Meet the Team
“I'm not here to keep you from freaking out. I'm here to be with you while you freak out, or grieve or laugh or suffer or sing. It is a ministry of presence. It is showing up with a loving heart.”
- Kate Braestrup
OUR PSYCHOTHERAPISTS
Joy Ssebikindu, LPC, CPCS
I truly believe that everyone could benefit from psychotherapy at some point in their lives -- we are not built to do life alone. Taking the step towards seeking help of any kind can sometimes be difficult so I value a person’s choice to seek out and work with a therapist that believe to be the best fit. I consider it a privilege to be chosen to walk out life's challenges with you.
I am gentle and collaborative in my approach drawing from evidenced based treatment models such as Humanistic/Client-centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and various other trauma-informed therapies including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). Keep in mind that our work together will be customized to fit your needs.
I work with individuals (10+), couples, and families dealing with a variety of issues. My specialties include issues with communication, family transitions including divorce, trauma, depression, anxiety, SUD, and disordered eating/eating disorders. I also do executive and wellness coaching and open to speaker events.
Prepare/Enrich Facilitator (Pre-marital/Marriage Counseling)
EMDR Trained
Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor through the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia
Joy Ssebikindu, LPC, CPCS is an out of network provider.
Dr. Seantia Scott
Dr. Seanita Scott is a proud alumna of Howard University and Syracuse University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy respectively. Dr. Scott earned a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary where she completed her dissertation on the Superwoman Schema, Purpose Based Identity and Performance Based Identity among Black women in Christian Leadership. Throughout her career, Dr. Scott has worked in a variety of settings including private practice, college counseling, community mental health, and church based mental health. Dr. Scott believes in the transformative power of therapy to assist people in feeling seen, heard, and supported along the process of accomplishing their goals as well as to celebrate the wins and process the inevitable losses that life brings. Dr. Scott loves destigmatizing mental health challenges and serving historically underserved populations who stigmatize therapy due to cultural, religious, or familial reasons. Dr. Scott is especially passionate about women of color, their mental health, and their holistic wellbeing. She specializes in helping her clients manage symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and life transitions, and overwhelm so they can have a life of joy, purpose, and fulfillment.
Dr. Scott approaches therapy from an integrative perspective which means she looks at mental health from an individual, familial, cultural, societal, and spiritual perspective. She practices from a primarily client centered perspective and draws from cognitive behavioral therapy and womanist psychology to meet clients where they are and also encourage them to be creative in striving for more.
Areas of interest: Depression, Anxiety, Life Transitions, Stress & Overwhelm, Relationship Concerns, Spirituality and Spiritual Concerns
Populations of Interest: Young adults, adults, older adults, high achievers
Individuals & Relationship Counseling
Dr. Seanita Scott is an out of network provider. She is under the direction of Joy Ssebikindu, LPC, CPCS and under the clinical supervision of Dr. Marcuetta Sims.
Chavalle taylor, Lmsw
Making the decision to start therapy is one of the most courageous steps in one’s healing journey. Through providing a safe, affirming, warm, compassionate and collaborative environment; I hope to empower clients to bring their fullest self into the room so that they can make long lasting changes and live in accordance with their desired life. Utilizing a holistic approach to therapy, I welcome humor, creativity, and all components that make clients who they are. I view therapy through the lens that clients are the expert of their own personal experiences, and my role is to help support them as they journey through discovery, healing, and transformation.
I use a combination of approaches to support clients struggling with the following concerns: anxiety, depression, identity, grief, trauma, self-esteem, ptsd, life-transitions and other life/mental health concerns. I have experience in utilizing interventions sourced in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and motivational interviewing to help challenges faced by children, adolescents and adults.
I am passionate about meeting my client where they are and journeying together through their personal healing. If this sounds like a good match, I look forward to joining you on the journey!
“Perhaps the butterfly is proof that you can go through a great deal of darkness yet still become something beautiful.” ― Beau Taplin
Amber thomas, Lpc
Virtual only
Amber Thomas is a licensed therapist who received an undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and a graduate degree at Brenau University in Gainesville, GA. I have many years of experience at the residential level of care, including working with adolescents and young adults in a level 6 lockdown facility. I currently serve as the lead therapist at an eating disorder residential facility.
The best part about being a therapist is seeing your clients grow and develop into individuals that are empowered and more able to advocate for themselves. I enjoy working with youth, adolescents, young adults and adults on helping increase communication and building assertiveness. I I enjoy working with patients through a person-centered and Cognitive Behavioral therapy lense to help meet patients where they are as well as help them see the link between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Areas of Interest: Disordered Eating, Eating Disorders, LGBTQIA++, Self-Esteem, Communication, Shame, Trauma, and SUD
Amber Thomas, LPC is an out of network provider.
Mehak Merchant, Ms, apc, ncc
Mehak received her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at Georgia State University.She has prior research experience working with individuals that have experienced domestic violence, has collaborated with a professor on research that looks at Spiritual Meaning-Making amongst Forcibly displaced persons and has also served as the Secretary for GSU’s chapter of Chi Sigma Iota (Honor Society for Counselors). Mehak has previous experience working as an Academic Advisor specializing in Retention and Graduation outcomes and a therapist at a college counseling center. Mehak has experience working as a therapist at an Eating Disorder Outpatient treatment facility and has also worked at the residential level of care. She is passionate about body inclusivity and challenging systemic narratives that promote diet culture. Mehak is a Health at Every Size (HAES) informed counselor.
The past often shows up in the present and I strive to create a space where we can honor your story and help you feel grounded in the here and now. Having lived in several different parts of the world and experienced many different cultures, I have found what remains universal are the ways in which people tell stories and make meaning of their experiences. This is a powerful tool in the therapeutic space as well and one I make room for. I believe in a collaborative approach and in fostering a therapeutic alliance centered around trust.
I provide Culturally-Sensitive, Trauma Informed Care and often draw from evidence-based interventions such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I consider art in all its forms to be a powerful tool and will often utilize Expressive Art techniques involving drawing, painting, storytelling and music in my work with clients.I encourage feedback from clients and believe honest communication in the counseling space to be an essential feature of the therapeutic alliance.
Areas of Interest: Eating Disorders/Disordered Eating, Self-Esteem, Shame, Trauma, Immigration, Acculturation stress, Life Transitions, Grief, Meaning Making and Spirituality
Populations of Interest: Teens, young adults and adults
Individual & Couples/Relationship Counseling
South Asian, Gender Affirming, Queer-Allied and Body Positive
Mehak Merchant is an out of network provider and under the direct supervision of Joy Ssebikindu, LPC, CPCS.
Ja’Monica Dean, MS
Ja'Monica possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Georgia State University and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. Her profound commitment to mental health care is deeply influenced by her personal journey, closely witnessing family members grapple with mental health challenges. This exposure has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the complexity of mental health, highlighting the necessity of empathy, therapeutic patience, and the impactful role that targeted clinical interventions can play in the lives of individuals and their families.
Her proficiency spans a variety of evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). This diverse skill set allows Ja'Monica to craft personalized treatment plans that resonate with the unique needs and circumstances of each client.
For those seeking support, Ja'Monica offers more than just therapy; she provides a partnership grounded in understanding, resilience, and growth. Her practice is a sanctuary where clients are encouraged to engage in open dialogue, explore their challenges, and pursue recovery with the guidance of a compassionate and skilled clinician. Here, every individual is met with an approach that not only addresses their current struggles but also empowers them to navigate future challenges with confidence and self-awareness.
TARA DORIA, MFT
Humbling life experience lead me to a path full of purpose. One that when I wake up each morning…I prepare for experiencing moments of gratitude to be able to breathe fresh air and place my feet on the earth before I enter the complicated world that we live in today. My Journey and life connections have shown me that we all need someone in our lives to be a navigator to enter the construction work to be started before we are able to participate in healthy, meaningful relationships and life experiences. This life navigation can expedite the launch to become passionate young adults which can prepare us for entering healthy adult relationships such as being parents or just passionate humans. My view… we all long for meaningful relationships with family, friends, neighbors, or even the person we interact with every day in a coffee shop or Home Depot Garden. We are made up of many things that are all so different but so similar in the area of relational needs. I open my navigation to anyone who is willing to do the construction work and I look forward to walking with you on that journey. Specifically trained: Post-modern Systemic Family Therapy, Marriage and Family Therapy, which can also be known by me as Couples Family Therapy or any other form of identification of loved ones. Goal and Focus: guiding you to a ‘Paradigm Shift” that creates the individual type of change you are seeking.
Populations of Special Interest include but do not exclude others:
Families (together, blended, apart, or lost); Parents (together, blended, apart, or lost); Adolescent/Young Adult-(together, blended, apart, or lost); Families with challenges: Grief, loss, divorce, substance abuse, anxiety, depression; Families with other specific needs: Disordered Eating, Families struggling with Dementia
“It is through selfless action that I experience my own fulfillment”
-Wayne Dyer
Tara Doria is an out of network provider and under the supervision of Joy Ssebikindu, LPC, CPCS
Mosammat “Mo” Alam, MS, apc
Mosammat “Mo” Alam has a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. She is passionate and dedicated to serving adolescents and adults. She has many years of experience in social services which include working the frontline of Children’s services, case management for the underserved and case management for the intellectually and developmentally challenged. She focused on the adult substance abuse population during her internship. She works as a Family Therapist for adolescents who struggle with eating disorders at the residential care level. She has developed competence working with trauma, anxiety, depression, and SUD.
Additionally, Mo comes from a mixed cultural background with firsthand experience dealing with religious biases. She is very passionate about working with people who may be facing challenges or stressors from expectations that come from growing up in a different culture.
Her approach encompasses using modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy. She prides herself on working together with clients to help them move beyond the triggers and traumas of their past and into a healthier and happier life.
Populations of Interest: Children (10+), adolescents, and adults
Individual & Family Counseling
Mo Alam is an out of network provider and under the direction of Joy Ssebikindu, LPC, CPCS and under the
direct supervision of Anne Marie Dine, LPC, CPCS.
DAVID AWOYEMI, MS, APC
The prevalence of mental health, and its need for care has become an issue in our community. With my years of experience in the field, I understand, and have witnessed its impact on various individuals from my clients who have suffered from depression, and anxiety. Furthermore, other issues such as self-esteem, childhood trauma, substance abuse etc. I am extremely passionate about being of service to individuals and creating a space that will allow them to be genuine, and authentic. I have witnessed how psychotherapy has impacted the lives of many individuals. Therefore, I understand it is a privilege for me to walk on this journey of healing with you as I assist, and help you achieve your desired therapeutic goals.
Regarding my techniques and interventions, I utilize evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for you to begin your inner healing and live life how you desire.
Population of Interest: Teens, and young adults.
Areas of interest: depression, anxiety, SUD, self-esteem, trauma
David Awoyemi is is an out of network provider and under the direct supervision of Joy Ssebikindu, LPC, CPCS.
OUR WELLNESS AND NUTRITIONAL COACHES
DHARTI PATEL
Dharti Patel is a phenomenal wellness coach and a nutritionist that has over 10 years of experience in health and wellness realm. Dharti received her Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Dietetics followed by clinical rotations/internships in many areas such as functional nutrition, mental health, weight management etc. Dharti is extremely passionate about educating and helping individuals become aware of how the foods they eat can impact their body as well as overall health. Dharti believes that everybody has its own unique nutritional needs, which is why she values understanding the individual’s body and lifestyle rather than providing cookie cutter nutritional guides. Dharti also understands how food impacts gut health, hormones, thyroid, anxiety, depression as well as chronically ill patients that may struggle with weight management, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Dharti takes a caring and compassionate approach with every client, she is also knowledgeable, aware and accommodating when working with diverse individuals with spiritual and cultural food practices/beliefs, all genders, ages, and ethnicities. Encouraging clients to be creative by finding food substitutions that adhere to various diets and are still enjoyable, choosing and cooking healthier options, grocery shopping, and meal prepping is where Dharti thrives. This approach empowers her clients to build healthy habits and be consistent to reach their goals and to inspire clients to be a healthier version of themselves.
Things I can help with:
How to create balanced meals
How to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in your diet
Ideas for healthier meals and snacks
Tips for how to go grocery shopping
Meal planning in the context of medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension, weight management
KENNEDY TARRANCE
Kennedy Tarrance earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nutritional Science followed by over 5 years of experience in food and nutrition, specializing in areas such as public health, mental health and eating disorders. Kennedy is very passionate about the field of nutrition and believes that overall health and wellness begins from within. Kennedy is aware of the major impact that nutrition has on clients experiencing chronic illness, hormonal imbalance, gut issues, and disordered eating. Kennedy has experience working with individuals of all ages and genders that come from diverse backgrounds. Kennedy takes a gentle and warmhearted approach with her clients and believes that everyone has their own nutritional needs. Empowering clients to practice intuitive eating by teaching methods such as food substitution and increased variety, is what Kennedy takes pride in. Kenedy offers guidance in the areas of meal planning, grocery shopping, and healthy cooking. Helping clients make healthy changes by focusing on their own resources and strengths is what allows for an individualized coaching approach. Kennedy bases her client care on the principle of Health at Every Size, and encourages a well balanced lifestyle through her coaching methods.