Our Atlanta Counselors

Janelle Clark, MA, APC

Life can often feel overwhelming, and the impact of past and present experiences can have ripple effects into our work, relationships, health, and wellbeing. You don’t have to navigate it alone. I am passionate about the therapeutic relationship and the power and connection it brings. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where clients can feel free to be and express themselves fully.

I am excited to connect with people in the community who find themselves ready for a change, but maybe feel unsure of how to make that happen for themselves. I see each client as an expert in their lives and my goal is to create a supportive relationship where clients can work towards their goals, healing and feeling whole again. This can look like discussing and working through life-transitions, emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, and family dynamics,

My approach is warm, mindful, and individualized for each client’s needs and goals. I feel passionate about supporting individuals from adolescents, teens and adults, as well as couples and families. I hope to work with you to guide you through your obstacles and bring forth your strengths. I aim to meet each of my clients right where they are as I help them navigate their unique story. It’s my hope to help you do the same. Focusing on yourself is your right and it would be a privilege to walk with you on your mental health journey!

I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Central Florida, where I continued and got my Master of Arts in Counselor Education. I am working under the supervision of Lindsey Mart, LPC, CPCS. I am currently seeing clients in-person and virtually.

Ashley Cincinatus, MS, APC

As an Atlanta counselor, my commitment is to provide a supportive, open, and non-judgmental environment for you to explore and process difficult feelings, stuck points in thinking, and develop increased self-acceptance. I commit to being an advocate for my clients as well as a means of support and gentle challenging that is necessary for you to reach your highest goals in life! In my work as a therapist, I utilize a range of modalities which includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, as well as some person-centered and solution-focused therapy as appropriate for the individual, family, or group. I believe that through these approaches, we can identify current barriers in your life and practice implementing more effective skills that will lead to healthier practices.

I have experience working with individuals who are dealing with life transitions, substance abuse, disordered eating, depression, anxiety, and trauma, and am trained in helping clients practice mindfulness, increase their positive coping skills, build self-esteem, awareness, and self-acceptance. My main goal as a therapist is to partner with you and cultivate a compassionate and comfortable atmosphere where you can feel safe. I believe in showing up as authentically as possible with my vivacious personality that helps to build warm and lasting connections. I believe that it is my commitment to support and challenge you to do the work needed to reach your highest goals and potential.

As for my background, I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Georgia and completed my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University. I am an Associate Professional Counselor working under the clinical supervision of Brandy Rogers, LPC, RPT-S, CPCS, CFMHE. Additionally, I earned the designation of National Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board of Certified Counselors. I’ve received specialized training in areas such as Gottman Method (Level 1) which assists me in my work with couples, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), family violence intervention, and play therapy.  I am a member of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the American Counseling Association (ACA).

I look forward to joining together with you in this journey of healing, self-care, and rebuilding! I am accepting new clients in January 2023.

Karen Michael, MA, APC, NCC

As an Atlanta counselor, I believe we all deserve and can benefit from therapeutic support to help navigate the challenges of life. If you have experienced, or are currently experiencing, difficult or painful life experiences, including anger, anxiety, career  issues, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, substance use issues, trauma, unhealthy behaviors, or other life transitions – You do not have to do it alone!    You and I can look at our Atlanta counseling services and create a therapeutic partnership and plan that is tailored specifically to you, for you and with you. I am only seeing clients virtually at this time.

I work with clients of all ages, from children to adults, and specialize in anxiety, relationships, and trauma, having advanced training in each of these areas.  I have a humanistic orientation and most closely adhere to a client-centered approach which means the focus is put on the client, not the therapist, as key to the healing process.  When working with children I typically use child-centered play therapy as toys are children’s words and play is their language.  For adolescents/teens, I utilize talk therapy combined with activities (games, art, music) that allow them to get creative and express themselves.  In all cases, the safety of the relationship is the foundation of the therapeutic alliance I create with my clients. 

Being an Atlanta Counselor is my second career after having a successful career in Human Resources Leadership.  I believe my decades of experience in a high-profile and demanding career puts me in a unique position to offer my clients the extra benefit of a therapist with first-hand experience of the struggle it can be to balance professional and personal  life, to navigate the pressures of a high-powered career, and to avoid burnout.

 As for my background,  I earned a Bachelor of General Studies in Communication, Management and Psychology at the University of Michigan- Dearborn and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the School for Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Atlanta. Additionally, I earned the designation of National Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board of Certified Counselors.  I am also trained as a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (CCH).  My advance training includes: Gottman Method (Level 2) which assists me in my work with couples, Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) which is the gold standard treatment for Anxiety and OCD, Play Therapy which I utilize with children, and I am currently working towards a post-master’s certificate in Trauma Stress Studies from The Trauma Research Foundation.  I am a member of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Association for Play Therapy (A4PT), and the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCGA).    Lastly, I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (APC) working under the clinical supervision of Brandy Rogers, LPC, RPT-S, CPCS, CFMHE.

 My commitment is to treat you, as my client, with great care, to be both a safe haven where fears and challenges can be discussed and a therapeutic partner that helps clarify goals, challenges and  supports you in your growth and healing and in recovering the balance, connection, joy, and success you desire.

 Remember, you do not have to do this alone!  Please reach out… 

 

Pamela Madsen, MS, LPC

I work with high-achieving adults, teens, and couples.  My clients tend to be pretty hard on themselves, worry about things both large and small, and feel best when they are in the driver’s seat of life.  Life has many ebbs and flows, so at times we need some additional support to get through the uncertainty that life hands us.  I collaborate with my clients to identify and achieve their goals, build greater connections in relationships, and experience satisfaction in their lives.

As a second career professional coming from several years in business and finance, I have some unique insight into the challenges leaders and high achievers face in the work-place.  You may struggle with self-image and feeling close in relationships.  Most of my clients are professionals wanting to build their confidence and reach their potential.  I guide my clients with positive psychology to identify their strengths, increase self-compassion skills, and find opportunities for personal growth.  Using research-supported and evidence-based treatment approaches including EMDR, ERP, DBT, and RO-DBT, we collaborate within the therapeutic relationship to set goals and meet them. I am currently seeing clients in-person and virtually. 

Specialties Areas of Focus

Trauma

Many of my clients have been hurt in relationships or experienced something painful.  I am trained in EMDR and Prolonged Exposure to support my clients to resolve painful experiences.

Anxiety, Depression, and OCD

We’ve all had times when we are struggling managing worries both big and small.  I am trained in DBT/RO-DBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to treat anxiety, depression, and OCD to improve ability to manage stressful situations and experience freedom to be yourself. 

Eating Disorders

So many of my clients experience traditional success but struggle with their relationships with themselves and how to nourish their bodies.  I support my clients with a focus on improving their relationship with food and finding pleasure in life again.  I’m currently working toward designation as Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and use Healthy at Every Size approach and trauma-focused treatment to help my client achieve their wellness goals.

Substance Use

After extensive training early in my career working with individuals and couples experiencing substance use, I tailor my approach to meet your goals around managing your wellness to support freedom from what has been holding you back in life. We will rebuild a healthy relationship with yourself, loved-ones, and work together to heal underlying issues to give you lasting recovery.

Couples

I have training in Gottman Method (level 2), Emotion-Focused Therapy (externship) and elements of Imago Relationship Therapy to tailor my work with couples.  I access and develop your strengths in the relationship to heal injuries to trust and connection.  I help my couple-clients grow closer and bring passion back to their relationship.

It takes a great deal of courage to seek support.  You may be used to holding it altogether but not really feeling the joy you truly deserve. Let’s sort out what is standing between you and whole-hearted living.