Curiosity, without judgment.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) offers a way to get to know different parts of yourself with curiosity and compassion—including the parts you may find hard to accept.
Transform pain.
Move toward freedom.
Online therapy throughout Georgia for adults and teens 16+, specializing in trauma.
Let’s connectWelcome to Encounter
A new way
forward.
You know how to keep going. For your work, your family, the people who count on you. Yet getting through can leave little room to notice what you need. Maybe you feel far from yourself, even in a life you care about. You don’t have to make sense of it all on your own.
Therapy can be a place to pause and connect with yourself—again or for the first time. Whether you’re navigating change, feeling overwhelmed, working through relationship challenges, or wanting to understand yourself better, we can start where you are and intentionally choose a path forward.
Together, we’ll explore what matters to you, notice patterns with curiosity, and build trust in yourself and connection with others. You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin.
Begin a conversation
A little room to growMeet your therapist
Hi, I’m Joy.
I’m glad you’re here.
Joy
Licensed Professional Counselor
I recognize that trauma often happens in the context of relationships, but I believe healing does too. That’s why I partner with individuals on the journey towards interpersonal healing that leads to generational change. What does that mean? As Richard Rohr shared, “Pain not transformed is transferred.” Healing offers another way forward—for you and for the relationships that matter to you.
With the integration of Internal Family Systems, somatic approaches, EMDR, and attachment-based therapies, I provide a genuine space marked by curiosity and collaboration as you heal from the past, navigate the present, and forge a connected, hopeful future.
Whether you’re seeking to heal from trauma, improve your relationships, or grow in self-awareness, your story is welcome here.
Specialties & areas of focus
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Postpartum adjustment and maternal mental health
- Life transitions
- Spiritual and religious abuse
- Betrayal trauma
- Addiction and support for loved ones
A little more about Joy
Joy is a wife and mom of three based in Milton, GA. Outside the counseling room, you’ll often find her biking with her kids to activities or a favorite coffee shop. She loves spending time outdoors, taking a good yoga class, tackling a creative project, traveling, and enjoying good food. Joy’s commitment to her own growth and curiosity about people’s stories shape how she approaches both her work and everyday life.
Education & specialized training
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Richmont Graduate University.
- Internal Family Systems — Level 1
- EMDR — Level 2 trained
- Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT)
- Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy — Essentials
My approach
Healing begins
in connection.
Trauma often happens in relationships.
I believe healing can too.
Our work is collaborative and experiential, with attention to your emotions, your body, and the relationships that shape your life.
Care for the whole person.
I integrate EMDR and somatic approaches into our work, attending to difficult experiences as well as the feelings and sensations you notice in your body.
A different way to connect.
Through an attachment-based lens, we explore patterns in relationships and what it means to build trust in yourself and connection with others. Trust has room to grow over time.
FAQ
A little more
about our work.
Who do you work with?
I offer individual counseling for adults and teens age 16 and older, specializing in trauma.
Where do sessions take place?
I currently offer online sessions only, for clients located in Georgia. We’ll meet by video, so you can join from a private, comfortable space.
How long is a session?
Individual counseling sessions are 50 minutes.
What are my payment options?
I work as a private-pay therapist and don’t bill insurance. If your plan includes out-of-network mental health benefits, I can provide a monthly receipt for you to submit to your insurer.
Coverage and reimbursement vary, so it helps to check directly with your plan before we begin. HSA payments are welcome.
What if I’m not sure where to begin?
You don’t need a prepared story or a clear plan. In our first session, we’ll talk about what brought you here, what you hope might be different, and what would help you feel comfortable as we begin.
You’re welcome to ask questions, and you can share only what feels manageable. We’ll get to know one another and find a starting place together.
How long might we work together?
There isn’t a timeline that fits every story. What you’ve experienced, what you’re hoping for, and the pace that feels manageable all shape our work.
We’ll check in about how you’re doing, what is changing, and what you need next. You have a voice in deciding whether to continue, adjust our focus, or bring our work to a close.
Can faith be part of therapy?
When faith is part of your story, we can make room for it in ways that honor your beliefs and preferences. There is space for your beliefs, questions, and uncertainty.
How do I get started?
Schedule a 10-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit. Email joy@encountercounselingatl.com.
When you’re ready
Every encounter begins
with a conversation.
You don’t need the perfect words. A simple hello is a place to start.
Online therapy for adults and teens 16+ throughout Georgia.
Schedule a 10-minute consultation
to see if we’re a good fit.