Ellie Mental Health - Smyrna-Vinings Atlanta, GA

07/11/2025

Most of us listen to respond, not to understand.

Active listening is a skill, and it doesn't always come naturally. It means slowing down, staying present, and showing someone that their words matter. Here are a few tips:

👂 Put your phone away
⏸ Pause before responding
🧠 Reflect back what you hear
❓ Ask questions, not solutions
💬 Validate their feelings

Want to get better at it? Try one of these tips in your next conversation and see what shifts.

07/07/2025

What if building confidence wasn’t about “faking it”, but about changing the way you relate to yourself?

In a recent blog, Ellie therapist Rayna Larson, LLMSW, shares 8 practical ways to build self-confidence, and it goes far beyond pep talks and mirror affirmations.

A few tips that really stood out:
✔️ Challenge negative self-talk: Start with notice, evaluate, replace.
✔️ Celebrate small wins: Your progress counts, even when it’s not loud.
✔️ Practice assertiveness: Saying no can be an act of self-care.
✔️ Lean on positive influences: Your environment matters more than you think.

Self-confidence isn’t a trait you’re born with, it’s a skill you can build. Whether you’re navigating burnout, people-pleasing, or just feeling stuck, Rayna’s piece offers grounded, compassionate strategies that anyone can try.

Read the full blog here:

Boost your self-confidence with practical strategies: challenge negative self-talk, set achievable goals, embrace strengths & communicate assertively.

07/04/2025

Happy 4th of July! 🎆

We hope that you can take a moment to unplug, soak up some sunshine, and be with your favorite people today.

07/03/2025

✨Meet our New Clinician! ✨

Delarue Brumskine is a Licensed Master Social Worker with over 12 years of experience providing compassionate and culturally sensitive mental health care to adults, teens, and elderly populations. She specializes in supporting individuals struggling with self-esteem, grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions such as divorce or adoption.

With expertise in trauma-informed care and crisis intervention, Delarue empowers clients to navigate challenges and build resilience. Her background spans hospitals, community programs, and telehealth, ensuring adaptable and affirming care.
Outside of work, she enjoys crafting and traveling to tropical destinations. Delarue looks forward to helping you find healing and growth.

Delarue has open availability for new clients! Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 🐘

05/29/2025

Listen, we're not always going to say the right things... but here's some tips to point you in the right direction.

Remember: showing up and being there for your loved one is the most important thing you can do. ➡ Swipe through our lil' guide on what to say and what-not-to-say to someone dealing with anxious thoughts.

05/28/2025

Spring is all about renewal, and sometimes that means releasing the things that hold us back. 🌻 What habits are you letting go of?

05/24/2025

Starting therapy from your couch? 🛋️💻

Here are a few quick tips to make it smoother:
✅ Strong internet connection
✅ Quiet, private space
✅ Good lighting
✅ Headphones if needed
❌ No multitasking (especially not driving!)

Remember: it’s okay to be nervous. What other questions do you have? Let us know in the comments!

05/23/2025

The version of you that feels stronger, more confident, and at peace?

➡️ They’ve been there all along. Therapy helps us uncover those parts of ourselves, break through what’s been holding us back, and grow into who we want to be.

05/20/2025

We recently dropped a powerful new podcast episode all about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and it's chalk FULL of awesome insights and tips.

Our therapist guest, Shelby, breaks down DBT in a way that’s practical and helps you (or your clients) make changes. Whether you’re a therapist or someone curious about mental health tools, this episode teaches:

✅ How DBT helps you manage intense emotions
✅ Practical skills like TIPP (Temperature change, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, and Progressive muscle relaxation)
✅ Ways to build healthier relationships using DBT

Listen now for practical tips and game-changing insights that could transform your approach to stress, relationships, and emotional balance:

This week we are joined by Shelby Finley, a Clinic Director for Ellie Mental Health in Kansas City. Shelby shares her expertise on Dialectical Behavioral The...

05/16/2025

Hey, sometimes the growth happens in the discomfort... but at least our couches are comfy. 🛋️✨

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05/15/2025

Take a deep breath. 🌬️
This moment is tough, but so are you.

05/15/2025

Finding the right therapist is like finding the right pair of shoes—it should feel supportive, not restrictive. Not sure if your therapist is the right fit? ➡️ Swipe through to see some of our tips.