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.

I work primarily with young men in college and graduate school who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. You may be struggling with substances, pornography or sexual behaviors, gambling, relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, or problems with motivation and direction. As a former university professor, I understand the pressures of academic life a. I offer compassionate, direct, evidence-based therapy to help you understand what's happening, build practical skills, and move forward.

I work best with people who are carrying a lot at once, whether that’s anxiety, relationships that keep hurting them, substance use that feels out of control, or old experiences they’re finally ready to look at. They usually appear fine on the outside but feel worn down on the inside. What they share is knowing something needs to change and being ready to do the hard work to shift old patterns. If that sounds like you, I’d love for you to reach out!

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.

Do you constantly feel overwhelmed by your emotions? Are you ready to finally experience peace from your past? Are you looking to share your story and be met with compassion? If you are ready to create a more loving relationship with yourself and make concrete changes in your life, we would love to work with you. Through therapy at East Atlanta Counseling Services, you can expect to have healthier relationships with yourself and others and find relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation and trauma. We believe that every person has the ability to heal. We would be honored to work alongside you in your healing process.

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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.

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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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I enjoy working with students age 25+ in advanced degree programs. I provide support with adjustments, transitions, stress, anxiety, grief/loss, intersecting identities, relationship concerns, feeling stuck, and personal growth. Life challenges can present opportunities for healing and growth. I strive to create a safe space for students to process their experiences and gain new perspectives on their situations. My style blends attentive listening with gentle inquiries designed to promote fresh insights. I have a holistic orientation and can help you integrate mind, body and spirit into the counseling process.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia who is passionate about being a psychotherapist and actually feels called to it. I believe that we all deserve to live a meaningful and fulfilled life, where we feel ACCEPTED, HEARD, SEEN, CARED FOR, and VALUED. I have a genuine interest and curiosity about people… about how we became the people that we are, who and what influenced are decisions, what we believe, and how they contribute to the ways we think, feel and behave. I am very zealous about helping people know and appreciate who they really are, and not just what people and experiences have conditioned them to believe they should be. My main areas of focus are on Anxiety, Attachment Issues, Self-Worth and Trauma where I infuse a mixture of CBT, EMDR, Inner Child, Parts Works and Reality therapy in our sessions to achieve your goals in therapy. However, the greatest help I provide is giving you different perspectives and insight that may have not been considered before, which in turn may change the way you feel and think about the situation. It is my hope that after understanding how your past has shaped how you view your current circumstances, and presses on your future, that you can heal from it and move forward. My Christian faith is also a big part of who I am and how I view the world. For those interested in incorporating Christian counseling in their sessions this can be an amazing way to grow your faith, and help to reestablish your belief in God and how He sees you. I understand that not everyone feels or believes the way I do, and that is perfectly fine. Being a Christian is not a requirement to meet with me, nor does it have to influence our sessions unless desired. I am a staunch believer in not treating people differently for any reason, and respecting one’s choice to believe whatever they want to believe.

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It can be one of the most difficult steps to make that first phone call for therapy. Typically, we are making that call when life feels the most stressful or when we are feeling at our most vulnerable. I strive to support the courage, strength, and determination involved in seeking support. ​ Described by clients as caring, supportive, and warm, I believe each person possesses innate skills and strengths that can be utilized within therapy. I value strengths-based, person-in-environment, cognitive-behavioral, and motivational therapeutic approaches to support each individual’s intrinsic worth and value. I love working with adults, couples, and families to explore difficulties in coping emotionally, breaking the cycle of addiction or substance use, balancing life stressors, establishing self-esteem, setting healthy boundaries, and maintaining healthy relationships. I strive to help you find your voice, offer new coping skills, and explore presenting concerns within a non-judgmental and warm environment. Think we might be a good fit? Contact me today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can work together.