First Responders Therapists in Decatur, GA
Life is a lot—like, a lot. But you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Therapy with me is a self-led journey. We go at your pace, exploring what truly matters to you. I’m here to help you navigate the chaos with humor, warmth, and a person-centered approach that puts you in the driver’s seat. Using a blend of modalities including Internal Family Systems (IFS), we’ll explore the different parts of you with curiosity, not judgment.... because even your inner critic deserves a little compassion.
Life is a lot—like, a lot. But you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Therapy with me is a self-led journey. We go at your pace, exploring what truly matters to you. I’m here to help you navigate the chaos with humor, warmth, and a person-centered approach that puts you in the driver’s seat. Using a blend of modalities including Internal Family Systems (IFS), we’ll explore the different parts of you with curiosity, not judgment.... because even your inner critic deserves a little compassion.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. I graduated from Mercer University with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. After over 5 years of working in community mental health both at the inpatient and outpatient levels, I have gained invaluable experience working with individuals from multicultural backgrounds. My experience includes treating individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, grief, postpartum, racial issues, substance abuse, and more.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. I graduated from Mercer University with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. After over 5 years of working in community mental health both at the inpatient and outpatient levels, I have gained invaluable experience working with individuals from multicultural backgrounds. My experience includes treating individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, grief, postpartum, racial issues, substance abuse, and more.
Come exactly as you are (unrefined and all) and I will do just the same. Let's get creative as we navigate the heaviness of being human.
Maybe a recent diagnosis has you spiraling into an existential crisis? Feeling burnt out to a crisp? Tired of people assuming they understand you? Tired of people assuming they know you? Even if maybe you’re just starting to know + understand yourself? Maybe you once knew yourself and wondering where they went?
Come exactly as you are (unrefined and all) and I will do just the same. Let's get creative as we navigate the heaviness of being human.
Maybe a recent diagnosis has you spiraling into an existential crisis? Feeling burnt out to a crisp? Tired of people assuming they understand you? Tired of people assuming they know you? Even if maybe you’re just starting to know + understand yourself? Maybe you once knew yourself and wondering where they went?
I believe to sit with another’s story is sacred trust. We do not come to therapy because we are broken—we come because we are human. Within the tender places of motherhood, the unspoken ache of family, and the quiet struggles of the self, there is a strength waiting to rise. In our therapy, I will hold space for that strength, remind you of your wholeness, and walk beside you as you step fully into the life that has always been yours.
I believe to sit with another’s story is sacred trust. We do not come to therapy because we are broken—we come because we are human. Within the tender places of motherhood, the unspoken ache of family, and the quiet struggles of the self, there is a strength waiting to rise. In our therapy, I will hold space for that strength, remind you of your wholeness, and walk beside you as you step fully into the life that has always been yours.
Do you struggle with negative self-talk that undermines your confidence? Are your days filled with constant worry, leaving you emotionally exhausted? If you are struggling with your self-esteem or the effects of past trauma, now might be the time to connect with a therapist who can help. Let's work together to create a plan to achieve the fulfilling life you deserve.
Do you struggle with negative self-talk that undermines your confidence? Are your days filled with constant worry, leaving you emotionally exhausted? If you are struggling with your self-esteem or the effects of past trauma, now might be the time to connect with a therapist who can help. Let's work together to create a plan to achieve the fulfilling life you deserve.
I believe everyone makes sense. In sessions, it is my goal to collaborate with my client to develop an understanding of their feelings, thoughts, and actions within the context of their past and who they are. I work to cultivate a safe space, staying curious with my clients and holding space for life's challenges. You have everything you need to heal and grow. It is my privilege to walk alongside you and provide support in your healing journey. I hope to create space to honor your past and present experiences while encouraging hope for your future.
I believe everyone makes sense. In sessions, it is my goal to collaborate with my client to develop an understanding of their feelings, thoughts, and actions within the context of their past and who they are. I work to cultivate a safe space, staying curious with my clients and holding space for life's challenges. You have everything you need to heal and grow. It is my privilege to walk alongside you and provide support in your healing journey. I hope to create space to honor your past and present experiences while encouraging hope for your future.
My focus is to help individuals manage life’s challenges with compassion and clarity. I work with clients navigating depression, generalized anxiety, grief, and anger management, offering a supportive space to explore emotions, build insight, and develop practical coping strategies. I believe healing begins with self-awareness and the courage to take small, intentional steps toward change.
My focus is to help individuals manage life’s challenges with compassion and clarity. I work with clients navigating depression, generalized anxiety, grief, and anger management, offering a supportive space to explore emotions, build insight, and develop practical coping strategies. I believe healing begins with self-awareness and the courage to take small, intentional steps toward change.
I work with clients who have had challenges with anxiety, depression, relationships, military, families, parenting, foster care, changing careers, domestic violence, trauma, and emotional abuse.
I enjoy engaging clients in the therapeutic process using various tools, therapeutic activities and homework assignments for clients who need a little something extra. I often share my personal experiences because identification is often a good teacher.
I work with clients who have had challenges with anxiety, depression, relationships, military, families, parenting, foster care, changing careers, domestic violence, trauma, and emotional abuse.
I enjoy engaging clients in the therapeutic process using various tools, therapeutic activities and homework assignments for clients who need a little something extra. I often share my personal experiences because identification is often a good teacher.
My clients enjoy a variety of experiences in sessions from being deeply heard, felt, and validated to being accompanied as they explore issues of concern and curiosity. We form a bond as they get to know themselves better through these experiences of self. They begin to heal childhood wounds and finish developing in ways they might not have thought possible.
I believe the research which states the two most important elements of effective therapy:
1) Create a strong therapeutic alliance between therapist and client; and
2) Each client's belief that the therapy practiced is creating a positive outcome for the client.
My clients enjoy a variety of experiences in sessions from being deeply heard, felt, and validated to being accompanied as they explore issues of concern and curiosity. We form a bond as they get to know themselves better through these experiences of self. They begin to heal childhood wounds and finish developing in ways they might not have thought possible.
I believe the research which states the two most important elements of effective therapy:
1) Create a strong therapeutic alliance between therapist and client; and
2) Each client's belief that the therapy practiced is creating a positive outcome for the client.
Much of my work focuses on men’s relational and emotional well-being, especially those who present as high-functioning while quietly struggling. My clients often initially measure their identity or worth through success, responsibility, or likability within community. Beneath that, hidden shame, fear of rejection, or long-standing patterns of people-pleasing have left them feeling anxious, disconnected, or unknown. I also support gay, bisexual, and queer men navigating the tension between authenticity and attachment, exploring how early experiences of conditional belonging shaped the ways they relate to themselves and others
Much of my work focuses on men’s relational and emotional well-being, especially those who present as high-functioning while quietly struggling. My clients often initially measure their identity or worth through success, responsibility, or likability within community. Beneath that, hidden shame, fear of rejection, or long-standing patterns of people-pleasing have left them feeling anxious, disconnected, or unknown. I also support gay, bisexual, and queer men navigating the tension between authenticity and attachment, exploring how early experiences of conditional belonging shaped the ways they relate to themselves and others
I approach therapy and mental health with you as a whole person in mind. We are not just our thoughts, and I believe that people heal when we engage as a mind and a body holding space for the many different parts of you. I walk alongside you to look at the patterns in your life that may have helped you survive in the past, but aren't serving you now in your adult life. I specialize in: anxiety and depression from unresolved trauma, anger, shame, low self image, and other issues that are impacting your life and relationships.
I approach therapy and mental health with you as a whole person in mind. We are not just our thoughts, and I believe that people heal when we engage as a mind and a body holding space for the many different parts of you. I walk alongside you to look at the patterns in your life that may have helped you survive in the past, but aren't serving you now in your adult life. I specialize in: anxiety and depression from unresolved trauma, anger, shame, low self image, and other issues that are impacting your life and relationships.
Air Force veteran & former paramedic.
I’m Alison Smith, LPC, NCC. I specialize in working with high-achieving LGBTQ+ professionals and adults who feel successful on the outside but overwhelmed, burned out, or emotionally stuck on the inside. Many of my clients are navigating complex trauma, attachment wounds, relationship strain, or identity-related stress while carrying significant responsibility in their careers.
My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. We make space for your story while building practical tools you can use between sessions—CBT-based strategies, nervous-system regulation, boundaries, and communication skills. I also integrate creative modaliti
Air Force veteran & former paramedic.
I’m Alison Smith, LPC, NCC. I specialize in working with high-achieving LGBTQ+ professionals and adults who feel successful on the outside but overwhelmed, burned out, or emotionally stuck on the inside. Many of my clients are navigating complex trauma, attachment wounds, relationship strain, or identity-related stress while carrying significant responsibility in their careers.
My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. We make space for your story while building practical tools you can use between sessions—CBT-based strategies, nervous-system regulation, boundaries, and communication skills. I also integrate creative modaliti
Whether you are managing anxiety, processing trauma, or seeking tools to navigate stress and life challenges, therapy can be a space for restoration and meaningful change. Seeing real change, no matter how large or small is important. With a solutions focus, and a plan in mind, I believe we can reach solutions together.
Whether you are managing anxiety, processing trauma, or seeking tools to navigate stress and life challenges, therapy can be a space for restoration and meaningful change. Seeing real change, no matter how large or small is important. With a solutions focus, and a plan in mind, I believe we can reach solutions together.
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Are you wanting to achieve some personal goals, or to develop your self-esteem and increase your self-worth, or tackle a life transition, or increase your sense of wholeness, or decrease/manage your emotional distress? I am seeking motivated individuals who are seeking change and want to improve their quality of life.
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Are you wanting to achieve some personal goals, or to develop your self-esteem and increase your self-worth, or tackle a life transition, or increase your sense of wholeness, or decrease/manage your emotional distress? I am seeking motivated individuals who are seeking change and want to improve their quality of life.
Hi, I’m Abigail Kreisinger, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) providing therapy services in Georgia. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, weighed down by depression, or struggling with constant worry, you’re not alone. Many clients also come to therapy feeling stuck around identity exploration as an LGBTQ+ individual, concerns related to disordered eating, or difficulty connecting with others and enjoying daily life. These patterns and coping strategies often develop for important reasons—they may have helped you feel safe or in control in the past. At the same time, you may find that they no longer serve you now.
Hi, I’m Abigail Kreisinger, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) providing therapy services in Georgia. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, weighed down by depression, or struggling with constant worry, you’re not alone. Many clients also come to therapy feeling stuck around identity exploration as an LGBTQ+ individual, concerns related to disordered eating, or difficulty connecting with others and enjoying daily life. These patterns and coping strategies often develop for important reasons—they may have helped you feel safe or in control in the past. At the same time, you may find that they no longer serve you now.
Accepting new clients. Life can feel overwhelming at times—whether you’re navigating relationship challenges, struggling with substance use, or living with anxiety or depression. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore what’s happening in your life and find new ways forward.
I work with both individuals and couples, helping clients improve communication, strengthen relationships, and build healthier patterns of connection. I also specialize in substance use concerns, offering a harm-reduction approach that meets you where you are—without shame or pressure.
Accepting new clients. Life can feel overwhelming at times—whether you’re navigating relationship challenges, struggling with substance use, or living with anxiety or depression. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore what’s happening in your life and find new ways forward.
I work with both individuals and couples, helping clients improve communication, strengthen relationships, and build healthier patterns of connection. I also specialize in substance use concerns, offering a harm-reduction approach that meets you where you are—without shame or pressure.
My approach to therapy is creative and person centered. I am passionate about collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds to empower them through the use of art and talk therapy. I believe in working with you to find the form of expression that benefits you most. We can adapt our plan to serve your unique needs, strengths, and desires for treatment. Perhaps you've found yourself doubting your life's direction or you feel stuck. Maybe you would like to get to know yourself better or break patterns that no longer serve you. Let's make a commitment to accessing the true, authentic self and find a path forward together.
My approach to therapy is creative and person centered. I am passionate about collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds to empower them through the use of art and talk therapy. I believe in working with you to find the form of expression that benefits you most. We can adapt our plan to serve your unique needs, strengths, and desires for treatment. Perhaps you've found yourself doubting your life's direction or you feel stuck. Maybe you would like to get to know yourself better or break patterns that no longer serve you. Let's make a commitment to accessing the true, authentic self and find a path forward together.
I've been serving communities for many years in various positions, and I have found that my ideal client is the one that is ready to work, even if they are not sure what needs to be done or even why. This client is open to collaborating with me in figuring out what about their right now is no longer working for them. Basically, my ideal client is the one that says "I want help for something different" & chooses me to be that helper!
I've been serving communities for many years in various positions, and I have found that my ideal client is the one that is ready to work, even if they are not sure what needs to be done or even why. This client is open to collaborating with me in figuring out what about their right now is no longer working for them. Basically, my ideal client is the one that says "I want help for something different" & chooses me to be that helper!
Are you finding it difficult to prioritize yourself lately? Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety, stress, self worth, work/life balance, or maintaining healthy relationships. You’ve heard therapy can help, but you aren’t sure where to begin. I get it! I know just how difficult it can be to find an inclusive therapist that aligns with your worldview. I support clients from all walks of life and specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Whether you're seeking support with a specific issue or looking for a space to process weekly stressors, you've come to the right place. Let's get you feeling like yourself again!
Are you finding it difficult to prioritize yourself lately? Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety, stress, self worth, work/life balance, or maintaining healthy relationships. You’ve heard therapy can help, but you aren’t sure where to begin. I get it! I know just how difficult it can be to find an inclusive therapist that aligns with your worldview. I support clients from all walks of life and specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Whether you're seeking support with a specific issue or looking for a space to process weekly stressors, you've come to the right place. Let's get you feeling like yourself again!
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.
See more therapy options for Decatur
Nearby First Responders Therapists Searches for Decatur
- Atlanta
- Avondale Estates
- Brookhaven
- Conyers
- Dunwoody
- Norcross
- Peachtree Corners
- Sandy Springs
- Smyrna
- Snellville
- Stockbridge
- Tucker
First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.