Hello, I'm Charita with Serenity Thoughts LLC. I'm currently accepting new clients struggling with depression, anxiety, parenting, anger, self-esteem or other life stressors and trauma. I aim to work with the BIPOC community, but of course all are welcome.

I believe learning about our mental health only helps us to get to know ourselves better, so we're better equipped to navigate life's challenges. Please reach out and let me help you step into your Serenity Thoughts!

Life can get overwhelming sometimes, and everyone has an opinion on how you should manage it. No matter what you’re dealing with, someone always suggests a quick fix— anxiety: “just calm down;” depression: “just be happy;” or disordered eating: “just eat.” The reality is, if it were that simple, we would all be perfect people and never struggle with anything in our entire lives. That’s just not human nature. So if that’s not the answer, how do we grow and change? How do we resolve the deepest, most wounded parts of ourselves?

There’s a quote by Christine Langley-Obaugh that I love, which says, “We repeat what we don’t repair.” We have to sit with those uncomfortable parts of ourselves—our anxiety, depression, disordered eating, grief—and figure out when and why it showed up. What is it trying to tell us about ourselves and our experience?

That’s what the therapeutic space is for. We put other pieces of our lives on hold for an hour, to sit and listen and process. From there, we can establish a different way for the brain and body to communicate with one another; a way that allows for expression without overwhelm. It’s a process that can take some time, but it is oh so worth it.

Lisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Board Certified Counselor who has more than ten years of experience specializing in working with children, teens, and families in private, public, and charter schools in metro Atlanta. She encompasses a unique perspective stemming from her years as a teacher, school counselor, and school-based therapist providing a proactive approach to wellness. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Mississippi, Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education from Reinhardt University, and Master of Science in School Counseling from Mercer University.

Lisa is well versed in working with families from different backgrounds and clients who are diagnosed with various learning disabilities. She is passionate about bridging the gap between home and school in order for clients to reach their full potential and for stakeholders to be mindful and sensitive to the necessary accommodations to ensure emotional, social, and academic success.

During her time within the school setting and clinical experience with a local agency, Lisa has worked extensively with families who have experienced life stage transitions such as: adoption, grief, and divorce. She utilizes mindfulness, play therapy, and sand-tray techniques in order to empower clients to experience reflection and personal growth. Lisa is certified with Connection Coalition, a non-profit organization that provides trauma-informed yoga programing and is a member of the Association of Play Therapy and the American Counseling Association.

Lisa’s specializations include:

Learning Disabilities: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in all forms, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Communication Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Specific Learning Disorders with impairment in reading, written expression, and mathematics

Trauma: Grief and loss, domestic violence, human trafficking, neglect, sexual abuse, natural disasters

Children & Teens: Anxiety, bullying, career counseling, college acceptance, depression, developmental transitions, executive functioning, identity development, self-esteem, social skills, testing anxiety, perfectionism, athletic performance anxiety, peer relationships, suicidal and homicidal ideation, self harm, mood dysregulation and psychotic disorders

Families: Communication, boundary setting, blended families, foster care and adoption, conflict resolution, life-stage transitions, stress management, limit setting, parent-child relationship development

Lisa’s therapeutic style includes holistic psychotherapy, cultural competence, and empathetic understanding with unconditional positive regard to all clients. In addition to providing services to clients, Lisa is passionate about spending time outdoors, running and yoga, as well as prioritizing quality time with her family, friends, and Golden Retriever.

Courtney Baggs is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Board Certified Music Therapist in Tallahassee Florida. Courtney believes that the most important part of therapy is the client’s empathic relationship with their counselor as well as understanding the client’s strengths and goals. Courtney is passionate about helping clients identify their goals and remove or manage obstacles standing in the way. Courtney has over 4 years of experience working with children, teens and adults from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. She has worked primarily with clients who have a trauma history, relational and family issues, anxiety, and depression. In addition to providing Music Therapy in Tallahassee Florida Courtney has specific training in Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems Theory, and EMDR. She also uses music therapy to provide clients with a safe and creative environment in order to process through personal challenges. Courtney graduated from Colorado Christian University with her Master’s degree in mental health counseling after receiving her bachelors degree in music therapy and psychology from Florida State University. When she is away from the office, Courtney enjoys spending quality time with her family, playing music, staying active, and being outside.

I have a passion to work with adolescents (13+) and adults on an individual basis who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem and identity development, life transitions, spirituality. I also have a desire to help individuals who have experienced infidelity and sexual betrayal heal from their experiences. First and foremost, my goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can begin your journey of healing, progress, and growth. I am practicing under the direction of Melanie Gulley and the supervision of DeVon Mills, PhD, LPC, ACS at Compassion Cove Counseling.

Katie strives to build an environment of safety, trust, and hope while allowing others to share their pain, challenges, and fears. She enjoys working with those who are suffering from anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body image and eating issues. She draws upon various modalities, including CBT, DBT, ACT, FBT, EMDR, inner child and parts work, and embodiment.

A little information about me. I have been in the field of Human Services since 2008. I am an associate licensed mental health counselor (LMSW) since 2018. I have practiced in both public and private practices. I am in the process of sitting for my full licensure in the State of Georgia. I am a graduate of University of Southern California. I hold a master's degree in social work with a minor in military families. I work with ages 11(+), families, couples and veterans. I provide evidence-based therapies and I am a certified hypnotherapist, a therapy that is helpful for the client struggling with trauma.

At any stage of development, we are bound to encounter obstacles to our ability to thrive. I help clients to become proactive agents in their own process. I have worked extensively with clients across all ages to reduce symptoms, promote growth, and instill acceptance, and lasting change.

Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. It is my passion to be able to walk along side with you in situations that pushes you to feeling alone, anxious, sad or depressed. I want to help you find hope in your daily struggle and with that, I would like to support you in gaining insight and encourage you while helping you try to manage situations that feel unmanageable. My approach is very unique and personal that is tailored to each of my client's personality and situation.
I have worked extensively with those suffering from post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, isolation, sadness and families suffering from relationship concerns. I believe every individual is capable of tasting the passion they have for life in whatever aspect they personally desire.
I continuously strive to help those become inspired by their own strengths. If you are needing support in understanding your current circumstances, please know that I would be more than happy to help guide and support you during this difficult time. Please call or email me.