Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Athens, GA

What are you seeking? Whether or not the answer to this question is clear to you, my guess is you are aware of a deep sense of wanting to feel or live differently. I'd like to help you connect more fully with your own best qualities, your passions, and the vision you have for yourself and your life. Let's build these visions, while also facing the challenges that offer resistance, so that you can take action toward creating meaningful and lasting change. It would be my privilege to be your ally and support you in this process.

If you are seeking counseling, you might be trying to make sense of challenging relationships, in the middle of an unforeseen transition, or just starting to process wounds from your past. With everything that you are dealing with, you may have noticed some patterns emerging that keep you from feeling like yourself--maybe criticism directed inward or at others, coping with food or substances, or just shutting down completely.

People often come to counseling feeling stressed, overwhelmed, worried, depressed, and sometimes unsure of where to turn next. My goal is to create a relaxed, comfortable, “come as you are” space that is free of judgment to talk through whatever obstacles are impacting your life. My approach focuses on relationships and is client-centered in order to empower you to take steps towards the healing and growth that you desire. I trust you to be the expert in your life as we walk together towards achieving your goals. In my work, I use an eclectic blend of techniques from CBT, IFS , DBT, and mindfulness to best meet your needs.

My ideal client is anyone who is contemplating a change in their lives, big or small. This may include specific, actionable areas such as changing a certain behavior or more broad, general changes such as how to better improve your mental well-being or develop healthier relationships. I believe that everyone is capable of change and, many times, already possess everything they need - they just don't know how to access it. I work with clients to develop an individualized change plan to turn big decisions into easier action steps. I view my role in this process as a "change consultant and coach" to help people live their dreams.

***Wait list currently full.*** My counseling approach is informed by deep respect for individuals and their strengths. I can help you to effectively face challenges that arise during transitions and periods of high stress. We collaborate to help you to move forward on your path to self-growth and change. Clients find relief from anxiety, obsessive thinking, compulsive behavior, interpersonal stress, career change, depression and "feeling stuck." Specialties include trauma/PTSD, stress reduction, couple/partner interaction and communication, and family-of-origin issues (including families affected by substance abuse).

I enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults and helping clients learn how to apply coping skills in day to day life, recognize how past events impact their present emotions, and improve their ability to have successful relationships. Whether this is adjusting to new roles in life, coping with overwhelming anxiety or enduring the stifling impact of traumatic experiences, there is all the aptitude needed to deal with these problems within the client. I can assist the client in developing and strengthening the skills needed to effectively manage their lives.

Brianna Sterling LCSW is a trauma-informed, holistic therapist who empathetically utilizes a variety of approaches to address your individual, unique needs. She desires to be a partner in your treatment. While honoring the mind, body, and/or spiritual connections of your unique self, together we'll transform your experiences into opportunities of deep, long lasting healing. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Brainspotting (BSP). Brianna is also Internal Family Systems ( IFS ) informed and trained in other trauma-informed therapeutic approa

I specialize in trauma-related issues, ADHD, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ issues, and substance use. I also have a passion for helping people process work dissatisfaction, burnout, and career exploration.

Everyone experiences wounds in life, be it loss, illness, abuse, a difficult relationship, neglect, or any other overwhelming issue. Sometimes even experiences that "should" bring joy like graduating, starting a new job, marriage, or having children can render us feeling like we are in crisis - or stuck. I work with clients to help them get unstuck from feelings of anxiety, depression, and emotional reactivity. When we can identify the patterns that keep us in pain, we can begin to develop new ways to cope and manage the stress of our lives.

I respect and honor any expression of gender, spirituality, or identity. I specialize in walking with clients through unresolved trauma which can show up in our lives in so many different ways (i.e. symptoms, triggers, diagnoses, insecurities, self doubt, low self esteem, relationship struggles, etc).

​The people I help in therapy are used to handling whatever life throws at them. They are high achieving and successful at school and work. Other people have high expectations of them that they can usually meet. But, at some point, they begin to feel that perfectionism and the pace of life has worn them out. Something has changed and the ways they’ve coped in the past aren’t as effective as before. If you're thinking about starting therapy, you may be feeling the same way. You’re meeting everyone’s expectations of you and getting it all done. But you’re exhausted by the fear that your best will never be enough.

I believe in creating a new therapy for each client and that you are the expert of your life. By building a trusting therapeutic relationship with you, I want to help guide you through the challenges life can bring. I utilize an integrative, person-centered approach to therapy, emphasizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Art Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and several other therapeutic modalities. My clinical experience has given me the skills to efficiently treat ADHD, Adjustment Disorder, Complicated Grief and Loss, Anxiety Disorders, and Mood Disorders.

In this time of high stress, instability and fear we need to be able to speak freely in a safe space. Most recently that space is thru telemental health. Your challenges, needs and goals lead our discussions as I help create a supportive and validating session that allows you to learn about yourself, heal and grow. Now accepting new clients.

When you reach out for help for yourself or your child, it's because of everything that's right with you. It takes bravery to seek help. My goal is to make sure that we celebrate that bravery, identify the areas of your life where you’d like to see improvements, and give you tools to improve those areas.

Telehealth only. What makes today so different? Today is different because something happened that made you decide, "Hey, I really need to do something about my life. I need to talk to somebody." Hi! I’m Dr. Leslie Ring. Some clients come to me because the bottom just fell out of their lives, a setback at school or work, a betrayal discovered, or the death of a loved one. For others, they just don’t want to keep living like this anymore. Old hurts from childhood or previous relationships keep robbing them of their peace of mind, creativity, fun, and closeness with others.

It takes courage to seek a counseling relationship--good for you for taking this first step! A compassionate, nonjudgmental therapist can help people identify and change dysfunctional patterns that are keeping them "stuck." My goal is to provide clients with a sense of safety, confidence, and hope as they explore issues that are causing distress. I work with adults using a blend of evidence-based treatment methods that help increase self-awareness, improve communication, and strengthen coping skills. Trauma, anxiety, depression, loss, chronic illness, and complicated bereavement are my particular focus.

Help is on the way. Our team of therapists are here to help you and your family deal with the many curve balls that can come in life. We are passionate about not only strengthening foundations, but also rebuilding them. That is why we offer two types of programs to individuals and families that are ready to begin a journey towards healing--our divorce-support services will educate and prepare families for the many changes that flow from the end of a marriage; and our family preservation services are designed to help individuals and/or families overcome barriers to leading whole and healthy lives. Contact us today for a free consult

In my practice, I offer a shame-free environment to explore some of life’s toughest challenges. Through supportive collaboration, my clients and I skillfully uncover the roots of suffering, discover the many possible ways of coping, and ultimately, learn to move forward to a valued and more easeful life. It is my honor to walk this path with my clients. Asking for help and honoring your own experience isn’t easy, but it is the most precious gift you can give yourself.

Project Family is a community based program located in Athens, GA that offers me the opportunity to serve the families, individuals, and couples in Athens metro area.

I believe every person can overcome their history and trauma to lead a rich fulfilling life.  I know that every person deserves and can achieve radical healing, and that it shouldn't take a lifetime to get there.  If you are relentlessly and courageously pursuing your own healing, you have come to the right place.  I use a combination of deep listening, EMDR, parts work, and other somatic modalities to help my clients achieve profound and lasting change.  I expect that you will see significant progress in the time we are working together, and if you don't, I will help you find someone who can offer you that.