I am an experienced Associate Marriage Family Therapy who is dedicated to helping children, teenagers, and adults cope with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment issues.

I am a sport psychology fellow specializing in mental health concerns and performance optimization for athletes and individuals in high-stress occupations. I see children, teens, adults, individuals, couples, and run a therapy group. Although I specialize in sports/performance with athletes, I see all individuals who are struggling with depression, anxiety, panic, sexual health concerns, faith & life transitions, co-occurring medical concerns, ADHD, OCD, perfectionism, and other mental health concerns!

Megan received her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Certificate in Trauma Counseling from Richmont Graduate University. While obtaining her degree, Megan gained experience at Peachford Hospital in the Partial Hospitalization Program working with adults, adolescents, and children. At Hope Counseling Center, Megan worked with adults experiencing trauma, addictions, grief and loss, identity issues, relationship issues, and life transitions. Megan currently works at Grow Counseling and Fayette Accountability Counseling and specializes in the following areas:

Complex Trauma
Addictions (substance and process)
Grief and Loss
Body and Self-Image
Career Development

Trauma has a way of disconnecting us from ourselves and others. And if you’re anything like my clients, that sense of disconnection feels impossible to shake. When they first start therapy, my clients feel dissatisfied and disoriented with where they find themselves. They struggle to trust themselves. They feel stuck in self-criticism and people-pleasing. They feel alone, longing for genuine connection belonging. And they feel broken. Like my clients, you deserve to untangle yourself from the trauma and harm you’ve endured. You deserve to feel at home within yourself. To feel authentic connection in your relationships. To feel free.

I love working with adults navigating life after trauma who feel chronically disconnected because I’ve been there. As a survivor of complex trauma, I get it on a level I just couldn’t without living through it. I’ve climbed out of the valleys of despair and hopelessness, and I know it’s possible to reclaim your voice, experience restoration, and thrive.

I believe connection is the catalyst to healing. I also believe we as humans are hardwired to heal. Sometimes we simply need a compassionate witness to guide us back to ourselves and help us find a meaningful path forward. My hope is that our work together will honor the uniqueness of your story and empower you to rediscover the goodness you already possess.

2. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in helping clients overcome the loss of self, anxiety, and depression in a matter of months rather than years so that they can experience the present, increase acceptance and live with more purpose. My experience spans approximately fifteen years in the mental health field, I have a bachelor’s Degree from Portland State University (1999) and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Arizona State University in 2005. I have worked in a variety of treatment settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, level-one trauma centers, community crisis response, private practice, and in-home counseling. Having worked as a Clinical Social worker for 10+ years my training is rooted in systems theory which has taught me to evaluate the whole person, and to look at their individual needs, influences, and strengths which helps deliver personalized treatment for all of my clients. I have further training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness techniques which have helped me specialize in anxiety and life transitions. Today I offers individual counseling for adults struggling with loss of identity, anxiety, agoraphobia, new medical/psychiatric diagnosis, depression, grief, co-occurring issues, stress management, and/or anyone who hopes to improve their ability to be present.

Hi! I believe that a fulfilling life is one built through connection with others as well as ourselves. I am excited about walking alongside you as we explore your relationship to yourself and the world around you. Together, we can work towards helping you create an authentic life!

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.

"When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own the story, we can write a brave new ending." -Brené Brown.

Believing these words, I create a safe, non-judgmental, compassionate space for adult individuals, couples and families to own and process their stories, while finding meaning, healing and growth. We are dynamic people, capable of change and restoration, and it is an honor to facilitate and walk with a person through this process. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, addiction, chronic illness, marital concerns, trauma, anger management, international adjustments and transitions, infertility and adoption.

In my therapeutic approach, emotional honesty is key in owning our stories and in being able to verbalize the impact of our family histories. Learning to accept how we feel helps us own our failures and mistakes. As your therapist, I will hold space, empowering you to make courageous decisions towards hope/healing/change.

I attended Taylor University in Indiana where I received my BA in Psychology and International Studies, after which I received my MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Richmont Graduate University in Atlanta, GA. I grew up in North Africa and Western Europe in a multi-cultural family.

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 help individuals, partners, and families sort through their history and stories of pain, highlight their resilience, expand their emotional awareness, and practice new behaviors for a life of health and wholeness.

I practice under the LPC-MHSP (Temporary) license in Tennessee with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am a National Certified Counselor, Certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator, and have level 1 & 2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. My supervision until I am fully licensed is under Dr. John Kennedy.

Before entering the counseling profession, I dabbled in various creative ventures between parenting and homemaking. I enjoy working with my hands, whether in the dirt gardening, repurposing old furniture, or mending ragged stitches.