Dawning Journeys Counseling, LLC.

05/29/2023

I've seen this again and again as a therapist.
I'm not saying there are not differences: emotional neglect by one parent is not the same as ritualistic sexual abuse.

The tendency to minimize one's trauma based in what another has experienced really is toxic, however. (As is thinking you know how bad someone else's trauma was because you had some version of it) Two different people can go through the same experience and have very different internal experiences and trauma responses.

I often tell people that, if you are in the hospital with a gunshot wound to the stomach, being told that the person in the next room was shot in the head does very little to help.

12/27/2022

Ringing in the new year with a new office! 🎉 We are so excited to announce we will be moving our Hiram office in January!

11/30/2022

My in-person office is moving! Starting on January 1st, I will be seeing clients at the new location of Tranquil Life Counseling Center : 1899 Lake Rd, Ste 123, Hiram , GA 30141.

I will continue to see clients by video anywhere in Georgia.

11/11/2022

24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones. Contact the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

10/12/2022

I will be joining with thousands of people nationwide this fall to walk in one of AFSP's Out of the Darkness Community Walk to benefit the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention. This is the first year of the walk in Paulding County, and we are very peased at the support we have seen so far. I would appreciate any support that you give me for this worthwhile cause.

I will be walking in commemeration of my sister, Angela Rose Elliott, who we lost to su***de on September 11th, 2000. I will also be walking for others (including myself and many of my clients) who have struggled with suicidal thoughts and urges or made attempts. I am also walking for all of those who have grieved the loss of a loved one to su***de.

The American Foundation for Su***de Prevention is at the forefront of research, education and prevention initiatives designed to reduce loss of life from su***de. With more than 38,000 lives lost each year in the U.S. and over one million worldwide, the importance of AFSP's mission has never been greater, nor our work more urgent.

Please help me reach my goal by clicking on the link below. All donations are 100% tax deductible and benefit the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention (AFSP), funding research, education, advocacy, and support for those affected by su***de.

I'm supporting American Foundation for Su***de Prevention to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by su***de. Please support me with a donation or join me!

10/11/2022

Today is International Coming Out Day. I have been out publicly for about 30 years.

Coming out is a concept that some LGBTQIA+ young people simply don't relate to, as they "were never in", having simply been transparently themselves their whole lives, and been accepted and loved by their families without ever having "an announcement" other than something like "I am dating " someone of a different gender.

Most people don't have that experience. Coming out can be a difficult process at any age, and in some cases can be dangerous. 40% of homeless youth in America identify as LGBTQIA+. Violence is also a risk in some settings or communities.

For most, however, coming out can be a wonderful experience, and an opportunity to really live authenticly. It is also something that some of is do over and over again, if we move in communities that (as is commonly the case) assume we are straight/cis until we specify otherwise- unless we simply don't censor ourselves and leave ot for others to figure out.Coming out is, however linked to improvements in mental health for most, and people are often surprised at how affirming, or at least accepting, people can be.

Trust your gut, and come out when you feel safe.

Never assume that you know better than someone else about their decision to not come out.

Regardless of where you are in your coming out process, if you are LGBTQIA+, resources exist for support. Therapy can be helpful for many who struggle, and couples counseling may be helpful for those who are dealing with a disclosure in a relationship.

Some resources can be found here:

Dawningjourneys.com (for individual counseling in Hiram, GA, or anywhere on Georgia by secure video)

https://www.glaad.org/resourcelist

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/resources-for-international-lgbtq-youth/ (for youth only, but available internationally)

10/06/2022

Today’s Greystone Power Luncheon was a success on sharing more information about Out of the Darkness Paulding County Walk! Don’t forget to register at www.afsp.org/paulding!

09/10/2022

I'm with the Tranquil Life Counselling booth for the Paulding County Out of the Darkness Walk.

Our both is at the Paulding County Chamber of Commerce - Georgia. Come by to get more information, grab a piece of candy, or say hi to me and Jessica Koalenz.

The walk will be on October 22nd at Gray's Mill Park, 186 Oak Street, Hiram GA.