Our Counselors

April Stallworth, LPC

Philosophy of Care

It is important for people to feel heard and have the opportunity to process and work through internal struggles that impact their day to day lives. Having a healthy & safe place to release the expression of one's needs, hopes, desires and goals, is crucial to maintaining and nurturing mental wellness. As a therapist Dr. Stallworth’s goal is to provide a safe & caring environment for each person to explore & express themselves, as they move towards achieving their goals.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia, she has over 15 years’ experience partnering with individuals, couples, families & children, seeking help with a broad range of Behavioral Health issues. She utilizes an eclectic mix of therapeutic approaches that include Psychoanalysis and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, to best meet the needs of each, unique client. Dr. Stallworth believes that each milestone must belong to the individual and that a strength based, collaborative, flexible and mutually respectful approach is the best way to build a solid therapeutic relationship.

Dr. Stallworth seeks to help you move towards meeting your mental wellness goals and living the meaningful life you value and desire.

Education

Bowie State University
Doctorate in Counseling Psychology

Specialties

• Trauma
• Anxiety
• Stress management
• Self-esteem/image
• Phase of Life/Life transitions
• Anger management
• Women’s issues
• Relationship issues
• Grief & Loss
• Family Issues
• Life Coaching
• Marital issues
• Teens/Young Adults/Professionals

Aunteryo Malcom, LPC

Philosophy of Care 

Aunteryo Malcom is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia who has 5 years experience supporting adults, teens, couples, and families facing depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, mood difficulties, family conflict, and relationship issues. He was awarded his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Albany State University and received his Master of Education in Counselor Education from Georgia Southern University.

Aunteryo utilizes an Integrative approach within the therapeutic relationship as the foundation of recovery begins with a person-centered approach. As the relationship commences, the integration of a strengths based, cognitive behavioral, dialectical, solution oriented, and systems focus provides the opportunity for individuals, couples, and families to meet their needs with unique and flexible approaches.

Aunteryo emphasizes building a collaborative and caring relationship which will assist in reaching goals and attaining the very lifestyle in which you are seeking.

Education

Georgia Southern University
Master of Education

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress Management
• Bipolar Disorder
• Mood Disorders
• Anger Management
• Personality Disorders
• Adjustment Disorders
• Relationship Issues
• Family Conflict
• Parenting
• Behavioral Issues
• ADHD
• Men’s Issues

Tressa Stiles, Psy.D.

Philosophy of Care

Dr. Tressa Stiles is a licensed psychologist in the state of Georgia. She is a generalist practitioner with specialty training treating severe and persistent mental illness. She obtains great satisfaction from helping clients overcome depression, anxiety, job stress, and intimate partner conflict. Having trained directly under renowned psychologist Dr. Lenore Walker, who coined the term Battered Women Syndrome, Dr. Stiles has developed a deep passion for treating survivors of Intimate Partner Violence. She has assisted with research, delivered trainings, and facilitated groups in this sensitive area of practice.

To assist her clients in thriving, Dr. Stiles pulls from various treatment modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Her solution-focused approach has helped clients gain control of their emotions and their lives. Her clients view her as competent, nonjudgmental, & real.

If you are an individual or couple seeking guidance on improving your quality of life, Dr. Stiles looks forward to joining you on this journey. Her objective is to aid in identifying and changing maladaptive patterns, teaching strategies to regulate emotions and improve communication, in addition to helping you set and achieve your goals.

Education

Nova Southeastern University
Doctor of Psychology

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Life Transitions
• Young Adult Issues
• Assertiveness Training/Boundary Setting
• Intimate Partner Violence
• Trauma
• Couples Counseling
• Stress Management
• Mindfulness

Chandrika Derricho, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Chandrika Derricho is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Georgia who has over 7 years experience working with individuals, families, and couples. Her specialties are trauma and abuse, family issues, and relationship issues. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Georgia State University and received her Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia.

Chandrika works from a strengths-based perspective to empower you to use those innate strengths to improve your overall health. She is dedicated to helping you become the best version of you. Chandrika strongly believes that your environment and relationships play an integral role in your life and mental health.

Therapy is a process that is different for each person and Chandrika will collaborate with you through the entire process to ensure that you meet your goals and enrich your quality of life.

Education

University of Georgia
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Relationship Issues
• Stress Management
• Self Esteem
• Grief and Loss
• Family Issues

Dorothy Smith, LPC

Dorothy Smith earned a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University in 2010 and has 10 years counseling experience. Prior to joining Thriveworks, she worked at the University of North Georgia with Student Counseling. She has experience working in university settings, private practice, substance abuse treatment centers, both inpatient and outpatient, and community mental health. Her counseling approach includes, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused and mindfulness. Dorothy offers evidenced based treatment services to help with depression, anxiety struggles, substance disorders, addiction, relationship concerns, career concerns, and general life stresses.

Dorothy believes learning and change take place in relationships that are forward looking, genuine, safe, and trusting. She is committed to helping people improve their emotional well-being. In addition to listening to clients' concerns, she educates them on techniques they can utilize to solve problems, manage stress, adjust to life changes, and improve relationships.

Dorothy is also a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS) and a member of the Licensed Professional Counseling Association of Georgia.

Specialties:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Substance Use Disorders
• Self-Esteem
• Life Transitions
• Grief/Loss
• Codependency

Populations served:

• Individuals
• Professionals
• Adults