The Atlanta Counseling Group LLC | Counseling in Decatur, GA

"The sound of the genuine flows through everyone but can be rendered mute by ambition, dreams and the daily tumult of life. You are the only you that has ever lived; your idiom is the only idiom of its kind in all of existence. If you cannot hear the sound of the genuine in you, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls."

Howard Thurman

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.”

Rainer Maria Rike

Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, class, caste, or any other social markers of difference.

Nelson Mandela

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HOW WE WORK

Counseling and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably to indicate forms of therapeutic sharing. However, psychotherapy is more in-depth. Both address various personal and family issues such as depression, anxiety, and relationship or marital conflict. Effective counseling will result in significant life changes based on a better understanding of one’s personal, interpersonal, and social circumstances.

Our approach to counseling is based on best and standard practices common to the training and experience of professional counselors, psychotherapists, marriage and family therapists, and pastoral counselors. We adhere to standards and ethical guidelines of state licensing laws and professional associations.

Counseling & Psychotherapy

Our Value

Alone we accomplish little,
together we can accomplish much.

When life becomes tough, we are here to help.

We believe in the indomitability and resiliency of the human spirit, so we join our clients in the life challenges that test their spirits. We persist with our clients until they once again, or for the first time, secure a healthy place within themselves, their relationships, their families, as well as their social and professional environments.

What we offer

Get treatment for your
mental health needs.

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling helps people to better understand their emotions, thoughts, and actions which can improve quality of life, decrease acting out, or prevent undesired behavior.

Adolescent Counseling

Adolescent counseling is a type of therapy that helps adolescents cope with emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues. Through talk therapy, play therapy, and other techniques, we support young people in developing coping skills and achieving emotional growth.

Couples Counseling

Couples Counseling can take several different forms. Pre-marital counseling helps couples build & have a healthy and happy marriage. Relationship counseling helps couples determine if the relationship is healthy. Marital counseling assists couples with identifying issues that are undermining their marriages.

Premarital Counseling

Pre-marital counseling offers a proactive approach to a strong, lasting bond. Our counselors guide couples through talk about values, expectations, and communication styles. This investment in a relationship's foundation ensures a loving, resilient partnership for the years ahead.

Marriage Counseling

Strengthen your marriage. Our skilled therapists provide strategies for communication, conflict resolution, and renewed connection, addressing challenges unique to married life. Rediscover the joy and depth of your partnership, paving the way for a fulfilling and enduring relationship together.

Family Counseling

If you need answers to family problems, it can be wise to seek the assistance of a counselor who is trained to observe family interactions. More specifically, a professional experienced in relational dynamics and communication patterns among family members so you can become a happy family again

Providing you with a safe space to heal.

These are common thoughts and questions that persons considering counseling may have or ask. If you have questions or concerns about pursuing counseling, please contact us!

I’ve always been able to work things out on my own, or at least with the help of family and/or friends. Why should I seek the assistance of a professional counselor?

There are times when family and friends can be extremely helpful assisting us with our issues. Oftentimes they can help us determine our best options or encourage us to keep the faith. There are times, however, when those closest to us may not ask the right questions or provide the best guidance. Professional counselors are trained to listen and to ask the right questions. We do not make decisions for you; rather we help you sort out your options based on the values that are important to you.

I am considering seeking the help of a professional counselor. Is this a sign of personal weakness?

No. Most people would agree that realizing your need for professional counseling and taking the steps to secure it is a sign of personal strength. Ultimately, you have to decide. We all need a support system. The question is whether or not your current support system is adequate in light of the issues you are currently facing.

Does seeking the assistance of a professional counselor means I am mentally or emotionally unstable?

No. Seeking the assistance of a professional counselor does not means that you are mentally or emotionally unstable. Rather, it means you need more support than your current support system can provide. Adding a professional counselor to your support system can help you achieve and maintain a high level of mental and emotional stability in spite of the issues you face.

What about confidentiality? I am a very private person.

We value your confidentiality and strictly adhere to federal laws (HIPAA) concerning mental health and medical records. We will provide you a copy of the HIPAA laws when you present for your first counseling session.

I am unsure about insurance versus self-pay versus other ways of paying for my sessions. What are my options?

Payment options can be confusing. The important thing to understand is that behavioral health insurance requires a behavioral health diagnosis based on the DSM-V, i.e. depression, anxiety or some other behavioral health disorder at levels that impact life quality. If you go the behavioral health insurance route, be sure to confirm your coverage and know your deductible, copay, and/or number of annually authorized sessions your insurer will cover. The insurance verification form under “Client Forms” can assist with securing this information. EAP or employee assistance programs (these programs also go by other names) don’t usually require a diagnosis and may be the better route. You can check into your employee benefits online or by contacting human resources at your job. Self-pay is an agreement to receive services between you and your therapist; no third party is involved, as is the case with insurance and EAP.

I have a relative or a friend who needs counseling, but s/he will not reach out for help. May I schedule an appointment for her/him?

It is not unusual for a person to feel some hesitancy to make that telephone call or to send that email to begin the process of counseling or therapy. However, if your relative or friend is of consent age, it is vitally important that they reach out for themselves. The best way to assist is to encourage her or him to make the call or to send the email. Counseling and psychotherapy works best when “owned” by the client or patient. Oftentimes hesitancy means our relative or friend is just not ready. Keep the gentle encouragement going!

Focus on you, with the best therapeutic care.

Seeking counseling or psychotherapy is in no way a selfish act. Rather, it is an act of self-care that increases the likelihood that you can be your best self when in the company of others. Feeling alone or misunderstood when in a relationship or in the company of family and friends can be bewildering and anxiety-provoking. Take a break. Give yourself a moment to self-reflect and to find your center, to find yourself. We can help.

Licensed Professionals

We are experienced and licensed certified counselors, psychotherapists, and career coaches

Confidentiality

Confidentiality and discretion are paramount to us during your therapy sessions. Your privacy is our top priority.

Convenient Appointments

Contact us to schedule an appointment today. We will schedule you as quickly as possible. You may contact us by telephone or send an email.

Compassionate, trained, and licensed
professionals that you can trust!

Click on either of our therapists to learn more.

don't wait. take steps toward your wellbeing today!

Self-care positions you to be
your best self.

Still have questions?

If so, please give us a call or send us an email directly. If you would like to send a general message, complete the sections below. To help us avoid spam, please answer the verification question to forward your message. Thanks! We look forward to speaking with you.

STEPHANIE CLARK

(404) 394-3478

sclark@tacg.org

Anthony Granberry