Trauma Focused Therapists in Athens, GA
Healing begins with courage and you’ve already shown it. Reaching out for support is a powerful act of self-awareness. I believe therapy should honor that bravery by celebrating your strengths, exploring areas for growth, and equipping you with tools to thrive. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II), I offer inclusive, culturally responsive therapy to a diverse population. I serve clients across Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, Texas, Wisconsin, and Louisiana.
Healing begins with courage and you’ve already shown it. Reaching out for support is a powerful act of self-awareness. I believe therapy should honor that bravery by celebrating your strengths, exploring areas for growth, and equipping you with tools to thrive. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II), I offer inclusive, culturally responsive therapy to a diverse population. I serve clients across Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, Texas, Wisconsin, and Louisiana.
If you find yourself here, my guess is somewhere deep down you have a longing for something different in your life and relationships and perhaps you’re not sure how to get there. Maybe you feel lost, unsure of who you are, or stuck in survival…on repeat. Perhaps you’re longing for deeper connection with others and yourself, more peace and balance, consistent joy and happiness, more confidence and clarity about who you are and what you want, more hope, less anxiety and overwhelm, less reactivity, resentment and conflict, less fear, floundering, and indecision, and a life that feels more meaningful, fulfilling, and reflective of you.
If you find yourself here, my guess is somewhere deep down you have a longing for something different in your life and relationships and perhaps you’re not sure how to get there. Maybe you feel lost, unsure of who you are, or stuck in survival…on repeat. Perhaps you’re longing for deeper connection with others and yourself, more peace and balance, consistent joy and happiness, more confidence and clarity about who you are and what you want, more hope, less anxiety and overwhelm, less reactivity, resentment and conflict, less fear, floundering, and indecision, and a life that feels more meaningful, fulfilling, and reflective of you.
I am a licensed master social worker (LMSW) with 2 years of experience supporting clients through identity exploration, emotional challenges, and life transitions. I work with individuals across diverse backgrounds, including those navigating gender and sexuality, neurodivergence, trauma, eating and body-image concerns, and relationship dynamics. I strive to understand each person as a unique individual with strengths, values, and resilience, and I create a space where your story is met with curiosity, empathy, and respect.
I am a licensed master social worker (LMSW) with 2 years of experience supporting clients through identity exploration, emotional challenges, and life transitions. I work with individuals across diverse backgrounds, including those navigating gender and sexuality, neurodivergence, trauma, eating and body-image concerns, and relationship dynamics. I strive to understand each person as a unique individual with strengths, values, and resilience, and I create a space where your story is met with curiosity, empathy, and respect.
Hello! I'm Kara, a therapist who is passionate about working with anxiety, people-pleasing, body image, depression, and co-dependency. I have over a decade of experience working with behavioral health concerns and substance use disorders. Many of the individuals I work with are seeking changes that allow them to know themselves fully and to live more authentically.
Having invested in my own therapeutic process over the years, I know firsthand how difficult it can feel to reach out to a therapist. However, I also know how deeply rewarding and life-changing it is to engage with a supportive, compassionate therapist.
Hello! I'm Kara, a therapist who is passionate about working with anxiety, people-pleasing, body image, depression, and co-dependency. I have over a decade of experience working with behavioral health concerns and substance use disorders. Many of the individuals I work with are seeking changes that allow them to know themselves fully and to live more authentically.
Having invested in my own therapeutic process over the years, I know firsthand how difficult it can feel to reach out to a therapist. However, I also know how deeply rewarding and life-changing it is to engage with a supportive, compassionate therapist.
My ideal client seeks more than symptom relief—they're drawn to understanding the deeper patterns and meanings in their lives. Whether navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, or feeling stuck, they're curious about their inner world and open to exploring dreams, relationships, and the parts of themselves seeking recognition. They value a collaborative therapeutic relationship built on authenticity and genuine connection, and they're looking for a compassionate companion on their journey. They're willing to engage deeply, trust their own wisdom, and do the inner work toward greater wholeness and self-understanding.
My ideal client seeks more than symptom relief—they're drawn to understanding the deeper patterns and meanings in their lives. Whether navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, or feeling stuck, they're curious about their inner world and open to exploring dreams, relationships, and the parts of themselves seeking recognition. They value a collaborative therapeutic relationship built on authenticity and genuine connection, and they're looking for a compassionate companion on their journey. They're willing to engage deeply, trust their own wisdom, and do the inner work toward greater wholeness and self-understanding.
Let’s be honest—life can feel like a lot sometimes. Maybe you're carrying the weight of things that have happened to you. Maybe you're stuck in patterns that no longer serve you—feeling anxious, depressed, numb, or just totally disconnected. Or maybe your relationship is hanging on by a thread after too many fights, too much silence, or a betrayal that’s left you both reeling. You don’t have to keep going through this alone.
I help individuals and couples who are feeling overwhelmed, lost, or stuck—whether it’s because of trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, or relationship struggles such as persistent conflict or infidelity.
Let’s be honest—life can feel like a lot sometimes. Maybe you're carrying the weight of things that have happened to you. Maybe you're stuck in patterns that no longer serve you—feeling anxious, depressed, numb, or just totally disconnected. Or maybe your relationship is hanging on by a thread after too many fights, too much silence, or a betrayal that’s left you both reeling. You don’t have to keep going through this alone.
I help individuals and couples who are feeling overwhelmed, lost, or stuck—whether it’s because of trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, or relationship struggles such as persistent conflict or infidelity.
I'm trained in play therapy, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, Trauma-Focused CBT, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, and Circle of Security, and am trained in treating perinatal mood disorders through Postpartum Support International.
My work focuses on mothers and children, including play therapy and Child–Parent Psychotherapy. I approach early childhood mental health through a developmental lens, recognizing that a child’s emotional well-being is rooted in both their developmental capacity and their relationships with caregivers.
I have also worked extensively with mothers navigating a range of challenges, including traumatic birth experiences and perinatal mood disorders. When we acknowledge the complex realities of motherhood, women are empowered, and outcomes improve for both mothers and their children.
I'm trained in play therapy, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, Trauma-Focused CBT, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, and Circle of Security, and am trained in treating perinatal mood disorders through Postpartum Support International.
My work focuses on mothers and children, including play therapy and Child–Parent Psychotherapy. I approach early childhood mental health through a developmental lens, recognizing that a child’s emotional well-being is rooted in both their developmental capacity and their relationships with caregivers.
I have also worked extensively with mothers navigating a range of challenges, including traumatic birth experiences and perinatal mood disorders. When we acknowledge the complex realities of motherhood, women are empowered, and outcomes improve for both mothers and their children.
I am licensed in both GA and NC and am extensively trained in EMDR, somatics for neurodivergent clients and trauma-focused care.
I believe every one of us is a good person at heart, we are all trying our best and laziness is a myth. You may have a hard time believing that about yourself. You may have been taught (by families or systems) that you are bad, lazy or selfish. You are scared to make decisions or trust your intuition. You want to love yourself the way you love others!
I offer a radically different perspective. I think it is possible to love yourself a little bit at a time, take things less personally and create more space in your life for peace.
I am licensed in both GA and NC and am extensively trained in EMDR, somatics for neurodivergent clients and trauma-focused care.
I believe every one of us is a good person at heart, we are all trying our best and laziness is a myth. You may have a hard time believing that about yourself. You may have been taught (by families or systems) that you are bad, lazy or selfish. You are scared to make decisions or trust your intuition. You want to love yourself the way you love others!
I offer a radically different perspective. I think it is possible to love yourself a little bit at a time, take things less personally and create more space in your life for peace.
My practice offers a supportive and compassionate space for healing and growth. I will work with you to befriend your body, increase ease and peace, and start living the life you deserve. Whether you’ve been experiencing difficulties for years or for a short while, change happens through healing. Life is difficult but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right skills and support you can move away from the unhelpful patterns holding you back and move towards an easier way of living.
My practice offers a supportive and compassionate space for healing and growth. I will work with you to befriend your body, increase ease and peace, and start living the life you deserve. Whether you’ve been experiencing difficulties for years or for a short while, change happens through healing. Life is difficult but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right skills and support you can move away from the unhelpful patterns holding you back and move towards an easier way of living.
Feelings of depression, fear, anxiety, confusion, anger, grief, trauma, and other struggles beset us all at times. I believe creating an environment where everyone can feel safe and heard is vital, and cultivating a therapeutic alliance to be alongside individuals as a nonjudgmental support in the journey to wholeness and independence. I listen for unique needs and preferences and utilize an eclectic and integrated approach to working with the whole person. With empathy and compassion I will also ask challenging questions to explore ideas, new ways of thinking and understanding, and guide intuitive discovery for meaningful change.
Feelings of depression, fear, anxiety, confusion, anger, grief, trauma, and other struggles beset us all at times. I believe creating an environment where everyone can feel safe and heard is vital, and cultivating a therapeutic alliance to be alongside individuals as a nonjudgmental support in the journey to wholeness and independence. I listen for unique needs and preferences and utilize an eclectic and integrated approach to working with the whole person. With empathy and compassion I will also ask challenging questions to explore ideas, new ways of thinking and understanding, and guide intuitive discovery for meaningful change.
Through the use of EMDR and trauma focused approaches, this "old stuff" can be resolved to create a healing lasting change.
I strive to understand each of my client's personal stories so that I may tailor a treatment plan to fit their needs to create the change they seek. My primary treatment approach is EMDR, and I implement facets of IFS, CBT, and Hypnotherapy practices. I can also implement a spiritual component, if desired, to strengthen the treatment process.
Through the use of EMDR and trauma focused approaches, this "old stuff" can be resolved to create a healing lasting change.
I strive to understand each of my client's personal stories so that I may tailor a treatment plan to fit their needs to create the change they seek. My primary treatment approach is EMDR, and I implement facets of IFS, CBT, and Hypnotherapy practices. I can also implement a spiritual component, if desired, to strengthen the treatment process.
I work with people who are struggling with trauma symptoms (nightmares, dissociation, flashbacks), anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or who just feel bad and can’t figure out why. Whether these are due to terrible events that have shaped you, negative beliefs about yourself, or experiences in relationships that feel hard to let go of, my hope is that we can find you some relief.
I work with people who are struggling with trauma symptoms (nightmares, dissociation, flashbacks), anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or who just feel bad and can’t figure out why. Whether these are due to terrible events that have shaped you, negative beliefs about yourself, or experiences in relationships that feel hard to let go of, my hope is that we can find you some relief.
I understand that asking for help isn’t easy… And life doesn’t always work out the way we expect it to. When navigating those unexpected twists and turns, finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is critical. I believe in creating a space that is supportive and non judgmental while allowing the development of a trusting and connected therapeutic relationship. My goal is to help you explore the growth and balance you are seeking in creating a happy and meaningful life.
I understand that asking for help isn’t easy… And life doesn’t always work out the way we expect it to. When navigating those unexpected twists and turns, finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is critical. I believe in creating a space that is supportive and non judgmental while allowing the development of a trusting and connected therapeutic relationship. My goal is to help you explore the growth and balance you are seeking in creating a happy and meaningful life.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Master Addictions Counselor, I am passionate and dedicated to helping individuals, families and communities that are struggling to recover from alcohol and other drugs. I also work diligently to assist individuals and families with addressing related issues in social, emotional, occupational, and mental health functioning. I will work with you to move forward in life and achieve your goal of being free of active addiction regardless of the past factors that have negatively impacted your life.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Master Addictions Counselor, I am passionate and dedicated to helping individuals, families and communities that are struggling to recover from alcohol and other drugs. I also work diligently to assist individuals and families with addressing related issues in social, emotional, occupational, and mental health functioning. I will work with you to move forward in life and achieve your goal of being free of active addiction regardless of the past factors that have negatively impacted your life.
Reaching out can be overwhelming, especially when you have been carrying heavy emotional burdens for a long time. Many clients come to me feeling overwhelmed or stuck in old patterns that keep them from moving forward.
I believe therapy should be tailored to your unique strengths and lived experiences. My goal is to create an environment where you feel capable of meaningful growth, and help you feel more connected to yourself and others.
Reaching out can be overwhelming, especially when you have been carrying heavy emotional burdens for a long time. Many clients come to me feeling overwhelmed or stuck in old patterns that keep them from moving forward.
I believe therapy should be tailored to your unique strengths and lived experiences. My goal is to create an environment where you feel capable of meaningful growth, and help you feel more connected to yourself and others.
As a neurdivergent therapist with ADHD, I understand feeling a little different—creative, scattered, sensitive, or like you don’t quite fit into the usual boxes. I want to help you to feel more grounded, to understand yourself better, & to move through life with more ease and confidence. In therapy, we’ll work together to make sense of what’s been overwhelming you, reconnect with your strengths, & create space for balance, meaning, and self-acceptance in your daily life. In our sessions, you can expect warmth, curiosity, and collaboration. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine conversation.
As a neurdivergent therapist with ADHD, I understand feeling a little different—creative, scattered, sensitive, or like you don’t quite fit into the usual boxes. I want to help you to feel more grounded, to understand yourself better, & to move through life with more ease and confidence. In therapy, we’ll work together to make sense of what’s been overwhelming you, reconnect with your strengths, & create space for balance, meaning, and self-acceptance in your daily life. In our sessions, you can expect warmth, curiosity, and collaboration. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine conversation.
You seem to have it all. You’re highly successful, ambitious, and supportive of those around you. Underneath, you are scrambling to hold it all together, feeling rushed, angry, burned out, and pulled in every direction. You feel like screaming every time you are asked to do one more thing at the expense of your own wants and needs. You suffer silently, or sometimes in outbursts, from the stress and overwhelm. Feeling resigned to meet the needs of others, you believe you just have to get through this.
You seem to have it all. You’re highly successful, ambitious, and supportive of those around you. Underneath, you are scrambling to hold it all together, feeling rushed, angry, burned out, and pulled in every direction. You feel like screaming every time you are asked to do one more thing at the expense of your own wants and needs. You suffer silently, or sometimes in outbursts, from the stress and overwhelm. Feeling resigned to meet the needs of others, you believe you just have to get through this.
Do you struggle with substance abuse alongside co-occurring issues such as anxiety, trauma, obsessive/ intrusive thoughts, disordered eating, or mood instability? You might appear functional on the outside while privately battling a cycle of shame, secrecy, and emotional overwhelm. What once felt like a way to cope now interferes with relationships, work, and daily responsibilities, leaving you isolated or disconnected from family, friends, and colleagues. Through compassionate, individualized guidance, it’s possible to break the cycle, restore balance, and build the life you truly want.
Do you struggle with substance abuse alongside co-occurring issues such as anxiety, trauma, obsessive/ intrusive thoughts, disordered eating, or mood instability? You might appear functional on the outside while privately battling a cycle of shame, secrecy, and emotional overwhelm. What once felt like a way to cope now interferes with relationships, work, and daily responsibilities, leaving you isolated or disconnected from family, friends, and colleagues. Through compassionate, individualized guidance, it’s possible to break the cycle, restore balance, and build the life you truly want.
Knowing when to change is a deeply personal matter with many signs for when change is needed. We might feel stuck, out of control, or always coming back to the place we are trying to avoid. Our work together will explore what works for you, what doesn't, where you are headed, and what you're leaving behind. You don't need to know how to make changes in life. You only need the audacity to explore - We’ll explore together.
Knowing when to change is a deeply personal matter with many signs for when change is needed. We might feel stuck, out of control, or always coming back to the place we are trying to avoid. Our work together will explore what works for you, what doesn't, where you are headed, and what you're leaving behind. You don't need to know how to make changes in life. You only need the audacity to explore - We’ll explore together.
Hello, my name is McCall and welcome to Balance & Recovery Counseling! I believe you hold all the answers to your story. I am here to listen, support, and bring a non-judgmental and compassionate perspective to your experiences, as well as challenge you appropriately. Don't forget the laughter! Therapy can be heavy and hard but I believe sharing moments of laughter can heal the soul.
Hello, my name is McCall and welcome to Balance & Recovery Counseling! I believe you hold all the answers to your story. I am here to listen, support, and bring a non-judgmental and compassionate perspective to your experiences, as well as challenge you appropriately. Don't forget the laughter! Therapy can be heavy and hard but I believe sharing moments of laughter can heal the soul.
