Lisa R. Jones

Associate Professional Counselor

About

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.

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.

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.

Dañel Whitehead

LICSW, LCSW

About

My education has taught me to meet my clients where they are. It's your world, and I am here to assist! In a non-judgmental and confidential atmosphere, your progression is a priority. Working together, we will identify the issues and/or triggers that you may be experiencing. We will also identify strategies and ways to overcome, work through, and move forward from those stumbling blocks. With a listening ear, I will support and encourage as necessary. I aim to push individuals to their fullest potential. Though it may be challenging, I will be with you on your growth journey. Even though loved ones may surround us, sometimes that is not enough, and that's okay! Sometimes, we need to reach out and ask for more support and assistance. That's okay, too! This is why I am here.

My entire work career since graduating has been centered around mental health. I work with adults, older adults, families and couples. While in both my undergraduate and graduate programs, I completed my field placement in Detroit public and charter schools while working with nonprofit agencies in the city. I have experience going into the homes of clients as well as working in an inpatient hospital. 

I specialize in Depressive Disorders, stress, low self-esteem, Anxiety Disorders, coping skills, & more. Specialized to meet your needs, I utilize therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy.

My education has taught me to meet my clients where they are. It's your world, and I am here to assist! In a non-judgmental and confidential atmosphere, your progression is a priority. Working together, we will identify the issues and/or triggers that you may be experiencing. We will also identify strategies and ways to overcome, work through, and move forward from those stumbling blocks. With a listening ear, I will support and encourage as necessary. I aim to push individuals to their fullest potential. Though it may be challenging, I will be with you on your growth journey. Even though loved ones may surround us, sometimes that is not enough, and that's okay! Sometimes, we need to reach out and ask for more support and assistance. That's okay, too! This is why I am here.

My entire work career since graduating has been centered around mental health. I work with adults, older adults, families and couples. While in both my undergraduate and graduate programs, I completed my field placement in Detroit public and charter schools while working with nonprofit agencies in the city. I have experience going into the homes of clients as well as working in an inpatient hospital. 

I specialize in Depressive Disorders, stress, low self-esteem, Anxiety Disorders, coping skills, & more. Specialized to meet your needs, I utilize therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy.

Rebecca Leslie

Psychologist

About

I am a licensed psychologist that specializes in helping people change their relationship with food. I work with individuals struggling with binge eating, emotional eating or stress eating, and bulimia. I have a specific specialization in eating concerns and eating disorders with a binge component. I help people to feel less out of control when it comes to eating and spend less time thinking and worrying about food. Together we will improve your relationship with food and help you feel more confident. I also work with clients who have depression, anxiety, or trouble sleeping.

​I completed my doctoral internship at Northwestern University’s counseling center and postdoctoral fellowship at Chicago Behavioral Health. I have experience seeing clients in private practice, counseling centers, hospitals, and medical centers.

As a psychologist, I use evidence-based approaches while personalizing therapy to best fit the unique needs of each person. I focus on building a strong and trusting relationship with everyone I work with. I am a warm, empathetic, and flexible therapist.

I am a licensed psychologist that specializes in helping people change their relationship with food. I work with individuals struggling with binge eating, emotional eating or stress eating, and bulimia. I have a specific specialization in eating concerns and eating disorders with a binge component. I help people to feel less out of control when it comes to eating and spend less time thinking and worrying about food. Together we will improve your relationship with food and help you feel more confident. I also work with clients who have depression, anxiety, or trouble sleeping.

​I completed my doctoral internship at Northwestern University’s counseling center and postdoctoral fellowship at Chicago Behavioral Health. I have experience seeing clients in private practice, counseling centers, hospitals, and medical centers.

As a psychologist, I use evidence-based approaches while personalizing therapy to best fit the unique needs of each person. I focus on building a strong and trusting relationship with everyone I work with. I am a warm, empathetic, and flexible therapist.

Joy Fortanbary

APC

About

Joy Fortanbary completed a Masters of Arts in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University and also holds a B.A. in Public Relations Journalism from the University of South Carolina. She is an Associate Professional Counselor by the Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, And Marriage and Family Therapists. She is also a National Certified Counselor by the National Board of Certified Counselors and an ASAT-Candidate from the International Institute of Trauma and Addictions Specialists. Additionally, Joy has specialized training in EMDR, a therapeutic technique designed to help people struggling to process trauma.

Joy is passionate about partnering with individuals on the journey towards interpersonal healing that leads to generational change. She believes the most powerful growth happens in the context of relationship, which leads to her commitment to provide a genuine space marked by curiosity and collaboration.

Joy enjoys working with individuals navigating various challenges such as trauma, sex and love addictions, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict. Joy utilizes an integrative and holistic approach in the process of helping clients reach their personalized goals and lead a life more by design and not by default.

Joy gained valuable experience working with both individuals and groups in private practice and treatment center settings. Prior to counseling, she worked with leaders to establish national and global organizational partnerships at a large nonprofit in the Atlanta area. In her free time, Joy enjoys traveling, yoga, and spending time with her family.

Joy Fortanbary completed a Masters of Arts in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University and also holds a B.A. in Public Relations Journalism from the University of South Carolina. She is an Associate Professional Counselor by the Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, And Marriage and Family Therapists. She is also a National Certified Counselor by the National Board of Certified Counselors and an ASAT-Candidate from the International Institute of Trauma and Addictions Specialists. Additionally, Joy has specialized training in EMDR, a therapeutic technique designed to help people struggling to process trauma.

Joy is passionate about partnering with individuals on the journey towards interpersonal healing that leads to generational change. She believes the most powerful growth happens in the context of relationship, which leads to her commitment to provide a genuine space marked by curiosity and collaboration.

Joy enjoys working with individuals navigating various challenges such as trauma, sex and love addictions, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict. Joy utilizes an integrative and holistic approach in the process of helping clients reach their personalized goals and lead a life more by design and not by default.

Joy gained valuable experience working with both individuals and groups in private practice and treatment center settings. Prior to counseling, she worked with leaders to establish national and global organizational partnerships at a large nonprofit in the Atlanta area. In her free time, Joy enjoys traveling, yoga, and spending time with her family.