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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 a teen in therapy is first to establish a rapport with the individual I will be meeting with. For trust to be established and maintained, I will review the terms of confidentiality with all members of the family, especially as it pertains to safety but also emphasizing the rights of the teen involved in therapy. I will ensure that parents/guardians are comfortable with me meeting with their child and encourage family involvement to help enforce lessons, systems, and changes their teen and I may discuss. I like to use collaborative therapy strategies to help the teen feel like the expert in their lives as well as use relationship cycles to understand problem cycles and to better comprehend what changes can be beneficial to make. In my experience, behaviors appear to be driven by a need, so understanding what those needs may be and working as a family unit together has been the most effective in my practice.
The tools I teach in therapy with a teen vary depending on the age and presenting problem of the adolescent. Emotional regulation skills, communication skills, and relationship cycle work are examples of tools that may be discussed and taught in sessions.
I know a client is making meaningful progress in therapy with a teen when the client and their family each report improvement in relationship dynamics or a decrease in unwanted behaviors or behavioral cycles.
Clients can supplement their time in therapy by enforcing skills and tools reviewed in therapy to help encourage and promote desired changes. I find that tools can be helpful for the parents/grown-ups as well to help them self-regulate and model preferred responses from their child(ren).
To prepare for their first therapy session, a family can create a plan for therapy. Helping a child feel heard and like their feelings are important, even about attending therapy, is important. When a person feels “forced” to do something, it can definitely impact the effectiveness of therapy.
Teen counseling helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst teens include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and problematic relationships with food.
Teen counseling works by using multiple techniques, tailored to fit the teen’s unique needs — based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks teen therapists in Kennesaw have the expertise and experience to help young individuals at their level.
Signs that teens might need Teen counseling can be very subjective, as they are experiencing many changes and can have intense reactions to them. As parents, you know your child best and are best equipped to judge whether certain reactions are standard behaviors for your teen or whether they might be hinting at a larger problem. Even so, there are a few common signs and events that often point to a need for therapy, such as experiencing divorce or loss, grief, consistent low moods, teens distancing themselves and becoming isolated, losing interest in hobbies, excessive anger or irritability, substance use issues, and suicidal ideation, among others.
Teen counseling providers at Thriveworks in Kennesaw, GA offer both in person and online therapy by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of teen counseling depends on your teen’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, teen counseling sessions will last for several months.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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