Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is an eight-week program that was first developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979.
Extensive research over the past 30 years has shown that MBSR is extremely helpful in improving one’s quality of life. More recent research has shown that MBSR is an excellent intervention for many common mental and physical health problems such as depression, anxiety and panic disorders, family stress, chronic pain, sleep disturbance, gastro-intestinal diseases, attention deficit disorders, eating disorders, coping with cancer, heart disease, and addictions.

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an empirically supported 8-week course designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. The curriculum was created in 2010 by self-compassion researcher Kristine Neff, PhD, and mindfulness and psychotherapy expert Christopher Germer, PhD. Burgeoning research shows that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional wellbeing, coping with life challenges, lower levels of anxiety and depression, healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and more satisfying personal relationships. It is an inner strength that enables us to be more fully human—to acknowledge our shortcomings, learn from them, and make necessary changes with an attitude of kindness and self-respect.

For more information, please contact Hannah Hawkins-Esther (770) 595-4510 or hannah@hhe-therapy.com.

Yoga is an ancient system that improves our mind/body connection. At Atlanta Center for Wellness, yoga is not used as physical exercise but as a way to connect to the healing properties that come with yoga practice such as mental and emotional stability, improved focus and balance, and less judgement and greater acceptance of our body/self.

For more information, contact Hannah Hawkins-Esther: (770) 595-4510 or hannah@hhe-therapy.com

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), first developed by Steven Hayes, PhD is an empirically-based form of psychotherapy that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies combined with commitment and behavioral changes to increase psychological flexibility. The main objective of ACT is not elimination of difficult feelings, but rather the ability to be present with what life brings and to move toward “valued behaviors". ACT invites people to open up to unpleasant feelings and to learn not to overreact to them or avoid situations where they are invoked. Its therapeutic outcome is a positive upward spiral where feeling better leads to a better understanding of personal truths and a value-based life. For more information, please call ACT-informed therapist Paul Olander, LCSW at 404-276-0034 or e-mail him at paul.olander@comcast.net.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) developed by Psychologist Marsha Linehan in the 1980’s. Initially created for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT has proven to also be highly effective in treating a number of other problems including intense anxiety, anger, substance abuse, eating disorders and depression. DBT focuses on the concept of mindfulness, or being aware of and attentive to the current situation, and teaches skills to manage intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve relationships.

DBT skills groups will be forming in 2018. For additional information, contact Cameron McIntosh, LMSW at cmcintoshtherapy@gmail.com or 404-421-4598.

Meditation is taking time to practice the state of being rather than doing. It is a time to calm the mind, breathe deeply, and relax using techniques from our guided meditation leaders. For more information, please contact Hannah Hawkins-Esther at (770) 595-7465 or hannah@hhe-therapy.com.

Sound therapy is a valuable tool for releasing stress and anxiety and preparing the mind for meditation. Sound waves are measured in “hertz,”  just like brainwaves, and have the ability to relax the mind and the nervous system and guide the listener into more meditative brainwave states. Enjoy the relaxing sounds of Tibetan singing bowls, Native American flutes and more, while also experiencing deep states of relaxation and stress release. You will also learn about the basics of meditation and how to develop your own daily meditation practice and maintain this sense of calm and balance throughout the week. Please call (404) 343-4162 for more information.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SOUND THERAPY FLYER

Psychodrama is a therapeutic modality that uses action and role play as a means to study behavior in its concrete form. The therapeutic stage allows for natural condensations and expansions of time that exist in both the conscious and unconscious mind to emerge into the therapeutic moment. Psychodrama’s genius is its recognition that in order to find the right words, we have to find the right feeling. And, in order to find the right feeling, we must enter the body memory associated with the experience, thereby accessing the time and space in which the feeling was germinated. For more information, contact Beverly Matthews at (470) 326-0560.

Energy Psychology: Multiple techniques designed to access body memory and initiate the body’s own healing mechanisms. Can include Holographic Memory Resolution (HMR), kinesiology and Energetic Tapping Sequences.  For more information, contact Beverly Matthews at 470-326-0560.

Medical Nutrition Therapy

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is a therapeutic approach to treating conditions and their associated symptoms via the use of a specifically tailored diet devised and monitored by a Registered Dietitian. Atlanta Center for Wellness aims to support physical and mental well-being through the process of Medical Nutrition Therapy.

Medical Nutrition Therapy may benefit individuals of all ages who:

• Struggle with disordered eating or have been diagnosed with an eating disorder
• Experience weight cycling, or regular periods of weight gain and loss throughout life
• Have been diagnosed with food allergies, heart disease, diabetes or kidney damage
• Would like to function better within their bodies
• Are looking for practical guidance to purchase, store, prepare and serve meals for themselves or their families

For more information, contact Terri Levinsohn at 770-827-8352 or terri.levinsohn@gmail.com, or Val Schonberg at 404-680-6032 or val@enlightenUnutrition.com.

 

Gut-Brain Health

Atlanta Center for Wellness offers ongoing workshops and individual therapy sessions on Gut-Brain Health for anyone who wants to learn more about this powerful way to support well-being. For more information about the connection between the gut-brain-immune axis and healing, contact Dr. Kelli Ritter at 404-202-2015 or kbritter@bellsouth.net.

Eating disorders are complex and multifaceted illnesses, impacting a person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors, as well as his or her physical well being. They also take a great toll on the loved ones supporting the person with the primary diagnosis. In order to most successfully combat these illnesses, the treatment approaches must be multifaceted, as well. Fighting the eating disorder from all sides can help in reclaiming power over body, mind and spirit, bringing a person and his or her family closer to full recovery. There are specialists trained and dedicated to healing every aspect of a person and family impacted by an eating disorder. All of these trained professionals combine to create the “Multidisciplinary Treatment Team.” At Atlanta Center for Wellness, we have licensed practitioners/experts who are experienced in treating the many components of eating disorder care, including individual and group therapy, nutrition, psychiatry, family therapy and specialized psycho-education.

Please call (404) 343-4162 or email admin@atlantacenterforwellness.com for more information.

In FBT, parents take a leadership position in their child’s treatment and a therapist works as a consultant to them. With the support and guidance of a clinician who specializes in eating disorders, parents are coached in how to create a home environment that is conducive to recovery. There is a focus on weight restoration and a careful three phase approach to carefully give adolescents more independence as they are ready.

For more information, contact Ephrat Lipton, ACSW, LCSW, BCD, CEDS, certified eating disorder specialist at (404) 202-0932 or ephratlipton@gmail.com.

A Certified Professional Recovery Coach offers strengths-based, solutions-based support for individuals actively seeking recovery from substance use disorder, eating disorders, anxiety or depression. The Coach works intensively with the Client to assist him or her with the following: accountability, coping and life skills, relapse prevention, boundary setting, family relationships, triggers, plan of action, community resources, meal planning and mindfulness, to name a few. A Recovery Coach provides comprehensive support services and helps to set the individual up for long-term success. For information, contact Alison Broderick, NCRC-II, CPS-AD, at (678) 851-3314 or Alison@TheRecoveryCoachATL.com.

CLICK HERE FOR THE CONTINUING CARE & RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES FLYER

The blend of hypnosis and psychotherapy that accesses subconscious material and resource states. Positive healing suggestions are combined with regressive work to facilitate healing.  For more information, contact Beverly Matthews at 470-326-0560, Paul Olander at 404-276-0034, or Kim Asher at 404-610-8625.

A conscious connected breathing process that assists a person to access non-ordinary states of consciousness and release negative energy attached to past trauma. For more information, please contact Beverly Matthews at (470) 326-0560.

Reiki is a Japanese technique of promoting our natural ability to restore balance to our body and heal ourselves. It has been known to reduce stress, anxiety, ease chronic pain and more.  Contact Jillian at 770.876.1568 or jhgilliam@att.net for more information about the healing effects of Reiki.

Reflexology is a gentle, holistic, complementary therapy that involves treatment by applying pressure to the reflex areas in the feet and/or hands to induce relaxation, encourage cleansing/detoxing, restore and maintain to the body's self healing ability.

By acting on reflex areas corresponding to all parts of the body, organs and glands, reflexology is a means for treating the whole being, releasing blockages in the vital energy pathways and restoring the free flow of energy. The main aim is to bring balance to the entire being – mind, body and soul – by restoring the natural energy flow.

Please contact Rayann Larsen at 770.847.0630 or hello@rayannlarsenreflexology.com for more information.

Are you having trouble finding your calm and keeping your peace? Feeling perpetually stressed, mentally exhausted or emotionally agitated? Consider Heart Coherence Biofeedback sessions to help find your calm. For more information, please call (404) 343-4162.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is an eight-week program that was first developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979.
Extensive research over the past 30 years has shown that MBSR is extremely helpful in improving one’s quality of life. More recent research has shown that MBSR is an excellent intervention for many common mental and physical health problems such as depression, anxiety and panic disorders, family stress, chronic pain, sleep disturbance, gastro-intestinal diseases, attention deficit disorders, eating disorders, coping with cancer, heart disease, and addictions.

Meditation is taking time to practice the state of being rather than doing. It is a time to calm the mind, breathe deeply, and relax using techniques from our guided meditation leaders. For more information, please contact Hannah Hawkins-Esther at (770) 595-7465 or hannah@hhe-therapy.com.

Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment method that works by identifying, processing, and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotion/body pain, trauma, dissociation and other symptoms. Brainspotting uses Bilateral sound, which is deep,direct, and powerful yet focused and contained. The Bilateral sound CDs enhances the brain processing abilities by alternately stimulating each cerebral hemisphere. Brainspotting works with the deep brain and the body through its direct access to the autonomic and limbic systems with the body's central nervous system. It is an effective and efficient treatment tool for:

• physical and emotional trauma 
• recovery from injury and accident trauma 
• trauma resulting from medical illness 
• performance issues, including sexual dysfunction 
• Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions 
• addictions 
• phobias 
• anger and rage 
• anxiety and panic

For more information, please contact Kim Asher at (404) 610-8625.

Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a short-term naturalistic approach to the resolution of post-traumatic stress reactions, developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine. It is based upon the etiological observation that animals in the wild utilize innate mechanisms which regulate and neutralize the high levels of arousal associated with defensive survival behaviors. Humans possess these same regulatory mechanisms, but these mechanisms are often over-ridden by the rational mind. This restraint leads to the formation of a constellation of symptoms, such as pain, patterns of bracing and collapse, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, and a sense of intrusion. Somatic Experiencing normalizes the symptoms of trauma, which bind these high levels of arousal, and offers the steps needed to resolve activation and heal trauma. For more information on how SE may benefit you, please contact Beverly Matthews at (470) 326-0560.

EMDR uses Bilateral stimulation, such as music, sound, or tapping, to work to unlock disturbing events in the brain. When trauma event occurs, it can get stuck in the brain with the images, sounds, thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. EMDR seems to stimulate the information and allows the brain to process the experience. It is similar to what happens in REM or dream sleep.

The goal of EMDR is to reprocess the disturbing memory and associated experiences to an adaptive resolution. EMDR, also, incorporates needed skills, behavior, and adaptive beliefs about self and other, optimizing clients’ capacity to respond spontaneously and authentically. The end result will bring contentment, satisfaction, and wellbeing to ones life.

A 90 minute session is optimal for both EMDR and Brainspotting. However, 60 minute sessions can be used, though, may take more sessions for desired results to occur.

For more information, please contact Kim Asher at (404) 610-8625.

Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT), developed by Dr. Jon Connelly, PhD, LCSW, is an integrative and holistic treatment approach designed to clear painful emotional responses. RRT is particularly effective in clearing anxiety and the negative effects of past trauma and unresolved grief. Because the root causes of presenting problems are identified accurately and cleared, negative emotions and destructive behavioral patterns are eliminated and positive improvements in thoughts, feelings and behaviors continue and endure. For more information, please contact RRT Practitioner Paul Olander, LCSW, at (404) 276-0034 or paul.olander@comcast.net.

Trauma Informed Hypnotherapy (TIH), developed by Courtney Armstrong, LPC, effectively heals trauma using collaborative, respectful, safe and client strengths-based clinical hypnotherapy. Healing for clients and reconsolidation of traumatic memories happens at a deep level because hypnosis is one of the most painless and efficient ways of transforming traumatic impressions Clinical hypnotherapy can quickly activate inner healing resources and effectively create new neural pathways conducive to clarity and peace. TIH is interactive and allows easy adaptation of interventions to fit each client’s individual personality, communication style and needs. For more information, please contact TIH-trained and National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist Paul Olander, LCSW, at (404)-276-0034 or paul.olander@comcast.net, or Kim Asher, LPC, at (404) 610-8625.

Internal Family Systems (IFS), first developed by Richard Schwartz, PhD, LPC is an integrative approach to individual psychotherapy that views “consciousness” as being comprised of multiple “parts” or relatively discrete sub-personalities, each with its own role, perspective, memories and point of view about an individual’s emotional protection and well-being. IFS uses family systems theory to understand how these collections of sub-personalities are organized and a core component of IFS is the idea that every part has a positive intent for the person, even if its actions or effects are counterproductive or cause dysfunction. This means that there is never any reason in therapy to fight with, coerce, or try to eliminate a part, which could be playing either an "extreme” or a "healthy” protective role. IFS characterizes parts as one of three types—“managers”, “firefighters” and “exiles”, and promotes internal connection and harmony among them. While IFS does not pathologize clients or their parts, therapy sessions can focus on parts in extreme roles needing transformation when they are causing distress. For more information, please contact IFS-informed therapist Paul Olander, LCSW, at (404) 276-0034 or paul.olander@comcast.net.

HMR is an “emotional reframing” technique which allows reprogramming of the affect (feeling content) of memory while allowing expedient access to and resolution of past traumas. It helps to achieve resolution of the painful emotions associated with such events without having to re-live such experiences and without affecting historical memory. HMR employs both a verbal component and a nervous system support technique which enhances visualization and sensory access to memory while fostering safety. This client-centered process facilitates the resolution of “somatic body memory,” thereby disarming the triggers that foster physical pain, flashback, disease and relapse. HMR is profoundly time efficient and empowers the client, whose bodymind as held the pain intact since the moment of its encoding in the nervous system. Please visit www.healingdimensions.com or contact Beverly Matthews at (470) 326-0560 for more information on how HMR can help you.

Energy Psychology combines cognitive interventions with interventions to rebalance components of the human vibrational matrix (meridians, chakras and biofield) in order to assist with mental spiritual, emotional and psycho-energetic issues. Energy Psychology rebalances the subtle energy systems or the energy field as a whole so that traumatic events can be recalled without the energetic disturbance, thus alleviating stress responses associated with disturbing thoughts and memories. It also employs ideomotor cues and muscle testing which allow the body and energy field to guide the process. Please contact Beverly Matthews at (470) 326-0560 for more information.

Certified DW™ facilitators bring this important work around shame, vulnerability, true belonging, resilience and connection to individual, group and weekend-intensive sessions.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving and coping strategies. There are often concrete assignments and homework is given between sessions. CBT is evidence-based, and it is the most widely used approach in mental health treatment. The goal is to change patterns of thinking and behavior that are behind people’s difficulties, and so change and help regulate the way they feel. It is used to help treat a wide range of issues in a person’s life, from sleeping difficulties or relationship problems, to drug and alcohol abuse or anxiety and depression. CBT works by changing people’s attitudes and their behavior by focusing on the thoughts, images, beliefs and attitudes that a person holds, and how these all relate to the way a person behaves, as a way of dealing with emotional problems. The idea is that thoughts and feelings influence behavior, so behavior change happens when the thoughts and feelings are changed and replaced with healthier, more positive ones.

Please call (404) 343-4162 or email us at admin@atlantacenterforwellness.com for more information.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) developed by Psychologist Marsha Linehan in the 1980’s. Initially created for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT has proven to also be highly effective in treating a number of other problems including intense anxiety, anger, substance abuse, eating disorders and depression. DBT focuses on the concept of mindfulness, or being aware of and attentive to the current situation, and teaches skills to manage intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve relationships.

DBT skills groups will be forming in 2018. For additional information, contact Cameron McIntosh, LMSW at cmcintoshtherapy@gmail.com or 404-421-4598.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), first developed by Steven Hayes, PhD is an empirically-based form of psychotherapy that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies combined with commitment and behavioral changes to increase psychological flexibility. The main objective of ACT is not elimination of difficult feelings, but rather the ability to be present with what life brings and to move toward “valued behaviors". ACT invites people to open up to unpleasant feelings and to learn not to overreact to them or avoid situations where they are invoked. Its therapeutic outcome is a positive upward spiral where feeling better leads to a better understanding of personal truths and a value-based life. For more information, please call ACT-informed therapist Paul Olander, LCSW at 404-276-0034 or e-mail him at paul.olander@comcast.net.

A Certified Professional Recovery Coach offers strengths-based, solutions-based support for individuals who are actively seeking recovery from substance use disorder, eating disorders, mood disorders, and other maladaptive behaviors. The Coach works intensively with the Client to assist him or her with the following: accountability, coping and life skills, relapse prevention, boundary setting, family relationships, triggers, plan of action, community resources, meal planning and mindfulness, to name a few. A Recovery Coach provides comprehensive support services and helps to set the individual up for long-term success. For information, contact Alison Broderick, NCRC-II, CPS-AD, at 678-851-3314 or Alison@TheRecoveryCoachATL.com.

CLICK HERE FOR THE CONTINUING CARE & RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES FLYER

APT defines play therapy as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development."

Child play therapy is a way of being with the child that honors their developmental level and looks for ways of helping in the “language” of the child – play.  Registered play therapists use play to help children ages three to 12 years, to better express themselves and resolve their problems. Play therapy assists with behavioral problems (anger management, grief, divorce, trauma) and behavioral disorders (anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, academic and social developmental, and conduct disorders).

For more information contact Karen Kallis at 404-423-1087 or Milena Skollar at 404-219-4828.

Positive Discipline is a program developed by Dr. Jane Nelsen. It is designed to teach young people to become responsible, respectful and resourceful members of their communities. Positive Discipline teaches important social and life skills in a manner that is deeply respectful and encouraging for both children and adults

Recent research tells us that children are hardwired from birth to connect with others, and that children who feel a sense of connection to their community, family, and school are less likely to misbehave. Positive Discipline is based on the understanding that discipline is:

• Kind and firm at the same time.

• Helps children feel a sense of belonging and significance.

• Is effective long-term.

• Teaches valuable social and life skills for good character.

• Invites children to discover how capable they are and to use their personal power in constructive ways.

For more information on parenting classes, please contact Karen Kallis at (404) 423-1087.

ScreamFree Parenting is not about screaming, it’s about calming your own emotional reactivity, so that you can use the tools to “stay cool” during life’s challenging moments with children and teens.

Whether you scream at your children or not, you no doubt feel anxious about them and their choices. You worry how they'll turn out. As a ScreamFree certified leader, Milena will use principles from Hal Runkel’s book, "ScreamFree Parenting," to help you return the focus to yourself and find long lasting ways to have better relationships with your children.

ScreamFree Parenting is about taming your reactive responses to your deep anxiety. These liberating principles will inspire you to revolutionize your family life and enable you to remain cool, calm, and connected with your children, no matter what.

Learn how to parent less out of your fears and more out of the highest principles in ScreamFree Parenting. When you respond more and react less, you can learn to handle any moment, in the moment.

This gives you the momentum to create great relationships.

It all starts with one ScreamFree moment.

One Pause.

One Person. You.

For more information, please contact Milena Skollar at (404) 219-4828.

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is a therapeutic approach to treating conditions and their associated symptoms via the use of a specifically tailored diet devised and monitored by a Registered Dietitian. Atlanta Center for Wellness aims to support physical and mental well-being through the process of Medical Nutrition Therapy.

Medical Nutrition Therapy may benefit individuals of all ages who:

• struggle with disordered eating or have been diagnosed with an eating disorder
• experience weight cycling, or regular periods of weight gain and loss throughout life
• have been diagnosed with food allergies, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney damage
• would like to function better within their bodies
• are looking for practical guidance to purchase, store, prepare, and serve meals for themselves or their families

For more information, contact Terri Levinsohn at 770-827-8352 or terri.levinsohn@gmail.com, or Val Schonberg at 404-680-6032 or val@enlightenUnutrition.com.