Dr. Wilkinson is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia (LPC#008029). He earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Auburn University. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Counseling. He has worked in the field of mental health since 2006. He has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. His background includes working with couples and individuals with relational difficulties. He has experience with issues such as infidelity, divorce, conflict, young adult life transition, communication, life satisfaction, depression, sexuality, and family conflict. He works with individuals, couples, and families. He also has specialized training in sex therapy. He is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS).
Dr. Wilkinson is a faculty member in the Department of Counseling at Mercer University. He currently sees clients at his limited private practice in Buckhead.
He is a member of the American Counseling Association, the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, the International Association for Marriage and Family Counseling, and the Association for Humanistic Counseling.
CARLA SMITH, PHD, LMFT, LCSW HAVEN THERAPY OF ATLANTA
Haven Therapy of Atlanta is a sanctuary for those seeking healing on the road to self-actualization and fulfilling relationships. On this road, we all experience challenges that can be historical, cultural, social, relational, or personal in nature. Haven is a place for individuals, couples, and families to have the security and courage needed to show up for the ones they love (themselves included). Dr. Carla Smith created Haven to address the need for care that is responsive to diversity of identity, experience, and culture. She believes her role is to create a space where safety breeds vulnerability. Her educational background is just as diverse as her identities. Dr. Carla earned a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Human Development and Family Science, with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Georgia. A “double dawg”, she also earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, with a specialization in Clinical Treatment with Children and Families, and a certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Carla is dually licensed in the state of Georgia as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Dr. Carla brings a mindful, multicultural, and humanistic perspective to perinatal anxiety and depression; relational therapy; attachment work; identity formation and expression; cultural identity and expression; trauma; anxiety; depression; and family formation (including pre-marital therapy). She works with teens, students, moms (those working on it and those with children), couples, parents, and families. She invites clients in need of the security it takes to experience the emotions that come on the journey to becoming their best self; clients who want to be free to engage deeply in intimate relationships of unconditional love and acceptance. Dr. Carla was born and raised in New Jersey and has made Atlanta home since 2006. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband, son, and daughter. She can be found binge-watch reruns of sitcoms, shaming herself by watching cleaning videos on YouTube, practicing yoga, or meditating. Follow @HavenTherapyAtlanta on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter HavenTherapyAtlanta@gmail.com
Hi I’m Tristan! I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC) and a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) in Atlanta. I work with children, teens, young adults, parents, and families. My goal is to provide clients with a safe space to engage in the therapeutic process. I utilize creative arts therapy, play modalities, guided imagery, healthcare education, psychological preparation for medical procedures, and general counseling with clients. In some specialized cases I can work with clients in their home for home visits.
I received a Masters of Professional Studies in Art Therapy at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. After completing my master’s degree I did additional training at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey and became a Certified Child Life Specialist. I have been working as a therapist for the past 10 years. Prior to moving to Atlanta and working in private practice I worked at NYU Langone Medical Center with medically ill children and teens. I enjoy working with clients who are experiencing:
·General anxiety ·Social anxiety ·In need of social skills development ·In need of self-esteem development ·Adjustment issues ·Medical illnesses ·Grief and loss ·Individuals with special needs
Please feel free to contact me, I’m happy to provide you with a free 15 minute phone consultation. I accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance.
Nicole Miller MS, LPC, NCC CO-OWNER, BUCKHEAD COUNSELING AND WELLNESS
Nicole is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the State of Georgia. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Georgia State University where she graduated with honors. Nicole has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings focusing on both mental health and substance abuse concerns. Nicole specializes in anxiety and depression, as well as life and relationship transitions. She helps individuals and couples reduce stress, enhance communication, and identify feasible solutions that will help them effectively navigate challenging life situations and relationships. She provides both individual and couples counseling.
She is a member or the American Counseling Association, and is a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator.
Paul Smith, Ph.D., LPC, ACS Paul Smith COUNSELING, LLC
My name is Paul Smith and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, #10761) in the state of Georgia. I graduated from Wake Forest University (BA and MA) and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2016) with a Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education. I am also credentialed by the National Board of Certified Counselors as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). I serve as a faculty member in the Department of Counseling at Mercer University and coordinate the Clinical Mental Health track in the department. Before coming to Mercer in 2019, I taught at another university in Texas for a few years. I have worked with clients (age 14 and older) in a variety of settings, including college counseling centers, non-profit agencies, hospice, and an outpatient substance abuse center.
Many of my clients face significant life transitions, such as relational distress, career or school dissatisfaction, a loss of meaning and purpose in life, or the death of a loved one. Addressing mood changes and distressful patterns is also a common focus in my work with clients. Counseling theories used in my work include: client-centered approaches, existential, narrative, cognitive and behavioral, and motivational interviewing.
It is important for me to work you from a humanistic mindset - believing that you have the resources and strength to navigate your life challenges. I aim to work within the social and cultural context of your life, knowing that each individual is unique and requires a plan and process catered to specific needs. It is my understanding that human distress is not only located within the self, but also within the context of one's life. Addressing change is shifting internal patterns and building awareness about external influences on one's current hardship. Out of this insight-based counseling that reflects on the past and present, it is my hope that you are able to confidently face your future.
My office is a judgment-free zone, where you will find understanding, support, curiosity, and caring confrontation. I can't promise to fix it all, but I will be there to support you through this journey we call life. Right off the bat, you'll be partnered with me, someone who believes in the process and is continuously striving for personal growth. I'm on the couch once a week just like you. I will work collaboratively with you and help you discover more about yourself, how you can navigate through the difficult times, and fully experience what life has to offer. My areas of focus are chronic illness and pain with emphasis on spinal cord injury and mobility limitations, sex and relationships, female health, and career/financial stress. I also work with individuals that identify as LDS and Latinx. As an aspiring Dance and Movement Therapist, I might encourage light movement or mediation -- I promise this is optional! I like to think we all know there are some things words can't reach. Additionally, I am in the process to become a certified sex therapist. I know this is a difficult area for many - remember my judgment-free & shame-free zone! -- I support all relationships and sexualities. Effective therapy requires vulnerability, trust, and self-compassion. It may feel strange to reveal so much to me without knowing anything about me so I've included some facts about myself to help you get a sense of who I am before you walk through my door. I am originally from Orlando, Florida -- yes, I went to Disney a lot! -- I moved to Atlanta for college and have loved calling it my home ever since. I danced competitively when I was younger and still do it recreationally. I love all of the movement- yoga, pilates, strength training, walks, you name it! As a Costa Rican, where much of my family resides, I am passionate about serving the Latinx community. I was called to specialize in rehabilitation counseling after experiencing a serious car accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury as a young adult -- You may notice that I shift around a lot during session because of the injury. I am a cat lover and have four beautiful floofs (Moo, Bruce Wayne, Atalanta, and Wadsworth). I love to read and have probably read the entire Harry Potter series 7 or 8 times. I love a good dad joke and wholeheartedly believe every day is Taco Tuesday! About those letters after my name: I have a passion for learning and have studied at length to help others professionally. I earned my BS in Anthropology & Human Biology and BA in Psychology from Emory University. I completed my Masters degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Mercer University as Rehabilitation Administration Scholar, and am licensed as an associate counselor (LAPC) in the state of Georgia. At this time, I work under the direction and supervision of Tyler Wilkinson, pictured above, while I complete the supervisory requirements for full licensure. My CRC (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor) credential means I have completed additional study in rehabilitation counseling, which makes me uniquely qualified to address disability/medical struggles and their impacts on mental health and relationships. My NCC (National Certified Counselor) credential means I passed all the state requirements. Now that I have completed all of my education and credentialing, I am delighted to be practicing alongside my supervisor.
