Therapists in Smyrna, GA

Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. I believe in providing a safe space for my clients to navigate their mental health and wellness journey. I strive to empower clients to gain insight and awareness around their emotions, behaviors, and relational patterns. I guide clients in exploring a deeper understanding of the root of their issues. I operate from a person-centered orientation, expressing empathy and unconditional positive regard for my clients. I view clients through a trauma-informed and multicultural lens. I specialize in working with clients who experience anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and PTSD.

I provide individual, relationship, and group psychotherapy for adolescents and adults, specializing in sexual problems, spirituality, multicultural clients/families/issues, LGBTQ clients, grief/loss, anxiety/depression, premarital counseling, HIV/AIDS, and a variety of other presenting issues. I hope that I can be of service to you as you engage the therapeutic process for yourself.

I work with a therapy dog in person (hypoallergenic). Let me know of any concerns. Are you struggling with anxiety and depression making it hard to navigate your day-to-day tasks? Is your past trauma keeping you stuck from living a full life? Are you exploring your sexual or gender identity and concerned about how it will interact with relationships around you? I meet my clients where they are, without judgment, and we work together to create a space for hope and healing.

Are you searching for a counselor because it feels like your life is falling apart? Well, you are not alone. You may have experienced a difficult childhood and convinced yourself “It’s in the past…It was no big deal.” Except, it is a big deal because, the past affects our present. Shame convinces individuals that they are bad instead of understanding that something bad happened. Having a counselor that can listen with an open mind and heart, and validate your pain is a start. I too have been where you are. I know how to walk beside you in your journey of healing and restoration.

You may have done talk therapy before, but somehow something is still missing… What you discussed made logical sense, and sometimes felt cathartic and enlightening, but it didn’t bring the deep emotional release you thought it would. There is a disconnect that you just can’t describe, as if your brain and body are moving in two different directions as you grapple with trauma. You’ve done your research, and you’re ready to take the plunge, diving deeper into trauma healing like you never have before. You may feel nervous, or unsure what to expect, but something deep inside pushes you forward.

Our Clients often present w/ concerns pertaining to: – Generational relationship issues and navigating patterns of communication – Difficulty finding peace, balance, emotional wellness in daily life – Couples who are experiencing challenges, causing communication failure and/or detachment – High stress environments resulting in symptoms/triggers of anxiety/stress – Difficulty navigating significant life transition.

Has traditional talk therapy not felt like "enough"? Do you find it difficult to put words together to describe your experiences? Have you found yourself stuck in patterns, situations, or relationships that don't quite make sense but continue to play out in your life? Or you may be concerned about the functioning of an important young person in your life. If you are curious about accessing your individual wisdom and unique strengths to overcome obstacles and work towards personal, family, academic, or professional goals, I encourage you to read on.

Si sientes la necesidad de un cambio en tus relaciones o dentro de ti mismo, ahora es el momento. Mereces un espacio seguro para hablar. Imagine finding yourself at the crossroads of personal growth and relational exploration. If you're feeling the need for change in your relationships or within yourself, now is the time. In the dynamic tapestry of your life, you're navigating shifts in relationships—be it personal or professional. This journey isn't just about understanding those around you; it's about unraveling the layers within yourself. It's about the exploration of identity, purpose, and stories that shape your connections.

Currently featured in Atlanta Magazine, I can help you through a cutting edge neuropsychological approach to therapy. Emotional and physical pain are often interrelated. I am a trauma specialist who uses a combination of therapies to help you transform your life from not-so-good to great. I can help you calm the mind and the body, reducing anxiety laden symptoms. Advanced BrainSpotting, CBT, DBT, and Somatic Experiencing™ are tools that can really help move you forward from the inside out. Conveniently located in Buckhead and Brookhaven. Currently taking “Virtual” counseling patients through Zoom.

Finding the right practitioner; when it comes to your emotional, mental, and spiritual health needs; can be challenging because you may not know what you should be considering during this search. Select a professional who is not only compassionate and passionate about their work and the people they serve, but also someone who knows the element of strength and perseverance personally. Stress can have a huge impact on the way we function in the various domains of our lives and this can sometimes send us down the rabbit hole of doubt. In order to truly accept yourself you must discover the elements of your becoming.

My name is Dr. Cruz, but you can call me Stella. I am a Clinical Psychologist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and I've been in practice since 2014. I offer services in English and Spanish. I have extensive experience providing individual and group therapy to adults. I specialize in working with trauma, PTSD, dual diagnoses, and other related issues, and I use a mix of Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Trauma Focused Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. “When we nurture others from a place of fullness, we feel renewed instead of taken advantage of.” — Jennifer Louden

As a trauma-focused eclectic therapist, I utilize a broad range of therapeutic approaches in order to best meet the needs of my clients. I specialize in trauma recovery. The majority of my clients struggle with the effects of PTSD, C-PTSD, and other anxiety-based disorders. My goal is to empower YOU to find solutions to your concerns. YOU will identify your needs and therapeutic goals. YOU are the expert in your life!

Going through trauma, grief, depression, anxiety and/or an eating disorder can be very lonely and isolating. Clients sometimes feel that they have no one who really understands what they are going through. I have worked with many clients who have experienced tragedies and difficult times in their lives, and maybe you can relate to some of those difficult feelings. I'm here to tell you that you don't have to go through this alone! You may be looking for a place to heal, to explore painful memories, to receive support. There is strength in seeking help and I would love to be by your side to support you.