Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Anderson.
Sara, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m pretty much a heart whisperer and a mindset master. I’ve been a psychotherapist for almost two decades, after completing my master’s in Psychology from the University of West Georgia.
I love the study of people and I particularly love understanding what motivates people in different directions. My first job out of graduate school was in a women’s substance abuse program. I was fascinated by these women who worked so hard to change their lives and I sought out more education in substance abuse and trauma to try to understand the impact of early childhood trauma that led so many of the clients I worked with to use drugs.
But it wasn’t enough to satisfy my curiosity and I went on to complete a post-graduate program and residency in child therapy, known as Play Therapy and specifically, in working with kids who experienced trauma. Eventually, I became trained in EMDR and board certified as an addiction’s counselor, a play therapist and a clinical trauma professional.
For years, I have had a traditional therapy practice. While it was easy for me to sit in my office and wait for clients to come in, my clients had many obstacles, such fearing someone might see them entering my office; trying to coordinate their schedules with work or loved ones; battling traffic or trying to find childcare.
Because I don’t think scheduling, childcare, travel or fear of being seen in an office ought to keep anyone from the benefit of counseling I founded Atlanta Online Counseling.
Atlanta Online Counseling provides individual therapy for women who want to live confidently! Many women struggle with feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, anxiety and depression. My clients enter counseling to overcome and conquer their inner critic, self-doubt, Impostor Syndrome, relationship woes, perfectionism, performance anxiety and overwhelming stress that gets in the way of achieving their ambitions.
I use a ton of humor and compassion in working with my clients. I combine mindfulness training, relaxation strategies, stress management techniques, anxiety management skills, trauma-informed care and client-centered therapy to help my clients actualize their hopes and dreams.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Online counseling is such a new way to provide and receive therapy that, initially, some clients are hesitant. I know I was when I first became trained in providing online counseling! I wasn’t sure how I would be able to really connect with my clients through video sessions and if my clients would still experience therapy in the same way.
But what I have learned is that there is really no difference between online counseling and in-person counseling. I use the same proven evidence-based, therapeutic techniques to help my clients calm anxiety and stress, become more focused and self-assured and heal past experiences.
My clients tell me that they love the ease of online counseling. One client said she loves the flexibility of accessing counseling that fits into her busy schedule and she doesn’t have to travel to my office. Another said she likes being able to get “premier counseling services from the comfort of my home or on the go.” Several clients have said they feel more comfortable, relaxed and able to share openly because they are in their own environment.
Please tell us about Atlanta Online Counseling.
I help women find the confidence to achieve their dreams and I do it by providing great local therapy completely online so that women can eliminate self-doubt and build a life that makes even Instagram jealous!
While there are a lot of different approaches to counseling, Atlanta Online Counseling only provides individual counseling and the reason is simple: The focus here is solely on you. And individual therapy keeps it that way.
But what is most unique is that all sessions are conducted through secure video sessions, so clients can participate in therapy from the comfort of their home, office, vacation rental, car… wherever! Clients can easily access real-time therapy with a real-live therapist through their smartphone, laptop or tablet.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If online counseling had been an option almost 20 years ago, I don’t know that I’d ever have had an actual office! I love the simplicity of being able to reach women all over Georgia who want counseling, but can’t find a therapist locally, don’t have the time to carve out for travel and traffic, or who don’t want to be seen coming and going from the therapist’s office and need a high-level of privacy and confidentiality.
Contact Info:
- Website: AtlantaOnlineCounseling.com
- Phone: 404-937-7767
- Email: hello@atlantaonlinecounseling.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atlonlinecounseling/
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