You are motivated, yet having trouble getting results like you used to. A perfectionist, but feeling like you're stuck. You may even feel like taking care of yourself is something you've been putting off for a bit longer than you would like. Whether it's anxiety, trauma or everyday stressors, you're in a place where you no longer want to be, and you need some compassionate accountability to help you navigate through. This courageous step you're about to take is one that will take you on a journey to knowing yourself better. And the truth is, you DO deserve to work towards that best version of yourself, all you need is some support!

As your therapist, I can help you keep all the things you love about yourself and adapt them to your current circumstances. As one who specializes in treating anxiety and trauma, I will help you lean into discomfort while facing the things that have brought you feelings of overwhelm and frustration. Providing compassionate accountability is my jam!

I understand that procrastination or nervousness might be an obstacle to start this journey of therapy, but I believe that because you've been through difficult things, you can come out on the other side as a more whole version of yourself. On the other side of your fear can be that breath of fresh air you've been needing. So, let's jump into the work together!

I'm a Brazilian-Korean-American Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. My academic background includes a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Georgia State University. Fulfilling my lifelong dream of becoming a therapist, I have a profound belief in the transformative power of psychotherapy. Despite the effort it demands, the path is unquestionably rewarding. I place my confidence in the inherent strength within every client, fostering transformation from the inside out. I value honesty, compassion, authenticity, inclusivity, growth, and I approach my work with professionalism and care.

My goal is not to 'fix' your problems or talk you out of your emotions; instead, I'll guide you in understanding them, helping uncover their root causes for a deeper insight into yourself, your relationships, and behavior patterns. As your therapist, I prioritize creating a warm, non-judgmental space for you to process your experiences, and recognize the intricate layers that contribute to your overall well-being.

I integrate evidence-based approaches such as Psychodynamic, Person-Centered, Somatic, Narrative, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Mindfulness practices. I am also EMDR trained and fluent in Portuguese. During our sessions, I'll invite you to explore how early experiences may influence your current behavior, consider the body-mind connection, and embrace the possibility of developing new thought patterns and practices for a more balanced life.

I have helped clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma and post traumatic stress, racial trauma, grief, perfectionism, self-esteem, relationship/communication issues, and identity exploration. I offer in-person and virtual sessions.

When not counseling, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing music, and cooking pasta.

“The most beautiful people are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Welcome, I'm glad you're here, I'm Lauren Foss, MS, LMFT. If you're feeling lonely, misunderstood, overwhelmed, or hopeless, perhaps in search of hope or meaning, individual, couple, and/or family therapy is available to serve as a gentle, guiding light, to illuminate your path, and help you find your way through the dark.

I look forward to walking alongside you as you navigate life's obstacles, develop greater insight and awareness into yourself and your relationships, and obtain practical tools for managing difficulties. Please reach out for a free 15 minute consultation to determine if I'm the right therapist for you.

I specialize in evidence-based practices, including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based theories, to help clients explore difficult emotions, challenge harmful thought patterns, and better manage stress and anxiety. As a proud two-time HBCU graduate (Spelman College and Howard University), I bring a wealth of experience from working in diverse settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and virtually-based mental healthcare.

My expertise includes supporting individuals with eating disorders, developmental challenges like Autism and ADHD, and those navigating life’s complexities. I am especially passionate about uplifting and empowering Black women, considering it a true privilege to amplify our greatness and nurture healing and growth.

Dr. Bilka tailors her therapeutic approach to fit each client’s unique needs. She integrates several therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, EMDR and relational techniques to provide comprehensive and dynamic treatment. Dr. Bilka’s clinical interests include gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender/questioning issues, adolescent and adult life transitions, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse. She specializes in treating teenagers and young adults dealing with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma. Dr. Bilka is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which has been proven highly effective for the treatment of trauma as well as with many other issues. She incorporates warmth, empathy, humor and insight-oriented methods into her practice. Dr. Bilka views the therapeutic process as a collaborative one in which the therapist offers understanding and support, providing the client with the space to develop a deeper understanding of his or her self and the courage to work toward change.

I help individuals, partners, and families sort through their history and stories of pain, highlight their resilience, expand their emotional awareness, and practice new behaviors for a life of health and wholeness.

I practice under the LPC-MHSP (Temporary) license in Tennessee with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am a National Certified Counselor, Certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator, and have level 1 & 2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. My supervision until I am fully licensed is under Dr. John Kennedy.

Before entering the counseling profession, I dabbled in various creative ventures between parenting and homemaking. I enjoy working with my hands, whether in the dirt gardening, repurposing old furniture, or mending ragged stitches.

Porsha is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from University of California at Berkeley then moved to Atlanta, Georgia and completed her Masters of Family Therapy degree from Mercer University School of Medicine. Porsha’s strength is providing an open, caring and safe environment for you to discuss your most private difficulties and challenges. She focuses on building a positive therapeutic relationship to promote maximum positive change and growth in you.

Porsha is experienced and passionate about working with individuals, couples and families suffering from issues surrounding anxiety, depression, major conflict, infidelity, divorce, and blended family dynamics. She uses Solution-Focused Therapy to help broaden clients’ understanding of the way they see themselves, their family and their situation.

Porsha specializes in working with professional athletes and understands the specific lifestyle challenges athletes and their families face. She tailors her approach to each unique situation and strives to meet the individual needs of each athlete and family.

In addition, Porsha believes that one’s thoughts ultimately determine their feelings and behaviors and therefore uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to identify destructive thinking patterns, creating more effective ways to respond to life’s challenges. In the words of John Holmer Miller, “Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.”

Hi, thanks for reading my Bio! I've been a psychologist now for 30 years. Over that time, I've helped more than 10,000 people. This is my 3rd career - I started as a Domino's Pizza manager, then a computer programmer for IBM. I became a psychologist after seeing my own psychologist during a difficult divorce. I learned so much from that experience that I knew it was right for me - so I went back to school. I've also completed 90% of a post doctoral certificate in neuropsychology.

I find that most people I work with are interested in one of two kinds of therapy. First, some people are interested in problem solving / solution focused therapy - finding solutions to life's many problems. I use brain science and the design of human beings to develop creative shortcuts to these problems. I've created my own names for them, such as the 'what else' technique, or reverse psychologizing yourself, or the 3 P's of grieving, or the 'outside the box' technique.

Other people want to understand themselves at a deep level. Perhaps they find themselves making the same mistakes in life. Or they wonder 'how did I get here?' The want to understand their personality structure and to make deep, long lasting changes - to become, not necessarily happier, but more successful and satisfied with life. During this process, I describe what I consider to be 'the ultimate in mental health.'

And now you know ... The rest of the story!

I am licensed as a Professional Counselor in Georgia. I earned a MS degree in Community Counseling in 1989 from Georgia State University, and am certificated in Christian Counseling from Richmont Graduate University. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and have completed EMDRIA-sponsored Basic Training in EMDR to help people with trauma.

As a licensed professional counselor and an experienced inner healing prayer minister, I am passionate about helping people get past difficulties. Others describe me as compassionate, insightful and skilled at getting to the root cause of an issue. I would be honored to help you overcome adversity.