Aetna Therapists in Decatur, GA

I believe you have the potential to realize the desires deep within your heart. It takes courage to confront fears and overcome mental and emotional hurdles that block our best intentions. Circumstances most often out of our control can cause feelings of doubt, lonelines, lack of fulfillment and even a loss of hope. In our attempt to quiet an overwhelming sense of distress, we sometimes adopt beliefs and behaviors that are at best, self-compromising. I would be honored to accompany you on your journey towards wholeness. Together we will embrace truth, transcend pain and create a more meaningful life through freedom and choice.

What I know for sure is that the world that they prepared us for doesn't exist! Sometimes it feels like everyone else is getting it right & we are the ones still finding our footing! You are not alone. You are not the only person that is finding it harder to pretend to be "OKAY" & "pushing through." You are not the only one feeling raggedy and overwhelmed by all the expectations and standards set on us. You are not the only one that has reached the breaking point. You are not the only one that needs a guide into a new way of being. You are here because you know there HAS to be something else. You know you want to live more fully!

I am delighted to assist you in developing and using your inner strengths toward greater wellness and mastery in life. With vast experience in mental health, child welfare and the healthcare settings, my focus is on helping children, adolescents and adults increase their ability to manage depression and anxiety caused by extenuating life circumstances. For over 25 years, I have helped many people successfully confront serious medical diagnosis, death of loved-ones, abuse, family discord, and relationship issues. The best results are achieved with clients who are actively engaged in therapy and open to pursuing growth.

Managing the challenges of life takes skill that both children and adults have to learn. I enjoy helping people enhance their skills for overcoming problems in positive ways. My goal is to help people learn to manage their emotions and behaviors, help individuals break the cycle of abuse and violence, and help people foster healthy relationships. I provide compassion while helping people find their inner strength and resources for adjusting to the challenges of life.

I believe in a client centered and solution focused approach. I utilize a variety of treatment approaches including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. I earned my undergraduate degree in Anthropology at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. After which I attended the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine where I completed my Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work. I am also certified as a substance use counselor by the Illinois Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

Sheila believes that we all are recovering from something and given a safe space to share one’s feelings without judgement, individuals can grow and heal from past and current pains. Choosing to come in for counseling is often a difficult decision; She wants her clients’ to understand that she is here to provide that safe, non-judgmental space.

Life has many twist and turns. Some, we are able to handle and get back on track, while others make us STOP! It is then that we may encounter various emotions that make us question our purpose, family, marriage/relationships, career choice, spirituality and so much more. It is during these times where we may feel shame, doubt or even embarrassed because for so many years, we’ve worn a smile on our face and pretended that "everything is okay..." Society has projected, socially stereotyped or even profiled us to be someone we are not. Well, today is the day for change. Today is the day you take back control of your life.

I am committed to working with individuals to help them achieve their goals and therefore individualize treatment to meet each client's unique needs. I attempt to build upon strengths to instill hope and bring about change. I assist individuals to find meaning in the midst of life's challenges. I believe that with hard work and persistence, change is possible. My ideal client would include individuals seeking assistance for addictions, depression, anxiety disorders, stress management, trauma, self-esteem, anger management, couples counseling, family counseling, and integrating spiritual issues in counseling.

Do you have anxious, racing thoughts that keep you up at night? Are there aspects of your life that feel out of control or problems that are insurmountable? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by your daily to do list or regularly dreading aspects of your life? Anxiety and depression have become a common part of everyday life for so many people. But it doesn't have to be this way. You can get unstuck and make choices that improve the stress level in your life and move you toward a happier reality.

Hope is the key to healing, emotional wellbeing, and a life worth living. Whether you are a mom who needs support, are living with depression or anxiety, or someone who wants to work thru past trauma, I have hope for you! Hope that you will have healing, reach your goals and live a high-quality life. I have 16 years of experiencing empowering individuals to overcome their most challenging issues and I would be honored to walk with you on your path to healing!

Pathways Transition Programs is a private mental health services provider for children and their families located in DECATUR, WATKINSVILLE, and LAWRENCEVILLE, GEORGIA. From our team of 100+ medical and counseling staff, we match clients to therapists best able to address specific needs. We offer a comprehensive array of assessment and therapy services to foster and support change/growth through healing the wounds of trauma and life challenges, and training/skill development to enhance coping skills and build resilience. We take great pride in being a resource for all individuals and families we serve.

“Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person.” Does it look like you have it all together on the outside but on the inside your world is slowly falling apart? Are you making the same mistakes in relationships but unable to do something different? Constantly attempting perfectionism but your own needs are often unmet. Feeling stuck and lacking the confidence needed to make the right decisions to change? Struggling between choosing the life you have and the one you want?