About Me
Psychotherapist and EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist in Atlanta, Georgia
Welcome! My name is Amelia Thomas, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC013793) specializing in working with adult individuals on trauma recovery, relationship concerns, life transitions, anxiety, self-esteem, and identity development.
In my work, I believe that people are doing the best they can with the resources they have. I also believe that the individuals I work with are not “crazy” or abnormal; rather, they are having understandable and normal responses to the difficult, stressful, and painful circumstances of their lives. With compassionate support, I aim to empower my clients to create meaningful and lasting transformations.
My Approach & Background
Many clients begin working with me after reaching a pivotal point in their counseling journey where they have realized that their present-day problems are actually rooted in the past. My goal is to support them in moving beyond the strategies they used to survive previous pain and into new ways of navigating their lives that feel aligned with their true selves and values.
I offer EMDR Therapy in my work with clients seeking recovery from trauma. My own story and experiences in both talk therapy and EMDR Therapy have greatly informed how I approach my work with clients. I have experienced first-hand the benefits of EMDR, a therapy that research has shown to be effective in treating a number of presenting concerns, including trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem/self-worth, grief/loss, sleep issues, chronic pain, and more.
I have worked in many settings, including a non-profit serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence, an emergency housing shelter, and a university counseling center. My professional and personal background has led me to develop a strong desire to support individuals in healing from the profound pain that traumatic experiences can leave behind. It is an honor to support my clients as they free themselves from old, ineffective patterns and begin to cultivate resilience, connection, and meaning in their lives.
I 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, I love exploring the city, seeing live music, and cooking. I also enjoy going on adventures with my family, friends, and two rescue dogs.
-
Many clients comment on my compassionate and warm presence. My naturally curious and nonjudgmental approach enables me to focus my efforts on truly understanding you and the concerns you bring to our sessions. I believe that you are the expert on your own life, and instead of taking on the role of a boss or director, I see myself as a supportive companion and guide on your journey toward personal growth.
I believe that when individuals begin their counseling journey, they arrive having done their best with the resources and knowledge available to them up until that point. Therapy can serve as a safe and supportive environment that allows them to learn new information and develop the skills necessary for meaningful change. I am deeply committed to the healing potential of the therapeutic relationship and strive to embody the qualities of a healthy connection in my work with clients.
In our early sessions, my first goal is to get to know you and your current life circumstances to ensure I’m the right fit for your needs. I believe that our past experiences significantly shape our present, so we will take time to explore your life story and identify important connections that can inform our work together. I view self-awareness as a crucial element of personal growth and transformation.
I aim to work together with you to identify your counseling goals and develop a collaborative plan to achieve them. This plan may incorporate EMDR, a therapy I am certified to practice, alongside other approaches to foster positive outcomes. My hope is that through our work, you will cultivate a deeper sense of self-trust and self-compassion, regardless of the methods we choose.
If this sounds like the right fit for you, please Contact Me to set up a phone consultation or initial session!