Therapists for college students near Georgia State University

Hi, I’m Nikoleta! I’m an international doctoral student from Greece, and for the past seven years I’ve called the U.S. home—living in both the Northeast and the South. Before pursuing psychology, I was a Division I athlete, an experience that gave me first-hand insight into body image struggles and the stigma surrounding mental health across different systems and communities. I’m passionate about uplifting and centering voices that have historically been excluded, both within my own communities and beyond. My path into psychology began with recognizing how stigma shaped the lives of those I care about, and how systemic barriers have marginalized people for far too long. When we work together, you can expect a compassionate, non-judgmental space where we’ll explore your authentic self, replace fear and shame with self-acceptance, set healthy boundaries, and nurture deeper connections. Together, we’ll honor your intersecting identities, heal wounds of oppression, and strengthen your confidence so you can live with clarity, purpose, and self-worth. At my core, I’m guided by curiosity, compassion, and a genuine love for people. I strive to create spaces that feel safe, welcoming, and warm. I believe in the importance of balance—embracing the many roles and identities we carry—and in celebrating the richness of our multifaceted selves. My hope is that everyone I work with feels safe, seen, valued, and deeply connected.

My experiences as a queer, transgender man from the South inform how I move through the world and how I work with clients. I understand the challenges and inherent stress of navigating institutional, educational, and family systems that fail to make space for all identities and backgrounds. My approach is grounded in anti-oppressive and culturally affirming principles and I enjoy working with individuals of all backgrounds. I aim to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative space where clients can experience and examine themselves and experiment with new skills and perspectives. I collaborate with clients to co-create realistic goals and sustainable solutions that honor and encompass their unique identities, challenges, and strengths. I have experience working with a variety of backgrounds and concerns and I have particular expertise working with gender identity and sexuality (LGBTQIA+), trauma, individuals living in larger bodies, individuals in helping professions, life transitions, and young adults. My commitment to social justice and advocacy extends to my work as a researcher and counselor educator-in-training. My primary areas of research are improving counselor training concerning LGBTQIA+ and larger-bodied individuals, demystifying research for students from marginalized backgrounds, and combating cisnormativity in counseling research.

Many of the people I work with live in the “in-between” — between cultures, identities, roles, and expectations. Maybe you’re constantly navigating competing demands from family, community, and self. Maybe you feel caught between pride in your roots and the ache of not quite fitting in. That kind of in-betweenness can carry invisible grief, deep resilience, and stories that are layered and complex. Therapy with me is a place where all of that gets to exist. Where silence—once a survival strategy—no longer has to be your default. Where you don’t have to explain why you’re tired or tone yourself down to be understood. You get to show up as you are—messy, in progress, tender, whole. I offer a supportive, affirming, and nonjudgmental space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and life experiences with curiosity and compassion. My work is rooted in a trauma-informed, multicultural frame-work, because I know that our relationships—with family, partners, culture, and self—shape so much of how we move through the world. I’m especially passionate about supporting BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ folks, and anyone navigating the complexities of intersectional identities. Whether you’re wrestling with anxiety, navigating life transitions, working through relationship dynamics, or exploring identity, I’m here to help you reconnect—with yourself, your story, and your values. Together, we’ll look at the patterns that have helped you survive, even if they’re no longer serving you. We’ll unpack the unspoken “rules” you’ve been carrying, and gently build new ways of living that feel more aligned, grounded, and free. With individuals, our work might focus on: • Honoring your cultural and personal history while creating space for your own voice • Tending to the inner critic or survival modes that no longer reflect who you want to be • Cultivating emotional flexibility and self-compassion With couples and polycules, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help partners move beyond the surface-level conflicts and into the deeper emotions underneath. Often, what looks like disconnection is really a longing—to be seen, to be safe, to feel understood. We’ll slow things down, make space for those vulnerable moments, and help you learn how to reach for one another in ways that build trust, not distance. This work can be especially powerful for couples navigating cultural differences, unspoken family dynamics, or intergenerational expectations. Whether you're seeking therapy as an individual or as part of a couple or polycule, our work will move at your pace and be centered around your needs. You don’t have to hold it all together here. We’ll make room for your full self—your questions, your emotions, your healing. One step at time.

Have you ever felt that forming and maintaining relationships, engaging in consistent self-care, or navigating everyday "adulting" feels more challenging for you than those around you? Do you struggle to “be yourself” or even understand what that truly looks like? Are you caught in the feeling of being either “too much” or “not enough?” Whether you’re in the early stages of exploring a potential neurodivergent identity, or processing a recent self or formal diagnosis, I’m here to support you. I’m passionate about working with clients on this journey, helping them navigate the complex emotions that often arise—excitement, curiosity, and validation in discovering more about who you are, alongside grief and anger for the time spent feeling othered or broken. This is a deeply personal journey, and together, we can create a path that honors your unique experiences and needs. In our work together, we will focus on helping you: • Find confidence in navigating healthy relationships • Learn how to self-advocate • Identify neurodivergent-affirming people and spaces • Break free from the cycle of high achievement and burnout • Become attuned to the needs of your nervous system and develop skills to better regulate its responses I work with individuals who are often left on the margins of traditional therapy models—BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent individuals who may have been made to feel that their identities or experiences don’t fit the mold. In our sessions, you’ll never be asked to minimize or hide any part of yourself. I believe in creating a space where all parts of you are welcome—your personality, culture, and lived experiences are integral to the work we do. My approach is both challenging and supportive, direct yet affirming. I’m committed to creating a therapy space that values your autonomy and centers your lived experiences, particularly if you hold marginalized identities. As a therapist, I weave lessons of self-advocacy and resilience into our work, always mindful of the broader oppressive systems we navigate. I encourage clients to provide feedback on our therapy relationship so that together, we can create a dynamic that serves you best without reinforcing harmful systems of power or control. I also believe that self-disclosure and authentic expression are crucial in our work together. Therapy is not just about following outdated rules of professionalism but about showing up fully as ourselves, both therapist and client. This authenticity allows us to build a stronger, more human connection, which is at the heart of meaningful healing and growth.

Navigating today’s world can be challenging enough—finding culturally competent therapeutic support shouldn’t add to that burden. I am committed to providing a safe, empathetic, and compassionate space where we can collaboratively explore and address your concerns. Using a relational, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach, I strive to truly understand your unique journey and support your path toward health, wellness, and growth. As a therapist, I bring a social justice lens to my work, recognizing the impact that systems of oppression and marginalization can have on mental health. I am dedicated to offering culturally competent care that honors your identity and lived experiences. Together, we will explore how these dynamics influence your personal challenges, while also empowering you to navigate and resist these barriers with resilience and strength. I recognize that trust is at the core of an effective therapeutic relationship, and I am dedicated to earning your trust through genuine care, understanding, and respect for your lived experiences. Together, we will work to create a supportive environment where you can reflect on how these experiences have shaped your life. By building a foundation of psychoeducation, emotional tools, acceptance, and self-compassion, we can empower you to move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Taking the step to seek therapy is an act of courage, and I’m here to walk alongside you on this journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating and vulnerable—it takes immense courage to seek support, especially from someone you don’t yet know. My goal is to demystify and destigmatize the therapy process so we can walk together toward healing, growth, and self-discovery. In our work, we’ll explore the challenges you’re facing and identify what might be keeping you stuck. You’ll be met with warmth, curiosity, and compassion as we co-create a space that honors your full, intersectional self and empowers you to live more authentically. ​ I work with individuals across the lifespan, and I especially enjoy supporting children, teens, and families. For young children, I use play therapy as a developmentally appropriate approach that allows them to express feelings, process difficult experiences, and build coping skills through play. With teens and families, I offer a space to navigate identity development, life transitions, and family dynamics with empathy and cultural responsiveness. I also collaborate with parents and caregivers to strengthen relationships and promote emotional connection. In addition to individual and family therapy, I work with couples navigating communication difficulties, disconnection, and relationship challenges. I provide a supportive and affirming environment for partners of all backgrounds and relationship configurations to explore their needs, repair trust, and strengthen their bond. My practice is rooted in a culturally responsive, anti-oppressive framework that affirms the lived experiences of BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and others with marginalized identities. I’m particularly passionate about supporting clients who are navigating intergenerational trauma, racial trauma, and systemic oppression. I also deeply value working with men and masculine-identified individuals, especially those who have internalized messages that discourage vulnerability and emotional expression. Creating space for these clients to heal and grow has been one of the most meaningful parts of my work. ​Together, we’ll create a space where your experiences are seen and your story is honored—where you feel empowered to grow into the fullest, most liberated version of yourself.

Before I became a counselor, I was a university professor, so I have a very clear sense of the pressures that students face and the support that they need during this critical period of their lives. Young people want to build lives worth living, but things can get in the way: intense emotions, reliance on substances (or sex or spending or gaming) to cope, confusing relationships, paralyzing uncertainty or self-judgment. Counseling can help. I want to listen, and I want to do what works. I am trained in evidence-based modalities, particularly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I am always learning, so that, if what we’re doing isn’t working, I’m ready to pivot. For young men in particular, counseling might seem like it's "not for people like you," but I will meet you where you are. My goal is not to keep you in therapy forever, but to assist you in becoming freer, more independent, and more hopeful about your life. If that sounds good to you, reach out. As I work toward full licensure, I practice under the supervision of Nia Baker, LPC, CPCS, SEP.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

At Ash Tree we have therapists that utilize a trauma informed and strengths based approach to meet the needs of our clients. We have therapists that specialize in working with complex trauma and PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, and other life transitions.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Anxiety is taking up more space in your life than you’d like. On the outside, things look successful—people rely on you, and you generally handle what’s in front of you. But internally, it can feel very different. Your mind replays conversations late at night. You hold yourself to impossibly high standards. That critical inner voice is quick to point out what you should have done better. Even when you accomplish something meaningful, it rarely feels like enough. You may be someone who was labeled “gifted” or high-achieving early on. You’re thoughtful, capable, and used to performing well under pressure. Yet the constant drive to get it right can leave you exhausted. You might notice tension in your body that never quite goes away, difficulty truly relaxing, or moments when your reactions feel stronger than they should. You understand your patterns—you may have even done therapy before—but insight alone hasn’t fully created the change you’re looking for. In our work together, we move beyond simply talking about the problem. I integrate EMDR and somatic-informed approaches to help your nervous system process experiences that may still be driving anxiety, perfectionism, or emotional intensity beneath the surface. When the body has a chance to settle, the mind often follows. Therapy becomes less about “figuring it out” and more about creating meaningful, embodied change. Our sessions are collaborative, focused, and respectful of your time and intelligence. I provide a calm, professional space where you can slow down without losing momentum. Together, we clarify what matters most to you and work toward a life that feels grounded, balanced, and genuinely fulfilling—not just successful on paper. If you’re ready for therapy that goes deeper than insight alone and supports lasting change, I’d be glad to connect. I invite you to schedule a free consultation through my website.

If you're navigating life’s challenges, exploring who you are, or simply looking for a space to reflect and grow, I’m here to help. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, and families to understand their emotions, process their experiences, and find clarity in moving forward. Whether it's managing stress, building more positive relationships, learning to advocate for oneself, or developing healthier coping skills, I would love to support you in discovering practical solutions and making choices that promote your well-being. I tailor my approach to fit you, drawing from behavioral theories with outcome-focused qualities. I aim to foster genuine and meaningful relationships with each of my clients so that we can work together toward creating a supportive space for growth, healing, motivated change, hope, and self-discovery.

Happiness is nice, but it isn't everything. I'm not here to help you be happy. I'm here to help you inhabit the raw fullness of your life amidst all of its twists, turns, challenges, and obstacles. Whether you're facing a point of challenge, a period of crisis, or a chronic issue, I welcome the opportunity to bring my experience and training alongside your experience, values, and goals. Together, we can make something rich of this strange, messy, and perhaps even beautiful world. I use an affirming approach to work with people navigating anxiety and overwhelm, compulsions and addictions, and finding My foundational approach is Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). It emphasizes each person's ability to build a mindful, meaningful, resilient life that can withstand life's storms and revel in its beauties. As a social worker, I strive to embody anti-oppression, affirm all identities, and prioritize systemic analysis and sustainable, holistic change.

If you are looking for a trustworthy Social Worker, Therapist and/or consultant, you’re in the right place. I have been providing psychotherapy for a variety of clients since 2011. I have experience providing services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and groups. This includes working with individuals who have faced problems with depression, anxiety, ADHD, ODD, trauma, and other severe mental health disorders. My clinical experience includes providing services in a variety of settings, such as, human services through child protective services and juvenile delinquency, crisis intervention, and psychiatric services that were made available through Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient programs. This experience has allowed me to develop diverse skills, build rapport and respond in an empathic and supportive manner when working with individuals and groups. Please feel free to contact me for your service needs.

Hello! I love working with individuals who are dealing with anxiety, life transitions, caretakers (of all kinds), burnout, and chronic illness. I specialize in helping to increase self-esteem, set boundaries, and be in presence with feelings and emotions safely and calmly. I strive to create trust in self by sharing tools and using strengths you already have to develop a healthier relationship with self which will translate to better relationships in all aspects of life. I look forward to hearing from you!

I find myself often working with high-achieving folks who have been thrown one too many curve balls in life. Whether it's a life transition, a break up, overwhelm with work, stress with family members, or a death, these folks find themselves at the end of their rope and needing to find a pressure-release valve.

I specialize in working with college and graduate students, young professionals, and couples, empowering them to develop skills to manage anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, and explore their self-identity. I also work with first generation and children of immigrants and am committed to maintaining a culturally-informed practice that honors the different ways that people experience and think of their identity. Navigating the complexities of life can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with things like anxiety, relationship issues, and major life transitions. Maybe you're struggling with the pressure of classes, or with adjusting to your new environment and building relationships. Or you might feel like you’re always anxious about getting things right or not knowing what's going to happen, and worry is becoming exhausting. Perhaps you're at a point where you want to learn more about the impact of your cultural background on your identity and explore the experiences you've had. Going to therapy can be a courageous step towards personal growth and self-reflection to develop the tools needed to manage symptoms and align ourselves more with our goals. Whether you're navigating major life transitions, managing work-related stress, or facing challenges in your relationships, my practice provides a supportive space to help you build resilience. By incorporating evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with compassion and mindfulness focused models, I provide a non-judgemental and empathetic environment in my work with clients. For couples therapy, I utilize the Gottman method to help couples improve their relationships. I am licensed in the state of Georgia as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC015213). I earned my M.S. in Counseling with an emphasis on Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University, and a B.A. in Psychology, English, & Classical Studies from Emory University. I provide both in-person and virtual sessions to make therapy accessible and convenient for clients in the Decatur area and beyond. Whenever you’re ready to take a step towards therapy, I would be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have about the therapeutic process over an initial consultation. Please visit the link below to schedule a free consultation.

Amelia Thomas is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC013793) and EMDR Certified Therapist specializing in working with adults on trauma recovery, anxiety, self-esteem, identity development, life transitions, and relationship concerns. Amelia is inspired by helping individuals recognize their worthiness through the healing of past wounds and the strengthening of their authentic voices. Amelia works with individuals who have reached the point in their counseling journey that they are ready to begin the brave work of addressing past hurts and traumas that are keeping them “stuck” in unhealthy patterns. Amelia also enjoys working with young adults as they navigate the challenges that come along with burgeoning independence, changing relationships, and major life transitions. Amelia offers EMDR Therapy in her work with clients seeking recovery from trauma. EMDR Therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a number of presenting concerns, including but not limited to trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem/self-worth, grief/loss, sleep issues, chronic pain, and more. Amelia has worked in many settings, including a non-profit serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence, an emergency housing shelter, and a university counseling center. Her professional and personal background has led her to develop a strong desire to assist individuals in healing from the profound pain that traumatic experiences can leave behind. In helping survivors free themselves from old, ineffective patterns, Amelia seeks to support clients in cultivating resilience, connection, and meaning in their lives. Amelia obtained a B.S. in Sociology from Appalachian State University and an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University. Born and raised in Atlanta, Amelia loves exploring the city, attending live music concerts, and cooking. She also enjoys going on outdoor adventures with her family, friends, and two rescue dogs.

I address anxiety stemming from social, school, and family dynamics, providing the necessary support to navigate these changes. I assist in the transition from college to career, including complexities in dating, family, and work, offering a safe space to explore self-identity and achieve life goals. We will collaborate using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy. What does this mean? It means we will identify the false scripts keeping you stuck and create a new storyline where you are the main character shaping your life. In my space, every uncomfortable feeling is accepted, and every question is worth asking. Whether you’ve never sought counseling before or have been in therapy for years, I believe my approach is unique. My goal is to empower you and watch you succeed. So, let's connect and collaboratively rewrite your narrative.

The process of starting or reentering counseling can be overwhelming but a brave step towards improving your wellness. I honor that step by committing myself to meet you where you are, sit with you in whatever emotion arises, and offer you a safe and relaxed environment to discuss your concerns. As your therapist, I will work with you to collaboratively create a road map to greater health using our alliance and therapeutic tools along the way. We will work together to identify your goals, beliefs, and assets; process life stress; and empower your life for greater wellness, however you define this. I offer Cognitive-Behavioral, Mindfulness, Exposure (ERP), Strength-Based and Person-Centered services for adults and young adults, addressing symptoms of anxiety, OCD, stress, life transitions, relationships, and ADHD. Through my Masters and Doctoral work as well as my background teaching and supervising Master's level clinicians, I have created a therapeutic approach that is not only centered around YOU, the client, but incorporates practices that are backed by scientific evidence. It is my greatest desire to use what I know to see you grow and live the life you want.