I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) working in Lawrenceville, GA. I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University, and am completing a PhD in Counselor Supervision and Education at Walden University. I am in my eighth year of clinical practice; I work primarily with individuals looking to deal with anxiety and depression (as do most therapists) but put a lot of emphasis on helping clients find peace through identifying one's values, goals, and how the way they're (not) living lines up with those. I also work with couples struggling with interpersonal conflict.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

I’m probably not what you imagine when you think “shrink.” I won’t be wearing a suit and I'm not even going to ask you to lay on the couch (but you absolutely can if you want to). I’ll probably crack a joke or two. We're going to get work done, but it won’t be as awkward as you might expect from TV. I also have a French bulldog (Jacques) who comes to work with me every day.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My life and work have exposed me to a wide variety of people, cultures, and experiences. I strive to be open, compassionate, and accepting to everyone who walks through my door. I don't accept "I don't know" for myself—if I don't know, I take the time to learn. I also try to be open to correction myself. If I have dropped the ball in some way, I want to know that so that I can do better moving forward.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I am willing to work with anyone (except young children—they are outside of my skill set), but clients who are the best fit for my approach and "vibe" are those who are willing to explore the philosophical side of mental and emotional health and not just the "mechanical" side (if X, then do Y). Clients should also be willing to be challenged: I'm not here to make you feel good, but rather to help you make yourself feel better, and that requires change, which is uncomfortable. My one rule for client conversations in sessions is, with regards to yourself, you're not allowed to say "I don't know." We also know the why (why we're thinking this, why we're feeling that); we just may not like it.

About Jonathan MacFarlane