LCSW, 25 years of experience
I’m Avril Phillips, LCSW — a licensed clinical social worker in Georgia, Maine, and Utah. For the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals from all walks of life as they navigate some of their most challenging moments. My work has allowed me to support people facing depression, anxiety, major life changes, ADHD, and other emotional or mental health concerns, and it’s something I am truly passionate about. My therapeutic style is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and evidence-based care. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help clients make meaningful, lasting changes. More importantly, I meet you exactly where you are — with patience, understanding, and respect for your unique experience. Over the years, I’ve seen clients grow in resilience, confidence, and self-awareness, learning to better understand themselves and the emotions that shape their lives. Watching those transformations is one of the greatest honors of my work. If you’re seeking support, clarity, healing, or simply a safe space to talk through what you’re experiencing, I’m here for you. My goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where you feel truly seen and supported. I look forward to getting to know you and walking with you on your journey toward healing, balance, and personal growth. You don’t have to do this alone — and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of your path.
In our first session, you can expect a warm, welcoming space where we simply get to know each other. My priority is helping you feel comfortable, supported, and heard. I’ll invite you to share what brings you to therapy, what you’re hoping to work on, and anything else you feel ready to talk about. We’ll explore your goals together and begin shaping a plan that feels realistic and meaningful for you. I may use gentle, motivational interviewing questions to help you gain clarity and understand what matters most to you moving forward. This first meeting is really about building trust, asking questions, and making sure you feel safe and supported as we begin this journey together. It’s your space — and I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
I bring both experience and genuine compassion to the work I do. I use approaches like CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing, but more importantly, I focus on what feels right and helpful for you. I’ve worked with many different people over the years, supporting those dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, domestic violence, and major life changes. These experiences have taught me how to meet clients exactly where they are and help them move toward the life they want. One of the things I value most is creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can talk openly and feel truly understood. Good therapy starts with trust, and my goal is to build that with you from the very beginning. At the end of the day, I’m here to be a supportive partner in your journey—someone who listens, encourages, and helps you find realistic ways to grow, heal, and improve your overall well-being.
I love working with clients who are truly ready for growth—people who may not have all the answers, but are open, curious, and willing to show up for themselves. Real change takes time, patience, and consistency, and I’m here to support you through every step of that process. If you’re ready to be an active partner in your healing—setting realistic goals, exploring your challenges, and embracing steady progress—we can do powerful work together. I’ll bring empathy, honesty, and encouragement, and you’ll bring your willingness to try, reflect, and keep going. Therapy is a team effort. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel understood and empowered. Together, we can build the tools, insight, and resilience you need to move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
I’ve been using CBT in my practice for the past 10 years. It’s helped dozens of clients challenge recurring thoughts and manage their anxiety and depression. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact with one another. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a more relaxed and less stressful life.
I’ve had the honor of walking alongside people as they work through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Supporting individuals through grief and loss has taught me so much about strength, resilience, and the power of being heard. My goal is always to create a safe, compassionate space where you can process your emotions at your own pace and begin to heal in a way that feels right for you.
For the past 5 years, I’ve focused on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), helping people manage tough emotions and navigate challenging moments in their lives. Through this work, I’ve learned how powerful the right tools and support can be. I’m here to help you build practical coping skills, feel more in control of your emotions, and create real, meaningful changes that last.
I’ve used Motivational Interviewing to help people sort through what’s holding them back and tap into their own inner motivation for change. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be when someone feels truly heard and supported. My goal is to walk with you through your process, help you clear the confusion, and support you in making real, lasting changes that feel meaningful and true to you.