"When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own the story, we can write a brave new ending." -Brené Brown.

Believing these words, I create a safe, non-judgmental, compassionate space for adult individuals, couples and families to own and process their stories, while finding meaning, healing and growth. We are dynamic people, capable of change and restoration, and it is an honor to facilitate and walk with a person through this process. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, addiction, chronic illness, marital concerns, trauma, anger management, international adjustments and transitions, infertility and adoption.

In my therapeutic approach, emotional honesty is key in owning our stories and in being able to verbalize the impact of our family histories. Learning to accept how we feel helps us own our failures and mistakes. As your therapist, I will hold space, empowering you to make courageous decisions towards hope/healing/change.

I attended Taylor University in Indiana where I received my BA in Psychology and International Studies, after which I received my MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Richmont Graduate University in Atlanta, GA. I grew up in North Africa and Western Europe in a multi-cultural family.

Marquita is a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor serving residents of Colorado, Florida and Georgia in her virtual practice, Whole Heart Counseling. She serves individuals who desire healing from anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, life transitions and work-life concerns.

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.

Trauma has a way of disconnecting us from ourselves and others. And if you’re anything like my clients, that sense of disconnection feels impossible to shake. When they first start therapy, my clients feel dissatisfied and disoriented with where they find themselves. They struggle to trust themselves. They feel stuck in self-criticism and people-pleasing. They feel alone, longing for genuine connection belonging. And they feel broken. Like my clients, you deserve to untangle yourself from the trauma and harm you’ve endured. You deserve to feel at home within yourself. To feel authentic connection in your relationships. To feel free.

I love working with adults navigating life after trauma who feel chronically disconnected because I’ve been there. As a survivor of complex trauma, I get it on a level I just couldn’t without living through it. I’ve climbed out of the valleys of despair and hopelessness, and I know it’s possible to reclaim your voice, experience restoration, and thrive.

I believe connection is the catalyst to healing. I also believe we as humans are hardwired to heal. Sometimes we simply need a compassionate witness to guide us back to ourselves and help us find a meaningful path forward. My hope is that our work together will honor the uniqueness of your story and empower you to rediscover the goodness you already possess.

As long as I can remember helping others has always been a passion of mine. As an associate marriage and family therapist, walking alongside your journey often feels like a privilege. I truly believe the foundation of a therapeutic relationship begins with trust, empathy, and listening and with that I tailor the treatment approach to fit each client’s needs. I have worked with various populations of diverse background that have struggled with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief and loss, and body image issues. A few modalities I utilize are cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, narrative therapy, and strength-based therapy. I would love to be a part of your journey to growth and help you become the best version of yourself.

Joy Fortanbary completed a Masters of Arts in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University and also holds a B.A. in Public Relations Journalism from the University of South Carolina. She is an Associate Professional Counselor by the Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, And Marriage and Family Therapists. She is also a National Certified Counselor by the National Board of Certified Counselors and an ASAT-Candidate from the International Institute of Trauma and Addictions Specialists. Additionally, Joy has specialized training in EMDR, a therapeutic technique designed to help people struggling to process trauma.

Joy is passionate about partnering with individuals on the journey towards interpersonal healing that leads to generational change. She believes the most powerful growth happens in the context of relationship, which leads to her commitment to provide a genuine space marked by curiosity and collaboration.

Joy enjoys working with individuals navigating various challenges such as trauma, sex and love addictions, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict. Joy utilizes an integrative and holistic approach in the process of helping clients reach their personalized goals and lead a life more by design and not by default.

Joy gained valuable experience working with both individuals and groups in private practice and treatment center settings. Prior to counseling, she worked with leaders to establish national and global organizational partnerships at a large nonprofit in the Atlanta area. In her free time, Joy enjoys traveling, yoga, and spending time with her family.

Are you stressed? Are you finding it hard to navigate what life is bringing you? Are your relationships suffering? If you responded “yes” to any of these questions, I would love to help you! Stress, anxiety, depression, and a host of other troubles can be a challenging yet normal part of life. Handling these issues on your own can make them seem impossible. You do not have to go it alone when counseling is available. I offer culturally competent counseling in a safe environment. I use multiple therapeutic modalities and intervention strategies to help you attain wellness in the face of negative societal stressors. My work is also informed by my Ph.D. in Communication Studies and over two decades as a professor/scholar. Life can be a challenge! I want to help you gain more balance and harmony. You are too valuable to suffer in silence. Call or email to request a FREE Phone Consultation today! Together, let’s work to create the joyous life you deserve.

Emily specializes in working with individual adults and teens (15yo+). She has extensive experience working with young adults and college students having difficulty with anxiety, depression, life stage transitions (moving, graduation or career change), suicidal thoughts, self-esteem, relationship concerns, and dating. Having assisted collegiate student athletes as well as working with athletes at the professional level, Emily understands the unique pressures of being an athlete and the impact on mental health. She has a passion for helping her clients maximize their quality of life and perform to their greatest potential in every area of their lives.

Emily is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). This certification equips Emily to assist clients with mental health concerns affected by disabilities, traumatic brain injury and chronic health conditions. It allows Emily to address both the mental and physical components of wellness, thus improving clients’ daily functioning and their overall quality of life.

With a passion for transforming lives, The Transformation Specialists PLLC is a niche online counseling practice rooted in Black Christian values. This highly specialized group of counselors, comprised entirely of minority women, focuses on empowering individuals struggling with various challenges. Their compassionate approach values listening, understanding, and supporting clients, allowing them to feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether struggling with the pressures of a Superwoman or Superman complex, grief, identity, or relationship difficulties, their expertise is geared towards aiding clients in their pursuit of personal growth, improved communication, and deeper intimacy within their relationships. Call for free consultation today!

Clinical Psychologist, Professional Mediator and Arbitrator with considerable experience working with individuals (adult, adolescents, and children), couples, families, organizations, and other systems.