or bi-weekly, in person or online. I'll regularly check in to ensure you're satisfied with your progress, and I'm always open to feedback to adjust your treatment as needed.
My core beliefs are grounded in unconditional positive regard for all. My passion is to help others reach their full potential of emotional peace. If you are ready to begin your journey, feel free to call and make an appointment. I am here and ready to listen!
I’m really glad you’re here! Reaching out takes courage, and I’m here to offer a safe space where you can explore your thoughts an...
I’m really glad you’re here! Reaching out takes courage, and I’m here to offer a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings and where you’ll be met with empathy, honesty, and support wherever you are on your journey.
Darice Dodd is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s complexities. She specializes in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, and life transitions. Darice works with diverse populations and provides a compassionate, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their emotions, overcome challenges, and pursue meaningful personal growth.
Darice holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Georgia State University. Her approach is eclectic and strength-based, integrating various therapeutic modalities, including internal family systems and play therapy, to create personalized, effective treatment plans that support clients in navigating challenges and fostering resilience.
Embarking on a therapeutic journey is a courageous step, and Darice is committed to walking alongside clients in their journey. She provides a safe space for self-exploration, healing, and empowerment, tailoring care to each client’s needs. If you’re ready to begin, she welcomes you to take the next step toward healing and self-discovery.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Shantel: For me, helping people in dialectical behavior therapy includes creating space for a client to manage overwhelming emotions by unlocking their own inner ability to handle distress effectively and mindfully.
Betsy : I use DBT because it encourages mindfulness for its calming effect.
Shantel: Tools that I use from dialectical behavior therapy include distress tolerance skills (radical acceptance, healthy distraction, self-soothing, visualization, etc.), mindfulness (grounding, meditation, and mind-body connection), emotion regulation skills (awareness, management, and improvement), and interpersonal effectiveness (teaching interpersonal skills to strengthen relationships).
Betsy : Generally, I prefer to use mindfulness techniques.
Shantel: Meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy looks like consistency and commitment to daily practices like self-reflection, mindfulness, affirming, and relaxation for emotional health.
Betsy : I can tell my client is making progress when my client is noticeably more at peace, calmer, and more present.
Shantel: Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy through safe place visualization, meditation, deep breathing exercises, being aware of emotions, and using committed action.
Betsy : Clients can supplement their time in DBT/mindfulness through meditation at home, journaling, writing about gratitude, and challenging negative thoughts.
Shantel: To prepare for their first dialectical behavior therapy session, an individual can identify what they want to focus on, gather questions, and come prepared to be open and honest.
Betsy : To prepare for their first DBT session, an individual can have the process of DBT explained to 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 Kennesaw, 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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