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5 therapists available in Kennesaw
Having navigated my own struggles with mental health and trauma, I’ve come to understand healing not as a destination, but as a pe...
About
Having navigated my own struggles with mental health and trauma, I’ve come to understand healing not as a destination, but as a personal and nonlinear journey that can inspire us to be closer to the self we chose to be.
I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) with 4 years of experience supporting individuals through a wide range of life challenges. I work with adolescents, teenagers, adults, and seniors navigating anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, trauma, life transitions, self-harm behaviors, and dual diagnoses. I strive to help clients better understand where they are in their current chapter of life while building skills to move forward with clarity and confidence. I also integrate my perspective as both a clinician and someone who understands the vulnerability of being a client, creating a supportive, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment.
I earned my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Antioch University. My approach is client-centered and evidence-based, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused interventions, and person-centered therapy. You do not need to have everything figured out to begin therapy. What matters most is your willingness to show up as you are. I will meet you with calm, steady support and walk alongside you as you explore your thoughts and emotions. When you are ready, I invite you to schedule a session so we can begin this work together with care and intention.
Education and training
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With over 20 years of experience, I have realized that life situations happen when you least expect it....
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.
"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!
As a seasoned clinician, I take an empathetic and collaborative approach in supporting and empowering individuals to overcome shor...
As a seasoned clinician, I take an empathetic and collaborative approach in supporting and empowering individuals to overcome short- and long-term challenges. I understand the struggles and the rewards.
Dr. Hammond is a post-graduate resident therapist who specializes in building trusting relationships. Lesley works jointly with her clients to create workable and attainable goals in support of each individual’s needs. Dr. Hammond’s undergraduate studies in Psychology were completed at Kennesaw State University. Lesley received her Master of Arts from Argosy University Atlanta and continued to complete her counseling doctoral program at Argosy as well.
Dr. Hammond’s therapeutic foundation is based on providing a safe place for clients to express, explore, and better understand their vulnerabilities and strengths. Lesley utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Person-Centered and Strength-Based interventions. “I have found that when individuals are supported through these theoretical interventions, they have the ability to better understand and develop coping skills to overcome their unhelpful thoughts and behaviors," she says.
While completing Lesley’s doctoral internship, she spent several months working within the Smyrna, GA, Ridgeview Institute’s detoxification program. One of the most valuable lessons Dr. Hammond learned was “everyone in the program had a story” and “whether that story was shared in individual counseling sessions, or in a group session, feeling safe enough to express how one thinks and feels is healing in itself.” No matter what the challenge, please reach out to Lesley to explore the therapeutic possibilities in creating mindful and meaningful changes.
I aim to meet you where you are in your life’s journey and offer you discover new tools and strategies to help you reach your goal...
I aim to meet you where you are in your life’s journey and offer you discover new tools and strategies to help you reach your goals.
Elizabeth Mooney is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Georgia with a passion for working with motivated children, adolescents, couples, families, and individuals. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, grief, bereavement, trauma, couples and relationship issues, and behavioral issues.
Elizabeth received her Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art with a Minor in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia. Elizabeth has also earned a Master's degree in Marriage and Family therapy from Valdosta State University. Elizabeth works primarily from a systemic lens using interventions from solutions-focused, collaborative, emotionally-focused, and narrative therapies.
Elizabeth collaborates with each of her clients to help them feel empowered, supported, and encouraged throughout the therapeutic process by seeking to understand their unique perspectives, experiences, and needs. Elizabeth has an energetic and creative approach to therapy which provides an environment where clients feel welcomed, supported, and understood. By utilizing her creativity, Elizabeth collaborates with her clients to customize a plan for treatment to explore and pursue lasting change.
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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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