I am licensed in Georgia with over 20 years of professional counseling work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, and anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! My areas of focus are: Christian Counseling, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Career difficulties, Depression, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue and ADHD. My clinical approaches are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy

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

In the first therapeutic session with me, clients can expect the following: Introduction and Rapport Building: We will start with introductions and a brief overview of my background and approach to therapy. Building a comfortable and trusting therapeutic relationship is essential, so this initial conversation helps set the tone. Discussion of Confidentiality and Consent: I will explain the importance of confidentiality, the limits of confidentiality (such as in cases of harm to self or others), and obtain informed consent for treatment. Client's Reason for Seeking Therapy: I will ask clients to share their reasons for seeking therapy and what they hope to achieve. This helps to understand their primary concerns, goals, and any immediate issues they are facing. Gathering Background Information: I will collect relevant background information, including personal history, family dynamics, medical history, previous therapy experiences, and any other factors that might impact their mental health. Assessment and Initial Evaluation: An initial assessment may be conducted to better understand the client's current mental and emotional state. This could include discussing symptoms, behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that are pertinent to their concerns. Setting Goals for Therapy: We will begin to outline potential goals for therapy based on the client's needs and preferences. This helps to create a roadmap for our work together and ensures that therapy is focused and goal-oriented. Explaining the Therapeutic Process: I will provide an overview of how therapy sessions typically work, including the frequency of sessions, expected duration, and any specific therapeutic techniques that might be used. Questions and Clarifications: Clients will have the opportunity to ask any questions they might have about the therapy process, my approach, or anything else they are curious or concerned about. Next Steps: We will discuss and agree upon the next steps, including scheduling future sessions and any initial tasks or reflections the client might want to consider before the next meeting. Overall, the first session is about establishing a foundation for a collaborative and effective therapeutic relationship, ensuring that clients feel heard, respected, and understood.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

One type of treatment method that I use in therapy is psychoanalysis where you can expect to talk about anything on your mind to uncover patterns in thoughts or behavior that might be contributing to distress. It’s also common to talk about your childhood and past, along with recurring dreams or fantasies you might have. I also use CBT and Solution Focused Therapy.

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

One of my biggest strengths within my counseling techniques is the use of Faith-based Christian Counseling. I believe that everyone deserves to be happy. Christian counseling has the unique advantage of being able to approach issues holistically based on three dimensions—body, mind and spirit. A biblical understanding of how we’re made, as physical, psychological and spiritual beings, means all three of these dimensions play an important part in our health and happiness

About Michelle Burns