I have worked…
with many issues including relationships and communication skills, life transitions and role changes, LGBTQI and gender identity issues, anger management, parenting, assertiveness, decision-making, terminal illness, suicidality, self-injury, and others...
My Qualifications…
include 10 years of diverse experience in 4 different county mental health centers throughout the Metro Atlanta area. For the past 17+ years, I've been in private practice and able to focus on my primary specialties and areas of interest. I received my Bachelors and Masters degrees from Georgia State University in Atlanta. For my Bachelor of Arts degree, I majored in Psychology and minored in Sociology. My Master of Science degree is in Professional Counseling. I've been licensed to practice professional counseling in the state of Georgia since 2006. I am trained and experienced in trauma work (providing specialized forms of therapy designed for Trauma such as EMDR and Brainspotting). In addition, I have worked extensively with grief/loss, anxiety disorders (including OCD, panic disorder, specific phobias and agoraphobia), women's issues, men's issues, major depression, and personality disorders. I love working with people of all cultures, colors, shapes and sizes, faiths and belief systems or absence of. I believe I was born to do this type of work and derive great satisfaction from it.
My Specialties…
are primarily working with survivors of severe Trauma, Abuse and PTSD/C-PTSD. I also work with Gender Identity issues and assist transgender people through the transition process. You will find that I am GLBTQI-friendly and aware. I respect where my clients are coming from regardless of differences.
My therapy style…
is mostly Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), with strong influences of Solution-Focused, Narrative and Dialectical. If you are unfamiliar with any of these terms, please ask - I’m happy to explain them. There is a list of Definition of Terms on my Blog page.
I believe…
the first and most important task in therapy is to establish comfort and trust. From this, we can begin to build a therapeutic relationship and determine if we make a good ‘Client and Therapist’ fit. I firmly believe that this foundation is necessary for change and improvement to take place. If, for whatever reason, we don’t “click”, I am more than happy to refer you to another therapist.
I can personally identify with the fear and anxiety of going to a therapist for the first time. It was hard for me too. But once I took that leap, I was so glad I did and got the help I needed. It has made all the difference for me. Fear is normal and understandable, but it usually fades and disappears in the first or second visit. Someone once said, “A stranger is a friend you have yet to meet.” Your thoughts, feelings and experiences are profoundly your own, and I will not judge you or patronize you. I find helping people to be immensely gratifying, and I am honored to be able to consult with you on your most personal issues.
People see me as warm, empathic and easy to talk to. I provide a safe, comfortable environment where you can relax knowing that what you say will be held in strictest confidence. There is something freeing, empowering and healing about revealing your vulnerabilities to another person. Here’s what some of my past clients have said (direct quotes):
“It has been a hard journey for me these last few months, but it would have been much harder without your help…”
“Anna Lisa has really helped me grow emotionally”
“You have really been there for me…”
“I’m so very comfortable with you… I’ve never been able to connect with another counselor before.”
with many issues including relationships and communication skills, life transitions and role changes, LGBTQI and gender identity issues, anger management, parenting, assertiveness, decision-making, terminal illness, suicidality, self-injury, and others...
My Qualifications…
include 10 years of diverse experience in 4 different county mental health centers throughout the Metro Atlanta area. For the past 17+ years, I've been in private practice and able to focus on my primary specialties and areas of interest. I received my Bachelors and Masters degrees from Georgia State University in Atlanta. For my Bachelor of Arts degree, I majored in Psychology and minored in Sociology. My Master of Science degree is in Professional Counseling. I've been licensed to practice professional counseling in the state of Georgia since 2006. I am trained and experienced in trauma work (providing specialized forms of therapy designed for Trauma such as EMDR and Brainspotting). In addition, I have worked extensively with grief/loss, anxiety disorders (including OCD, panic disorder, specific phobias and agoraphobia), women's issues, men's issues, major depression, and personality disorders. I love working with people of all cultures, colors, shapes and sizes, faiths and belief systems or absence of. I believe I was born to do this type of work and derive great satisfaction from it.
My Specialties…
are primarily working with survivors of severe Trauma, Abuse and PTSD/C-PTSD. I also work with Gender Identity issues and assist transgender people through the transition process. You will find that I am GLBTQI-friendly and aware. I respect where my clients are coming from regardless of differences.
My therapy style…
is mostly Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), with strong influences of Solution-Focused, Narrative and Dialectical. If you are unfamiliar with any of these terms, please ask - I’m happy to explain them. There is a list of Definition of Terms on my Blog page.
I believe…
the first and most important task in therapy is to establish comfort and trust. From this, we can begin to build a therapeutic relationship and determine if we make a good ‘Client and Therapist’ fit. I firmly believe that this foundation is necessary for change and improvement to take place. If, for whatever reason, we don’t “click”, I am more than happy to refer you to another therapist.
I can personally identify with the fear and anxiety of going to a therapist for the first time. It was hard for me too. But once I took that leap, I was so glad I did and got the help I needed. It has made all the difference for me. Fear is normal and understandable, but it usually fades and disappears in the first or second visit. Someone once said, “A stranger is a friend you have yet to meet.” Your thoughts, feelings and experiences are profoundly your own, and I will not judge you or patronize you. I find helping people to be immensely gratifying, and I am honored to be able to consult with you on your most personal issues.
People see me as warm, empathic and easy to talk to. I provide a safe, comfortable environment where you can relax knowing that what you say will be held in strictest confidence. There is something freeing, empowering and healing about revealing your vulnerabilities to another person. Here’s what some of my past clients have said (direct quotes):
“It has been a hard journey for me these last few months, but it would have been much harder without your help…”
“Anna Lisa has really helped me grow emotionally”
“You have really been there for me…”
“I’m so very comfortable with you… I’ve never been able to connect with another counselor before.”