Michael Kanner

LPC

About

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.

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.

Porsha Jones

Marriage and Family Therapist

About

Porsha is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from University of California at Berkeley then moved to Atlanta, Georgia and completed her Masters of Family Therapy degree from Mercer University School of Medicine. Porsha’s strength is providing an open, caring and safe environment for you to discuss your most private difficulties and challenges. She focuses on building a positive therapeutic relationship to promote maximum positive change and growth in you.

Porsha is experienced and passionate about working with individuals, couples and families suffering from issues surrounding anxiety, depression, major conflict, infidelity, divorce, and blended family dynamics. She uses Solution-Focused Therapy to help broaden clients’ understanding of the way they see themselves, their family and their situation.

Porsha specializes in working with professional athletes and understands the specific lifestyle challenges athletes and their families face. She tailors her approach to each unique situation and strives to meet the individual needs of each athlete and family.

In addition, Porsha believes that one’s thoughts ultimately determine their feelings and behaviors and therefore uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to identify destructive thinking patterns, creating more effective ways to respond to life’s challenges. In the words of John Holmer Miller, “Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.”

Porsha is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from University of California at Berkeley then moved to Atlanta, Georgia and completed her Masters of Family Therapy degree from Mercer University School of Medicine. Porsha’s strength is providing an open, caring and safe environment for you to discuss your most private difficulties and challenges. She focuses on building a positive therapeutic relationship to promote maximum positive change and growth in you.

Porsha is experienced and passionate about working with individuals, couples and families suffering from issues surrounding anxiety, depression, major conflict, infidelity, divorce, and blended family dynamics. She uses Solution-Focused Therapy to help broaden clients’ understanding of the way they see themselves, their family and their situation.

Porsha specializes in working with professional athletes and understands the specific lifestyle challenges athletes and their families face. She tailors her approach to each unique situation and strives to meet the individual needs of each athlete and family.

In addition, Porsha believes that one’s thoughts ultimately determine their feelings and behaviors and therefore uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to identify destructive thinking patterns, creating more effective ways to respond to life’s challenges. In the words of John Holmer Miller, “Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.”

Mindy Pierce

LPC

About

Mindy Pierce is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice with GROW Counseling. She received her MA in Counseling Psychology from Indiana Wesleyan University and her BA from Asbury University.

Her clinical experience includes working with men’s and women’s issues; various relationship issues; pornography and infidelity; substance and process addictions; depression; anxiety; grief; PTSD; personality disorders; parenting stress; survivors of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, complex trauma, secondary trauma, commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking; and those providing services for survivors (first responders, attorneys, therapists, and case workers). She is also trained and experienced in EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing).

Mindy has led short-term teams and/or facilitated counseling seminars in Mexico, Uganda, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka. She and her husband spent 18 months living in Sri Lanka and working for a post-tsunami recovery project, where she began her involvement in anti-human trafficking work. Upon returning to the United States, she has worked in a private, residential setting and as a therapist in private practice.

A strong commitment to supporting first responders grew from experiences related to her husband’s years spent in law enforcement. Mindy possesses a deep appreciation for the unique challenges faced by those working on the front lines of law enforcement, fire and rescue, and emergency medical services – understanding the risk of secondary traumatization, addiction, burnout, isolation, and distress in personal relationships.

In 2016, after 14 years of witnessing the restorative impact of healthy, life-giving relationships and the traumatic impact of brokenness around issues related to connection, sex and intimacy, Mindy created STRONGERconnection|cards™, a conversation tool designed for proactively building relationships and preventing disconnection. You can learn more at STRONGERconnectioncards.com.

She and her husband live in the Atlanta area and have three children.

Mindy Pierce is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice with GROW Counseling. She received her MA in Counseling Psychology from Indiana Wesleyan University and her BA from Asbury University.

Her clinical experience includes working with men’s and women’s issues; various relationship issues; pornography and infidelity; substance and process addictions; depression; anxiety; grief; PTSD; personality disorders; parenting stress; survivors of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, complex trauma, secondary trauma, commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking; and those providing services for survivors (first responders, attorneys, therapists, and case workers). She is also trained and experienced in EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing).

Mindy has led short-term teams and/or facilitated counseling seminars in Mexico, Uganda, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka. She and her husband spent 18 months living in Sri Lanka and working for a post-tsunami recovery project, where she began her involvement in anti-human trafficking work. Upon returning to the United States, she has worked in a private, residential setting and as a therapist in private practice.

A strong commitment to supporting first responders grew from experiences related to her husband’s years spent in law enforcement. Mindy possesses a deep appreciation for the unique challenges faced by those working on the front lines of law enforcement, fire and rescue, and emergency medical services – understanding the risk of secondary traumatization, addiction, burnout, isolation, and distress in personal relationships.

In 2016, after 14 years of witnessing the restorative impact of healthy, life-giving relationships and the traumatic impact of brokenness around issues related to connection, sex and intimacy, Mindy created STRONGERconnection|cards™, a conversation tool designed for proactively building relationships and preventing disconnection. You can learn more at STRONGERconnectioncards.com.

She and her husband live in the Atlanta area and have three children.

Katherine Blum

LPC

About

Katie Blum is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Katie holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology from North Central College. Her training experiences include the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of presenting concerns including anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD and behavior concerns, anger, academic difficulties, interpersonal and relationship issues, self-esteem, executive functioning difficulties, and sleep troubles. She has experience providing psychotherapy services in person– both individually and within group therapy settings– in schools, and via tele-psychology platforms. Katie uses empirically supported assessment and treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), working alongside clients as they integrate new tools and strategies into their everyday life.

Katie’s approach to therapy focuses on meeting clients where they are at and helping them reach their self-determined goals. She does this by focusing on helping clients define their strengths while providing proven strategies to build resilience and strengthen everyday coping. Additionally, Katie values well-rounded, individualized care by coordinating with outside entities including schools, primary care providers, and psychiatrists.

Katie Blum is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Katie holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology from North Central College. Her training experiences include the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of presenting concerns including anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD and behavior concerns, anger, academic difficulties, interpersonal and relationship issues, self-esteem, executive functioning difficulties, and sleep troubles. She has experience providing psychotherapy services in person– both individually and within group therapy settings– in schools, and via tele-psychology platforms. Katie uses empirically supported assessment and treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), working alongside clients as they integrate new tools and strategies into their everyday life.

Katie’s approach to therapy focuses on meeting clients where they are at and helping them reach their self-determined goals. She does this by focusing on helping clients define their strengths while providing proven strategies to build resilience and strengthen everyday coping. Additionally, Katie values well-rounded, individualized care by coordinating with outside entities including schools, primary care providers, and psychiatrists.

Liz Hatzispiros

LCMHC

About

Starting therapy can be scary, overwhelming, frustrating, and/or exhausting. There are so much options.. and if you're not a therapist yourself, many of the terms and specialties are new for you and probably don't mean anything yet. If you're not sure what exactly you're looking for, but know you want help and support, you're in the right place. I'll explain the process, walk through what next steps are and work with you along the way to answer questions and make sure what we are doing continues to feel supportive of your needs.

I offer my clients a safe space to explore questions and thoughts that they may not feel comfortable sharing with others. We will look at the feelings that come up for you in difficult situations and also share the wins together. We can keep things in the moment and focus on what's currently happening, or explore how past experiences have shaped you.

Everyone's needs are different, and there is not a one size fits all to therapy. I believe the relationship is the most important part of this process, and with a strong connection to your therapist (hopefully me!) real change and understanding can happen. If you're ready to start, please reach out and we can walk through this together.

Starting therapy can be scary, overwhelming, frustrating, and/or exhausting. There are so much options.. and if you're not a therapist yourself, many of the terms and specialties are new for you and probably don't mean anything yet. If you're not sure what exactly you're looking for, but know you want help and support, you're in the right place. I'll explain the process, walk through what next steps are and work with you along the way to answer questions and make sure what we are doing continues to feel supportive of your needs.

I offer my clients a safe space to explore questions and thoughts that they may not feel comfortable sharing with others. We will look at the feelings that come up for you in difficult situations and also share the wins together. We can keep things in the moment and focus on what's currently happening, or explore how past experiences have shaped you.

Everyone's needs are different, and there is not a one size fits all to therapy. I believe the relationship is the most important part of this process, and with a strong connection to your therapist (hopefully me!) real change and understanding can happen. If you're ready to start, please reach out and we can walk through this together.

Johanna Karasik

Licensed Professional Counselor

About

Stress just. won't. stop. and “work-life balance” seems like an impossible feat. Your stress has been building for FAR too long; you can't remember the last time you weren’t so overwhelmed or anxious. You can't stand how irritable you’ve become, especially around those you love. Your go-to de-stressors just aren't cutting it anymore - or it's a struggle to use them, and you’re growing tired of your own procrastination, rumination, and withdrawing from others. You want to be more present in your life & relationships. You want to feel like your old self again - or a new, calmer self - on a path of continued growth and success. You want more for yourself and are ready for change.

I can help by co-creating a brave & safe space and validating you - especially when it feels like no one understands. With Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), we can help you feel quick relief from prior traumas and distresses, eliminate triggers, and move forward feeling lighter and calmer. We'll rebuild coping skills for relief now & prevention later. I'll challenge you (with care), offer accountability, and use your strengths to help you meet your goals. Ideally, we'll also laugh together and connect as humans.

You're struggling now and contacting therapists only to then wait for responses is frustrating. Skip the waiting and take another step toward relief now by scheduling a brief phone consult directly on my website!

Stress just. won't. stop. and “work-life balance” seems like an impossible feat. Your stress has been building for FAR too long; you can't remember the last time you weren’t so overwhelmed or anxious. You can't stand how irritable you’ve become, especially around those you love. Your go-to de-stressors just aren't cutting it anymore - or it's a struggle to use them, and you’re growing tired of your own procrastination, rumination, and withdrawing from others. You want to be more present in your life & relationships. You want to feel like your old self again - or a new, calmer self - on a path of continued growth and success. You want more for yourself and are ready for change.

I can help by co-creating a brave & safe space and validating you - especially when it feels like no one understands. With Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), we can help you feel quick relief from prior traumas and distresses, eliminate triggers, and move forward feeling lighter and calmer. We'll rebuild coping skills for relief now & prevention later. I'll challenge you (with care), offer accountability, and use your strengths to help you meet your goals. Ideally, we'll also laugh together and connect as humans.

You're struggling now and contacting therapists only to then wait for responses is frustrating. Skip the waiting and take another step toward relief now by scheduling a brief phone consult directly on my website!

Sarah Valeriay

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor

About

Sarah considers her work in therapy to be a privilege with every client. She understands taking brave steps towards life-healing change is sacred work that should be met with detailed, compassionate care. Sarah strives to provide a safe environment for clients to build on their existing skills and address any areas of concerns they may have while moving towards transformation and freedom.

Sarah has served clients in a broad span of clinical and therapeutic settings. Her experience ranges from serving the mental health needs of the homeless population of Atlanta, to psychiatric hospital experience, therapeutic residential treatment for teens, and private practice. Sarah integrates a variety of therapeutic techniques to help clients identify and heal the deep heart wounds that can influence our core beliefs and impact our actions. The integration of faith in counseling is available upon request.

Sarah considers her work in therapy to be a privilege with every client. She understands taking brave steps towards life-healing change is sacred work that should be met with detailed, compassionate care. Sarah strives to provide a safe environment for clients to build on their existing skills and address any areas of concerns they may have while moving towards transformation and freedom.

Sarah has served clients in a broad span of clinical and therapeutic settings. Her experience ranges from serving the mental health needs of the homeless population of Atlanta, to psychiatric hospital experience, therapeutic residential treatment for teens, and private practice. Sarah integrates a variety of therapeutic techniques to help clients identify and heal the deep heart wounds that can influence our core beliefs and impact our actions. The integration of faith in counseling is available upon request.

Jennifer Diamond

Clinical Psychologist

About

In 1997, I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern University where I was trained in the use of Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral therapies with adults and adolescents. My post graduate training includes EMDR and Internal Family Systems therapies. I draw on all of these approaches in my work to help people create happier, more fulfilling lives for themselves and their families.

My therapeutic focus includes transitions in adolescence and adulthood, trauma, navigating divorce and post-divorce relationships, and the anxiety and distress that accompany these experiences. I also help mothers and fathers navigate the difficult job of raising children, from infancy through young adulthood, in all types of family configurations. Together, with compassion, we can understand the origins of your distress, what keeps it present in your life, and what changes need to be made to let it go.

In addition to relying on traditional talk therapies, we can draw upon my non-traditional training. I offer EMDR therapy, a highly effective treatment for trauma that can also be helpful when you feel stuck after trying talk therapy to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. And we can choose to use mindfulness techniques drawing upon my decades of practicing and teaching yoga and meditation.

If you are seeking help with any stage of divorce, my training as a divorce mediator may also be helpful in understanding and navigating the process you are going through.

In 1997, I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern University where I was trained in the use of Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral therapies with adults and adolescents. My post graduate training includes EMDR and Internal Family Systems therapies. I draw on all of these approaches in my work to help people create happier, more fulfilling lives for themselves and their families.

My therapeutic focus includes transitions in adolescence and adulthood, trauma, navigating divorce and post-divorce relationships, and the anxiety and distress that accompany these experiences. I also help mothers and fathers navigate the difficult job of raising children, from infancy through young adulthood, in all types of family configurations. Together, with compassion, we can understand the origins of your distress, what keeps it present in your life, and what changes need to be made to let it go.

In addition to relying on traditional talk therapies, we can draw upon my non-traditional training. I offer EMDR therapy, a highly effective treatment for trauma that can also be helpful when you feel stuck after trying talk therapy to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. And we can choose to use mindfulness techniques drawing upon my decades of practicing and teaching yoga and meditation.

If you are seeking help with any stage of divorce, my training as a divorce mediator may also be helpful in understanding and navigating the process you are going through.

Christine Van De Kerckhove

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

About

I consider it a gift to help individuals and couples meet their goals and work towards becoming their most authentic selves. I have expertise and experience treating depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, trauma, family and relational issues, marital concerns including infidelity, and more. My therapeutic approach is fairly simple: I believe you are the expert in your life and I am here as a partner and sounding board to help you make real positive changes. My therapeutic style takes into account my training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Gottman therapy for couples, in conjunction with my belief in the resilience of the human spirit. I tailor my methods to suit the unique needs of the couples and individuals I serve. I understand how daunting it can feel to reach out for help, but you don't have to face this alone. Together, we can embark on a journey toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

I consider it a gift to help individuals and couples meet their goals and work towards becoming their most authentic selves. I have expertise and experience treating depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, trauma, family and relational issues, marital concerns including infidelity, and more. My therapeutic approach is fairly simple: I believe you are the expert in your life and I am here as a partner and sounding board to help you make real positive changes. My therapeutic style takes into account my training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Gottman therapy for couples, in conjunction with my belief in the resilience of the human spirit. I tailor my methods to suit the unique needs of the couples and individuals I serve. I understand how daunting it can feel to reach out for help, but you don't have to face this alone. Together, we can embark on a journey toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life.