Tamela R McDonald
I'm Tamela McDonald, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges. I specialize in relationships, intimacy, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and personal growth. My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard, supported, and challenged to grow.
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS), and Sexuality Educator passionate about helping adults and couples build healthier relationships, strengthen self-confidence, overcome emotional challenges, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Together, we'll identify your concerns, establish meaningful goals, and develop practical strategies to help you move forward. I value clients who are willing to actively participate in their healing process, understanding that meaningful change takes time, commitment, and collaboration.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and explore what brings you to therapy. We'll discuss your concerns, personal history, goals, and what you hope to accomplish. I'll explain my therapeutic approach, answer your questions, and begin identifying areas where we can work together. As we move forward, we'll develop an individualized treatment plan with realistic goals and practical strategies tailored to your needs. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where you feel comfortable being yourself. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we'll work together to build a foundation for meaningful growth and change.
Strengths
I bring warmth, honesty, curiosity, and a little humor into the therapy room. I’m a strong listener, but I’m also not afraid to challenge you when needed. I help clients recognize patterns, explore different perspectives, and connect the dots between their thoughts, emotions, relationships, and behaviors. My approach is collaborative and practical. I want you to leave sessions not only feeling heard, but with greater insight and tools you can actually use in your everyday life.
Ideal clients
I work best with adults and couples who are seeking personal growth, healthier relationships, and greater emotional well-being. Whether you're struggling with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, intimacy concerns, or major life transitions, I provide a supportive space to explore your challenges and create meaningful change. My ideal clients value open communication, collaboration, and a willingness to explore new perspectives. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Together, we'll identify your goals, address patterns that may be holding you back, and develop practical tools to support lasting growth.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I bring over a decade of experience in utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques. I will do my best to support you in developing the skills necessary to effectively manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have more than ten years of experience applying Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) methodologies. I will do my best to guide and empower you in cultivating adaptive coping strategies and enhancing emotional regulation skills through education and support.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
Utilizing Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), our emphasis will be on addressing the present moment. Together, we will concentrate on identifying and implementing practical solutions to your current challenges, fostering a proactive approach towards achieving your desired goals.
Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS)
I am a CAMS Certified™ and CAMS Trained™ clinician with experience providing suicide-specific care in both crisis and outpatient settings. My approach to the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) is grounded in collaboration, empathy, and evidence-based practice. I value CAMS because it empowers clients to actively participate in their recovery, strengthens hope, and focuses treatment on resolving the underlying drivers of suicidality rather than simply managing risk.
Gottman method
My approach to couples therapy is informed by the Gottman Method and focuses on strengthening friendship, improving communication, managing conflict, and rebuilding trust. I use Gottman assessments and evidence-based interventions to identify relationship strengths and challenges, helping couples recognize unhealthy patterns such as criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling while developing healthier ways to communicate and resolve conflict. I emphasize emotional connection, active listening, repair attempts, and shared goals. I integrate Gottman Method principles with CBT, DBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy to tailor treatment to each couple's unique needs. My experience includes working with couples experiencing communication difficulties, parenting differences, infidelity, intimacy concerns, and major life transitions.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions2180 Satellite Blvd NW, Duluth, GA 30097, Suite 400
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- GeorgiaLicense LPC009009
- North CarolinaLicense 19310