WE’RE HIRING!
Come join our team of 2000+ clinicians
FEATURED ARTICLE
A comprehensive guide to starting therapy
Check my copay estimate
Sessions cost $24 on average with insurance
Book my first session
96% of clients feel supported and understood by their therapist
Get expert medication support, tailored to you
Discover how starting anxiety therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
6 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
View more therapists in Kennesaw
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 biracial person, I have always felt drawn to understanding the construct of identity and the social, historical, and experien...
As a biracial person, I have always felt drawn to understanding the construct of identity and the social, historical, and experiential factors that make us who we are.
Rebekah Duffner is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 2 years of experience helping individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, identity issues, relationship conflict, and life transitions. Her ideal client is willing to engage in self-exploration and is open to pursuing a balance between change and acceptance that is right for them. Rebekah takes a collaborative approach to identify the origins of outdated behavioral patterns and to build healthier thought processes and coping mechanisms reflecting her client's current needs and goals.
Rebekah received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University. Her practice draws from person-centered, psychoanalytic, and feminist modalities that encourage insight while supporting a positive self-concept.
Rebekah's therapeutic style is characterized by authenticity, genuine curiosity, deep empathy, and advocacy for her clients. Her practice is dedicated to mutual trust and respect, providing a space where clients are safe to come as they are. If this sounds like something right for you, schedule an appointment today!
I aim to empower individuals who wish to overcome personal obstacles; now is the time to put your mental health first....
I aim to empower individuals who wish to overcome personal obstacles; now is the time to put your mental health first.
Shantel Miller is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in anxiety, life changes/transitions, substance use, anger, and mood changes. Shantel is a highly motivated, conscientious individual who is passionate about client care and developing a therapeutic rapport.
Shantel obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Valdosta State University in 2012 and then went on to graduate with her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling in 2018. With guidance, her clients develop their treatment goals in accordance with their own life goals, interests, and life aspirations.
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.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
Not ready to book? Contact me
Look for a confirmation email in your inbox shortly. We'll help find you a provider and guide you through everything you should know about starting care at Thriveworks.
No membership fees or subscriptions
Evening and weekend sessions
Award-winning therapy & psychiatry
What support are you seeking?
You acknowledge that by submitting this form, you are providing what may be considered “sensitive data” and consent to Thriveworks Privacy Policy & Terms. By submitting this information, you consent to receive communication from Thriveworks about our services via automatic calls, artificial or pre-recorded messages, or texts at the phone number provided, or by email at the address provided. You have the option to opt out of communications.
We will contact you with availability updates based on the preferences you provided for up to six months.
My go to approach for treating anxiety is to provide education to the client to help them understand both cognitive and physical responses to anxiety. I also focus on equipping clients with a variety of coping skills to respond to both physiological and cognitive responses to anxiety to help empower the client when managing their anxiety symptoms.
I teach the following tools in anxiety therapy:
I know a client is making meaningful progress in anxiety therapy when they self-report that the intensity and frequency of anxiety and anxiety symptoms decreases. Other changes that indicate progress include the client's request for less frequent sessions, as well as consistent use of coping and self-soothing strategies.
Clients can supplement their time in anxiety therapy by including supportive individuals in their efforts to develop and use strategies discussed in therapy. Clients can also discuss additional resources (worksheets, books, journals, etc.) to help track or supplement their efforts in managing anxiety.
To prepare for your first therapy session, you can complete any intake materials your therapist may send to assess the current impact anxiety may be having on your daily life. I would also encourage clients to be mindful that anxiety is a human emotion so managing expectations for therapy can be helpful. For example, a therapist/therapy will not be able to “stop anxiety” from occurring. I believe managing expectations can be a helpful first step before beginning treatment.
Anxiety therapy helps people better understand and manage their anxiety. Anxiety therapists at Thriveworks in Kennesaw, GA can develop a treatment plan that will help you better manage your day-to-day anxiety or your anxiety disorder.
Anxiety therapy involves talking to a therapist about symptoms, potential causes, and more. Thriveworks Kennesaw therapists will then work with you to determine where your anxiety might stem from and teach you effective coping mechanisms.
One of the best ways to deal with anxiety is to learn about your own anxiety: your symptoms, what triggers it, and what coping mechanisms have been effective in the past. When you learn what your anxiety is tied to, it can help you be mindful of what’s really happening as well as prevent and mitigate symptoms by processing and working through the issue in therapy. Other strategies that have been shown to help manage anxiety are meditation, challenging anxious thoughts, exercising, and journaling.
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be incredibly effective in treating anxiety and anxiety disorders. Other effective techniques include exposure therapy, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and EMDR therapy.
Anxiety therapy is conducted both in person and online, depending on the individual’s preferences and their therapist’s availability. We suggest choosing the option that best suits your needs.
On average, people can tend to attend 15 to 20 session of anxiety therapy (five or more months). However, this number is heavily dependent on the type of anxiety that’s being treated and its severity, with many choosing to attend anxiety therapy for a longer period of time to ensure its effectiveness long-term.
Yes, it is worth going to therapy for anxiety. If you are struggling with regular anxious thoughts and feelings that are affecting your day-to-day life or you suspect that you have an anxiety disorder, you should seek expert anxiety help.
Are you looking for Cobb counseling for anxiety? Call Thriveworks Kennesaw at (770) 224-7408 to set up an appointment with one of our anxiety therapists.
We’re ready to get started when you are to fulfill your mental health needs.
Anxiety therapy varies on a case by case basis. Why? Because anxiety can vary, too! As we mentioned earlier, there are multiple anxiety disorders, each with unique symptoms, potential causes, and effects. We detailed GAD above; here are a couple other anxiety disorders:
Your treatment will be tailored to your specific anxiety disorder and your unique presentation of symptoms. For example, if you have OCD, your treatment needs to be different from someone who has GAD. The length of treatment can also vary from person to person, though for most, anxiety therapy is relatively short-term! To be more specific, the American Psychological Association (APA) reports that many people see significant improvement around the 8th or 10th therapy session.
If you’re ready to partner up with an anxiety therapist or psychologist at Thriveworks Kennesaw, give us a call right now at (770) 224-7408.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Shown in ET
21 photos
Call us to book
Our team is happy to help you schedule your first session.
Book online
Find the right provider for you. Book your session online yourself in just a few easy steps.