Providers

Damaris Johnson, LMFT

Damaris Solomon Johnson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in working with individuals, premarital couples and new moms. As a graduate of Mercer University School of Medicine with a Masters degree in Family Therapy, she is currently serving as the clinical director and continues to work with a broad spectrum of clients. Among her areas of expertise are recently or soon to be engaged couples as well as pregnant or new mothers. 

Damaris is a Prepared-Enrich Facilitator as well as a Prepare-Enrich Facilitators Trainer for other counselors in the community who seek to provide premarital/marital counseling.

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Pre-Married Couples: I believe true love exists, but I am a firm believer that it takes work and preparation. We often invest a lot of time and money into a wedding, but not nearly as much preparing for the actual marriage. With my training and passion for marriages, I utilize Prepare-Enrich to tackle many important topics such as finances, sex, parenting and family.  It is never too early or late to prepare, I see couples at all stages.  I work with couples by getting to the root of the differences or issues you have and increasing the emotional connection between the two of you. Love is an amazing thing, but like any relationship there can be hurdles. I want to help you build a relationship that thrives and soars far above those hurdles.

 

New Mothers:  How many times have you asked, "When will I start feeling like my old self?". I am a marriage and family therapist by trade, but my first ministry is being a wife and mother. As a result, I can relate to the unique experience of entering the role of motherhood and also merging the two hats of wife and mom. The 4th trimester is a unique time that is rarely spoken about. Postpartum Depression and Anxiety is a real thing, but unfortunately many mothers carry shame with the emotions attached to their new season. If you find yourself struggling with feelings of sadness, loss of motivation or questioning your motherly abilities- I want to help you. This season is a beautiful time in your family's life. But please don't ever forget that in order to the best version of yourself, you must prioritize yourself. Your family will thank you for it.

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Mrs. Johnson is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her therapeutic approach is from a holistic perspective as she takes into consideration the physical, mental and spiritual aspects to a person. As a practicing Christian, she offers faith-based counseling for those who are interested. Damaris provides encouragement and a real world approach to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

Damaris is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy as well as the Georgia chapter of Postpartum Support International.

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Deidre White, LMFT

Sometimes it feels like our past is haunting us. We can't seem to escape the regret, guilt, shame, or trauma from our past, making it impossible to be at peace. Daily these things rob us of having joy, confidence, happiness, and healthy relationships. That's where Deidre comes in, she works with clients to create a safe space to heal from the past and create a new normal of healthy relationships, positive coping skills, and increased confidence and self-worth. Deidre is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for helping women release themselves from the strong holds of bondage due to depression, anxiety, trauma, and low-self esteem. Deidre also works with couples to help strengthen their relationships and overcome marital challenges. Deidre uses a person centered and real world approach to help clients challenge past patterns and cycles that keep them from living their lives in the way they desire.

As there is no single approach to fit every individual Deidre is trained in several different settings and backgrounds to bring a holistic approach to the therapy room. Her educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Spelman College and a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mercer University School of Medicine. Outside of the therapy room, Deidre enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

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Michelle Jones, LPC

As a Clinician, I utilize solution focused and outcome-based psychotherapy and coaching methods, to promote self-understanding and self- actualization with my Clients.  It is essential to keep in mind that Therapy is not a magic pill and Life Coaching is not a quick fix. Both are processes that necessitate consistent participation and self -investment from the Client and Clinician, for successful outcomes. Through a commitment to personal growth and positive change, Clients can experience dynamic results.

I truly love having the opportunity to be part of the helping career field and hope to be of assistance to you.

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Melissa Robinson Graves, LMFT

Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed by life? Are painful events in your past holding you back? Are you having difficulty forgiving yourself or finding peace after a loss? Are you ready to change your life, but don't know how?

My name is Melissa Robinson Graves and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20 years of experience serving culturally diverse children, adolescents, young adults, men, women and families. I have worked with a variety of issues including abuse and trauma survivors, grief/loss, divorce, marital issues, parent/child conflict, co-parenting and family relationships, family transitions, life transitions, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, "adulting" and women's issues.

The relationship between therapist and client is a special one that is built on trust and mutual respect. I partner with my clients to help them heal and lead the life they want. I believe you can overcome anything to achieve your hopes and dreams, if you are willing to do the work. I am a solution-focused and strength-based therapist that infuses other therapy modalities like cognitive behavior therapy and motivational interviewing.

I look forward to partnering with you and helping you on your healing journey.

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Jordanos Tela, LMFT

Jordanos earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Spanish minor from University of Georgia. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who completed her Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy from University of San Diego. Jordanos returned to her home state of Georgia following years of work in California county jails. In addition to adult correctional health experience, she has also worked with children, families and adults at the outpatient level.

Her primary areas of focus include family of origin dynamics, intergenerational patterns, interpersonal relationships (romantic, platonic, familial or work-related) and multicultural issues. She enjoys insight-oriented work understanding that establishing greater awareness and clarity about presenting issues can lead to more effective resolution whether that involves acceptance or change work. She appreciates an integrative approach (i.e. CBT, mindfulness, solution-focused, strength-based, exposure therapy, etc.) that allows her to customize the treatment experience to the client's needs.

A key point that Jordanos emphasizes is the collaborative nature to therapy. This means that like any relationship, for therapy to be effective and helpful it is important for the communication to be bidirectional. When things are working well, we utilize assertive communication to acknowledge that. Likewise, when things are not working well, we talk about what is not working and why.

Transformative personal growth is achievable. At any age. At any stage of life

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Kelly Rhines, LAMFT

 Experiencing issues related to life transitions, anxiety, or depression? My passion includes working young adults and couples dealing with these difficulties and helping them along their journeys to a more fulfilling life.

I am a graduate of Mercer University, School of Medicine with a Masters in Family Therapy. I also received my Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles. I focus on helping clients create a new and desired narrative that brings out their best selves. In doing so, you will learn to identify unwanted stressors and change your outlook to one that is more powerful and positive.

I look forward to working with you!

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Brittney Jackson, MFT Intern

Life can be overwhelming and for many, traumatic events stifle holistic growth and wellness. With an affinity for narrative therapy as well as solution-focused techniques, Brittney has learned how to help clients understand that knowing where they come from empowers them to activate change in their lives. The youth minister in her church, Brittney also uses faith-based strategies for those who desire to strengthen their spiritual foundation to tackle the day-to-day challenges. 

With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Georgia and on track to receive her graduate level degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Capella University, Brittney finds purpose in helping others discover what they can do versus dwelling on what they feel they cannot. She is also Prepare/Enrich certified for premarital counseling and looks forward to empowering couples to navigate the exciting ride that is marriage.

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