My name is Mallery Ivy-Higgs, Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice where my niche is providing individual therapy and sports performance counseling to adolescence, athletes, and adult populations (ages 14-35). A native of Omaha, Nebraska, I hold residency in Atlanta, Georgia. I earned my Bachelors of Psychology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) and a Masters in Community Counseling from Argosy University, Atlanta. I am a licensed and nationally certified professional counselor with over nine years of mental health clinical work and over 30+ years coaching and mentoring experience.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I view the therapeutic alliance as a partnership. My goal is to create a nurturing, non-judgmental, and confidential therapeutic space where you can feel protected, accepted, and heard.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
MI’ Private Sessions, LLC. is creatively geared toward the WHO AM I perspective and a Triple Threat approach to therapy; Licensed Clinician, Coach/Mentor and Athlete. My practice focuses on breaking barriers which impede in the client’s success and overall well-being.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
WHY CHOOSE ME? Because I can relate. I am a Therapist, who is a former Student-Athlete, Coach and Mentor. I am a 3 Sport High School Letterman (basketball, volleyball, track & field, and youth gymnastics). After high school, I ran track at UTK on a full-ride scholarship - Go Vols. I have been inducted into four sports Halls of Fames, served in the community and coached/mentored Youth and High School Track & Field. My practice focuses on helping individuals break down barriers which can impede your success and overall well-being. As a former high performing student-athlete, I can empathize with the pressures, stress, anxiety, depression, body image and acute/chronic injuries that can negatively affect life, and/or challenge performance. As a coach and mentor, I’ve worked to empower personal development and help individuals unlock their full potential to maximize performance. I continue to mentor many individuals, which include some of my former athletes, in addition, advocate for diversity and cultural inclusion.
About MALLERY HIGGS
Identifies as
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I work with clients on techniques to develop coping strategies for managing stress and improving focus. The focus is to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is highly effective for addressing anxiety, stress, and performance issues by teaching clients practical skills for managing their thoughts and emotions.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Through active listening and unconditional positive regard, clients feel valued and understood. I also focus on creating a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their feelings and self-concept while building a strong therapeutic alliance. With my clients who are athletes, and might be struggling with self-doubt or low self-esteem, this modality can be particularly helpful in sports performance counseling, where validation can boost confidence.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Within my practice, Mindfulness involves being present and fully engaged in the current moment without judgment with my clients. It has been helpful in clients managing stress, anxiety, and emotional reactions. Mindfulness exercises are incorporated into sessions with athletes and non-athletes to help improve their concentration, focus and emotional regulation. Breathing techniques and mindfulness meditation help enhance mental clarity and performance.
Humanistic
Humanistic Therapy emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization and during my sessions, this modality encourages clients to realize their potential while fostering a sense of self-worth and purpose. During sessions, the goal is to support clients in exploring their personal values and goals. When working with athletes, this helps athletes connect with their intrinsic motivations while enhancing their overall well-being.