Emily McDonald, MS, LPC, NCC

About

Counselor in Atlanta, GA. Works with Life Transitions, Anxiety and Depression. Sees clients in person and online. Takes Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and other plans. Not taking new clients right now.

Areas of expertise

• Life Transitions
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bisexual
• Coping Skills
• Family Conflict
• Grief
• Lesbian
• Peer Relationships
• Relationship Issues
• School Issues
• Self Esteem
• Stress Management

Types of therapy

• Attachment-basedLooks at early bonds with caregivers and how they shape relationships and emotions now, and works toward a greater sense of safety and connection.
• Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)A structured, practical therapy that looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions affect each other, and teaches skills for changing unhelpful thinking and habits.
• Compassion FocusedHelps people who are hard on themselves to build warmth and compassion toward themselves, as a counterweight to shame and self-criticism.
• Culturally SensitiveTakes a person's culture, identity, background and values into account, and shapes the work so it fits their life.
• EclecticUses techniques from several approaches, chosen to suit the person and the problem rather than following one model.
• Emotionally FocusedTreats emotions as a guide to change. Often used with couples, to understand patterns of conflict and rebuild a secure bond.
• ExistentialExplores life's big questions, such as meaning, freedom, choice, loneliness and death, and how they connect to a person's struggles.
• FeministConsiders how gender, power and social context affect a person's life and well-being, and aims for an equal relationship between client and therapist.
• HumanisticA family of approaches, including person-centered and Gestalt therapy, that emphasize growth, self-awareness and a person's capacity to choose.
• InterpersonalA structured, time-limited therapy focused on relationships and life events, such as conflict, loss or big role changes, and how they affect mood.
• Motivational InterviewingA collaborative style of conversation that helps people explore mixed feelings about a change and find their own reasons to make it.
• Person-CenteredA warm, non-directive approach: the therapist listens with empathy and without judgment, and trusts the person to find their own direction.
• PsychodynamicExplores how past experiences, relationships and feelings outside awareness shape how a person thinks and acts today.
• Trauma FocusedTherapy for people affected by trauma. Puts safety and pacing first, and helps process painful memories so they have less hold on daily life.

More details

Sessions

I offer both in-person & virtual sessions for those located in metro Atlanta. I am virtual-only for those located in the Albany & SWGA area.

Accepting new clients

No

Specialties

Life Transitions, Anxiety, Depression, Adult Children of Alcoholics, Bisexual, Boundary Setting, Codependency, Coping Skills, Emotional Disturbance, Emotional Regulation, Family Conflict, Gay, Grief, Lesbian, LGBTQ+, Mood Disorders, Peer Relationships, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self Esteem, Sex-Positive & Kink Friendly, Stress, Women's Issues

Insurance

Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, BlueCross and BlueShield, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna and Evernorth, Oscar Health, Oxford, UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH, Out of Network

Fees

Individual sessions $150

Payment methods

American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Ages

Teen, Adults

Works with

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied, Gay Allied, Lesbian Allied, Non-Binary Allied, Queer Allied, Racial Justice Allied, Sex Worker Allied, Single Parent, Transgender Allied

Religion

Secular and Non-Religious

Languages

English

Gender

Female

Education

Georgia State University

Years in practice

7

Other offices

Albany, 31707

Education & qualifications