Awaken Counseling

11/17/2025

OCD is far more complex than just being "extra clean and neat". Its effects impact the daily lives of millions of people around the world, but the symptoms may not always be easy to recognize.

Check out our latest blog that details how OCD shows up in adults and when extra support may be needed.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood as simply being extremely clean and neat. In reality, it’s a complex mental health issue that affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact daily life. Understanding how OCD manifests in adults is the first step toward ...

11/15/2025

📚 Book of the Month: Month Two!
We’re excited to continue our Book of the Month series — a way for our therapists to share books that inspire healing, growth, and self-discovery.

🌟 This month’s pick is The Dance of Anger: A Woman's Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationships by Harriet Lerner

Recommended by our clinical director and practice owner, Kristina Murr, LPC, CPCS

💬 “This book offers practical tools for expressing anger in healthy, constructive ways. It normalizes anger, so it is very helpful for women who have grown up learning to suppress anger."

This book is perfect for anyone looking to deepen self-awareness, improve communication, and create healthier connections by offering a compassionate roadmap for understanding your emotions, setting healthy boundaries, and transforming anger into a tool for personal growth and stronger, more fulfilling relationships.

11/13/2025

Tuesday Brown, LPC, and Megan Heller-Foley, LCSW, recently attended the memorial service hosted by Lanise Shortell and Lifehouse Atlanta at the Llama Farm, a beautiful gathering for families who have experienced the loss of a child.

The event began with a grief-focused activity using a “questions about grief” beach ball, followed by a gentle yoga session led by Lanise through Llama Yoga. The service concluded with candle lighting, meditation, prayer, and song, which created a sacred space of reflection, connection, and healing.

Tuesday and Megan were grateful for the opportunity to meet families in person, share resources, and hand out flyers from Awaken Counseling. It was an honor to be part of such meaningful work.

11/11/2025

Today, we honor the service of all US veterans, past and present. Thank you for your service!

11/10/2025

Myth Monday

❌MYTH: A mental health diagnosis is permanent.
✅FACT: A diagnosis is a tool—not a label for life.

We all go through different phases in life, and our mental health can shift as we grow, heal, and adapt. A diagnosis reflects what you're experiencing right now, not who you are forever.

With the right support, insight, and care, many people see their symptoms lessen or even resolve over time. You're not stuck—and you’re certainly not defined by a diagnosis.

Growth is possible. Change is possible. Healing is possible.

11/07/2025

Starting therapy for the first time can feel intimidating—and that’s okay.

It takes courage to reach out and begin something new, especially when it involves opening up about your inner world.

At our practice, we want you to know that you don’t have to have it all figured out before you walk through the door. Our therapists are here to meet you with compassion, curiosity, and care. Whether you’re nervous, unsure, or just testing the waters, you are welcome exactly as you are.

11/06/2025

Feeling overwhelmed and reaching for comfort food? You're not alone. Emotional eating is a common response to stress, anxiety, and other tough emotions, but it doesn't have to control you. Check out our latest blog about mindful strategies to help you recognize emotional hunger, build healthier habits, and reconnect with your body’s true needs.

We’ve all been there: reaching for that pint of ice cream after a stressful day or demolishing a bag of chips when we’re feeling anxious. Many of us have

11/03/2025

🌟 Community Partnership Spotlight 🌟

We’re excited to share that Awaken Counseling is partnering with CURE Childhood Cancer, an incredible organization dedicated to supporting children and families impacted by pediatric cancer.

Our own Alleyna Alleyne, LPC and Hannah Williams, LMSW, recently met with Chelsea Key, Manager of Patient and Family Services at CURE, to strengthen this collaboration.

At Awaken Counseling, we’re honored to walk alongside children, teens, and families facing these challenges, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference together with CURE.

10/30/2025

Collaboration in the Community! 🤝

Our therapist, Megan Heller-Foley, LCSW, recently visited STAT Wellness in Roswell to connect and learn more about their incredible work in functional medicine.

STAT Wellness focuses on uncovering and treating the root cause of symptoms through an integrative approach that blends medicine, movement, and nutrition to help clients achieve optimal health and wellbeing. 💪✨

We’re so thankful for the opportunity to get to know their team better and look forward to partnering together to support our shared clients in mind, body, and wellness.

10/29/2025

Coping Skill Spotlight 🧘‍♀️
Feeling anxious or overwhelmed? Ground yourself with the 5-4-3-2-1 Technique, a simple yet powerful tool to bring you back to the present moment.

Here’s how it works:
5 – Name five things you can see
4 – Name four things you can feel
3 – Name three things you can hear
2 – Name two things you can smell
1 – Name one thing you can taste

Why it works: This technique uses your senses to gently shift focus away from racing thoughts and back to the here and now. It's quick, effective, and can be done anywhere.

Next time your thoughts start to spiral, pause and ground yourself-- your mind and body will thank you.

10/27/2025

Myth Monday
❌ MYTH: Therapists are here to "cure" you or tell you what's "wrong" with you.
✅ FACT: Therapy isn’t about fixing you, because you're not broken. It's a collaborative process rooted in trust, curiosity, and growth.

As therapists, we're not here with all the answers, but we're here to help you uncover them. It takes a few sessions to build rapport, understand your unique story, and create a space where healing and insight can happen.

This is just as true in Couples Counseling, where it's not about deciding who's "right" or "wrong," but about understanding each other more deeply and learning to navigate challenges together.

Therapy is a journey, not a quick fix. You're allowed to take your time.

10/25/2025

🌟 Therapist Spotlight 🌟 Meet Ashley Hooper, LMSW
She is a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping you break free from the grip of OCD, anxiety, and trauma. With advanced training in ERP, ACT, CBT, and trauma-focused therapies, Ashley creates a safe, judgment-free space where healing begins and confidence grows. Whether you're facing fears, navigating life transitions, or seeking clarity, Ashley tailors each session to your unique journey.