Melissa is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with a Master of Science in professional counseling from Georgia State University. She is passionate about serving children, individuals, and families through counseling. She has a passion to see her clients thrive so that they are able to overcome challenges that are negatively affecting their lives. Melissa is committed to assisting in the process of growth to help clients break dysfunctional cycles. She approaches therapy with individuals, children, and families using creative methods. Since obtaining her degree, Melissa has received continuing education and specializes in providing play therapy services for children ages 4–12 and is trained in working with children who experience anxiety, anger, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social skills, among other issues. In addition, Melissa enjoys helping adult women who are facing challenges and difficulties such as depression, anxiety, and more, as well as adults with anxiety, and couples facing conflict. Melissa has served in various settings using her skills in the role of kindergarten teacher and church staff member.

As a therapist, I provide a safe, supportive environment to listen while gently challenging troubling thoughts and addressing painful emotions to encourage growth and change. I’m passionate about meeting clients where they are, helping them unpack life's challenges, and bringing light to difficult situations. I work with couples, individuals, and families seeking healthier, stronger relationships. My approach centers on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which focuses on identifying and expressing core emotions that often drive behavior. By exploring these underlying emotions, I help clients improve communication, strengthen emotional bonds, and foster deeper connection. For couples, EFT can guide them in breaking negative patterns, building trust, and restoring intimacy. For individuals and families, it can facilitate healing, conflict resolution, and personal growth. When desired, I also integrate faith into the counseling process, offering a holistic approach to healing that aligns with my clients' beliefs. If you're feeling weighed down by life's challenges, I'm here to walk with you and help you find clarity and hope.

It is my honor and privilege to walk alongside my clients in a supportive, non-judgmental relationship, giving them a safe space for developing self-awareness, learning healthy coping skills, and improving their quality of life. I work best with adults and adolescents ages 16+. I have been in practice since 2011 and earned a master’s degree in community counseling from University of North Georgia. I have worked at Eagle Ranch children’s home in Flowery Branch, Georgia and at Still Waters, a nonprofit Christian counseling center in Gainesville, Georgia. In my own private practice, I currently see clients virtually.    I combine cognitive behavioral therapy and family systems to help my clients who are dealing with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, codependency, anger, grief, and loss as well as marriage, parenting, and spiritual concerns. For clients seeking Christian counseling, I am able to offer a Christ-centered, Biblical approach. I believe that renewing of the mind through the truth of God‘s word and renewing of the heart through experiencing his love are the foundations for peace and joy, regardless of life circumstances. No matter our struggles, Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” I love helping my clients on their journey to find this abundant life. Currently, I am only seeing clients virtually.

Caitlin is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling and a Master of Divinity in pastoral counseling. She now works in private practice and brings with her a multitude of experiences that include chaplaincy, assistant directorship at an inpatient residential substance abuse and mental health facility, and trauma counseling. Caitlin’s primary areas of focus include trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, codependency, grief and loss, and low self-worth and spirituality/Christian counseling. She is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), and experiential therapies. She frequently works with veterans and first responders.    Caitlin’s client-centered therapy sessions integrate several modalities including CBT, mindfulness, narrative therapies, experiential, trauma-focused, and somatic practices. She provides compassion without criticism or judgment. Caitlin has experienced her own struggles with addiction, trauma, questioning her faith, and other life issues that not only give her firsthand experience, but also the ability to connect with her clients on a more personal level. When she is not in the office helping her clients find healing, you can find Caitlin outside or in the kitchen playing and baking with her daughter. 

Kirsten Banks is a Georgia State Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a nationally Certified Interventionist (CAI and CIP), and a Certified PC Trauma Therapist. She earned her BA and BS degrees in Sociology and a minor in Rehabilitative Services in Women’s Studies from the University of Florida in 1998. In 2005, she earned her Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Argosy University.  Kirsten has worked in the addiction field for over 20 years and specializes in substance use disorders, mental health, codependency, and trauma, as well as families, couples, and individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues. She is the founder of Therapeutic Recovery Network and offers counseling, intervention, and consulting services for mental health and substance abuse. Kirsten uses a network approach to facilitate the necessary services for each individual in the family. She has found that this collaborative approach is the most effective. It allows her to assess and develop a tailored plan for individuals and families to find their paths to healing. In addition to her work as a therapist and interventionist, Kirsten has extensive involvement in the local area to help combat the impact of drug addiction on the community. She developed and facilitates a local support group and an online support community called Parent Recovery Network (PRN) for parents and grandparents with loved ones struggling with addiction. 

Sha Wortman is an Associate Professional Counselor who has been working in the mental health field since 1994, serving in healthcare and hospice settings as well as elementary and high schools. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Georgia State University. Sha served as a school counselor, working with students, families, and staff for 20 years. She has worked with diverse populations from a variety of backgrounds.  Life is challenging! Changes, both good and not so good, can be difficult to navigate. Sha feels blessed to help others explore feelings, identify and utilize strengths, and build skills like improving executive functioning. Her work is deeply rooted in faith, and she understands we all have unique stories and our backgrounds shape how we operate and heal. Sha has been married since 1996 and has four growing and grown sons. She and her husband have been foster and adoptive parents. When not working, Sha can usually be found gathered around a firepit with music and her favorite people.   

Brittany is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and a National Certified Counselor in Georgia. Her passion is helping children, age 3 up to young people age 25 and their families restore and rebuild the peace they’ve lost in their lives. She believes humans are designed to be intimately connected with others in loving and secure relationships. When that connection and safety become absent or broken because of life’s difficulties, emotional pain and behavioral issues often arise that are difficult to navigate alone. Brittany’s focus is on providing individuals (ages 3–25) with the tools they need to overcome their inner struggles, navigate challenges, and develop resiliency. Some of her specialties include working with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation, ADHD, low self-esteem, divorce, grief, social skills/peer relationships, behavioral issues, transitional issues, and parent-child attachment work (helping parents connect with their children to build more meaningful relationships). She loves partnering with parents and other important professionals to help children reach their goals and succeed! Brittany has worked as a counselor in a variety of settings, such as nonprofit organizations, animal-assisted therapy programs (utilizing dogs, horses, and dolphins), private practice, and the school system. She primarily uses play therapy and cognitive-behavioral approaches to help her clients achieve self-awareness and emotional healing. In her free time, Brittany enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, traveling, and playing sports.

Nicole Thaxton, PhD, LPC, CPCS, is the co-founder and clinical director of Atlanta Wellness Collective with locations in  Roswell /Alpharetta, Marietta, and Acworth, Georgia. She is known for creating meaningful relationships and treatment plans with her clients and has worked with children, teens, adults, and families in private practice since 2016. Dr. Nicole understands “high-achieving” individuals and families and the unique challenges they face related to anxiety, stress, pressure, perfectionism, grief and loss, divorce, relationship issues, and trauma. When appropriate, she enjoys working with clients who wish to incorporate their faith into counseling. Dr. Nicole is highly effective at working with parents to set goals and better understand the challenges their teen is facing. Contact Dr. Nicole at www.atlwell.com.

Meet Chelsea King, a dedicated mental health advocate and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice. Chelsea earned a master's degree in psychology and counseling from Troy University and a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from Albany State University. She holds the esteemed National Certified Counselor (NCC) certificate. Chelsea's specializes in treating clients facing depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. She also specializes in adolescent therapy and premarital support.  Chelsea's passion for mental health extends beyond her work in private practice, Therapeutic Impressions Counseling. Chelsea serves as a clinical assessor for Clayton County, where she conducts comprehensive assessments to diagnose clients and facilitate appropriate clinical treatments. This work reflects her deep commitment to helping others achieve mental and emotional well-being. Chelsea's dedication to serving the Lord through helping others extends to her entrepreneurial endeavors. She founded The Yoni Company, a small business dedicated to feminine health products. Her products can be found in small businesses across Atlanta, Georgia, and Columbus, Mississippi. Demonstrating her heart for missions and charitable initiatives, Chelsea donates reusable pads to communities in Uganda, Africa, in an effort to positively impact women's health globally. In her free time, Chelsea indulges her creative side with pottery, tends to her beloved plants, and explores nature trails with her faithful canine companion, Ghost.  

Do you struggle with anxiety that affects your day-to-day life? Do you feel overwhelmed by your relationship and worry you’ll make the wrong decision? Have you had life changes that have been difficult to accept? You’re not alone. While you may feel isolated, you’re not the only one experiencing anxiety and uncertainty. And things can get better. I help clients learn healthy coping skills to explore and manage anxiety, life changes, and relationship issues. I use mindfulness techniques (breathing skills), CBT, and narrative therapy. For every session, I seek to create a warm and inviting space where clients feel at ease to be vulnerable and discuss and explore change. It’s important to me to provide a safe place for cultural diversity and differences in gender and sexual orientation.  I believe that anxiety doesn’t have to control your life or change your dreams. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out today for your first appointment!