As a master's level counselor, I am both an empowerment coach and a career counselor. I employ both methods in my work with clients. As coaching is rather new, people are still seeking to understand it in relationship to counseling. I'll offer the following distinction:

• In a coaching relationship there is a clearly identified goal. The coach works in a very directive manner to assist the client in identifying steps to reaching that goal. A plan is developed (usually collaboratively) and the coach holds the client accountable for executing the plan. There is a strong emphasis on taking steps towards a future place or position.

• Clients typically enter the counseling relationship expressing a desire to deal with emotional barriers that are impeding their day to day process. Typically the issues that the client is struggling with are abstract or less tangible than in a coaching relationship. The client may be dealing with past hurts or experiences that they need help processing.

• I incorporate both coaching and counseling. Together we will work together to address past, present and future components of your lived experience. I do not believe that individuals are one dimensional and therefore do not operate from an either or approach. I believe this methods works best for the clients that need my area of specialty.

Each client comes to me from a different place in life. Your experiences, situation, goals and ideas are unique and there is no cookie cutter way to address your individual concerns. Understanding and valuing diversity allows us to identify the methods that works for you and operate from there. In general I will help you identify what's holding you back, discover ways to work through your obstacles, develop a plan of action and maintain in a healthy manner.

Decisions about the counseling relationship are made collaboratively. You are not required to commit to any specific amount of sessions.

The confidentiality of the counseling relationship is strictly maintained.  Any communication with an outside party or other professional providers occurs only if the client signs a Release of Information Form authorizing the terms of such communication.

There are certain situations where I am forced to break confidentiality to provide information to other persons or agencies without your permission.  These situations are as follows:

• If a client reveals information implying or indicating abuse or neglect of a child, or abuse or neglect of an elderly person, this therapist will report this information to the Department of Family and Children's Services or other appropriate state agency.

• If a client threatens bodily harm or death to another person this therapist will inform the intended victim and law enforcement agencies.

• If a client threatens to harm himself or herself, the therapist will inform a family member or other emergency contact and assist in the mobilization of appropriate mental health services.

• If fees are unpaid after 90 days and attempt must be made to collect fees through an agency or small claims court.  (In this case no details of counseling sessions would be disclosed, only name, address, dates and amount owed.)

At Live Well Counseling and Professional Development Services we strive to offer the highest quality care at an affordable rate. Therefore our fees are extremely competitive. We offer individual counseling and coaching sessions ranging in price from $80 to $120. Group sessions begin at $40 per session. Office, telephone and Skype appointments are available to most clients at a mutually agreeable day and time.

Yes. Please use the Contact Form to request a workshop, training or presentation.

No. You must hold the credentials necessary to practice in your field, but the program is not solely for licensed counselors.

My office address is 2801 Buford Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30329

Workshops, presentations and talks concerning decision making, career and job choices are available to schools and groups catering to children, but I do not provide individual services to persons under the age of 18.