Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Tison.
Hi Lauren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a solo private practice in Cumming called Seed to Bloom Counseling.
After graduating from Agnes Scott College with a BA in psychology, I taught school for a few years. However, I found that what I liked best was the one-on-one time with my students which led me to pursue a Master’s in Education in School and Guidance Counseling at the University of West Georgia. After my first son was born I was a stay-at-home mom and continued to stay at home when my second son was born. During this time, I worked part time in various jobs such as a Children’s Ministry Director and substitute teacher as well as did a lot of volunteer work with my children’s school and our church.
When I was ready to return to work, I decided to go back to school and received another master’s degree from Wake Forest University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prior to this my family had moved numerous times to different states but when I finished my degree we were living in Dallas, TX. I completed my graduate internship at the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) and went on to work there after graduation as a therapist. At DCAC we served children and their families who had experienced sexual and/or physical abuse. This time was so pivotal to my growth as a counselor and as a human being. I received a lot of training in working with trauma during this time and was part of a really great team of therapists. I am still very passionate about supporting children and their families who have experienced sexual abuse and also about sexual abuse prevention in the community.
In 2021 my family and I decided to move back to Georgia to be closer to family. After settling in Cumming, I went to work for a private practice. A few years later I decided I was ready to go out on my own and open my own practice.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey of working with children and families who have experienced sexual abuse has been the most difficult and also the most rewarding part of my career. Obviously, it is so hard to watch the results of abuse in the children that suffer through that, but it is also impacts the whole family. Parents often feel a lot of guilt, anger and shame which is why they are included in treatment. The rewarding part is watching the healing and growth in these families. Often parents tell me that they thought their child would never be the same and by the end of therapy they feel like they have their child back.
A more recent challenge for me has been starting my own business in 2024. Seed to Bloom Counseling is a solo private practice so I am a “one woman show”. I return all new client calls personally, handle all scheduling, see clients, and do all my own billing and marketing. Going out on your own in this field can be scary and certainly comes with challenges. There is a lot of work that comes with starting any business especially when you are already working full time as well. However, it has also been so rewarding, and I am pleased with my success so far!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Seed to Bloom Counseling?
Sure! At Seed to Bloom Counseling my clients are children, teens or adults who I see for a range of issues and concerns. A common issue my teen and adults clients experience is anxiety and/or depression. My specialty is trauma and specifically, child sexual abuse. I frequently use a type of therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which is gaining in popularity in some part to celebrities like Prince Harry and Miley Cyrus endorsing it. EMDR is unique in that it relies on our brain’s natural healing powers to facilitate change without the need for a lot of talking or details about the trauma. EMDR is helpful for trauma, anxiety, depression and PTSD.
With children, I use play therapy and I am a Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT) which is advanced designation by the Association for Play Therapy. Play therapy can help with a wide range of issues with children including adjustment to life events such as divorce or grief or improving emotional regulation. I believe play therapy is the most effective form of therapy for children because play is how they can express feelings and thoughts without an expectation of using words and talking. I integrate play therapy and EMDR when needed with children.
I enjoy the variety of seeing clients of different ages and stages of life.
People might wonder about the name of my practice – Seed to Bloom Counseling. I got the name from a quote I really like by Lady Bird Johnson “Where flowers bloom so does hope” I chose Seed to Bloom to represent the belief that we all have what we need inside of us to heal and that healing brings hope. I think of what I do as providing the water and sun to the seed so that it can grow into a beautiful flower bloom. The water and sun are needed, but it is the the seed that changes. This represents my belief that the client is doing the hard work of healing and I am just a facilitator of this growth.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Some people might be surprised to learn that I was a stay-at-home mom for almost 20 years! When my younger son was in high school, I decided to return to my dream of being a therapist. Due to the length of time since I received my first master’s degree I had to return to school in order to be licensed again. I was 49 years old when I finished the degree. My husband was very supportive of me during this time and encouraged me to go for it. It really is true that it is never too late to pursue your dreams, change jobs or start a business!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seedtobloomcounseling.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566701446952
Image Credits
Headshots-Andrea Linn Photography
