Meet Shannon Barnes of Tranquility Counseling Services in Woodstock

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Barnes.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Shannon. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I knew I was called to the mental health field as an adolescent in high school. However, various life events prevented me from attending college until I was in my late twenties. I began my college career when my children were in school. One of the most valuable benefits of attending college after my children reached school age, was watching their perception change. My children began stating they wanted to go to college and earn professional careers. I attended college full time, worked full time, and spent as much time with my family as possible. I spent many nights reminding myself that the stress would pass and the work would pay off. I entered graduate school immediately after completing a bachelor degree in psychology. Graduate school was difficult. However, looking back on my educational experience I am thankful for the higher standards my graduate program upheld. I believe that experience has prepared me more effectively than other programs may have. I went into the field of psychotherapy soon after I earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling. I entered graduate school with the plan of opening Tranquility Counseling Services but due to licensure requirements and the lack of experience I knew I would need to work for an established agency. I secured a position in a well-established agency and had the privilege of working with various populations. I felt I learned a lot from the owner of that business and my colleagues as well. I returned to academia to earn a doctorate degree and was able to open Tranquility Counseling Services just in 2014. The mission statement was created with a lot of heart. The Tranquility office started with only me working part time.

In March 2016, I made the choice to move Tranquility to its current location. Within three months I was working full time and had a full schedule. New clients continued to call asking for appointments. I decided to take on a contracted employee who could see the clients I was not able to schedule. I realized that my business was growing, and my business plan would need to evolve. At first this felt risky; however, my supervisor at the previous agency once said to me, “If you are not growing, you are dying.” This was in reference to an evolving business plan. With the support of my husband I decided to give it my all. Tranquility continued to grow and serve the local community members in need of couple counseling, individual therapy, and family therapy. Tranquility currently employs three therapists and hosts two interns. Each therapist and intern have their unique skill set, and I expect each one of them will continue to grow with Tranquility.

Tranquility is also able to offer educational workshops for other licensed individuals. Tranquility participates in community outreach projects and I have been able to complete case study research regarding a holistic balance treatment approach. The research has been published in a peer reviewed journal, and I have authored a book based on this research. The book, “Daily Dose of Meds: Thirty Days to Increased Life Satisfaction is expected to be available in early 2018.

Tranquility offers therapeutic services while maintaining high standards and ethics. The story for Tranquility began with a calling to help others. I have been able to do this in many ways, but I felt I needed to create a business which had meaning and purpose. Tranquility will continue to have meaning by serving those who are in need of our services. Tranquility will maintain purpose by being an asset to the community. I believe that there are many skilled therapists and agencies in the Atlanta area. However, I believe that Tranquility rises above all others because we focus on the meaning of helping others and having purpose in the community while implementing traditional and holistic treatment approaches.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Struggles included attending college and then graduate school after starting a family. I worked a full-time job, attended graduate school, and attempted to balance other obligations.

Stress was high, physical health was not balanced, but the sweat and tears was worth it.

Other struggles include the actual therapy process with the limitations which traditional treatment approaches include. This is why I customized a holistic treatment approach which has been effective.

However, all of the challenges have been conquered. My husband and office manager has been exceptional support and he continues to encourage me to grow.

Please tell us about Tranquility Counseling Services.
Tranquility Counseling Services offers individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. The therapists here are highly skilled in various treatment approaches to meet most any need. I also specialize in a holistic balance treatment method designed to increase Life Satisfaction. Increasing Life Satisfaction often decreases stress, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems.

Tranquility is also known for flexible scheduling, the ability to accept most insurance, and we are conveniently located in downtown Woodstock.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is watching my father, who was an accountant by profession but an artist by calling, use oil paints to create amazing masterpieces. I loved him very much and he was a strong influence in my life. He passed away in 2011.

Afterward, I took interest in arts, specifically acrylics on canvas and/or wood. I donate or sale my artwork and plan to donate the profits to a local church organization who cares about community outreach.

Contact Info:

• Address: 8744 Main Street, Suite 303, Woodstock, GA 30188
• Website: tranquilitycounselingserv.com
• Phone: 770-278-9459
• Email: drshannonbarnes@tranquilitycounselingserv.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tranquilitypsychotherapyservices
• Twitter: @tranquilityserv

Image Credit:
Group Picture courtesy of Peyton Richey

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