Some people who experience trauma may struggle with memories and thoughts about the event. They may have nightmares or feel angry all the time. They may want to avoid thinking about the trauma or encountering things that remind them of it. While it may feel better momentarily, avoidance of the trauma can keep you stuck from recovering from PTSD. As a certified trauma therapist, I offer a treatment that helps heal PTSD in 12-15 sessions. I specialize in working with first responders & veterans and am extensively trained to work with the unique challenges they face, however, I work with all forms of trauma.

We all need a little help sometimes, and I try to create a safe, supportive environment where my clients can discover new possibilities. I am passionate about helping you discover your strengths, learn new skills, and make meaningful connections. I primarily treat anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. I also have experience helping others navigate issues of faith and life transitions. I am passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ community and enjoy working with individuals and couples of all identities and orientations.

Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed, constantly anxious, or like you no longer want to get out of bed in the morning. Maybe you are miserable, apathetic or afraid all the time and you don't know how to regain balance. Maybe you've gone through a lot of changes recently, or you've lost a lot of close relationships. Maybe your closest relationship is causing you pain and stress, and you want to figure out how to better navigate it. Maybe you're struggling with an addiction and it's making it hard to go to school or work. Or maybe something really terrible happened in your life and you feel stuck.

I am so honored to welcome you to my practice, "The Heart of the Matter". Though the symptoms may be anxiety or depression, quite often there are underlying wounds at the Heart of the Matter. I am Jeanine Ricchetti, a licensed professional mental health counselor with 30+ years of experience as a professional although I began hearing my first trauma stories from friends at the age of 15. I’ve always been an empathic listener, allowing people to be who they are and to feel what they need to feel, in the sacred space between us where they can safely get to the Heart of the Matter. That simply came naturally to me by age fifteen.

If you are reading this then you are considering and/or needing a change in your life. This change may be anything: processing your past; managing current feelings that are overwhelming; struggling with your sense of identity; seeking friends and connection; struggling with drug use; or something else unique to you. You may have a mental health diagnosis. You may not. You may need mental health maintenance to keep up previous progress and prevent regression or this may be a completely new experience for you. Whatever your reason, therapy can help you find relief, growth, and increase your overall wellness.

End Stigma Reach Out! You're searching for hope, during this difficult time in your life. You're feeling confused about the REAL YOU. You desire change in your life. You often find yourself in a rocky relationship. You feel lost and unsure about where your life is, where you will go and who will be with you. You're ready to unleash your pain and suffering. You can leave all the stress, anger ,fear, and pain on the counseling space floor. So what if you cry or scream or laugh. You're human after all. You're not a robot! Therapy is a gift you deserve.

We are all unique and so are the struggles we face daily. Being unique is great, yet there comes a time when we are faced with challenges, feeling stuck, frustrated, angry or simply misunderstood. It is during these times that it is beneficial to seek someone outside of that current situation for fresh insight, an objective perspective and a listening, non-judgmental ear. Sometimes an outsider looking in may be exactly what you need in order to identify and develop the best solution to meet your unique and individual needs. Life is full of ups and downs- in therapy we learn how to maneuver through the waves of life.

I have been a therapist for 24 years and my main goal is to provide a safe, trusting, and ethical counseling environment. I have intensive training in trauma. I counsel both adults and adolescents and also have intensive experience working with couples and families including military personnel and their families. My level of expertise also involves grief and loss, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, anger management, adapting to life transitions, relationship issues, ADHD, sexual and/or physical abuse, and other trauma.

This practice is NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Please call if you are seeking help to make changes in your life. Many people have at least one area where they would like improvement. This might include: mental well-being, addiction, intimate/parent-child/friend/work relationships, school/work life, etc... Sometimes it’s easy to know what needs attention in our lives, and other times we find ourselves baffled by what is going on inside ourselves. My therapy practice is about supporting you in identifying the kind of life you want and finding the best way to achieve that life.

Do you feel as though unhealthy coping skills are preventing you from becoming your "Best Self"? Sometimes in life, we face adverse situations in which we learn to cope using unhealthy skills. This may cause us to feel stuck and wondering why we can't do the things that we know, think, and feel would be helpful? Unhealthy coping behaviors may cause a person to feel stuck and wonder why they aren't progressing. Unfortunately, we continue to use these skills in ways that are no longer beneficial and eventually cause harm to our functioning. Therapy can be helpful in identifying, eliminating, and replacing these harmful behaviors.

Auburn Therapy Associates, LLC is a group of independent practitioners, gathered together to provide a wide range of services to the community of Auburn-Opelika and the larger Lee County area. Our core values include (1) Diversity, Inclusivity, and Sociocultural Attunement​​, (2) Evidenced-based and research-informed practice, (3) A Holistic approach, and (4) Tailored and Collaborative treatment. Our therapists use a variety of techniques, modalities and skills, but most of all we try to be relatable humans and work hard to make sure you feel comfortable, hopeful, and excited about where therapy is going.

As a therapist, my goal is for you to leave each session feeling like you accomplished something. Change is hard and therapy can be scary. Let me help. From the wise words of Shannon L. Alder, "Courage doesn't happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life."

Thank you for the opportunity for considering me to work with you. My background is unique and varied which provides a broad range of knowledge, and experiences from having served in the U.S. Army, worked in Law Enforcement for over twenty-five years, worked on a church staff and as Therapist. I find it rewarding to help individuals realize their potential, see hope in a better future and becoming their best selves in life. We should not be defined by the negative beliefs we hold about ourselves but in the positive changes we can make. I have worked with individuals, couples, families, groups, adults, and adolescents.

Angry teens and struggling adults are my passion. I love helping teens become more assertive, turn from destructive ways, and find their purpose in life. I understand adults who feel stuck in their current situation but believe there is a greater purpose. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or another issue, allow me to actively listen and build on your strengths to address your unique challenge(s).

No matter what your challenges are , it takes time , it takes a positive attitude , and it takes Action! Let me help you get into a better mindset and learn to overcome these challenges with effective, personal growth!

Therapy works! Healing begins. Your relationships are transformed. Your children / adolescents can behave and thrive. You can find purpose together. Your life direction can become clear. You can have your life back! Counseling and Therapy Services can help you on your road to healing, recovery, and happiness.

I have worked with children and their families who are going through the divorce process for over twenty years. I have worked with families who are in extreme conflict and counsel the children, provided co-parenting to the parents and parental coordination post-divorce to the families.

Kevin Mullins is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in helping individuals struggling with trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, and self-injury.

I believe it is my purpose to serve others and facilitate them finding their own purpose in order that they become a change agent of positive solutions for themselves and others.