Available to New Clients! In-person Acworth office or virtually.
Who Am I? We all desire to be heard, to be seen, to have a purpose, to know the truth, to trust, to be trusted, and to be whole. The mind, body, & spirit need to be well; we work with all three parts. Having grown up overseas, I know acculturation into the home country is a struggle. I know what it's like to be hurt by religion or church. I know what it's like to live with a narcissistic leader or family member.
I've experienced divorce, remarriage, had single-parenting struggles, learned to rebuild a family. I know the challenges of aging parents. Life is hard at any age. I am also an LGBTQIA ally.
I offer a safe space of acceptance & kind confrontation. Our lives are impacted by trauma, whether a one-time event or a life pattern. Trauma can be one-time or long-term; religious, psychological, or physical abuse by people we trust. I will walk alongside you, working through the past, accepting the present, working toward whole wellness in your future.
As your therapist, I want to be present with you where your needs may be. If it's anxiety, depression, gender identity issues, church or religion mess, trauma, aging parents, difficult kids, troubled or at-risk-marriage, toxicity, or a career change, I will listen to you. I offer an open mind but I will challenge you when you need another perspective.

I approach therapy as the healing of all parts of you not just one particular area or problem. I use a combination of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Together we will navigate through the jungle of trauma, depression, and anxiety. Together, our job is to find a way to the pure, free, natural state of happiness found within your authentic self. There your triggers will no longer trigger you. You will not believe those negative thoughts as truth, and you will be freed of any baggage that trauma as placed on your shoulders.

My approach to therapy is to compassionately keep it real. I believe in working as equal partners you are the expert in your own life and experiences, and I bring expertise in the science of change. With over 20 years of experience, I specialize in addressing stress, anxiety, depression, attention challenges, and the ways these concerns can manifest physically in the body.

Using evidence-based approaches like motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and elements of dialectical behavioral therapy, I create a collaborative space where meaningful growth and healing can happen. Together, we’ll navigate the challenges and work toward positive change.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over seven years of experience working with children, teens, and parents. "Enter into children's play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet." -Virginia Axline. I specialize in Child-Centered Play Therapy, a developmentally appropriate treatment modality for children that utilizes their natural mode of communication, play. I also utilize Expressive Arts, Family Systems, Strength-Based, and CBT.
I work primarily with children, teens, and young adults experiencing stress and anxiety, executive functioning deficits, identity confusion, mood disorders, grief and loss, and life adjustment challenges (i.e. separation/divorce). By providing a safe, non-judgmental environment, clients can effectively express, explore, and process their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe every client is equipped with a unique set of strengths and skills that can help them overcome adversity. By helping clients rework negative perceptions of events in their lives or of themselves, clients can move to a more regulated state.

With over 19 years of experience in counseling, I am dedicated to helping others navigate life's challenges. I believe in creating a safe and comfortable environment where you can express yourself freely and work towards positive change. Whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, or any other issue, I am here to listen and provide the support and coping skills you need to improve your daily functioning.

My career has spanned various roles, including Social Work Case Management, Mental Health Professional, and Director of Upward Bound and Student Support Services (TRIO Programs). I have worked with a diverse population, including children, adolescents, adults, parents, first-generation students, non-traditional students, juvenile delinquents, and male inmates. I retired in 2016 from the Alabama state system with 25 years of service and reentered the workforce from 2016 to 2023 as a Mental Health Professional in a correctional facility.

I specialize in Anger Management, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Stress, Mood Disorders, Oppositional Defiant, Grief Issues, PTSD, Trauma, Parenting, Bullying, Suicidal Ideations, and Life Transitions. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Reality Therapy, Multicultural Therapy, Eclectic Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

The best place to change and grow is in relationships. I specialize in providing a safe, supportive and collaborative environment for each client who steps into my office. Whether it is through their anxiety, with their significant other or processing spiritual or relational trauma, my goal is connection. When that connection is fostered, I help clients unpack their feelings, process their irrational thoughts and get to the root of their struggles for true change to take place. It’s not about a quick fix but deep processing through a supportive, empathetic environment!

Michael received his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University, as well as certificates in Marriage & Family Therapy and Trauma Counseling. Michael has also pursued additional relationally-focused training through the highly regarded Gottman Institute and is a certified facilitator of Prepare/Enrich relationship assessments.

Michael works with adolescents, adults, and couples to address a wide range of needs including: anxiety, depression, life adjustment, suicidal thoughts, spiritual development, sexual identity, relationship communication, conflict resolution, pre-marital education, and family systems under duress. He seeks to create a safe and collaborative space for clients to move towards hope and healing. Michael’s approach to the therapeutic process is best expressed by the Jon Kabat-Zinn quote, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

Before his career in counseling, Michael earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Kennesaw State University and spent several years working for Apple Inc. as a manager and trainer. Throughout high school and college, Michael worked as a martial arts instructor, a pursuit that he credits with cultivating both an appreciation for mindfulness and fostering his continued enthusiasm for physical fitness.

Our journey through life can be challenging at times. We often allow our past, present, and even future circumstances to prevent us from optimizing our journey. Whether you are a mother juggling multiple roles, a spouse feeling unappreciated, a young adult figuring out life, or a child/teen whose parents don't understand, I will work with you to identify your needs, create goals, and help you conquer emotional and behavioral challenges that arise at each stage of your journey. I provide a non-judgemental therapeutic atmosphere of confidentiality, respect, collaboration, empowerment, and healing so that we can create your desired outcomes. I believe you are worthy and capable of living the life you envision, so let's take this journey together.

I have worked in the mental health field for 10 years. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, geriatrics, and military service members. I have a vast array of skill sets and the ability to exhibit compassion and empathy with analytical thinking skills and positive rapport building. I have a background in providing services to individuals experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, child and adolescent behavioral concerns, parenting needs, family conflict, marital and relationship conflict, addiction, risk assessments, and domestic & sexual violence.

I specialize in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, family and couple conflict, daily stressors, and mindfulness techniques. I incorporate evidence-based clinical interventions from a systemic perspective. My therapeutic approach fosters a warm, down-to-earth style in which clinical interventions will be tailored to your specific needs. 

Barbara Carlin is founder of Horizon Counseling & Consulting, LLC. Located in Atlanta. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nation Board Certified Counselor, she takes great satisfaction working with individuals, groups and conducting workshops. She often is invited to speak on a multitude of topics related to mental health and personal well-being.