It is my goal to help people through difficult times and communicate better within their families. I would like to support individuals, couples and families as they learn to manage what feels too hard to do on their own. I have worked extensively supporting youth and families through post traumatic events, anger issues, anxiety, depression and adjustments. I want to help support you through this difficult time or time of adjustment.

I am a strong believer that personal growth, change, and self-improvement are attainable for anyone willing to make the decision to try. I have a long list of personal experiences that have brought me to a point in life where I can now reach out and help others therapeutically. If you are feeling stuck in your life or in a situation that feels hopeless, you do not have to suffer through it alone. I would be honored to join you right where you are and begin establishing the right tools for you to get unstuck and to find that hope that was lost or missing. Primarily, I have clinical experience working with adolescents struggling with ADHD, depression, anxiety, suicidality, autism, and oppositional defiance. Secondarily, my personal experiences fuel my desire to work with young/teen mothers, first responders and spouses/family members of first responders.

In my 14+ years of counseling, I have worked in recovery programs, with federal inmates, and in private practice. I have experience with individuals of all ages, couples, and families. I love working with teens and young adults but being on anyone's healing journey is an honor and privilege. Having been married for 28 years and having two adult daughters has given me life experience beyond the classroom that I use everyday in sessions. I build rapport and trust easily with clients earning the me the ability to walk alongside them and speak truth, challenge them when needed, and cheer them on towards living their best life. I use a trauma-informed approach and believe wholeheartedly that people can heal and live their life according to their values.

Dustin Ellis was born and raised in Marietta, Georgia. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue his bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Lipscomb University and his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Trevecca Nazarene University.

Prior to working with GROW, Dustin spent the last fourteen years using behavioral interventions like ABA with children and families on the autism spectrum. He has made the transition into the field of counseling because he has seen the unique needs that families with children on the spectrum face.

Dustin has specialized in providing resources and meeting the specific needs of the parents/families/siblings/caregivers who have children on the spectrum. His goal is to provide a holistic approach for supporting these families to thrive in the future.

Dustin has training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples to better serve this population. He is a member of the Georgia Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Clients describe Dustin as warm and authentic while offering hope that change is possible. His approach centers around using awareness, practicing compassion, and acceptance of deeper emotions to create connection and change.

Dustin embraces the words of Brene’ Brown, “We cannot selectively numb emotions, when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions.”

Supervisor: Dr. Wendy Dickinson

Life’s transitions—whether in relationships, family, or discovering a renewed sense of self—can feel both overwhelming and full of possibility. Many couples find themselves caught between love and conflict, unsure how to move forward, while individuals may be seeking clarity in a new season. With thoughtful support, it is possible to rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and create deeper, more secure connections. My work focuses on guiding couples and individuals through these pivotal moments with insight, compassion, and strategies that foster resilience and lasting change.

I became a therapist because I value the meaningful relationships I’ve built with my clients. It is an honor each time someone chooses me to walk alongside them—through the difficult parts of life and in celebrating their growth and successes. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, yet at times more directive with couples when it supports their goals. I draw from proven frameworks, including the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment-based approaches, and Narrative therapy. This allows me to tailor each session to your unique story, always with the aim of strengthening connection and creating lasting transformation.

I am also the host of Everything is Clinical, a podcast for mental health pros, where we explore challenges in the field and dive deeper into important clinical topics. Sponsored by The Right Counselor, this work extends my passion for advancing clinical excellence and supporting the growth of other professionals in the field.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and AAMFT Approved Supervisor, I bring both expertise and empathy to my practice. I hold a Master of Family Therapy degree from Mercer University School of Medicine and am a Gottman Level 3 trained couples therapist as well as a Gottman 7 Principles Educator. I specialize in working with couples—including step-couples and blended families—navigating remarriage, co-parenting, and loyalty binds, as well as individuals facing life transitions such as launching adult children, grief and loss, redefining purpose, or caring for aging parents.

I provide counseling for couples, individuals, and families across Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina through secure telehealth sessions. This gives clients the flexibility to receive high-quality care from the comfort of their own home while maintaining privacy and convenience. For new clients, I offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation via HIPAA-compliant video. While my schedule often books a few weeks in advance, I can typically schedule this introductory meeting within the week. If you are ready to take the next step toward healing, clarity, and lasting connection, schedule an introductory meeting at dunagancollective.janeapp.com