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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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My go-to approach for helping people with PTSD/trauma is to use a combination of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and narrative therapy. TF-CBT allows me to understand how significant life events may influence the current response to stressors and triggers in a person's life, while narrative therapy helps me focus on a client's preferred narrative. Using these as approaches to guide the therapeutic journey, I have found that clients begin developing practices as well as thought/behavioral responses that promote their preferred narrative while acknowledging the impact of past trauma.
Various tools that may be developed in trauma therapy include:
I know a client is making meaningful progress in therapy for trauma when they note a decrease in the frequency and intensity of physical and cognitive responses to stressors. Similarly, when a client can identify ways in which they have changed their responses to stressors that promote their preferred narrative, progress is evident.
Clients can supplement their time in trauma therapy with books and workbooks recommended by their therapist, as well as surrounding themselves with individuals who help them feel validated and supported in the work they are doing.
To prepare for your first session, know that your therapist is interested in hearing your story without judgment. Secondly, search for a therapist who has experience working with trauma and can provide recommendations in therapy to help you achieve your desired changes.
At Thriveworks, Trauma/PTSD therapy involves dedicated efforts to address and navigate through past and/or recent traumatic events. Therapists specializing in trauma create a secure environment to process and heal from these experiences, aiming to reduce trauma-related symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.
Our Thriveworks providers use Trauma/PTSD therapy treatments like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing EMDR, CBT, and exposure therapy with the goal of helping clients process the traumatic events they have experienced so that they can to start feeling safe and secure again.
The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can vary but often include:
The best way to overcome PTSD triggers is to seek the assistance of a professional therapist, such as those at Thriveworks, who can help you to understand and treat your PTSD triggers.
In most cases, a therapist who specializes in Trauma/PTSD therapy is the best type of mental health professional to address the symptoms of PTSD.
PTSD/trauma therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
If a client is working through a single traumatic event that occurred as an adult, trauma or PTSD therapy may only take a few months, but in general, it can take a year or more to effectively treat trauma symptoms and PTSD. The duration of treatment is highly dependent on the client and the severity of their symptoms.
The success rate of therapy for PTSD depends entirely on the individual’s symptoms, commitment to attending sessions, and personal abilities.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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