Buddhist Therapists in Athens, GA
Charlie Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Provider
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a fully licensed clinician specializing in trauma, substance use spectrum disorders (addiction), and psychedelic therapy. I completed a 1-yr certification in psychedelic assisted psychotherapy and have been working with Ketamine since 2019. My clients vary a good deal in their diagnoses, but under the label of depression, anxiety, etc., they're actually suffering from mental injury or trauma. They're stuck, confused, and unhappy. I'm called to demystify your experience and help you heal the narratives and associated behaviors that make you miserable. My greatest joy is being a part of you rediscovering yours.
I am a fully licensed clinician specializing in trauma, substance use spectrum disorders (addiction), and psychedelic therapy. I completed a 1-yr certification in psychedelic assisted psychotherapy and have been working with Ketamine since 2019. My clients vary a good deal in their diagnoses, but under the label of depression, anxiety, etc., they're actually suffering from mental injury or trauma. They're stuck, confused, and unhappy. I'm called to demystify your experience and help you heal the narratives and associated behaviors that make you miserable. My greatest joy is being a part of you rediscovering yours.
Life can feel overwhelming. You need not go it alone. Quality therapy with a seasoned, licensed therapist can be a great resource for support. You need a therapist who is a good fit for you. My 25 years of experience providing counseling people of all ages has enabled me to utilize many tools and resources to help you experience relief, growth, and hope for better days ahead. I do believe that my warm manner and authentic presence will help you feel safe and welcome in our time together.
Life can feel overwhelming. You need not go it alone. Quality therapy with a seasoned, licensed therapist can be a great resource for support. You need a therapist who is a good fit for you. My 25 years of experience providing counseling people of all ages has enabled me to utilize many tools and resources to help you experience relief, growth, and hope for better days ahead. I do believe that my warm manner and authentic presence will help you feel safe and welcome in our time together.
Accepting new clients. Are you feeling out of balance, disconnected, or finding it hard to experience joy? You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our group of skilled, compassionate therapists brings deep training and experience to support concerns like anxiety, relationship stress, depression, loneliness, ADHD, trauma, and grief. We help adults build emotional well-being and healthier relationships through individual, couples, and group therapy. Our holistic, client-centered approach honors the whole person. We offer telehealth across Georgia and in-person sessions at three locations.
Accepting new clients. Are you feeling out of balance, disconnected, or finding it hard to experience joy? You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our group of skilled, compassionate therapists brings deep training and experience to support concerns like anxiety, relationship stress, depression, loneliness, ADHD, trauma, and grief. We help adults build emotional well-being and healthier relationships through individual, couples, and group therapy. Our holistic, client-centered approach honors the whole person. We offer telehealth across Georgia and in-person sessions at three locations.
Hello! If you have experienced events in your life that were traumatizing or harmful. If you are Queer, neurodivergent, a person of the Global Majority, Indigenous, Black, an immigrant, the child of immigrants or refugees, or from another marginalized community. If you are in monogamous, polyamorous, open, ENM, or extra-marital relationships. Divorcing or divorced. If you practice or want to explore kink or BDSM. If you are discovering your sexuality, gender fluidity, Indigenous spiritual practices or self. If your work left emotional, physical, or psychological scars...
Hello! If you have experienced events in your life that were traumatizing or harmful. If you are Queer, neurodivergent, a person of the Global Majority, Indigenous, Black, an immigrant, the child of immigrants or refugees, or from another marginalized community. If you are in monogamous, polyamorous, open, ENM, or extra-marital relationships. Divorcing or divorced. If you practice or want to explore kink or BDSM. If you are discovering your sexuality, gender fluidity, Indigenous spiritual practices or self. If your work left emotional, physical, or psychological scars...
You want to be whole, not perfect. You want to be able to feel and express your emotions without being overwhelmed or repressed. But most of all you want to feel at home in the world and in your body. Unique in your experience and talents but inextricably connected to others and the vitality of life.
You want to be whole, not perfect. You want to be able to feel and express your emotions without being overwhelmed or repressed. But most of all you want to feel at home in the world and in your body. Unique in your experience and talents but inextricably connected to others and the vitality of life.
As you navigate the complex challenges of life, you may come to a place where you feel stuck or wonder how to proceed through a difficult time. Perhaps you are grieving a loss or burdened by the lingering effects of a traumatic experience. You might be feeling confused, exhausted, alone, unbalanced, or disconnected. Maybe you are looking for support, connection, and guidance in constructing a roadmap forward. This is where I can be of help. I specialize in working with adults who are experiencing anxiety and stress-related disorders; I have a particular interest in serving survivors of childhood abuse/neglect and sexual violence.
As you navigate the complex challenges of life, you may come to a place where you feel stuck or wonder how to proceed through a difficult time. Perhaps you are grieving a loss or burdened by the lingering effects of a traumatic experience. You might be feeling confused, exhausted, alone, unbalanced, or disconnected. Maybe you are looking for support, connection, and guidance in constructing a roadmap forward. This is where I can be of help. I specialize in working with adults who are experiencing anxiety and stress-related disorders; I have a particular interest in serving survivors of childhood abuse/neglect and sexual violence.
More Therapists Nearby
On our journey of life, sometimes we reach a point where it seems as if, we have hit the end of the road. Thoughts like, "I feel stuck", “Life is so meaningless” or “Will my relationships ever improve?”, can leave us feeling overwhelmed and drained. A deep sense of sadness, anger and frustration can get in way of our everyday functioning. Therapy can assist you through such difficult times, as well as help you overcome every day obstacles. Together we can work towards building healthy relationships and positive well-being. Through our collaboration you will learn to access and engage your inner strengths to combat these struggles.
On our journey of life, sometimes we reach a point where it seems as if, we have hit the end of the road. Thoughts like, "I feel stuck", “Life is so meaningless” or “Will my relationships ever improve?”, can leave us feeling overwhelmed and drained. A deep sense of sadness, anger and frustration can get in way of our everyday functioning. Therapy can assist you through such difficult times, as well as help you overcome every day obstacles. Together we can work towards building healthy relationships and positive well-being. Through our collaboration you will learn to access and engage your inner strengths to combat these struggles.
I walk with those navigating late adolescence through adulthood, with particular focus on individuals who have experienced trauma, including survivors of interpersonal violence and victims of crime. My work is informed by attachment theory and neurobiology, helping clients understand how early experiences and existing nervous system patterns can shape emotional responses, relationships, and stress reactions.
My approach is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based framework that helps people heal through a lens of self-defined values and choice, which supports identity and self-worth.
I walk with those navigating late adolescence through adulthood, with particular focus on individuals who have experienced trauma, including survivors of interpersonal violence and victims of crime. My work is informed by attachment theory and neurobiology, helping clients understand how early experiences and existing nervous system patterns can shape emotional responses, relationships, and stress reactions.
My approach is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based framework that helps people heal through a lens of self-defined values and choice, which supports identity and self-worth.
My passion is helping individuals seeking meaningful change in their lives. If you’re ready to explore your relationships and personal history, overcome the obstacles and memories that have been holding you back, and develop skills to move forward, you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to meet you where you are and support you on your journey. I firmly believe that anyone who is open to self-exploration and learning has the potential to grow and achieve mental and emotional wellness.
My passion is helping individuals seeking meaningful change in their lives. If you’re ready to explore your relationships and personal history, overcome the obstacles and memories that have been holding you back, and develop skills to move forward, you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to meet you where you are and support you on your journey. I firmly believe that anyone who is open to self-exploration and learning has the potential to grow and achieve mental and emotional wellness.
Online Therapists
What's so great about having nightmares? It gives us access to material we need to process, with support, to truly get beyond past traumatic events. Women who are overreacting or having difficulties managing stress, whether they have PTSD or anxiety or depression symptoms, need specialized support. If you want to feel more empowered, more in control of your own destiny, I can help.
What's so great about having nightmares? It gives us access to material we need to process, with support, to truly get beyond past traumatic events. Women who are overreacting or having difficulties managing stress, whether they have PTSD or anxiety or depression symptoms, need specialized support. If you want to feel more empowered, more in control of your own destiny, I can help.
Are you the kind of human that desires to transform your life? Many of us have come to recognize that a legacy of intergenerational trauma has to have an expiration date. The weight of our history can sometimes feel unbearable and wholly unfair. And yet- here we are, in need of integrating our whole life; including those that came before us. Inevitably, this process is messy and each of us deserves a guide who, with time, can be trusted to walk along this unchartered path. I will bring my machete and even hold your hand with your consent.
Are you the kind of human that desires to transform your life? Many of us have come to recognize that a legacy of intergenerational trauma has to have an expiration date. The weight of our history can sometimes feel unbearable and wholly unfair. And yet- here we are, in need of integrating our whole life; including those that came before us. Inevitably, this process is messy and each of us deserves a guide who, with time, can be trusted to walk along this unchartered path. I will bring my machete and even hold your hand with your consent.
Many of my clients begin therapy feeling disconnected from their feelings and bodies, struggling to show up in their relationships how they'd like, and overwhelmed by life. Working together, you or your child can come to feel less overwhelmed, and more capable to engage with life in a way that feels healthy, intentional, and authentic. I help my clients to feel un-stuck from old cycles of anxiety and perfectionism, reactivity and disassociation, shame and impulsivity. Real relief and positive change don’t happen when we’re flooded. I'll help you to slow down with whatever you’re facing, so that you can feel more grounded and strong.
Many of my clients begin therapy feeling disconnected from their feelings and bodies, struggling to show up in their relationships how they'd like, and overwhelmed by life. Working together, you or your child can come to feel less overwhelmed, and more capable to engage with life in a way that feels healthy, intentional, and authentic. I help my clients to feel un-stuck from old cycles of anxiety and perfectionism, reactivity and disassociation, shame and impulsivity. Real relief and positive change don’t happen when we’re flooded. I'll help you to slow down with whatever you’re facing, so that you can feel more grounded and strong.
Your symptoms didn’t come out of nowhere—they developed in response to what you’ve lived through.
Adaptations. Chronic pain, chronic illness, grief, depression, exhaustion—after years of stress, loss, displacement, or having to be strong for too long.
Some of the people I work with are navigating an invisible weight of cultural rupture & survival.
Others live in bodies that hurt, are uncooperative & feel unfamiliar due to illness or trauma & systems that didn’t recognize their needs.
You may be told:
“Nothing is wrong” — yet the pain persists.
“Just manage stress” — without guidance.
“Try harder” — despite being depleted.
Your symptoms didn’t come out of nowhere—they developed in response to what you’ve lived through.
Adaptations. Chronic pain, chronic illness, grief, depression, exhaustion—after years of stress, loss, displacement, or having to be strong for too long.
Some of the people I work with are navigating an invisible weight of cultural rupture & survival.
Others live in bodies that hurt, are uncooperative & feel unfamiliar due to illness or trauma & systems that didn’t recognize their needs.
You may be told:
“Nothing is wrong” — yet the pain persists.
“Just manage stress” — without guidance.
“Try harder” — despite being depleted.
Do you ever feel stuck or uncertain, no matter how hard you try? Do you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure how to move forward? I can help.
Maybe you’re navigating anxiety, depression, or burnout, or trying to live authentically in a world that feels increasingly hostile. The weight of injustice, identity-based stress, and societal expectations can leave us disconnected. In our work, we'll explore the beliefs and patterns that keep you stuck and uncover your path to clarity, connection, and self-trust. Healing doesn’t mean quieting yourself, it means becoming more of you. And I’m here to walk that path with you.
Do you ever feel stuck or uncertain, no matter how hard you try? Do you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure how to move forward? I can help.
Maybe you’re navigating anxiety, depression, or burnout, or trying to live authentically in a world that feels increasingly hostile. The weight of injustice, identity-based stress, and societal expectations can leave us disconnected. In our work, we'll explore the beliefs and patterns that keep you stuck and uncover your path to clarity, connection, and self-trust. Healing doesn’t mean quieting yourself, it means becoming more of you. And I’m here to walk that path with you.
Hello, my name is Ricardo Guzman, LCSW. I identify as openly gay and was born in Honduras, but have also lived in Hong Kong, China; St. Paul, MN; and New York City. What inspired me to become a therapist were my own struggles with Coming-out of the closet, experiencing anxiety and depression, having my first heartbreak, as well as dealing with addiction (I am Sober), so I've been there myself. Therapy has helped me find healing in my own life and I know it can do the same to you. I will help you get back to self-love and acceptance.
Hello, my name is Ricardo Guzman, LCSW. I identify as openly gay and was born in Honduras, but have also lived in Hong Kong, China; St. Paul, MN; and New York City. What inspired me to become a therapist were my own struggles with Coming-out of the closet, experiencing anxiety and depression, having my first heartbreak, as well as dealing with addiction (I am Sober), so I've been there myself. Therapy has helped me find healing in my own life and I know it can do the same to you. I will help you get back to self-love and acceptance.
As a therapist and yoga instructor, I combine counseling with mindfulness for stress, anxiety, and depression. I assist you in deeply understanding your suffering and uncovering inner strength through acceptance and choice, while cultivating compassion for yourself and others. Mindfulness helps us recognize emotional and physical experiences, while awareness of breath creates space to become more response-able. This develops healthy responses to stress, anxiety, and depression. It also improves our ability to communicate and be in relationship with others.
As a therapist and yoga instructor, I combine counseling with mindfulness for stress, anxiety, and depression. I assist you in deeply understanding your suffering and uncovering inner strength through acceptance and choice, while cultivating compassion for yourself and others. Mindfulness helps us recognize emotional and physical experiences, while awareness of breath creates space to become more response-able. This develops healthy responses to stress, anxiety, and depression. It also improves our ability to communicate and be in relationship with others.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Addictions Counselor whose work is rooted in truth, love, and compassion. With nearly 15 years of experience in behavioral health, I bring a grounded, human-centered approach to therapy one that honors the whole person, not just the symptoms.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Addictions Counselor whose work is rooted in truth, love, and compassion. With nearly 15 years of experience in behavioral health, I bring a grounded, human-centered approach to therapy one that honors the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Life’s changes – expected or not – can feel overwhelming. I help adults and adolescent girls make sense of these transitions, offering space to find meaning, relief, and self-trust as we navigate these shifts together.
You may be an adult navigating fertility, pregnancy, parenthood, midlife, relationship changes, or caring for aging parents, or a teen exploring identity, powerful emotions, and discovering your own voice. Anxiety, depression, grief, or a sense of being dysregulated could be viewed as invitations from the unconscious for you to explore what Psyche, or Soul, is trying to tell you through symptoms.
Life’s changes – expected or not – can feel overwhelming. I help adults and adolescent girls make sense of these transitions, offering space to find meaning, relief, and self-trust as we navigate these shifts together.
You may be an adult navigating fertility, pregnancy, parenthood, midlife, relationship changes, or caring for aging parents, or a teen exploring identity, powerful emotions, and discovering your own voice. Anxiety, depression, grief, or a sense of being dysregulated could be viewed as invitations from the unconscious for you to explore what Psyche, or Soul, is trying to tell you through symptoms.
I work with clients who feel stuck in their life journey and who seek practical ways to get unstuck and move again towards their goals.
I work with clients who feel stuck in their life journey and who seek practical ways to get unstuck and move again towards their goals.
Life can be difficult for us all, but does it seem tougher on you at times? Maybe there actually IS something making life more challenging. Do you sometimes have feelings of guilt, shame, hopelessness, or panic, but can't identify the causes of these? Do you suffer from sleep problems, low energy, stomach issues, or muscle tension that you can't explain? Do you have trouble concentrating or have racing thoughts that are impossible to control? These are just some of the ways that anxiety and depression affects us. Add in daily stress or unresolved trauma and it can become challenging or even impossible to cope with daily life.
Life can be difficult for us all, but does it seem tougher on you at times? Maybe there actually IS something making life more challenging. Do you sometimes have feelings of guilt, shame, hopelessness, or panic, but can't identify the causes of these? Do you suffer from sleep problems, low energy, stomach issues, or muscle tension that you can't explain? Do you have trouble concentrating or have racing thoughts that are impossible to control? These are just some of the ways that anxiety and depression affects us. Add in daily stress or unresolved trauma and it can become challenging or even impossible to cope with daily life.
See more therapy options for Athens
Buddhist Therapists
Is buddhism beneficial for mental health?
While Buddhism itself is not a treatment for mental health conditions, its practices can greatly enhance mental well-being by introducing coping skills and ideas that promote overall wellness. Key Buddhist practices, such as mindfulness, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. Moreover, Buddhism's focus on self-compassion, non-judgment, and acceptance can benefit individuals with particularly negative or self-critical thought patterns.
What are the concepts and principles of buddhism as a therapeutic approach?
Core Buddhist principles are often used in therapy to help clients gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. Concepts such as suffering (dukkha) and impermanence (anicca) are applied to help clients recognize that common forms of suffering, like repetitive negative thought patterns, can be accepted and viewed as impermanent. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are additional core concepts utilized frequently in Buddhist therapy sessions. The Four Noble Truths highlight the existence of suffering as an inherent part of the human experience—an insight frequently used to move clients toward greater acceptance. The Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right mindfulness, offers practical skills to alleviate suffering.
What is the buddhist approach and practice during a therapy session?
Therapists informed by Buddhist principles often integrate mindfulness and meditation practices into therapy sessions to help clients cultivate greater acceptance, compassion, and non-judgment toward themselves and others. Typically, Buddhist therapists guide clients through mindfulness exercises, such as breathing exercises or body scans, and encourage them to practice similar exercises outside of sessions. Additionally, many Buddhist therapists utilize elements of Positive Psychology or Compassion-Focused Therapy, which can help reduce symptoms of self-criticism and shame common among clients with various mental health conditions. In general, Buddhist therapists strive to embody the compassion and non-judgmental approach they promote, often incorporating exercises aimed at developing compassion in session, such as loving-kindness meditation (Metta).
Is mindfulness the same as buddhism in the context of therapy?
While Buddhist therapists frequently integrate mindfulness practices into therapy sessions, the terms mindfulness and Buddhism are not synonymous in the context of therapy. Therapists may use mindfulness techniques, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), without identifying as a Buddhist therapist. In contrast, those practicing within a Buddhist belief framework typically encourage mindfulness therapies, in addition to foundational Buddhist beliefs, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These therapists may also guide clients toward a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, unlike those who use Buddhist mindfulness principles without the broader spiritual context.