I received my Master’s degree from Clark Atlanta University and have 23 years of professional experience working with both children and adults who are dealing with mental health challenges. I approach treatment using systems theory, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Additionally, I have received EMDR training from The Institute For Creative Mindfulness. I integrate various therapeutic techniques, including systems theory, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and EMDR, to address different aspects of your experiences and challenges. My approach is flexible, allowing us to adapt as you progress in your healing journey. I value open communication and honest feedback, and I strive to empower you with the tools and insights needed for personal growth and healing. Whether you're navigating relationship dynamics, managing stress, or processing past experiences, my goal is to support you in achieving meaningful and lasting change.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In your first session, a client can expect: Introduction and Rapport Building: We’ll start by getting to know each other. I’ll ask about your background, experiences, and what brings you to therapy. This helps establish a comfortable and trusting relationship. Discussion of Goals and Expectations: We’ll discuss what you hope to achieve through therapy and your expectations for our sessions. This helps in setting clear goals and aligning our approach to your needs. Assessment and History: I’ll gather information about your current concerns, mental health history, and any relevant personal or family background. This helps in understanding the context of your experiences and identifying areas to focus on. Explanation of Therapeutic Approach: I’ll outline the techniques and methods I use in therapy, including systems theory, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and EMDR. This ensures you’re informed about how we’ll work together. Establishment of Therapeutic Goals: We’ll begin to identify specific goals for our work together, based on your needs and preferences. Discussion of Confidentiality and Boundaries: I’ll explain the confidentiality of our sessions and any boundaries to ensure you feel secure and understand the parameters of our work together. Initial Exploration of Concerns: We might start to delve into the issues you’re facing, exploring them at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Next Steps: We’ll discuss the plan moving forward, including scheduling future sessions and any initial homework or reflection you might find helpful. Overall, the first session is about building a foundation for our work together, making sure you feel comfortable, and setting the stage for a collaborative and effective therapeutic relationship.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
In addition to being a good listener and creating a safe space for my clients, I bring a deep sense of empathy and understanding to my work. I relate to many of the experiences my clients are going through because I have faced similar challenges myself. I have navigated trauma, dealt with divorce and infidelity, struggled with trust issues, and managed my own depression and anxiety. These personal experiences allow me to connect with clients on a profound level and offer support from a place of genuine understanding.
About Jamie Spurley
Jamie Spurley offers therapy covered by Medicaid - Peach State Health Plan and Peach State Health Plan (Managed Medicaid) in Georgia.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected and influence each other. Together, we explore how certain patterns of thinking can lead to negative emotions and behaviors, and I guide you in developing coping skills to create positive change. I often give homework assignments and use handouts to help you practice these skills outside of our sessions. This approach empowers you to break the cycle of negative thoughts and behaviors, leading to healthier outcomes.
EMDR
I have been trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) by The Institute Creating Mindfulness and have been using it with clients for six years. EMDR is an effective tool for clients who have been diagnosed with PTSD, but it can also be very helpful for individuals struggling with severe anxiety and other mental health issues. Through EMDR, we work together to process and heal from distressing memories or experiences, helping reduce the emotional intensity connected to them and fostering healthier responses.
Psychodynamic
I use psychodynamic therapy to help you explore how past experiences shape your current understanding of people and situations. This approach is especially beneficial for those who want to gain insight into how their past might be influencing their present behaviors. Together, we’ll process your thoughts and feelings about key past events and identify how they affect your current responses. You’ll also recognize survival behaviors you’ve developed over time, which can help you better understand and manage your reactions in the present.